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10 Best Granola Bars in 2022 (Dietitian-Reviewed)

Granola bars are great for snacks between meals as well as a grab-and-go breakfast. According to statistics from Mintel.com, 94 percent of Americans snack at least once a day. Snacking can help boost energy, reduce stress, and manage hunger between meals. Convenience is important when it comes to choosing a snack, so many people prefer ready-to-eat snacks.


Most people think granola bars are healthy because they contain mostly good ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds; however, they are high in calories and full of added sugar. So, be sure to read the ingredients when choosing a granola bar! Below are our 10 best recommendations of popular granola bars. Our favorite is Kashi's Chewy Granola Bars, due to its high fiber content, low calories.  We've also prepared a buying guide reviewed by a registered dietitian!

Last updated 09/26/2023
Sue-Ellen
Expert
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Sue-Ellen

Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes is the founder of 360 Girls&Women® LLC. She's a mother and an experienced registered dietitian. Professionally, Sue-Ellen specializes in women's health and diabetes and also does work as a health writer and speaker. She loves exploring the world of healthy nutrition as a recipe developer and often recommends beneficial health products to her clients.

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Table of Contents

The Benefits of Granola Bars

The Benefits of Granola Bars

Granola bars are convenient for breakfast and snacks. They suit people who have busy lifestyles. They're also delicious and have many flavor options. 


In terms of health, granola bars can improve digestion due to their soluble fiber content. They also tend to contain healthy fats from nuts, which help reduce blood pressure moderate cholesterol levels. 


Last but not least, granola bars can help to promote healthier skin. Most contain nuts such as almonds, which are a good source of vitamin E. It's a powerful antioxidant that has anti-aging benefits. 

How to Choose Granola Bars

It's obvious that everyone wants a tasty granola bar. But besides the taste, have you ever thought about other things, such as nutrition and ingredient content? Here are some suggestions that might benefit you when it comes to choosing granola bars. 

1

Look for a Nutrition Balance That Suits Your Health Needs

Many assume that granola bars are immediately a healthy choice, but one must take careful consideration of their own personal health needs when choosing a bar. Granola bars can be high in calories due to nuts and seeds, have hidden sugars from dried fruit, and more. Let's take a look at what to consider in terms of nutrition.

Sue-Ellen
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Sue-Ellen

Balanced nutrition usually means a good mix of macro- and micronutrients, but each person's needs will be different. 


No matter what your dietary needs are, I recommend that you aim to keep fat and sugar content low and fiber content high. You can find this information on the label of any granola bar you're interested in buying. 

High Protein and Fiber, Low Carbs and Fat For Weight Loss

High Protein and Fiber, Low Carbs and Fat For Weight Loss

If your goal in getting granola bars is weight loss, the ratios of protein and fiber to carbs and fat must be considered. Higher amounts of protein and fiber will keep you satiated longer, and lower carbs and fat will keep calorie counts low, helping one maintain their weight loss regimen.


Most popular granola bars will typically have two or three grams of protein per bar, and around 23 grams of carbs, but there are options for those who are considering weight loss. Higher protein bars can have between 10 to 16 grams of protein. Carbohydrate levels aren't bad at around 18 grams but can go lower to 14 grams. Some keto bars go as low as four grams!


When looking at fat, the type of fat is good to consider. Experts say unsaturated fat in a granola bar up to five grams is considered healthy, but saturated fat should be only 2.5 grams. High amounts of saturated fat have been shown to lead to CVD (cardiovascular disease).

Fiber and Whole Foods and Nuts for Pregnancy

Fiber and Whole Foods and Nuts for Pregnancy
Women who are pregnant generally require more nutrients per day than they did before their pregnancy. It's recommended that those who are pregnant get 28 to 30 grams of fiber per day. This can be tricky for some, and finding a good granola bar can be extremely helpful.


Many granola bars will have about two grams of fiber per bar, but if you examine your options, you can find bars that contain four to six grams.


Also beneficial to pregnancy is a granola bar low in sugar and made of whole foods. Micronutrients found in whole foods such as pumpkin seeds and almonds are very helpful during pregnancy, being rich in magnesium, calcium, and iron


Magnesium and calcium are both essential in building strong teeth and bones for your baby, and iron is needed to make more blood in order to supply oxygen to your baby. And deficiencies in all three of these nutrients could lead to preterm labor.


High protein in a granola bar is also great to look for while pregnant, as protein is crucial for a baby's growth.

