We Found the Best Granola Bars That Are Actually Good For You
I hate to say it, but granola bars are kind of the ex-boyfriends of the snack world: They look great on the outside, but a lot of them kinda suck once you unwrap the package.
You deserve better, obvi, so skip the crap that’s loaded with sugar, empty calories, and junk ingredients. “Choose a bar that adds value to your diet, contributing protein, fiber, whole grains, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, with as little processing as possible,” says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D.N., creator of BetterThanDieting.com and author of Read It Before You Eat It.
You want a bar with five to 10 grams of protein (aim higher if you’re looking for a post-workout snack), 150 to 200 calories, and three to five grams of fiber, says Taub-Dix. Also: If you find a bar with more than 10 grams of sugar, check the source. If it’s all from fruit, you’re in the clear. But if you see dextrose, maltose, organic cane juice, rice syrup, or other sneaky sugars on the label, skip it.
You’ll also want to avoid sugar alcohols, like maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol, says Alissa Rumsey, R.D., founder of Alissa Rumsey Nutrition and Wellness. Lots of people get bloating and gas from these ingredients. Fun!
Most importantly, just find a bar you actually enjoy eating. “When you are satisfied with what you eat or snack on, you are less likely to overeat in the future and will stay fuller longer,” Rumsey says. These 10 healthy granola bars are worthy of your grocery list.
Amazon.com
KIND
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$14.19
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Get a coveted combo of sweet, salty, and chocolate-y in one bar. This one packs lots of healthy fats from almonds and peanuts, the first two ingredients.
Per serving: 200 calories, 15 g fat (3 g sat fat), 140 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrates, 5 g of sugar, 7 g fiber, 6 g protein.
PhyterFood.com
Phyter
phyterfood.com
$245.00
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Made of mostly organic items, this gluten-free bar offers a short list of ingredients plus a helping of produce.
Per serving: 200 calories, 9 g fat (1 g sat fat), 10 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrates, 7 g of sugar, 4 g fiber, 6 g protein.
Health Warrior
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$14.51
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Go ahead and eat two of these if you’re super-hungry. The chia seeds add a nice little crunch, while the berries offer a sweet flavor.
Per serving: 100 calories, 4.5 g fat (0.5 g sat fat), 45 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrates, 3 g of sugar, 5 g fiber, 3 g protein.
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LÄRABAR
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$11.00
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Only seven ingredients make up this healthy fat-filled bar, including almonds chia seeds, honey, maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, and sea salt. Super-simple; still delicious.
Per serving: 200 calories, 16 g fat (3 g sat fat), 50 mg sodium, 12 g carbohydrates, 6 g of sugar, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein.
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RXBAR
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$20.52
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Get your PB&J fix in one portable, chewy bar. While this one does have 15 grams of sugar, it all comes from dates and raspberries.
Per serving: 200 calories, 7 g fat (1 g sat fat), 135 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrates, 15 g of sugar, 5 g fiber, 12 g protein.
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Nature’s Path
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$39.95
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Vegan and gluten-free, you’ll get plenty of crunch and sweetness from this bar. The coconut and seeds combo (pumpkin, hemp, and chia all included) make it super filling.
Per serving: 190 calories, 11 g fat (5 g sat fat), 10 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrates, 7 g of sugar, 4 g fiber, 5 g protein.
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Nature Valley
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$37.89
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Like trail mix all stuck together, this bar has all the crunch you want in a simple, satisfying snack.
Per serving: 190 calories, 14 g fat (1.5 g sat fat), 160 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrates, 7 g of sugar, 3 g fiber, 6 g protein.
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Wella Bar
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$11.88
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Another organic snack jampacked with nuts, the Wella bar also offers a hint of sweet from the cherries—a great ingredient to have after exercise.
Per serving: 200 calories, 13 g fat (2.5 g sat fat), 15 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrates, 9 g of sugar, 3 g fiber, 8 g protein.
Amazon.com
Kashi
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$17.49
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Is there a better combo than nuts and chocolate? I think not. Turn to Kashi for a dark cocoa flavor you’ll love.
Per serving: 190 calories, 10 g fat (2 g sat fat), 115 mg sodium, 21 g carbohydrates, 9 g of sugar, 4 g fiber, 8 g protein.
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Mediterra
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$28.68
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If you prefer more savory than sweet, this Mediterranean-inspired snack might be your jam. The kale and quinoa, plus a hint of basil, give it a less dessert-like taste.
Per serving: 130 calories, 7 g fat (1 g sat fat), 110 mg sodium, 18 g carbohydrates, 3 g of sugar, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein.
It’s Snacks Week at WomensHealthMag.com!
For more healthy snacking tips and tricks, check out the rest of our Snacks Week collection.
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