These Are The Best Healthy Granola Bar Recipes (2024)

Though we'd love to spend every morning feasting on homemade pancakes and soft-scrambled eggs, the reality is that weekdays are usually just too hectic. And that often means resorting to processed store-bought breakfasts, from frozen French toast sticks to sugar-laden granola bars.

The good news? There's a delicious middle-ground that shouldn't be forgotten: homemade granola bars that will revolutionize your routine. All of these recipes can be whipped up over the weekend, then enjoyed en-route to school or the office. We recommend taking an extra minute to wrap them individually, which will make the grab-and-go process that much more seamless.

The majority of the bars are no-bake, which makes them incredibly low-effort but deliciously rewarding. They're also packed with protein, calcium, antioxidants, and more. Whether you prefer soft-baked or crunchy, nut-filled or nut-free, we've got a bar that's sure to satisfy.

The 4 Best Healthy Snack Bars You Can Buy (That Also Taste Delicious)

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Nutty Superfood Breakfast Bites

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Kick start your morning with these no-bake bars, which star a variety of good-for-you nuts and seeds (buy them in bulk to save money at the grocery store). Each hearty square is the perfect blend of chewy and crunchy, and every bite is packed with nutty flavor. Pistachios add a pop of gorgeous green color, yes, but they're also packed with nutrients and are a good source of calcium. Quinoa lends crunch and protein, while dried goji berries are rich in antioxidants. Be sure to store the bars, which will keep for one week at room temperature and two weeks in the fridge, between layers of parchment paper to keep them from sticking.

Get the recipe: Nutty Superfood Breakfast Bites

02of 09

Peanut Butter Banana Pretzel Bars

While we'll never say no to a granola bar with crunch, we're also fond of the soft and chewy variety. Thanks to their comforting and nostalgic flavor combination (who doesn't love peanut butter and banana?), these bars will satisfy every member of the family. Salty pretzels are a fun addition, and contrast the sweet notes of dates and honey. Not only do these treats make a satiating breakfast, but they're a great after-school snack or even bedtime treat. Have a chocolate-lover in the family? These would be great with mini chocolate chips, or with chocolate-covered pretzels pressed into the top.

Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Banana Pretzel Bars

03of 09

No-Bake Lemon Chia Date Bars

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Sometimes it's the simplest recipes that pack the most punch. These chewy no-bake bars are filled with fresh lemon flavor, thanks to a generous amount of lemon zest and freshly-squeezed lemon juice. Chia seeds not only add crunch, but are a rich source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, and vitamins. In fact, the combination of the chia and the citrus make these bars reminiscent of a lemon poppyseed muffin (yum!). The best part? All the ingredients are tossed into the food processor, meaning the bars come together in fewer than five minutes. These are also fun made into grab-and-go energy bites: simply roll the mixture into balls, then cover in shredded coconut.

Get the recipe: No-Bake Lemon Chia Date Bars

04of 09

Blueberry Maple Yogurt Bars

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These bars consist of all our favorite breakfast treats, rolled into one—old-fashioned oats, creamy Greek yogurt, and plenty of fresh, juicy fruit. The contrast between all the delicious layers means every bite bursts with flavor and texture. While these bars are great for grabbing on your way out the door, they'd also be a tasty addition to a weekend brunch spread, served alongside a plate of eggs and potatoes. Prefer blackberries or raspberries to blueberries? Feel free to swap them in, or use a combination of all three. Store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Get the recipe: Blueberry Maple Yogurt Bars

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Granola Bars With Apricots, Oats, and Almonds

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These might just become your new go-to granola bar. Toasting the oats, almonds, and pepitas before adding them to the mix adds an extra layer of flavor that makes these truly irresistible. Almond butter binds the bars together, and don't skip the step of warming it on the stove with the maple syrup (feel free to substitute honey, or agave nectar). Heating the two together will create a pourable mixture, which will act as a much better binder than scooping the almond butter straight from the jar. We recommend mixing these up on Sunday, then grabbing them from the fridge throughout the week.

Get the recipe: Granola Bars With Apricots, Oats, and Almonds

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Nut-Free Energy Bars

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Whether your child has a nut allergy or is friends with someone who does, you can feel good about sending them to school with these nut-free, no-bake bars. Dates, which are naturally sweet, help bind the ingredients together, while sunflower seeds add a crunch to every bite. Wheat germ, the part of the wheat plant that is left out of processed white flour, is packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, and offers a wonderfully nutty flavor when lightly toasted in the oven. As with most homemade breakfast bars, you can customize the recipe to ingredients you have on hand, such as swapping out the raisins for dried cranberries or cherries.

Get the recipe: Nut-Free Energy Bars

07of 09

Almond Jam Bars

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If you love the crumb topping on coffee cake and fruit crumbles, these nutty breakfast bars are the perfect treat for you. With a base made from oats, flour, almonds, butter, and brown sugar, these taste decadent but are packed with protein and whole grains. Jam, which is typically reserved for sandwiches, is the other star of these bars, which can (and should) be eaten for breakfast, dessert, and every time in between. Wrap the bars individually, which will make them easy to grab on busy school mornings. Oh, and make an extra batch to stick in the freezer—you'll thank yourself later.

