Best Granola Bars Reviewed and Rated
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Apart from being a delicious snack, granola bars are a great source of healthy nutrients for your entire body. Some of the benefits of granola include better digestion, lowering cholesterol, anemia prevention, better heart health and weight loss.
The best part about granola is that it’s such an energy booster and so healthy that anyone can eat it on a regular basis, regardless of age or health. To help you select the best granola bars for your next meal, we compiled our top 10 list for granola bars available today.
Our Top 3 Picks
- KIND Healthy Grains
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Our rating - 150 calories per bar
- Price: See Here
- Quaker Chewy Bars
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Our rating - 100 calories per bar
- Price: See Here
- Nature Valley Bars
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Our rating - 190 calories
- Price: See Here
10 Best Granola Bars
1. KIND Healthy Grains
They are made with only the best whole grains to boost your health and support proper heart health and low cholesterol. With oats, amaranth, millet, quinoa and buckwheat, you get only the best with these handy little bars.
15 Delicious Flavours
If you can’t decide on a favourite flavour then don’t worry, they come in 15 incredible flavours so that there is an option for everyone to stay healthy and eat well.
Features and Specifications
150 calories per bar
45 calories from fat
5g of dietary fiber
8g of sugar
Price/Value
These bars are excellent value and each pack offers you a great number of bars for a great price, making them well worth the money.
Decision Time
KIND Healthy Grains Granola Bars can be eaten as a healthy snack or breakfast to keep you full and stop you from snacking. If you are looking for a healthy oats granola bar then look no further!
- Low in sugar
- Plenty of flavours to choose from
- Full of healthy grains for proper heart health
- Low in saturated fat
- Very portable
- Great as a breakfast or healthy snack
- Low in fiber compared to other options
- Can turn stale very quickly
2. Quaker
Not only do these offer you a great source of fiber and whole grains, they are also an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones, especially in young children.
No High Fructose Corn Syrup
They are made without any high fructose corn syrup, keeping all ingredients in the granola bars healthy and natural, making them even better for your overall health.
Features and Specifications
100 calories per bar
30 calories from fat
1g of dietary fiber
Free from trans fats
7g of sugar
Price/Value
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars are slightly more expensive than other granola bars, and this can be difficult to keep up, however, Quaker’s excellent reputation and extensive knowledge gives you a granola bar that is well worth the money.
Decision Time
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars are a delicious bar that is low in calories and will easily fit into a healthy lifestyle. Although slightly pricier, it is well worth the money for the health benefits that come with Quaker.
- Low in sugar
- All natural ingredients
- No trans fats
- Low calorie
- Low in fiber
- The bars are quite small
- Can go stale easily
3. Nature Valley Crunchy
Nature Valley Granola Bars contain absolutely no artificial additives and use completely natural ingredients to provide you with a healthy granola bar that will release energy slowly so that you can keep going all day.
An Easy On-The-Go Snack or Breakfast
They are easy to throw in a bag or carry about on the go, so they’ll suit your busy lifestyle and keep you healthy and feeling good.
Features and Specifications
190 calories
60 calories from fat
2g of dietary fiber
11g of sugar
Price/Value
Nature Valley Granola Bars offer you two bars in every packet, giving you a healthy breakfast on the go, or two healthy snacks throughout the day. At a low cost, these bars are excellent value for money and well worth the purchase.
Decision Time
If you’re looking for a greatly nutritious granola bar, then look no further than this option. You can choose to eat one or two bars in the packet depending on your hunger, and they will keep you full all day.
- Low in sugar
- Low in fat
- Free from trans fat
- Very portable
- Free from artificial flavours
- All natural ingredients
- Higher in calories than other options
- Bars can go stale if left open
- Very crumbly
4. Healthy Bar
It offers you six delicious granola bars to choose from so that you can pick and choose the flavours that you enjoy, and even find a regular favourite for any future purchasing.
Plenty of Slow Release Energy
Each bar was carefully selected so as to provide the customer with plenty of slow release energy, which is needed for high levels of concentration and physical performance, making them perfect for students and sports players.
Features and Specifications
6 delicious bars to choose from
5 brands to choose from
All bars are between 100-200 calories
All bars are low in sugar and fat
All bars created with completely natural ingredients
Price/Value
It offers you great variation for your granola bars, as well as a very competitive price. With plenty of bars in total, you can really get the most out of your money with this snack mix, as you get a lot of bars for a low cost.
Decision Time
Healthy Bar Snack Mix is an excellent option for those who are unsure of what granola bars they want to go for, and what flavours and brands they may like. Serving sizes and macros may differ from bar to bar, so be careful to read the label.
