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Individually wrapped bars are the Swiss Army knife of snacks — small, portable, napkin-free eats that can take care of growly stomachs.
But not all bars are created equal, and unfortunately these tasty bites can be loaded with more sugar than a pumpkin spice latte.
Plus, they’re often so low in fiber and protein that hunger will come a-knockin’ before you’ve even tossed the wrapper. There are also a zillion to choose from, and ain’t nobody got time for that.
How do you know if you’re choosing a healthy snack rather than a smartly marketed candy bar? Here’s what Healthline contributor and registered dietitian Jillian Kubala says to check before you chow down:
- Watch the sugar. Look for sugars and keep ’em to a minimum. This includes “natural” sugars like brown rice syrup, tapioca syrup, honey, and maple syrup.
- Make fiber and protein your friends. They’ll keep you feeling full longer and ensure you don’t chow down on everything in sight later on.
- Investigate the ingredients list. Look for ingredients you recognize. (What are you, soy protein isolate?) And you want the total number of ingredients to be as low as possible.
To help you figure out WTF all the words on the label mean, let’s also take a crash course in the different types of carbs, shall we? #TheMoreYouKnow
- Carbohydrates: A macronutrient category that includes sugars, starches, and fibers. The important thing to know is that not all carbs are created equal!
- Sugars: Short-chain carbs, including glucose, fructose, galactose, and sucrose. These are naturally found in fruits and veggies.
- Starches: Long-chain carbs that get broken down into glucose in your digestive tract. For these, think potatoes, white breads, pasta, etc.
- Fibers: Unlike sugars and starches, these don’t get converted into energy directly, but your gut bacteria can still use them.
- Added sugars: These are the sugars you want to avoid as much as possible, and they should be on nutrition labels as of January 2020. Many are refined (instead of whole) and cause major blood sugar spikes. Some possible names you’ll see on labels: high-fructose corn syrup, brown rice syrup, corn syrup, dextrin, malt syrup, and more. Here’s a list of 56(!) if you’re curious.
So, when you look at a label and it says “Sugars: 10” and “Total sugars: 20,” that means that 10 grams of extra sugar were added to what was already there in the first place. Delicious? You bet. Good for you? Not so much.
Now that that’s out of the way, ready to grab a bar and go? Check out Kubala’s lineup of snackable bars that are actually healthy.
Every bar here clocks in at or below 310 calories and 6 grams of added sugars and is made with totally pronounceable ingredients.
1. Kate’s Real Food Lemon Coconut Bivy Bars
True to their name, Kate’s Real Food Bars are made with “real” organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients.
They come in a variety of flavors with names that pay homage to the founder’s love of the great outdoors. Keep in mind that these bars contain two servings per package. The nutrition info below is for one serving.
- Calories: 150
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Total sugars: 7 grams
- Added sugars: 6 grams
Get it via Amazon ($15 for 6 bars).
2. Larabar Protein Apple Cobbler Bars
Larabars are made with few ingredients and are gluten-free, kosher, soy-free, and dairy-free. This is in part thanks to plant-based protein from almonds and peas.
These bars are a good choice for a filling low calorie snack. They contain zero added sugar and get their sweetness from fruits like dates and apples.
- Calories: 210
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 11 grams
- Total sugars: 19 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Get it via Amazon ($14 for 4 bars).
3. Carrot Cake Phyter Bars
If you’re looking to sneak more veggies into your diet, Phyter bars have got you covered.
They’re made with a short list of nutritious ingredients, and some of the flavors contain vegetables. Cocoa Brownie has red beets, and Peanut Butter Cookie has butternut squash, to name a few.
We’re drawn to the Carrot Cake flavor featuring sweet potato, which is available as part of the Family Sampler pack.
- Calories: 210
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Total sugars: 9 grams
- Added sugars: 5 grams
Get it via Phyter ($48 for 16 bars).
4. Health Warrior Apple Cinnamon Chia Bars
This 100-calorie bar packs a lot of punch into a small package. It’s vegan-friendly and gluten-free and has a base of chia seeds, which are packed with antioxidants, protein, fiber, and omega-3s.
- Calories: 100
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Total sugars: 3 grams
- Added sugars: 2 grams
Get it via Amazon ($16 for 15 bars).
5. Chocolate Coconut Primal Kitchen Protein Bars
If you follow a keto or Paleo diet, these protein bars are a go-to when you’re on the go. They’re flavored with natural ingredients like cinnamon, lime oil, and cocoa and are high in protein and healthy fats.
They contain minimal added sugars and are sweetened mostly with honey and monk fruit extract.
- Calories: 200
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Total sugars: 2 grams
- Added sugars: 1 gram
Get it via Primal Kitchen ($33 for 12 bars).
