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Top 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars in 2020 (LivBar, Larabar, and More)

Top 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars in 2020 (LivBar, Larabar, and More)

As much as you try to get a balanced breakfast in every day, sometimes it’s just not possible to sit down and have a proper meal. While fast food and granola bars might seem like an easy fix, they can often cause sugar spikes and lethargy–exactly the opposite of what you’re looking for. Instead, it’s best to find a healthy breakfast bar that will energize you and keep you full.

But “health” is in right now, and every package seems to be trying to convince you that what they’re selling is good for you, so it can be hard to sift through the junk. In this guide, we’ll go over exactly what you should look for in a healthy breakfast bar. We’ve got a list of our 10 favorites to help you along, including our number one pick by This Bar Saves Lives.

Last updated: 11-30-2020
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Top 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars

If you’re suffering from choice paralysis, here are our 10 favorites to help you cut down the decision-making a bit. Make sure to check out the buying guide for more information about how to narrow down your choices even more!

amazon.com

This Bar Saves LivesBreakfast Bar

Madagascar Vanilla Almond & Honey, 12 count

$14.74

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Good for You, Good for Humanity

These tasty bars are full of nuts, whole grains, and fruits that you can see in every bite. They’re crisp and chewy without being hard and aren’t too sweet. They're also GMO-free, gluten-free, and 170 calories per bar. And if Madagascar Vanilla isn't for you, the bar comes in seven other delectable flavors.

On top of being good for you, proceeds from every bar go toward food aid for children in developing nations as well as within the United States, so you can feel extra good about your breakfast.

Reviewers say that, even though they taste delicious, there's a lot more sugar than they expected in these bars. But the bars are perfectly balanced in flavor and texture and aren't too sweet, so kids and adults can enjoy them.

Nutrition	Calories: 180, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 70mg, Carbohydrate: 22g, Sugar: 6g, Fiber: 7g, Protein: 4g
Ingredients	Nut and seed mix, chicory root fiber, honey, toasted oats, crisp rice, natural flavors, sunflower oil, and others
Added Sweeteners	Honey
Certified	Kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free

amazon.com

LivBarOrganic All Natural Macro Snack Bar

Lemongrass Cherry Matcha, 12 count

$36.00

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Organic Bars to Take Anywhere

These bars are good for you and the earth. They’re handmade in small batches in Oregon, come in compostable wrappers, and are certified organic. They're vegan, all-natural, and full of complex carbs, seeds, and fruits.

For the adventurous, these bars are great to take with you anywhere as they don’t freeze or melt and have a shelf life of 9 months. If you’re culinarily adventurous too, they come in a variety of unique flavors that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

Some reviewers were not fans of the flavor - saying they were dry and tasteless. However, flavor is rather subjective, so many more reviewers actually find these delicious and love feeling like they are eating healthily. They also like the creative flavors.

Nutrition	Calories: 220, Fat: 14g, Sodium: 43mg, Carbohydrate: 15g, Sugar: 8g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 7g
Ingredients	Coconut nectar, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, dates, hemp seeds, virgin coconut oil, and others
Added Sweeteners	Coconut nectar, coconut sugar
Certified	Organic, vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, corn-free

amazon.com

Blake’s Seed BasedSnack Bar

Raspberry, 12 count

$19.98

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Allergy-Friendly Breakfast Bars

These bars are great for those with allergies as they are free from the top eight common allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, and wheat. They're also low in sugar and full of fiber and protein.

On top of that, they taste good, and thanks to all of the seeds, the texture makes them really enjoyable to eat as well. These bars also come in three other flavors if raspberry isn’t your thing.

One reviewer thought the bars were rather sticky and too sweet, but most actually like the bars - they're moist, flavorful, and work well as a dessert or a snack. The raspberry flavor is pronounced and that it's nut-free was a highlight for reviewers.

Nutrition	Calories: 150, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 30mg, Carbohydrate: 20g, Sugar: 7g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 4g
Ingredients	Seeds, chickpeas, brown rice syrup, evaporated cane juice, crisp rice, apple, soluble tapioca fiber, raspberry, and others
Added Sweeteners	Brown rice syrup, evaporated cane juice
Certified	Vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, soy-free, wheat-free

RxBarReal Food Protein Bar

Peanut Butter & Berries, 12 count

$18.89

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High Protein Without Chalky Protein Powders

These bars are full of whole food ingredients that make for a protein-rich, well-balanced breakfast. They are filling and delightfully chewy thanks to the dates. They're also paleo, gluten-free, and contain no added sugar.