- Plenty of choice
- Each bar is completely natural and made from whole oats
- Offers you variation to prevent you getting bored
- Cannot easily regulate a diet plan, as each bar contains different macros
- Variation in calories in each bar
5. KIND Nuts & Spices
KIND Bars Variety Pack offers the customer three of the brands best flavours, all of which are naturally low in sugar and made with only the best ingredients. This keeps your diet from getting repetitive and helps you to stay on track.
High-Quality Nuts and Oats
In the pack, each bar is carefully crafted with the best ingredients, keeping your body healthy and your brain powered. KIND are well-known for their healthy foods, and the KIND Bars Variety Pack is no different.
Features and Specifications
3 Delicious flavours to choose from
All natural ingredients
Low in sugar and fat
12 bars per pack
200 calories per bar
Price/Value
With 12 bars in each pack, a great variation, and a low price, KIND Bars Variety Pack is an excellent value pack of granola bars so that you can stay healthy and feel better.
Decision Time
Although slightly higher in calories than other granola bars, each serving of one granola bar offers you a delicious and healthy snack or breakfast to provide you with plenty of energy to concentrate and stay focused throughout the day.
- 3 flavours to choose from to keep your diet interesting
- No artificial colours or flavours
- Low in sugar
- Low in fat
- Keeps you from feeling hungry
- Easy to take on the go
- Slightly higher calorie than other options
- KIND bars can go stale very easily
6. Kashi
Omega 3 is a hugely important fatty acid in our body and provides us with adequate fats for brain function and other healthy benefits. Kashi Chewy Granola Bars offers plenty of Omega 3, making it even better for you than a simple oaty granola bar.
Free From Hydrogenated Fats And High Fructose Syrup
The bars is made with only the best ingredients, and Kashi stays away from any and all ingredients that are considered bad for your health. This provides you with a granola bar that gives you everything you need to stay healthy.
Features and Specifications
140 calories per bar
5g of fat
4g of dietary fiber
6g of sugar
5g of protein
Price/Value
They are slightly more expensive than other bars out there. They still offer a lot more macros than other options on this list, so they are worth trying, but they aren’t great for those on a budget.
Decision Time
Kashi Chewy Granola Bars are a delicious and chewy granola bar that provides you with excellent healthy benefits and healthy macros. Although slightly expensive in comparison to other brands, they offer you more protein and fiber per bar than many others.
- Very low in sugar
- Low calorie
- Offers a good amount of fiber and protein, making them great for sports players and students alike
- Delicious flavours
- 12 bars to a pack
- Only one flavour
- Quite salty for some
7. Cascadian Farm
Organic food is typically a lot better for you, as it is grown without any GMOs and offers a lot more nutrients than ingredients that are created non-organically. These are certified organic to give you peace of mind about what you are eating.
Delicious Flavour and Gooey Texture
These bars are created with a gooey texture to make the great flavours feel all the more indulgent and delicious. You won’t feel like these bars are as healthy as they are.
Features and Specifications
140 calories per bar
30 calories from fat
12 g of sugar
2g of protein
1g of dietary fiber
Price/Value
These bars are rather expensive when compared to other brands in this article, and they are quite high in sugar. Although they are great for those who are conscious about organic food, there are cheaper options that offer better macros for those who are more health conscious.
Decision Time
This is a delicious bar that suits the diet of anyone who wants to stay healthy and eat fresh, organic food. With one bar per serving, each box gives you 12 delicious bars. The Cascadian Farm Organic Chewy Granola Bars feel like an indulgence but will keep your body healthy and your mind focused.
- Low in calories
- Easy to take on the go
- Delicious flavours
- Indulgent textures
- Completely natural and organic
- Higher in sugar than other granola bars
- Not suitable for those with a nut allergy
- Bars are relatively small
8. Clif Kid Z
Clif Kid Z Bars are certified organic, so parents know they are providing their children with the best foods and the best diet for busy brains.
No Artificial Additives
They are free from any artificial flavours, high fructose corn syrup, and any preservatives, providing kids with only the best ingredients and a very healthy bar that tastes great.
Features and Specifications
130 calories per bar
30 calories from fat
2g of protein
12g of sugar
3g of dietary fiber
Price/Value
They provide 18 per box for a great price, which is excellent value for money, especially when your child is going through a growth spurt and needs healthy and nutritious snacks.
Decision Time
This is a great addition to your child’s lunches and provides healthy snacks so that they can grow and play, and you know you’ve provided them with the foods they need. Even though they are higher in sugar than other granola bars on this list, but their delicious flavour and fun design makes them perfect for children and adults alike.