Low Carbs and Sugars for Conditions Like Diabetes

Low Carbs and Sugars for Conditions Like Diabetes

Diabetic people may want to be mindful of sugar and carb levels in their granola bars. Watching the amounts of these that you consume helps keep your blood sugar within your target ranges, and aids in insulin sensitivity.


Insulin is a hormone within the body that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for storage, and diabetic folks are insulin resistant. Increasing insulin sensitivity helps your body store sugar correctly and keeps blood sugar levels low. On average, try to keep your blood sugar level at about 80 to 130 milligrams per deciliter before a meal, and less than 180 milligrams per deciliter after a meal.


Some granola bars have up to 11 grams of sugar in a single bar. Look for low sugar and low carb options. There are many bars available sweetened with natural sugar-free sweeteners, such as monk fruit sweetener or stevia and these types can contain less than one gram of sugar per serving.


Although still a sugar, granola bars sweetened with agave nectar are great choices for diabetics, too. Agave syrup has a low glycemic index, so it doesn't spike your blood sugar.

Consider Limiting Excess Sweets for Kids

Consider Limiting Excess Sweets for Kids

Kids and adults alike love things like chocolate and caramel, but one should be mindful of how high the sugar is in each serving. It shouldn't be so high as to have your children on a sugar rush all afternoon. It's recommended that a child's granola bar be under 10 grams of sugar per serving. Low sugar granola bars will give kids a good snack while avoiding a sugar crash.


Although you must consider whether or not the child will eat this granola bar. Children may not be interested in a bar that's just berries, nuts, and seeds. They may see it as too bland.


Try to strike a good balance between tasty and low in sugar. It can be helpful to look for boxes that specifically mention they're for kids. You can have a bar with only a few chocolate chips and still have it reasonably sweet. Some bars will get as low as five grams of sugar per serving.

2

Go With Whole Grain Granola and Simple Ingredients

Go With Whole Grain Granola and Simple Ingredients

Natural and minimally processed granola bars are best. In other words, look for bars that contain real food ingredients like whole grains, nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners like dates, honey, or brown rice syrup. Try to avoid white sugar, corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners.


Whole grains are high in fiber and nutrients, which can reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and stroke. But there are many brands that try to attract customers with the words "whole grain" on the package but aren't actually whole grain. Keep in mind that not all whole-grain granola bars are truly whole grain.


You should also consider healthy fats, not only from nuts and seeds but from dark chocolate, coconut, and extra virgin olive oil. These fats can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, lower bad LDL cholesterol levels, and raise good HDL cholesterol.

Sue-Ellen
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Sue-Ellen

Simple ingredients and good flavor go hand in hand. Just remember that there's no hard rule for how simple the ingredients need to be.


Fiber is important in a granola bar because of the many roles it plays in your health. Fiber is heart-healthy and many labels claim this as a way to help buyers decide on which bar to buy. 


Just be sure to check the fat content of your granola bar in addition to the fiber content, as some fibrous bars may have unhealthy amounts of fat. 

3

Choose Non-GMO and Organic Granola Bars if You're Particular About Ingredients

Choose Non-GMO and Organic Granola Bars if You're Particular About Ingredients

In the U.S., 90 percent of soy and corn is derived from GMOs. Besides that, other plants like beet, cane, sesame seeds, flax seeds, and apples also could come from GMOs as well. Sometimes these ingredients are listed in granola bars. 


There are debates on what GMOs do to our bodies. Even so, many people choose to avoid GMO products. You can look for the "NON GMO Project" label to identify non-GMO products. Statistics show that 21 percent of granola, snack, and energy bars in the U.S. are now made without GMOs. 


Organic bars are a safe choice because they're free from GMOs, synthetic chemicals, and weed-killing chemicals. A study by the American Medical Association shows that people who consume organic food regularly lower the risk of getting cancer by 25 percent.


The use of organic ingredients is also more eco-friendly. The lack of pesticides in ingredient production means less pollution from fertilizer and pesticide runoff and better soil quality. 


There are many organic granola bars but the most popular brands seem to be Cascadian Farm, Kashi, MadeGood, Nature's Path, and Health Warrior.

Sue-Ellen
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Sue-Ellen

Be wary of a product that states it's organic but doesn't have the official USDA seal. Anyone can call their items organic but the seal makes it official. Very rigorous standards need to be met in order to get the USDA organic seal. I recommend keeping an eye out for this seal when you choose to shop organic. 

