When you need an on-the-go snack, pre-packaged snack bars can provide a healthy and convenient option. I’ve reviewed every snack bar on the market so you don’t have to! I’m sharing my tips for choosing a healthy snack bar and my picks for the best healthy snack bars you can purchase at the grocery store.
Best Healthy Snack Bars you can Purchase at the Grocery Store
My clients (and myself!) are always looking for convenient snack ideas for on-the-go. My nutrition motto is to eat as many less processed, whole foods as possible. But let’s face it, we all need to rely on a little pre-packaged convenience to get through the work week – and there’s nothing wrong with that!
I’m a big fan of packaged snack bars. They’re tasty, add variety to your usual snack options, and with the right one, can be a healthy snack option. But with so many options on the market, it can be so overwhelming to know what to pick. Continue reading for my top tips to select a healthy, balanced snack bar that will keep you going till your next meal.
How to choose a healthy snack bar
Look at the ingredient list:
Imagine if you were to make a snack bar at home – what ingredients would you use? Likely oats or nuts, honey or maple syrup, maybe dried fruit, nut butter, flavourings, etc. Before looking at the nutrition facts for each product, I recommend checking out the ingredient list. Look for snack bars with whole-food ingredients, and/or fewer ingredients all together. The shorter and simpler the ingredient list is, the less processed that item likely is.
Choose lower sugar (or no added sugar):
This is one of the most common concerns I come across with choosing a snack bar – how do I find one without too much sugar? Most bars on the market, except those sweetened with stevia or other sugar-free sweeteners, will have at least a small amount of sugar. The lowest sugar that you will find in a sugar-sweetened bar is 5 grams per serving. Use this as a benchmark and try to get as close as possible.
Check the protein
If you’re planning to eat this snack bar solo for your mid-day snack, make sure there’s a substantial amount of protein. Protein will help to slow digestion of your snack keeping you fuller for longer. After reviewing all of the bars on the market, I would consider around 5 grams as a high protein snack bar (not including protein bars of course). If you select a lower-protein snack bar, say around 2 grams of protein per serving, be sure to include a protein-rich food along with it, such as Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts.
Look for higher fibre
Fibre, along with healthy fats and protein will help to slow digestion and keep you full longer. Look for bars with >3 grams of fibre per serving.
Best Healthy Snack Bars you can Purchase at the Grocery Store
Best Balanced Snack Bars
These bars have the best balance of protein, sugar, and fibre to make them suitable for solo-snacking.
KINWA bar
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 150-160
Fat: 4.5-6g
Carbohydrate: 20-22g
Sugar: 6-7g
Fibre: 8g
Protein: 10g
Taste of Nature *Lower Sugar* Food Bars
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 170-190
Fat: 8-11g
Carbohydrate: 19-24g
Sugar: 3-5g (low sugar flavours only)
Fibre: 2-4g
Protein: 4-6g
KASHI Joi nut-bar
Nutrition facts:
Calories: 200
Fat: 12-15g
Carbohydrate: 17-18g
Sugar: 5-6g
Fibre: 3-4g
Protein: 6g
KIND nut-based bars
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 170-200
Fat: 10-15g
Carbohydrate: 16-22g
Fibre: 2-7g
Sugar: 5-13g (tip: choose from one of the five flavours with 5g sugar)
Protein: 3-8g
Autumn’s Gold Grain-Free Granola Bars
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 200
Fat: 16g
Carbohydrate: 11g
Sugar: 6g
Fibre: 3g
Protein: 4g
Best Traditional Granola Bars:
These lower sugar granola bars have simple ingredients and are excellent snack options. Be sure to pair them with a protein source to keep you going between meals.
Welo Probiotic
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 150-160
Fat: 4-5g
Carbohydrate: 26-27g
Fibre: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 3-4g
KIND healthy grains
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 150
Fat: 5-6g
Carbohydrates: 22-23g
Fibre: 2g
Sugar: 5-8g (tip: choose a flavour with 5g of sugar!)
Protein: 2-3g
This saves lives
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 150-180
Fat: 6-9g
Carbohydrate: 23-27g
Fibre: 6-8g
Sugar: 6-13g
Protein: 3-4g
Best Pre-Workout Snack Bar:
These bars have an optimal balance of protein, carbs and fats to fuel your next workout without weighing you down.
Lara bar
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 190-230
Fat: 9-12g
Carbohydrate: 22-31g
Fibre: 2-5g
Sugar: 15-24g (note: no added sugar)
Protein: 3-7g
Nakd
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 130-150
Fat: 5-8g
Carbohydrate: 16-18g
Fibre: 2-3g
Sugar: 14-17g (note: no added sugar)
Protein: 2-4g
Best Lunchbox-Friendly (Nut-Free) Snack Bars:
These nut-friendly snack bar options are lower in sugar and great for taking to school or recreational events. Pair them with a source of protein for a balanced snack.
Nature Valley Lunch Box
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 90-100
Fat: 1.5-3g
Carbohydrate: 19-20g
Fibre: 5g
Sugar: 4-7g
Protein: 1-2g
Made Good
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 90-100
Fat: 2-3g
Carbohydrate: 16-17g
Fibre: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 1g
*Note: this product is free of top priority allergens.
Related content:
Protein Bar Nutrition Comparison Chart
Granola Bar & Snack Bar Nutrition Comparison Chart
9 Best low sugar granola bars and snack bars
Best Nut-Free Granola Bars (School Safe)
