A Super-Powered Snack Bar Recipe From Nutritionist Rens Kroes (2024)

FAQs

Is there such a thing as a healthy snack bar? ›

You may already be familiar with RXBARs, which are protein bars made of whole foods. Many of these bars are made from things such as egg whites, cashews, almonds, and dates, making them a good source of protein and healthy fats.

Choose a bar that contains mostly "real" foods, such as fruits, nuts, oats, or eggs. It's even better when those ingredients are near the top of the list—for example, RXBar Chocolate Sea Salt lists dates first. And look for a bar with about 3 to 5 grams of protein and fiber.

Many protein bars boost energy because they are high in protein and low in fat and calories. Most sugary foods give you a “sugar rush” of energy, but then you crash and feel tired and lethargic, as if all your energy has been taken away. Snack bars, however, are made to keep you going.

Examples of 6 healthy snacks include hummus, cheese, crackers with fruit, canned fish, avocado, and popcorn.

The healthiest options at the store are chips fried in better quality oil like olive, avocado or coconut oil, Pappa says. You can also try a baked or air-fried chip. “Is it just potatoes, salt, maybe avocado oil? That's a pretty darn good chip,” Pappa says.

Read the ingredient list and look for whole, natural foods like fruit, nuts and seeds. Avoid any ingredients that are chemically altered or highly processed. Many bars contain a high amount of synthetic fibers and sugar alcohols—which can cause digestive upset in many people.

How wide should a snack bar be? ›

Answer: 16-20+ inches. However, it does depend to some degree on who you ask. While some will offer the 16-20 inch measurement, you may find other suggestions. For instance, Grouthouse—maker of custom wood bar tops—says “Home bar tops are usually between 12- to 16-inches wide.

Honestly, a lot of Nature Valley's granola bar products are packed with added sugar, which is totally OK to enjoy once in a while, but be sure to check the nutrition label if you're looking for something less sugary to enjoy on the daily.

Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the bars as a snack between meals. This way you'll feel full and satisfied for a long time and can focus on your goals without your mind drifting off to thoughts of chocolate or sweets. One or two protein bars a day are well within the recommended intake.

Larabars can be a healthy choice as an occasional energy bar or snack when they are part of a balanced, healthy diet. While they should not be used as a meal replacement, they can be a good nutritional choice as long as consuming the natural sugars and calories in the bars is safe for you.