This particular bar is peanut butter and jelly-inspired, but RxBar also produces a number of different, equally high-protein flavors, which you’ve probably seen near checkout counters at every cafe and grocery store recently. There are a total of 21 different flavors including mint chocolate, pecan, and mixed berry.

The unwrapped bars don't look the most appealing and reviewers say it has a taffy-like texture. However, the flavor is good, and the Peanut Butter & Berries does taste like a classic PB&J. Reviewers also like that RxBars are made of simple ingredients.

Nutrition	Calories: 200, Fat: 7g, Sodium: 135mg, Carbohydrate: 25g, Sugar: 15g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 12g
Ingredients	Dates, peanuts, egg whites, raspberries, natural flavors, sea salt
Added Sweeteners	None
Certified	Kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free

amazon.com

ProbarMeal Bar

Superfood Slam, 12 count

$37.62

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Nutrient-Dense, All Morning Energy

These high-calorie, 90% organic bars are filled with nuts, fruits, and whole grains for a full morning of sustained energy and are perfect for those exercising or doing physical work.

However, at over $37 for a box of 12, they are quite expensive and may not be a worthwhile investment for some people. Additionally, some reviewers have found issues with freshness when ordering online.

But reviewers can't get enough of the taste, and say they're very filling, nutritious, and don't give you a bloated feeling after eating them.

Nutrition	Calories: 370, Fat: 18g, Sodium: 25mg, Carbohydrate: 47g, Sugar: 23g, Fiber: 6g, Protein: 10g
Ingredients	Brown rice syrup, oats, peanut butter, peanuts, dates, sunflower seeds, dried cane syrup, and others
Added Sweeteners	Brown rice syrup, dried cane syrup
Certified	Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free

amazon.com

Health WarriorChia Bars

Coconut, 15 count

$24.78

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Nutrition	Calories: 100, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 50mg, Carbohydrate: 13g, Sugar: 3g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 3g
Ingredients	White chia seeds, brown rice syrup, cashew butter, unsweetened coconut, organic brown rice crisps, and others
Added Sweeteners	Brown rice syrup
Certified	Kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan

amazon.com

LarabarFruit & Nut Bar

Cashew Cookie, 16 count

$16.93

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Just Fruits and Nuts in This Bar

Larabars are made completely from whole food ingredients, and this one has just two: cashews and dates. They’re sweet, chewy, and don’t taste “healthy.” They come in over 20 different flavors so you’ll never get bored.

However, they can be quite sweet and have a relatively high-fat content given their all fruit and nut ingredients. Some reviewers also note that boxes sometimes arrive expired.

On the other hand, reviewers really like how the bar only has two ingredients, with no added sugar or fillers. It's perfect for a snack in between meals.

Nutrition	Calories: 220, Fat: 12g, Sodium: 5mg, Carbohydrate: 25g, Sugar: 15g, Fiber: 2g, Protein: 5g
Ingredients	Cashews, dates
Added Sweeteners	None
Certified	Gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, dairy-free

amazon.com

KINDBreakfast Bars

32 count

$20.64

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Whole Grain Bars to Tuck Away for Later

These chewy whole-grain bars will fill you up and keep you going for hours. It contains five super grains, baked and encased in delectable peanut butter for an added protein kick. They come in small packs of two, which make them more compact and easier to stash in a pocket.

However, some reviewers note that the texture can be a little off-putting to some–not crunchy but not exactly soft and chewy either, and it requires a bit of jaw work to really break it down. Of course, chewing more can also make you feel fuller more quickly.

Other reviewers say they're addictive, filling, and not too sweet. They're great for on-the-go, or as a satisfying breakfast.

Nutrition	Calories: 230, Fat: 11g, Sodium: 135mg, Carbohydrate: 28g, Sugar: 8g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 5g
Ingredients	Oats, dried cane syrup, peanuts, canola oil, brown rice flour, oat flour, peanut butter (peanuts, salt), gum acacia, and others
Added Sweeteners	Dried cane syrup
Certified	Gluten-free, non-GMO

amazon.com

HeartbarOatmeal Square

Banana Walnut, 12 count

$17.99

Heart Healthy Bar With Phytosterols

These heart-healthy bars are full of whole grains, fruits, and phytosterols, which are shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re chewy like a soft cookie and come in 9 flavors.

However, this bar does have a rather long ingredients list that includes a few artificial ingredients like maltodextrin, vegetable glycerine, and soy lecithin. So if you’re looking for a more whole foods bar, this probably isn’t the one for you.

On the other hand, reviewers do find them moist and soft, not too sweet, and say the Banana Walnut tastes exactly like banana bread.