- Fun packaging and delicious flavours make Clif Kid Z Bars perfect for kids
- Low calorie but high in oats so that they have energy for longer and can stay focused
- 18 bars to a box
- Absolutely no artificial additives
- Packed with whole grains
- Organic and Non-GMO certified
- High in sugar
- Low in protein and fiber
9. Healthy Bar
Healthy Bar Bulk Mix offers a massive 60 bars in every pack of bar mix, providing you with healthy snacks, quick breakfasts and delicious granola bars for much longer and at better value.
4 Brands to Choose From
It contains for different granola bar brands to choose from so that you can keep your diet varied and as healthy as possible.
Features and Specifications
4 brands to choose from
All bars are between 100-200 calories
All bars are low in sugar and fat
All bars created with completely natural ingredients
60 bars in every pack
Price/Value
With 60 bars in a box, Healthy Bar Bulk Mix is an excellent value pack to help you to plan your meals and stay healthy.
Decision Time
These are great for those who like to plan and eat a lot of good food, but there is a potential for wastage when it comes to these bars, as some options are known to go stale faster than others.
- Huge number of bars in every box
- Plenty of variation
- Will last as long as possible
- Perfect for quick breakfasts, healthy snacks and as a power bar
- Delicious flavours
- Bars can get stale if not used up in a certain amount of time
- Bars can get damaged in transit due to the number of bars
10. Annie’s Chewy
These bars are gluten-free and are also free from nuts and other allergens, making them a great option for those who want to stay healthy but are restricted by their needs.
Organic and Non-GMO
They are also are certified organic, and the company only works with those who refuse to use GM in their growing, providing customers with delicious and healthy food.
Features and Specifications
110 calories per bar
30 calories from fat
3g of fat
7g of sugar
3g of dietary fiber
5 bars to a box
1g of protein
Price/Value
These are low in price but offer a lower number of bars in each box, so they are not as high value as other products available.
Decision Time
This is an excellent granola bar for those who struggle with a restrictive diet, as they are almost free of allergens and still provide plenty of slow release energy.
- Low calorie
- Low in sugar and fat
- Delicious flavour
- Organic and non-GMO
- Almost allergen free
- Not as many bars to a box
- Quite sweet
Benefits of Granola Bars
Granola bars are a perfect option for a healthy breakfast or a mindful snack. The bars are made with wholesome ingredients that are filling, filled with energy, and they taste great. Their compact size also makes them portable to school, work, or long duration physical activities such as hiking or camping. In fact, granola bars have had a reputation of “mountain climbers’ snack of choice” for a long time. They also come in various flavors to suit your preference. The bars save on cooking time and are a healthy pick any time that you are in a rush. They have significant nutritional benefits that we have broken down for you.
Increase nutrient intake
Granola bars are a great way to meet your daily dietary requirements. Our selected bars are made from a mix of whole grains, omega 3 fats, carbohydrates, natural sweeteners, and nuts. For instance, Quaker Chewy Bars’ main ingredient is oats, which are a source of complex carbohydrates and soluble fiber. Dairy based granola bars are a reliable source of calcium, a nutrient that is needed for healthy bones especially in children.
Some bars contain nuts which are a source of proteins, folic acid, Vitamin E and A, and healthy fats. Other bars such as Kashi Chewy Granola bars are loaded with omega 3 fats that are healthy for the heart and brain. These fats are the “good fats” that aid in lowering cholesterol.
Sultanas, raisins, apricots, and prunes are the most commonly used dried fruits in making granola bars. Though these fruits are high in sugars, they are high in beta-carotenes, which are powerful antioxidants that boost the immune system by stimulating white blood cells and neutralizing free radicals in the blood stream, hence preventing development of a wide range of illnesses. These fruits are also concentrated in carbohydrates, which is what enhances your energy levels after eating granola bars. Other nutrients in dried fruits include potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and vitamins.
Most granola bars products have honey as a natural sweeter. Honey is high in glucose and fructose, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit bacterial growth.
Sustain energy in between meals
Particularly for kids and adolescents, it is difficult to withstand long durations in between meals. Granola bars are concentrated in complex and simple carbohydrates which give you a sustained level of blood sugar to keep you mentally active and energized. Granola bars are superior in keeping blood sugar constant because they are also high in fiber and complex carbohydrates thus slowing down digestion. Hence, they do not cause sudden spikes and drops in sugar, which is what makes people less focused, slow and irritable.
Maintain concentration level and cognitive function
Granola bars help you remain focused on your tasks by maintaining a constant supply of glucose to the brain. The brain is dependent on a continuous supply of glucose for thinking, memory, and learning. They give you a sustained supply of energy from whole carbohydrates and natural sweeteners such as honey.