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Granola Bars Ranking

Here are the best Granola Bars, ranked according to 10 Best Granola Bars (as of 11-04-2022). The products are ranked independently by mybest.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Kashi

Kashi  1

$31.92

High

Best Low Calorie Bar With High Fiber

2

Earnest Eats

Earnest Eats  1

$12.71

Low

Best Whole Food Ingredient Bar

3

This Saves Lives

This Saves Lives  1

$23.05

Mid

Best for Diabetic Individuals

4

Corazonas

Corazonas  1

$16.58

Low Mid

Best for Pregnant Women

5

MADEGOOD

Granola Bars

MADEGOOD Granola Bars 1

$24.97

Mid

Best for Adding More Nutrition to Your Child's Diet

6

CLIF

CLIF  1

$20.80

Low Mid

Best Kid's Granola Bar With High Protein and a Candy Bar Taste

7

Nature Valley

Nature Valley  1

$28.63

High Mid

Best for Meal Replacement

8

Bob's Red Mill

Bob's Red Mill  1

$23.98

Mid

Best Soft Granola Bar

9

KIND

KIND  1

$25.84

Mid

Best Whole Grain Granola Bar with Extra Probiotic Nutrition

10

Bobo's

Bobo's  1

$29.88

High Mid

Best High Carbohydrate Bar for Workout Energy

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Kashi

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$31.92
High
Reference price
$31.92
High

Best Low Calorie Bar With High Fiber

Pros:

  • Only 130 calories for every three grams of fiber and protein, making them an excellent low calorie, between-meal snack
  • Vegan, whole grain, and non-GMO
  • Only seven grams of sugar per bar
  • Trail Mix flavor contains cranberries, which are a great source of vitamin C

Cons:

  • Contains four different sweeteners, including granulated sugar, which is some consider to be too processed

Kashi Chewy Granola Bars contain good amounts of protein and fiber while maintaining a relatively low amount of calories, 130 per serving. They come in a variety of flavors from chocolate almond sea salt to peanut butter.


Reviewers say they are a satisfyingly tasty option for a weight-loss snack, claiming they are nice and sweet but not overpowering. Some even say their kids love them! However, a few reviewers say they're a bit dry.

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No.2

Earnest Eats

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$12.71
Low
Reference price
$12.71
Low

Best Whole Food Ingredient Bar

Pros:

  • Simple whole food ingredients, no protein powders or added vitamins
  • Vegan, wheat-free, and non-GMO
  • Contains six grams of protein and four grams of fiber
  • No corn, peanut, or soy oil, which some consider to be unhealthy filler

Cons:

  • Slightly high in carbs at 31 grams
  • Sugar is rather high at 14 grams

These bars are high in protein, fiber and made from simple plant-based ingredients. Containing no artificial ingredients or added protein powders, this bar is nothing but whole food ingredients like whole grain oats, almonds and cranberries.


Although they are wheat-free, you must consider that the oats still may contain traces of gluten, if you're on a gluten-free diet. Reviewers say that they're the best vegan granola bar they have bought, praising the flavor and texture. However, some reviewers say the bars are dry and the flavor is bland.

No.3

This Saves Lives

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$23.05
Mid
Reference price
$23.05
Mid

Best for Diabetic Individuals

Pros:

  • Contains eight grams of dietary fiber, which helps slow the absorption of sugar and helps to improve blood sugar levels
  • Only six grams of sugar, and keeping sugar low is useful for carefully monitored blood sugar
  • The company donates to hunger organizations for every bar purchased
  • A very large amount of flavors that range from the more adult-oriented mocha almond to more child-oriented like peanut butter and jelly

Cons

  • Contains granulated sugar, which isn't as natural as many folks would prefer

These bars are non-GMO, gluten-free, and dairy-free and come in a wide range of flavors. They contain low amounts of sugar and high amounts of fiber, making them ideal for diabetics seeking a snack that helps to control their blood sugar levels.


One diabetic reviewer says striking a balance between low sugar and good flavor is tough, but that this granola bar accomplishes it. Reviewers also love being able to donate to charity and buy a snack at the same time, as the company donates to child hunger organizations for each purchase.