Nutrition	Calories: 190, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 110mg, Carbohydrate: 29g, Sugar: 11g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 6g
Ingredients	Whole rolled oats, dried banana, natural sweeteners, expeller pressed sunflower oil, walnuts, maltodextrin, and others
Added Sweeteners	Brown rice syrup, cane syrup
Certified	Non-GMO

amazon.com

RiseHigh Protein Bar

Almond Honey, 12 count

$26.99

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High Calorie, High Protein Fuel

For those looking to fuel a morning workout, this bar is a great, protein-packed alternative to traditional chemical-filled protein bars. Plus it comes in 7 flavors and has a better texture and taste than other protein bars.

However, for those not working out, this bar may be a bit too high in calories, fat, and sugar for just your average morning. There are also better-tasting options without protein powder for those who don’t need it.

Though you can somewhat taste the whey protein in the bar, they taste simple and good, according to reviewers. It's not too sweet and has a moist texture. People also really like that it only has 3 ingredients.

Nutrition	Calories: 280, Fat: 16g, Sodium: 25mg, Carbohydrate: 20g, Sugar: 13g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 20g
Ingredients	Almonds, honey, whey protein isolate
Added Sweeteners	Honey
Certified	Non-GMO

Compare the Best Healthy Breakfast Bars

Image	1 This Bar Saves Lives	2 LivBar	3 Blake’s Seed Based	4 RxBar	5 Probar	6 Health Warrior	7 Larabar	8 KIND	9 Heartbar	10 Rise
Name	Breakfast Bar	Organic All Natural Macro Snack Bar	Snack Bar	Real Food Protein Bar	Meal Bar	Chia Bars	Fruit & Nut Bar	Breakfast Bars	Oatmeal Square	High Protein Bar
Features	Good for You, Good for Humanity	Organic Bars to Take Anywhere	Allergy-Friendly Breakfast Bars	High Protein Without Chalky Protein Powders	Nutrient-Dense, All Morning Energy	Tiny, Chia Seed Bars	Just Fruits and Nuts in This Bar	Whole Grain Bars to Tuck Away for Later	Heart Healthy Bar With Phytosterols	High Calorie, High Protein Fuel
Price	$14.74	$36.00	$19.98	$18.89	$37.62	$24.78	$16.93	$20.64	$17.99	$26.99
Nutrition	Calories: 180, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 70mg, Carbohydrate: 22g, Sugar: 6g, Fiber: 7g, Protein: 4g	Calories: 220, Fat: 14g, Sodium: 43mg, Carbohydrate: 15g, Sugar: 8g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 7g	Calories: 150, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 30mg, Carbohydrate: 20g, Sugar: 7g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 4g	Calories: 200, Fat: 7g, Sodium: 135mg, Carbohydrate: 25g, Sugar: 15g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 12g	Calories: 370, Fat: 18g, Sodium: 25mg, Carbohydrate: 47g, Sugar: 23g, Fiber: 6g, Protein: 10g	Calories: 100, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 50mg, Carbohydrate: 13g, Sugar: 3g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 3g	Calories: 220, Fat: 12g, Sodium: 5mg, Carbohydrate: 25g, Sugar: 15g, Fiber: 2g, Protein: 5g	Calories: 230, Fat: 11g, Sodium: 135mg, Carbohydrate: 28g, Sugar: 8g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 5g	Calories: 190, Fat: 6g, Sodium: 110mg, Carbohydrate: 29g, Sugar: 11g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 6g	Calories: 280, Fat: 16g, Sodium: 25mg, Carbohydrate: 20g, Sugar: 13g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 20g
Ingredients	Nut and seed mix, chicory root fiber, honey, toasted oats, crisp rice, natural flavors, sunflower oil, and others	Coconut nectar, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, dates, hemp seeds, virgin coconut oil, and others	Seeds, chickpeas, brown rice syrup, evaporated cane juice, crisp rice, apple, soluble tapioca fiber, raspberry, and others	Dates, peanuts, egg whites, raspberries, natural flavors, sea salt	Brown rice syrup, oats, peanut butter, peanuts, dates, sunflower seeds, dried cane syrup, and others	White chia seeds, brown rice syrup, cashew butter, unsweetened coconut, organic brown rice crisps, and others	Cashews, dates	Oats, dried cane syrup, peanuts, canola oil, brown rice flour, oat flour, peanut butter (peanuts, salt), gum acacia, and others	Whole rolled oats, dried banana, natural sweeteners, expeller pressed sunflower oil, walnuts, maltodextrin, and others	Almonds, honey, whey protein isolate
Added Sweeteners	Honey	Coconut nectar, coconut sugar	Brown rice syrup, evaporated cane juice	None	Brown rice syrup, dried cane syrup	Brown rice syrup	None	Dried cane syrup	Brown rice syrup, cane syrup	Honey
Certified	Kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free	Organic, vegan, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, corn-free	Vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free, tree nut-free, soy-free, wheat-free	Kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free	Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free	Kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan	Gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, dairy-free	Gluten-free, non-GMO	Non-GMO	Non-GMO
Link	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon	View Amazon View Heart Brand Foods	View Amazon