Products like Kashi Chewy bars are loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for brain functioning, slowing down age-related brain degeneration and enhancing memory.
Recovery after exercise
Granola bars are a good option for a post workout snack. Taking a bar between fifteen and thirty minutes after your workout speeds up recovery of muscles and replaces your energy stores. Iowa State University Extension recommends that a healthy recovery snack has carbohydrates and little proteins. Granola bars fit this description perfectly. For example, one of our picks Cascadian Farm Organic bars has about 12 grams of carbohydrates and only two grams of proteins. They are also a great bite while in long duration exercises such as camping or hiking.
Improve digestion
Granola bars are high in soluble and insoluble fiber, which facilitates digestion. For instance, Quaker Chewy bars product has 4g of fiber which is about 20% of the daily requirement. Fiber adds bulk to stool making it easier to move along the digestive system, thus alleviating constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, and significantly reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.
Weight loss
If you are on a weight loss program, eating granola bars between meals reduces hunger pangs and makes you eat less during the main meal times. This is because granola bars are loaded with fiber and make you feel full for longer. If you do not snack, the chances are that you will compensate for low energy levels by eating more.
Lower cholesterol
Our selected granola bars are loaded with fiber and non-saturated fats which are healthy for lowering harmful cholesterol which is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This claim was approved through scientific evidence in 2007 when Health Canada’s Food Directorate concluded that Quaker Chewy bars are an eligible source of beta-glucan oat fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol and consequently reduce the risk for heart disease.
Dietary diabetic management
Granola bars are helpful in the dietary management of diabetes as they prevent sudden fluctuations of blood sugar by using complex carbohydrates as a source of glucose and slowing digestion through its high fiber. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that foods containing fiber improved glycemic control in patients with type two diabetes, and also helped in lowering lipids in plasma. Nutritionists advise that if you are choosing a granola bar for blood sugar control, choose one that has more than three grams of fiber, low fat, low sugar and high in protein.
What Ingredients to Look For in a Granola bar
What do you look for in a granola bar that will give you the aforementioned benefits? Or to be more specific, what are the ingredients you should look for when you want to make your own granola bar or purchase one?
Plenty of Nuts
Nuts are inexpensive options that you may want in your diet, especially if you want to make a granola bar. Heart friendly food/snack is the most important aspect of their functions. And there’s no surprise there, seeing as they comprise of unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fat reduces low-density lipoprotein or otherwise known as bad cholesterol. Which aids in the development of plaque that builds up on the blood vessels.
Also, nuts reduce inflammations and risk of development of blood clots – both of which are precursors to heart problems.
And all these functions are further enhanced by the base substances of nuts, which are Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, Vitamin E, plant sterols and L-arginine. Now, with all these ingredients being cumulative in effect, there’s little to no wonder why granola bars are so popular.
Grains
Oats as an example are gluten-free grains which make them one of the healthiest food on Earth. On the surface level alone, they are packed with antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber which are some of the most vital nutrients needed by the body. Avenanthramides are a type of antioxidant that is mostly found in oats, and it has one unique benefit. Which is to lower blood pressure by increasing nitric oxide production in the body.
On the part of the fiber, Beta-Glucan is a substance that reduces LDL and blood sugar, and also, increases the growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract.
Furthermore, they help in shedding fat and can even be used as skin care items. Overall, the usefulness of grains in the body cannot be rebuked. Especially if you take into consideration that there are different kinds of grains with benefits not limited to the ones above.
Honey
Raw honey to be more precise, have enormous benefits upon consumption. Unfortunately, people prefer using sugar over honey despite the unique gains it will give them. Raw honey is a pure unaltered sweetener made by bees from the nectar of flowers—and it has these following benefits.
- Helps with weight loss
- Boosts immune system and thus, prevents allergies
- Provides clean energy
- Source of high-quality antioxidants
- Acts as a melatonin precursor
- Used for diabetes and other numerous benefits
Regardless if you want a granola bar or not, we recommend you employ the services of raw honey to gain these massive boons.
Other than the ingredients above, syrup (like tapioca and maple syrup) and oils like canola oil and soybean oil are very good as ingredients in granola bars, although soybean can cause some allergic reactions, as well as nuts. So, do a proper investigation before you make or buy any granola bar.
Product Criteria for Evaluation
There are hundreds of granola bars in the market, but only the best and healthiest that made it to our list. When making the list, we had in mind adults, children, individuals with gluten sensitivity, lactose intolerance and those on a strict diet for weight loss or diabetes control. Hence, the list has granola bars suitable for a large population with a variety of needs. This is the criteria that we used to come up with the list of top granola bars products.