6. Fruit + Nut + Seed Patterbars
Patterbars contain no added sugar and are made with ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, coconut, oats, and spices. They’re higher in calories than others on this list, so they’re best for serious hunger pangs or after an intense workout.
- Calories: 310
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Protein: 7 grams
- Total sugars: 20 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Get it via Amazon ($36 for 12 bars).
7. Lemon Poppy Seed Core Bars
Core bars are chock-full of nutritious real-food ingredients and have no added sugars. They also contain added probiotics and prebiotics, both of which can benefit your digestive health.
They’re USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan and come in a variety of interesting flavors.
- Calories: 240
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Total sugars: 9 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Get it via Amazon ($48 for 16 bars).
8. Bulletproof Vanilla Shortbread Collagen Protein Bars
These bars contain a whopping 11 to 13 grams of satiating protein from grass-fed sources of collagen. They’re made with organic whole-food ingredients, including organic cashew butter and coconut oil.
Perfect for those on low carb diets, these bars will keep you fueled and satisfied between meals.
- Calories: 220
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Total sugars: 2 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Get it via Amazon ($35 for 12 bars).
9. GoRaw Dark Chocolate Protein Bars
These bars are made with sprouted watermelon seeds and pack 12 grams of plant-based protein. The sprouting process may increase the bioavailability of some nutrients, like zinc and magnesium.
These bars contain a small amount of added sugar, but most of the flavor comes from nutritious ingredients like cinnamon, dates, and cacao.
- Calories: 240
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Total sugars: 14 grams
- Added sugars: 5 grams
Get it via Amazon ($29 for 12 bars).
10. Hemp, Sunflower, and Pumpkin Seed Thunderbird Bars
These whole-food bars are packed with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruit. The best part: They contain zero added sugars. They’re sweetened with fruits like dates and cherries.
- Calories: 250
- Fiber: 6 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Total sugars: 12 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Get it via Amazon ($33 for 15 bars).
11. Peanut Butter RxBars
A favorite among nutritionists, RxBars contain just a few healthy ingredients like egg whites, dates, and nuts. Bonus: Each bar is packed with 12 grams of highly absorbable protein, which makes these bars a super-satiating snack.
- Calories: 200
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
- Total sugars: 15 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Get it via Amazon ($19 for 12 bars).
12. Autumn’s Gold Cinnamon Almond Granola Bars
Autumn’s Gold is another Paleo-friendly granola bar that uses super-nutritious ingredients. This bar is bursting with protein-rich almonds, pecans, and sunflower seeds, plus coconut oil for a dose of healthy fat.
- Calories: 210
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Total sugars: 6 grams
Get it via Amazon ($26 for 16 bars).
13. Purely Elizabeth Original Ancient Grains Granola Bars
Known for her awesome granola, Elizabeth Stein, the founder and CEO of Purely Elizabeth, has created granola bars that are equally delicious.
They’re made using simple ingredients, including ancient grains such as quinoa and amaranth. They’re also safe for folks following gluten-free diets. A bit lower in calories and protein than other bars on the list, they make a good light snack.
- Calories: 140
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Total sugars: 6 grams
Get it via Amazon ($36 for 40 bars).
14. Honey Roasted Nuts and Sea Salt KIND Bars
KIND bars are sold in most grocery and convenience stores. Made with healthy ingredients like nuts and dried fruit, they’re good sources of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Try to choose flavors that contain just nuts and fruit over those with chocolate or candy coatings.
- Calories: 180
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
- Total sugars: 5 grams
- Added sugars: 3 grams
Get it via Amazon ($15 for 12 bars).
15. Sheffa Savory Bar Everything
If you’re looking for a more savory snack, Sheffa bars fit the bill. Sheffa makes snack bars that come in flavors like Everything, Sesame, Rosemary, and Spicy Chili.
These bars are vegan-friendly and made with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, sunflower seeds, and chickpeas.
- Calories: 150
- Fiber: 7 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Total sugars: 0 grams
- Added sugars: 0 grams
Get it via Amazon ($15 for 12 bars).
Another option for a Sunday afternoon when you’re feeling industrious: Make your own healthy snack bars! Here are a few spot-on recipes:
When you’re on the go, granola bars are just about the easiest — and tastiest — thing you can grab. But with all the additives and sugars sneaking into the mix, they can turn out to be far from healthy.
Each one of the bars featured on this list gets our stamp of approval for its wholesome, nutritious ingredients. You can also make your own with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
We hope we’ve taught you the importance of peeking at the labels too. Look for food you recognize and a cap on added sugars. Also look for ingredients with a high fiber content to keep you full until your next meal. Enjoy!