How to Choose a Healthy Breakfast Bar – Buying Guide

Nearly everything in the grocery store claims to be healthy, but we all know that’s far from the truth. Keep the following factors in mind when trying to decipher what’s good for you and what isn’t.

Check Out the Nutrition Facts Label

The nutrition label on the back of everything can be hard to figure out if you don’t know what’s considered “good” and what isn’t. Here’s what you should look for more and less of.

For a Balanced Breakfast, Pay Attention to Fiber and Protein

The whole point of a breakfast bar is to give you enough sustained energy to last you until lunch, and that’s hard to do if it only has processed carbs and sugar, which, to be honest, is basically every traditional breakfast bar. Instead, you want to look for a bar that has a good balance of fats, protein, and carbs – including fiber.

Having a more balanced nutritional profile will ensure not only that you’re getting all the nutrients you need, but also that you stay fuller longer. A good rule of thumb is to look for a bar that’s around 200 calories and has at least 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.

Go Light on Sodium and Unhealthy Fats

Sodium and fats are added to foods because, well, they taste good! But too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and a lot of commercial bars tend towards excess. Too much sodium can cause bloating and exasperate high blood pressure in those that may already have underlying issues. As a good benchmark, try to keep your bar under 200 milligrams.

Fats are a little trickier. There are good fats and bad fats, and it’s becoming increasingly hard to tell the difference between them. A lot of the best breakfast bars are full of healthy fats from nuts and seeds, and that’s actually a good thing! Healthy fats keep you full for longer and are an important part of a balanced breakfast.

But to avoid unhealthy fats, look for 0 grams of trans fat, and 1 gram or less of saturated fat.

Choose High-Quality Bars With Whole Food Ingredients

When it comes to figuring out if a food is healthy, the first thing you should do is look at the ingredients list. What you want to look for is a list filled with only ingredients that you might have in your own pantry or could find easily in a grocery store. Some ingredients that you want to see in breakfast bars are whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

On the other hand, when looking for ingredients to avoid, it’s best to stay away from almost everything else. Unfamiliar chemicals, preservatives, and flavorings are especially prevalent in breakfast bars, so be sure to double-check before you buy.

Avoid Added Sugars (as Much as Possible, Anyway)

Traditionally, breakfast bars were more like candy than meal replacements. Obviously, too much sugar isn’t good for you, but it can be hard to outright avoid it. After all, savory breakfast bars don’t seem to be a thing quite yet.

You can, however, pick your sugars wisely. Read the ingredients list to see where the sweetness is coming from, and think of it like a hierarchy.

The best kind of sugars come from whole fruits. If a bar only has fruit-based sugars, that’s great! The next best kind of sugars are natural sweeteners like cane sugar, honey, and agave.

Finally, the sugars that you want to avoid are artificial sugars – the ingredients ending in -ose like glucose, sucralose, and fructose – as well as sugar alcohols that end in -tol like xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol, which can cause uncomfortable bloating for some.

Keep in Mind Your Own Dietary Needs and Preferences

Just because you’re looking for a convenient, pre-prepared bite doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your dietary preferences. There are bars that are certified gluten-free, kosher, vegan, non-GMO, and so much more. So be on the lookout for official certification stamps if you need or prefer one or the other.

Check Out These Other Healthy Snacks

You can make healthier choices in anything that you eat - mains, lunches, or even just for snacks. But it can be a little confusing what to look out for when trying to buy something that's better for you. So if you're looking for other healthy foods to munch on, then look no further!

Top 10 Best Healthy Popcorns in 2020

Top 10 Best Healthy Jellies in 2020

Top 10 Best Healthy Pastas in 2020

Summary

So there you have it–a quick guide to healthy breakfast bars that’ll keep you full and sustained all morning long. When it comes to choosing a breakfast bar, there’s a lot of options that can actually cause you to be more hungry and more tired, so it’s important to take the time to figure out what’s good and what isn’t.

Author: Jacqueline Oshiro

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A Healthier Snack Alternative Recommended by an Expert

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