Nutrition bars are a convenient source of energy when you’re on the go. But the average bar contains 12 grams of sugar or more. Others may contain artificial sweeteners, some of which can lead to an upset stomach.
To save you time combing through ingredient lists and Nutrition Facts labels, we’ve put together a list of ten delicious, low-sugar, dietitian-approved bars. All have simple ingredient lists, are naturally sweetened and contain eight grams (two teaspoons) of sugar or less.
They’re perfect to tuck into your backpack, stash in your car, or pack into your carry-on before your next big adventure!
Protein Bars
Not only are they low in sugar, these protein bars all pack at least 11 grams of quality protein, making them a great choice to keep hunger at bay on active days or boost muscle recovery after a tough workout.
If you like jerky, these Paleo-friendly, gluten-free bars are for you. They’re made from 100 percent grass-fed beef, with bacon and dried organic apples to satisfy those sweet and savory-loving taste buds. Each bar provides 11 grams of quality protein and has only two grams of sugar.
Nutrition Info — calories: 140; total fat: 9 grams; saturated fat: 3.5 grams; cholesterol: 25 milligrams; sodium: 290 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 4 grams; dietary fiber: 0 grams; sugars: 2 grams; protein: 11 grams.
Primal Kitchen — Collagen Nut and Seed Bars
These Paleo-friendly bars made from nuts and seeds are packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, 15 grams of collagen protein, prebiotic fiber for digestive health and only three grams of sugar from honey and monk fruit.
Nutrition Info (Macadamia Sea Salt Collagen Protein Bar) — calories: 250; total fat: 18 grams; saturated fat: 5 grams; cholesterol: 0 milligrams; sodium: 160 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 12 grams; dietary fiber: 5 grams; sugars: 3 grams; protein: 15 grams.
KIND — White Chocolate Cinnamon Almond Protein Bar
This bar resembles a delicious cinnamon roll but is made from simple ingredients including whole nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s a satisfying snack packed with 12 grams of protein (seven grams from nuts alone) and just eight grams of sugar with no artificial sweeteners.
Nutrition Info — calories: 250; total fat: 17 grams; saturated fat: 4 grams; cholesterol: 0 milligrams; sodium: 80 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 18 grams; dietary fiber: 5 grams; sugars; 8 grams; protein: 12 grams.
Oatmega — Grass-Fed Whey Protein Bars
With flavors like blueberry, chocolate brownie, vanilla almond, lemon chia and white chocolate raspberry, this line of great-tasting protein bars has something for everyone. They’re all gluten-free and non-GMO with 14 grams of protein, seven grams of fiber and only five grams of sugar.
Nutrition Info (Chocolate Brownie) — calories: 200; total fat: 7 grams; saturated fat: 2 grams; cholesterol: 25 milligrams; sodium: 120 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 22 grams; dietary fiber: 7 grams; sugars: 5 grams; protein: 14 grams.
Snack and Energy Bars
If protein isn’t your top priority when selecting a bar, these six picks are great 100-200 calorie on-the-go snacks.
With about half the calories of most bars, these chia bars make a delicious 100-calorie snack while providing a dose of heart-healthy omega-3s from chia seeds and only four to five grams of sugar depending on which flavor you choose. Banana Nut and Acai Berry are two of our favorites.
Nutrition Info — calories: 100; total fat: 5 grams; saturated fat: 0 grams; cholesterol: 0 milligrams; sodium: 55 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 14 grams; dietary fiber: 4 grams; sugars: 5 grams; protein: 3 grams.
Kashi — GOLEAN Plant-Powered Bar, Honey Pecan Baklava
This delicious gluten-free bar will remind you of a Mediterranean dessert but it’s really a delicious mix of chewy whole grains, crunchy nuts, seeds, spices, honey and a touch of molasses, and only seven grams of sugar.
Nutrition Info — calories: 200; total fat: 11 grams; saturated fat: 1.5 grams; cholesterol: 0 milligrams; sodium: 120 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 19 grams; dietary fiber: 4 grams; sugars: 7 grams; protein: 8 grams.
HEALTH WARRIOR — Pumpkin Seed Bars
Made from one of the best plant-based sources of protein on the planet, pumpkin seeds, these organic, gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free bars are not only delicious but have super simple ingredient lists and only five to six grams of sugar each. They offer a variety of flavors from Dark Chocolate to Cinnamon Spice.
Nutrition Info (Organic Dark Chocolate) — calories: 170; total fat: 13 grams; saturated fat: 2.5 grams; cholesterol: 0 milligrams; sodium: 60 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 11 grams; dietary fiber: 2 grams; sugars: 6 grams; protein: 8 grams.
Grain-free and gluten-free, these RENOLA bars are a delicious mix of wholesome fruit, nuts and seeds in a versatile granola bar. The Cinnamon Nut flavor is reminiscent of cinnamon-coated nuts sold on street corners in big cities and is one of our favorites. It contains only eight grams of sugar.
Nutrition Info — calories: 200; total fat: 14 grams; saturated fat: 1 gram; cholesterol: 0 milligrams; sodium: 10 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 13 grams; dietary fiber: 2 grams; sugars: 8 grams; protein: 6 grams.
All of the bars from the Nuts and Spices line contain just five grams of sugar. The Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt flavor is a simple blend of whole nuts, drizzled with dark chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt. In addition to tasting great, each bar provides 25 percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber.
Nutrition Info (Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt) — calories: 200; total fat: 15 grams; saturated fat: 3 grams; cholesterol: 0 milligrams; sodium: 140 milligrams; total carbohydrates: 16 grams; dietary fiber: 7 grams; sugars: 5 grams; protein: 6 grams.
Go Raw bars are organic, great tasting and contain just five to six ingredients. Pumpkin Seed is currently their lowest sugar option with just five grams per bar. Pumpkin seeds are a top source of plant-powered protein, and make a very tasty bar when paired with sprouted flaxseed, dates, agave nectar and sea salt.
Nutrition Info — calories: 240; total fat: 16 grams; saturated fat: 3 grams; cholesterol: 0 milligrams; sodium: 160mg; total carbohydrates: 16 grams; dietary fiber: 5 grams; sugars: 5 grams; protein: 9 grams.