Recently, we offered tips for buying nutritious snack bars, whether you’re looking for just that — a quick snack — or a quick solution to a meal on the go.
Now we’re making it even easier for you, with a list of dietitians’ personal favorites.
Perfect Bars
What could get better than the “Perfect Bar”? McKenna Welshans, RD, ACSM-CEP, loves the Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter when she’s in a pinch. With about 300 calories per bar, Perfect bars are Welshans choice when a proper meal is just not possible because they have ample amounts of nutrients and calories, are packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, and are lower on the glycemic index. Keep an eye out for fun seasonal flavors as well, like Pumpkin Spice.
Nutrition per bar: Calories: 320, Total Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 110mg, Carbohydrates: 25g, Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 18g, Protein: 15g
KIND Bars
KIND offers a variety of bar forms from nut bars, nut butter filled bars, to chewier grain bars. Everyone can find something they enjoy without sacrificing nutrition.
Both Claudia Utesch, RD, CLC and Elle Penner, MPH, RD pick the Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt as their favorite. For Elle, it satisfies both her sweet and savory cravings while providing adequate energy for a snack, while Claudia loves that she can enjoy some chocolate during the day without overdoing the sugar.
Nutrition per bar: Calories: 200, Total Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 140mg, Carbohydrates: 16g, Fiber: 7g, Sugars: 5g, Protein: 6g
Another KIND favorite is the Vanilla Blueberry Healthy Grains bar. Taylor Conrady, RD enjoys the chewy texture and flavor combination. It is also made with whole grains and is a nut-free option for those with nut sensitivities.
Nutrition per bar: Calories: 140, Total Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 75mg, Carbohydrates: 24g, Fiber: 2.5g, Sugars: 7g, Protein: 2g
JavaUp – Coffee That Never Spills Caramel Macchiato
This is Taylor’s go to pick-me-up, with nutrition to satisfy, no added sugar, and one shot of espresso to energize. JavaUp also follows sustainable practices when it comes to sourcing the coffee beans used in their bars.
Nutrition per bar: Calories: 160, Total Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 3.5g, Sodium: 55mg, Carbohydrates: 22g, Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 9g, Protein: 5g
Kashi Chewy Granola Bars
Kara Lydon, RD chooses these bars for their satisfying taste and texture, filled with whole grains and fiber! Check out their yummy Honey Almond Flax:
Nutrition per bar: Calories: 140, Total Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 0g, Sodium: 100mg, Carbohydrates: 23g, Fiber: 3g, Sugars: 7g, Protein: 3g
Enjoy Life for Nut Sensitivities
While each of these bar brands offers gluten-free or nut free-choices, Enjoy Life is our top pick for allergen safety. They are carefully manufactured and free from the top eight allergens, as well as sesame, casein, potato, and sulfites. Their website also makes it easy to filter your search, finding products that are appropriate to specific diets, including Vegan or FODMAP-friendly or avoid ingredients like corn or buckwheat.
We love their Sunseed Crunch Chewy Bar as it offers a satisfying, nutty flavor without actually eating nuts!
Nutrition per bar: Calories: 140, Total Fat: 4.5g, Saturated Fat: 0.5g, Sodium: 95mg, Carbohydrates: 23g, Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 5g, Protein: 3g
We hope these picks help you choose snack bars that not only taste good but are good for you! Here’s a quick, easy-to-read list to reference the next time you’re at the store:
- Perfect Bars – especially Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter
- KIND Bars – especially Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt or Vanilla Blueberry Healthy Grains
- JavaUp – especially the Caramel Macchiato flavor
- Kashi Chewy Granola Bars – especially Honey Almond Flax
- Enjoy Life – especially the Sunseed Crunch Chewy Bar; all are free of the top eight food allergens
Want more RD favorites? Check out Dietitians Favorite Sliced Breads and Yogurts before your next grocery shop!
