Homemade Protein Granola Bars - Healthy Snack Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are protein granola bars healthy? ›

Many people consider granola bars a convenient and healthy snack and enjoy their flavor and versatility. In some cases, granola bars can be a good source of fiber and protein to help curb cravings between meals. However, some contain as much sugar, carbs, and calories as candy bars.

High-protein — Feel free to add in your favorite protein powder! Simply substitute ½ cup of protein powder for ½ cup of oats.

They save well (wrap and freeze them for up to two months), are more affordable than store-bought bars, and don't contain the long list of unpronounceable ingredients. Plus, your kitchen will smell like a bakery while these granola bars bake. Ahhhh.

Honey – Along with the nut butter, it helps all these ingredients stick together! I love its warm amber flavor in this recipe.

A closer look at the ingredients and sugar levels in some of these bars can make you question whether they're a good idea to eat every day. While there's no problem with the occasional sugary snack or 'unhealthy' treat, eating certain types of protein bars every day might be problematic long term.

A few other common ingredients are whole nuts and seeds, grains like oats and crispy cereal (which offer fiber and a granola bar–like texture), cocoa powder or chocolate chips, and liquid sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, which help your bars stick together and taste delicious.

Homemade granola bars are a great alternative to store-bought ones. Because they typically use minimally processed ingredients and very little added sugar or salt, they're often more nutritious than packaged versions.

Yes, it is possible to eat too much granola. While granola can be a healthy and nutritious food, it is often high in calories and sugar, especially if it contains added sweeteners or dried fruit. Eating too much granola on a regular basis can contribute to weight gain and other health problems.

They can be more cost-effective: Homemade granola bars can be less expensive than store-bought options, especially if you buy ingredients in bulk or on sale. They can be fresher: Homemade granola bars can be fresher than store-bought ones, which may have been sitting on the shelf for a while.

Why do my homemade granola bars fall apart? ›

Using the right binding agent in your granola bar recipe is a crucial part of keeping your bars from falling apart. While there are several different sticky ingredients that you can use, we've found that the binding agent that works the best is honey!

When dampened, chia seeds gel and swell to several times their original size, plus they get very sticky. Since they're already used as egg alternatives in baking, it's not surprising that chia seeds act as the ideal granola binder, but it is strange that they do it better than eggs.

Ground Flaxseed. Adds protein and, when combined with the wet ingredients, becomes a glue-like binding agent that helps hold the bars together. Wheat Germ. A superfood boost that adds folate, fiber, vitamin E, and other key nutrients to these no bake granola bars (as well as this Healthy Granola).

Fill the bowl up with water to completely cover the mixture – enough that you can stir to combine. This soaking process will help the oats and seeds digest better. After the oat/seed mixture has soaked 8-12 hours, add the rest of the ingredients and combine.

Protein bars are generally safe for most people and come with few risks. However, they are made with a variety of ingredients, some of which can negatively affect health if overconsumed. For example: Sugar: Some protein bars can contain as much sugar as a candy bar.

Protein bars are often more filling than a granola bar and are a better option after a hard workout or for a snack or meal replacement. If you are looking for a bar to help you reach certain weight loss goals, be sure to pay attention to the calories and fiber content.

High-fiber foods, like the oats and whole grains found in granola, fill you up and keep you feeling fuller longer. Dietary studies have found eating a high-fiber diet can help you lose weight.

“It's water fortified with vitamins—there's no evidence of value, and it may actually be harmful.” Enough said. Yes, granola bars are healthy (when made of real grains, nuts, and fruit), but they're for energy, not weight loss. In fact, you could be gaining weight if they're your go-to snack.