Best Granola Bar for Snacking On-The-Go

When you are on the hunt for a portable, delicious, and on-the-go snack, a granola bar might be the first thing to pop up in your mind. Taste is our foremost priority when it comes to choosing granola bars. But have you ever thought about which other aspects should be considered besides the taste?

There are a few considerations that we have to zone in on in order to evaluate the best granola bars in the market. Here is a thorough buyer's guide that might benefit you in choosing the best granola bars in 2021 and beyond.

What Should You Look For in the Best Granola Bars?

You should look for the following things in a granola bar to make the best choice.

Ingredients

First and foremost, you should consider your individual needs while looking for a granola bar. Some bars might contain ingredients you are allergic to, like dairy, soy, nuts, etc. If you are a parent of school-going children, you might want to pack some allergy-friendly snacks for their school. Whether your child has some dietary restrictions or not, allergen-free bars can be the best option. Thus, you should look for a bar that contains natural or organic ingredients and is non-GMO. Avoid using granola bars with additives, artificial flavors, colors, and sweeteners. It is always a good idea to look at the ingredients and make sure that you are using a safer product.

Protein

As many granola bars are made up of oats, they are commonly low in proteins and a bit higher in carbohydrates. You may look for a bar that contains a natural source of protein like seeds or nuts to ensure that it contains enough protein. You should choose a granola bar that has a minimum of 2 grams of protein.

Fiber

Though some bars can be rich in sugar, they can still lack important dietary fiber. You should look for granola bars that have at least one to two grams of fiber, as dietary fibers are the best option to keep you fuller for a longer period of time.

Sugar and Carbohydrates

As most granola bars are made of sweeteners and oats blended with chocolate or dry fruits, they are notoriously high in carbohydrates and sugar. If and when possible, you should choose a bar that contains whole grains containing higher fiber levels. Thus, select a bar having up to 10 grams of sugar per serving.

Artificial Preservatives

The ideal shelf life of granola bars is between six to eight months. But some brands try to extend it by using artificial preservatives. Some stores keep bars in cool and dry places to improve the shelf life naturally. However, some brands also use vitamin E or rosemary extract rather than artificial preservatives to protect them against going rancid and keeping them fresh longer.

What Type of Granola Bars Should You Choose?

There are different types of granola bars available in the market that come with various health benefits. It is better to know the main differences between the common types available as they can directly impact your health and body. Special care is needed if you are allergic to nuts or any other ingredients.

Whole Grain Granola Bars

It is important to thoroughly read the ingredient list while choosing the best granola bars to ensure that these aren’t a mixture of refined and whole grains. A lot of brands nowadays try to attract customers by using the words “whole grains” on the packaging. Still, not all of them are 100% whole grains, so be mindful of choosing the right type of bar.

As whole grains contain a high number of nutrients and fibers, they can reduce the risk of different heart diseases, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. However, you may experience bloating by using too many whole grains and might end up having irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Organic Granola Bars

You can never go wrong with organic bars as they are free from synthetic chemicals, GMOs, and weed-killing chemicals. Did you know that a study by the American Medical Association depicts that people who consume organic food, including granola bars, lower their cancer risk by 25%?

Non-GMO Granola Bars

Over 85% of corn and soy is derived from GMOs in the U.S. Other plants, like sesame seeds, apples, beet, cane, and flax seeds, can also come from GMOs. Sometimes, you will see such ingredients listed on granola bars’ packaging as well. Though there are different opinions about the effects of GMOs on our bodies, many people prefer to use non-GMO products. You should refer to the label to check if the bars are GMO-free or not.

Gluten-Free Granola Bars

Some people are either allergic to gluten or prefer to take a gluten-free diet. They avoid barley, wheat, and rye gluten. If you don’t already know, pure oats are also gluten-free. However, they usually get contaminated with gluten while being processed in the same conditions and facilities as that of other grains. If you are gluten intolerant, you should avoid using bars containing oats.

Granola Bars FAQ

Can You Eat Granola Bars Everyday Without Having Any Side Effects?

No, having granola bars in excessive amounts can prompt weight gain, as these usually contain high calories from added sugars and fats. Sugar is also the main cause of different chronic conditions like heart diseases, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Can Granola Help in Shedding Body Fats?

No, the cereal in a granola bar is not a good option for weight loss unless eaten moderately. The high content of sugar, fat, and too many calories will not help in shedding some extra pounds.

Is It Fine to Take Snack Bars on a Diet?

Yes, if you choose the bar wisely and look closely at the ingredients, these can be a good option to eat on a diet. These can be a healthy meal option when made with fruits, nuts, and real grains and can give you energy. However, if you have chosen a bar with high sugars and fibers, you can gain weight instead of losing it.