No.4

Corazonas

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$16.58
Low Mid
Reference price
$16.58
Low Mid

Best for Pregnant Women

Pros

  • Contains six grams of fiber, making them great for pregnancy-induced constipation
  • Whole grain and non-GMO
  • Zero grams of saturated fat, which helps to prevent cardiovascular disease
  • Contains 31 grams of carbs, slightly high for some diets, but in pregnancy prevents brain defects in unborn babies
  • Contains plant sterols that help to control LDL cholesterol

Cons:

  • 12 grams of sugar is a little bit high


These heart-healthy oat bars are whole grain, non-GMO, and come in a wide variety of flavors. They're very high in fiber, making them great for pregnant individuals as pregnancy-induced constipation is a concern for many.


Reviewers who bought these bars love how filling they are and that the high amount of plant sterols from whole grain oats help control LDL cholesterol, which is great during pregnancy as it's normal for your cholesterol to rise. However, some reviewers said the texture was too dry.

No.5

MADEGOODGranola Bars

Granola Bars 1
Source:amazon.com
Granola Bars 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.97
Mid
Reference price
$24.97
Mid

Best for Adding More Nutrition to Your Child's Diet

Pros:

  • Only six grams of sugar per bar
  • Organic, non-GMO, and whole grain
  • Made in a peanut and tree nut-free facility, making them school-friendly
  • Contains vegetable extracts, which provides 20 percent of the daily value of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E

Cons:

  • Only two grams of protein per bar
  • Only two grams of fiber per bar

MADE GOOD is an organic, vegan granola bar, that is free from nuts, gluten, and GMOs. One outstanding point of this brand is it contains six vegetable extracts, making one bar contain 20 percent of the daily values of vitamin A, C, B6, and E, all of which support a healthy immune system.


They're made in a nut-free facility, which is a benefit to those whose children attend a nut-free school. Reviewers support the claim that these bars are great for people with allergies; however, others say the bars are too sticky and fall apart easily.

No.6

CLIF

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$20.80
Low Mid
Reference price
$20.80
Low Mid

Best Kid's Granola Bar With High Protein and a Candy Bar Taste

Pros:

  • Contains five grams of protein per bar, which is a great amount for a kid's bar
  • Contains only nine grams of sugar, and experts recommend a kid's granola bar be under 10 grams
  • Comes in enticing candy bar-like flavors such as chocolate mint, cookies and cream, and peanut butter chocolate, which kids may like
  • Made with gluten-free, organic oats
  • Non-GMO, no artificial flavors, and no high-fructose corn syrup

Cons:

  • Fiber could be higher at only two grams per serving

These kids' granola bars are low calorie and sugar and high in protein, making them an excellent snack for kids that they won't turn down as they come in exciting candy-like flavors like chocolate mint and cookies and cream.


Reviewers like the soft, cookie-like texture and say their children love the flavors. They say that they are a convenient, nutritious, and organic option for their kids. However, a few reviewers say they are too sweet for their tastes.

No.7

Nature Valley

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$28.63
High Mid
Reference price
$28.63
High Mid

Best for Meal Replacement

Pros:

  • Packed with nuts, seeds, and oats, keeping you fuller longer and making them a great meal replacement
  • Contains seven grams of protein and three grams of dietary fiber
  • Contains no artificial colors, artificial flavors, or high-fructose corn syrup
  • One flavor contains blueberries, and the other cranberries, which are both great sources of vitamin C

Cons:

  • The sugar is a little high at 15 grams per bar
  • Contains GMO ingredients

These granola bars are designed to satisfy your stomach and give you lasting energy, whether they're a light breakfast or a hiking snack. They feature a tasty combination of fruit and nut butter, either blueberry and almond butter, or cranberry and peanut butter.


Although the bars are small, reviewers say that they are very filling, packed with ingredients like nuts, seeds, and oats, they make a great meal replacement. Reviewers love the great flavor and the option to have either peanut butter or almond butter, as some folks have trouble digesting peanuts. 

No.8

Bob's Red Mill

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$23.98
Mid
Reference price
$23.98
Mid

Best Soft Granola Bar

Pros:

  • Soft, chewy texture that differs from most crunchier granola bars
  • Seven grams of protein per bar
  • Three grams of dietary fiber per bar
  • Whole grain and non-GMO

Cons:

  • Rather high in carbs at 28 grams

These oat bars have a good balance of protein, fiber, sugar, and fat while maintaining a pleasant texture and flavor. Coming in flavors like peanut butter banana and peanut butter and jelly, they're advertised as being a throwback to one's childhood.


