Granola Bars – Are they healthy? which ones to try!

Nuts and Seeds have been almost declared as the superfood defining the dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals in a packet. The granola bars made of nuts, seeds, berries, yogurt chocolate, etc have conveniently made their way into the market. From the erstwhile F&B brands to the chefs and homegrown brands – everyone is talking about the health benefits of granola bars. They are tough to ignore!

If you have also questioned yourself on the benefits of Granola bars and how it could enhance your diet! I have done quite a research and experimented with a few brands to understand what is the fuss all about! 

Are granola bars healthy?

Indeed! Granola bars are made of a good source of protein, calcium, iron, magnesium and B Vitamins. These have nuts and seeds which are a good source for omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids that are essential energy sources for heart, muscles and other organs to serve as building blocks for the cell membrane. It helps prevent muscle stiffness and multiple diseases. 

Because granola bars are made of ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, yogurt, dried fruit, etc these are fibrous, filling and can be a great alternative for breakfasts. Eating sugar-free granola bars can help keep the blood sugar levels in check, aid weight loss, reduces appetite and keeps fuller for longer. It’s a nutritive boost that gives your body a high dose of protein, B Vitamins and Omega Polysaturated fatty acids which can only be achieved from Non-veg food or nutritive supplements.

The granola bars give a nutritive boost to the body, making it a good snack, breakfast option or a quick fix when you are low on energy. It’s a good energy booster for pre-workout meals too.

Why do we need them?

In a time when almost all the food products come compromised for quality and we are in a lifestyle of bingeing on junks – Granola bar is a comfort food that acts as a healthy snack. Compared to the snacks like wafers, sandwiches, fizzy drinks, french fries, etc granola bars are no-oil, low -sodium, low-carb and high energy snack that helps maintain your calorie intake, sugar levels, blood pressure, and heart health. If you are on a weight loss journey, a sugar-free bar can be switched for a breakfast to stay fuller for longer and keep a check on the diet too. 

But most importantly, Granola bars helps in reducing the bad cholesterol in the body which can build up plaque and fatty lipids increasing the blood pressure and cholesterol of the body. Therefore it can help prevent cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and keep the sugar levels in check.

P.S. Granola bars come in gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free and dairy-free versions too.

What to keep in mind when picking a granola bar?

The market is flooded with granola bars already. More and more brands are introducing new flavors of granola bars while homegrown brands are specializing in organic granola bars too. However, the taste has become the limelight as compared to nutrition. Some granola bars come with high added-sugar content of low nutritive value. It is important to lend an eye to the nutrition value chart and check the following micronutrients per 50gm bar. If the granola bar you choose is near to these macros – you should pick them up!

Calories: 100-200

Protein: 20 grams

Carbs: 10 grams

Sugar: 0-7 grams

Fiber: 8 grams

Fat: 10 grams

Many bars also contain micronutrients like Vitamin C, Calcium, magnesium, iron, etc that are added through fortification. It's always best to pick one that comes in a combination of fruits.

MyPlateReview Recommendation

I have tried multiple variants of Granola Bars to find one with the right taste balance and nutritive value. 

Here are some of the bars that I would highly recommend!

Yogabars Multigrain Energy Bars Variety Box - 38gm x 10 Bars

Made of 27% complex carbs like brown rice, millets, oats, etc and 22% seeds like chia, watermelon, pumpkin and sesame, the Yoga Bar Multigrain energy bar only contains almonds, cranberry, dates, peanut protein powder, virgin coconut oil, and honey. The rice crispies lend a crunch to the bar while it is one of the yummiest bars I have had. With no processed sugar, cholesterol-free, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors it is an excellent bar that meets the nutritive value too. If you want to begin your journey to better health – this one is the starter!

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/31kUc7Q

Price: INR 40 per 38gm bar

Yogabar Protein Almond Fudge

This is an energy bar with whey protein, almonds, prebiotic fibers, dates, flaxseed, apple fiber, and whey crisps combined with brown sugar, honey, cocoa and Belgian dark chocolate for a rich and chocolaty fudge experience. While the seed content here is low, the high almond content with whey protein makes it a rich source of protein. The fudge has subtle flavors of vanilla too. I mostly like it because of its chocolaty taste that comes with no guilt. This one has no artificial sweeteners or soy protein. For someone who likes almonds and chocolates, this one is a rich treat!

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2MLn8ka

Price: INR 699 for 6 bars of 60gms each 

RiteBite Max Protein Active Choco Fudge Bar

A delicious chocolate bar made of almonds, cashews, raisins, whole grain rolled oats, flaxseeds, etc with protein blend of soy nuggets, whey protein concentrate, etc and cocoa powder is a rich protein bar with a lot of vitamins and minerals fortified into it. Giving a rich chocolate experience with a variety of nuts – the Max Protein Choco Fudge Bar is made for the people who don’t like munching on seeds. 

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2P0aJvJ

Price: INR 1440 for a pack of 12 bars of 75gms each

Yogabar Protein Bar Hazlenut Toffee

An amazing mix of hazelnut and caramel flavor, this granola bar has almonds and hazelnut for the crunch. The rich flavor of Belgian dark chocolate and hazelnut gives you a treat in each bite with its natural flavors. Tiny chunks of dates, flax seeds, apple fiber, and coffee flavors bring together an aftertaste. It is one of my favorite flavors.

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2BgShXj

Price: INR 699 for 6 bars of 60gms each  

Yogabar Breakfast Protein Apricot and Fig Bars

Combining almonds and peanuts with the dried pieces of apricots, peaches, and black currant – the Yoga Bar Protein Apricot and Fig Bar is nutty fruity goodness in a packet. It is loaded with sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia, etc with the decadent taste of honey, whole grains, etc. It is a fruity granola bar with a sweet-crunchy flavor that bursts in the mouth.

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IRDtm8
Price: INR 290 for 6 bars of 50gms

Mojo Bar Snack Bar, Yoghurt Berry and Anti Oxidants

I recently grabbed a piece of Mojo Bar for a variation. This one with greek yogurt and cranberry chunks was a delightful experience combining rolled oats, peanuts, cranberries, almonds, peanuts, together for a rich and creamy experience. Much like a flavored cranberry yogurt, this bar is an excellent treat. Mojo Bar is a highly fibrous, low-sugar, gluten-free granola bar with no artificial flavors. 

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2INTQQT

Price: INR 45 for 32gm bar

Adding granola bars to diet gives a protein boost, adds fibre to the diet, keeps you fuller for longer and aids in weight loss. I would highly recommend trying them for a healthy and maintained diet. Because what our dadis and nanis used to munch still hold goodness of health!