Ingredients
We selected granola bars whose base ingredients are natural, whole and nutrient dense. For instance, Kind Healthy Grains Bars are packed with oats, amaranth, millet, quinoa, and buckwheat whole grains which are good sources of beta glucans. We also chose bars that are high in fiber to aid in digestion and leave you feeling full for a long time. We also chose a dairy based product which is healthy for bones and teeth, especially in children.
We considered granola bars that have healthy unsaturated fats such as omega 3 fats and plant based oils. Unsaturated fats are the “good fats” that aid in lowering cholesterol thus lowering the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Though some of the bars are high in calories, we tried our best to choose bars with natural sources of sugar and low in fats. As compared to artificial sweeteners, natural sugars are nutritive and lower in calories.
Sensitivity to ingredients
A significant percentage of granola bars are made using nuts. Though nuts are a reliable source of healthy nutrients, some individuals are allergic to them. We had this in mind and of our select products, Annie’s Chewy bars are free of nuts and gluten.
Safety
We selected products whose manufacturers are approved to produce food items and adhere to standard regulations of safety. The manufacturers and distributors have a strong reputation for maintaining high quality and meeting their label claims.
We also included products that are organic and non-GMO and certified by the relevant authorities. Cascadian Farm Organic Granola bars is a USDA certified organic product thus free of any pesticides and fertilizers.
We also listed ingredients of each product, hence it is easy for you to note whether you are sensitive or allergic to any.
Flavors
Our list of products is made up of products with varying flavors and packaging that will suit your likeness and that of your family. If one flavor does not please you, you can always switch to another. Healthy Bar Bulk Mix product comes as a package of sixty bars with four different brands to choose from, to keep your diet varied and interesting. Kind Healthy Grains Granola bars come in fifteen different flavors, and Healthy Bar Snacks mix offers an assortment of six different flavors.
Age suitability
We considered products that are not only suitable for adults but also for children. Children have a high demand for energy and nutrients, to meet requirements for their growth spurts. One of the products Clif Kid Z Bar is tailor made for children; it is free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and is a certified organic and non-GMO product. This product is also high in fructose corn syrup hence tasty for kids. Quaker bars are also high in calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth in children.
User reviews and ratings
Objective user reviews and ratings are a reliable way of choosing a product and determining whether the product meets the claims of the manufacturers. Reviews are also helpful in picking out details like flavor and perishability of the products, which are not necessarily printed on the package. The products on our list had the best reviews and ratings. The user ratings were also backed up by outstanding brand reputations of the selected granola bar products.
FAQs
What is a granola bar?
A granola bar is a breakfast food or snack made of whole grains such as oats, nuts such as walnuts or cashews, and coated with a sweetener such as honey or corn syrup. Other granola bars also contain dried fruits such as dates or resins.
What is the difference between a granola bar and an energy bar?
While most granola bars are made from whole grains and nuts, energy bars are made from any carbohydrate or protein food source. Another major difference is that granola bars are low in calories and proteins, while energy bars are calorie-dense and high in proteins.
Are these bars good for weight loss?
Granola bars are excellent snacks for weight loss as they keep you from over indulging during main meal time. The bars are made of complex carbohydrates and high in fiber, making them a stable source of energy that will power you in between meals, through exercise and after a high-intensity workout.
What makes granola bars a healthy snack?
The granola bars that we have selected are low carbs, some are sugar-free, and most do not have any trans fats. Also, most of the bars that we have selected have met the threshold of less than 150 calories, which is what is recommended for a healthy snack. The bars are also high in fiber, which improves digestion and lowers cholesterol level.
Are they healthy for kids?
Children have a high energy and nutrient demand for growth and development. Dairy based granola bars are a good source of Calcium, which is healthy for developing bones and teeth. Clif Kid Z bars are excellent for kids as it is an organic product, non-GMO, free of preservatives and artificial flavors.
Are they suitable for a post-workout recovery snack?
Granola bars are high in healthy carbohydrates and low in proteins and fats, which makes them excellent for a recovery snack.
How will I know a healthy granola product?
A healthy granola bar is made with whole and natural ingredients, is low fat, low sugar and high in fiber.
Are there options that are gluten free?
There are granola bars that are gluten free, vegan-friendly and free of nuts. For instance, Annie’s Chewy Gluten Free bars are free of any wheat products or nuts hence safe for individuals with gluten sensitivity or those allergic to nuts.
Where can I buy granola bars?
You can purchase granola bars in food outlet stores, make them at home or buy online. However, purchasing online from websites like Amazon saves on cooking time and gives you the convenience of comparing different prices and reviews to find out the best products in the market.