Many reviewers have claimed these taste like an oat cookie, and that they are a great option for people who need a softer granola bar. They also say they make a great healthy alternative to a candy bar or dessert. However, some reviewers say they're priced too high.

No.9

KIND

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$25.84
Mid
Reference price
$25.84
Mid

Best Whole Grain Granola Bar with Extra Probiotic Nutrition

Pros:

  • Contains 500 million CFU probiotic cultures per serving, which have many benefits including improved digestive health
  • They have four grams of fiber per serving
  • Contains 28 grams of whole grains, which is over half the daily recommended intake
  • Gluten-free and non-GMO

Cons:

  • They contain granulated sugar, which may be too processed for some people

These whole grain, non-GMO granola bars contain probiotic cultures that improve gut health, heart health, lower cholesterol, and more, just like yogurt. They are also rich in whole grains, providing over half of an adult's daily intake.


Many reviewers loved the probiotic content and ate them instead of their morning yogurt, or alongside their yogurt for extra probiotics. Reviewers also love the flavor and the chewy texture. However, some reviews claim the bars taste stale.

No.10

Bobo's

 1
Source:amazon.com
 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$29.88
High Mid
Reference price
$29.88
High Mid

Best High Carbohydrate Bar for Workout Energy

Pros:

  • High carbohydrate levels at 28 grams are great for high-energy activities and exercise
  • Wheat-free, non-GMO, soy-free, and vegan
  • Three grams of protein and two grams of fiber per serving, and twice as much if you eat the entire bar

Cons:

  • Serving size is half the bar, so consuming the whole bar is rather high calorie at 380

Bobo's Oat Bars are rich in heart-healthy oats and a great option for those who expend a lot of energy. Being high in complex carbohydrates from oats, they make a great grab-and-go bar when exercising intensely.


Reviewers supplement this claim by saying that they are a favorite for workout energy, and keep them full and energized through active days. Many reviewers also love the gluten-free oats and vegan ingredients. Although, some reviewers felt deceived by the serving size being only half a bar.

A Quick and Healthy Granola Bar Recipe

If you have the time, why not try making a batch of healthy, homemade granola bars? Here's a quick, simple recipe, courtesy of MinimalistBaker!


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
  • 1/4 cup creamy, salted peanut butter (or almond butter)
  • 1 cup roasted, chopped almonds
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
  • Optional add-ins: dried fruit, chocolate chips, seeds, vanilla extract, etc.


Directions:

  1. Process dates in a food processor until they become a rough paste. Place into a large bowl with oats and almonds.
  2. Warm nut butter and syrup in a small saucepan until melted and runny, pour over other ingredients and fold together.
  3. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer mixture to an 8X8 inch baking pan lined with plastic wrap or baking paper. Press mixture down firmly with clean hands or tool, like a drinking glass.
  4. Place in refrigerator to firm up, about 30 minutes.
  5.  Lift bars out and cut into 10 pieces. Store in an airtight container for a few days, or place in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the most common concerns about granola bars is if they're actually a healthy option. Check out our answer below!

Are granola bars healthy?

Although granola bars are advertised as being a healthy option, many wonder if this is indeed true. The claim that granola bars are healthy depends entirely on the bar you choose. A granola bar is not inherently good for you.


Try to keep the protein levels at five to 10 grams per bar, the fiber at four to six grams per bar, and the sugar at about 10 grams or lower. A granola bar should contain no more than 2.5 grams of saturated fat, and carbs should be around 23 grams or lower. This is a very balanced nutrient amount.


If care is put into reading the ingredients, checking for high amounts of protein and fiber, and low amounts of carbs and sugar, granola bars can be a wonderful addition to a healthy diet. Being mindful of the calories is a good idea, too! It's recommended to keep it under 250 calories per bar.

Looking for More Ready-to-Eat Snacks?

Snacking can provide many benefits if you limit your portion sizes and choose healthy ones. Check out our suggestions for other snacks!

Amazon's Best Selling Granola Bars

If you'd like some more inspiration and ideas for your granola bar shopping, check out Amazon's best-selling list of granola and nutrition bars.

Buying Guide Reviewed by Registered Dietitian Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes

Sue-Ellen
Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist
Sue-Ellen

This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.

Top 5 Granola Bars

No. 1: Kashi

No. 2: Earnest Eats

No. 3: This Saves Lives

No. 4: Corazonas

No. 5: MADEGOODGranola Bars

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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