Get the recipe: Almond Jam Bars

08of 09

Spicy Peanut and Banana Chia Bars

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Roasted, salted peanuts and creamy peanut butter ensure these bars are packed full of nutty flavor. In fact, they're the perfect grab-and-go replacement for a piece of toast with nut butter and banana slices, thanks to the banana chips stirred into the mix. A dash of ground cayenne gives these a bit of heat, but feel free to substitute a more mild spice—cinnamon would be great—if you're serving to young kids. Thanks to nutrient-dense chia seeds and the protein-packed peanut butter, these are guaranteed to keep you full until lunch. They also make great after-school snacks!

Get the recipe: Spicy Peanut and Banana Chia Bars

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Olympian-Approved Fig Jam Cookies

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Don't be fooled by the word "cookie" in the recipe title. Though they bake in the oven like a traditional cookie, these wholesome bars are totally breakfast-approved, thanks to whole-wheat flour, naturally-sweet dried figs, and protein-packed tahini. Kids will be excited about the sweet morning treat, which is a healthy alternative to a store-bought granola bar. If you're hesitant about using tahini (a sesame seed paste popular in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern recipes) swap it out for natural peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter. And have the kids help with the baking process, too. They'll have fun rolling the dough into a log.

Get the recipe: Olympian-Approved Fig Jam Cookies

These Are The Best Healthy Granola Bar Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best binder for granola bars? ›

Chia seeds are often praised for their binding powers. In fact, they secure ingredients so well that they can even be used as an egg replacer. Adding just a spoonful of chia seeds to your favorite granola bar recipe will make a huge difference in its texture.

What makes granola bars healthy? ›

Most granola bars have around 100–300 calories, 1–10 grams of protein, and 1–7 grams of fiber in a single serving. Many also contain micronutrients, including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are either found in the ingredients or added through fortification during manufacturing.

Are homemade granola bars healthier than store bought? ›

While store-bought granola bars can be unhealthy and full of added sugars, these homemade granola bars are healthy in moderation. They're a delicious and nutritious snack option compared to those that come in a package.

Is it cheaper to make your own granola bars? ›

Homemade granola bars aren't hard to make once you have all the right ingredients and they'll certainly save you money in the long term.

What makes granola bars stick together? ›

Make sure that whichever granola recipe you use, it calls for some liquid, typically oil of some kind (I recommend olive oil for a subtle earthy, floral flavor, or melted unrefined coconut oil for subtly coconutty flavor). The liquid will help the chia seeds to gel, ensuring the granola sticks together.

What ingredient makes granola stick together? ›

Add an egg white.

The whites act as a kind of glue that binds the ingredients together. To ensure that the egg whites coat all the ingredients, I beat them with a whisk until foamy and increased in volume, which makes it much easier to fold into the granola.

What is the healthiest snack bar to eat? ›

  • RXBAR Coconut Chocolate. RXBARs are all about transparency. ...
  • Health Warrior Caramel Sea Salt Chia Bar. ...
  • Zing Dark Chocolate Mocha Vitality Bar. ...
  • Larabar Peanut Butter Cookie. ...
  • Larabar Protein Apple Cobbler. ...
  • KIND Almond Butter Protein Bar. ...
  • KIND Minis Caramel Almond and Sea Salt. ...
  • CLIF MOJO Finger Pickin' BBQ Salty Sweet Bar.
Jul 17, 2019

Is homemade granola healthier? ›

YUM! More reasons to obsess over homemade granola: Healthier: it has less sugar and is lower Calorie than anything you'll find at the store. Freezer Friendly: It will keep for months in the freezer, stored in a freezer safe bag.

Is it healthy to eat homemade granola everyday? ›

The Bottom Line

Granola is healthy in small amounts, especially because oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit in granola provide some fiber that's good for heart and gut health. However, granola can also be a rich source of calories, saturated fat and sugar, depending on the brand you buy.

What is a healthy version of granola? ›

But the best bet is to choose a granola with minimally processed sweeteners such as maple syrup, honey and agave. Dried fruit will also add fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Granolas fortified with extras like flaxseed and chia seeds are fabulous for a post-workout snack or for a dose of Omega-3 fats.

Is it OK to eat a lot of granola bars? ›

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.

Are Nature Valley products healthy? ›

Eating one Nature Valley Granola Bar every day as a snack can be a healthy choice as part of a balanced diet, as long as it is consumed in moderation and not in addition to other high calorie snacks.

Are Nature Valley granola bars healthy? ›

Honestly, a lot of Nature Valley's granola bar products are packed with added sugar, which is totally OK to enjoy once in a while, but be sure to check the nutrition label if you're looking for something less sugary to enjoy on the daily.

Do granola bars count as junk food? ›

Often touted for their whole grain goodness, most granola bars are sticky-sweet junk food in disguise. Don't let a few oats fool you — especially when you also see marshmallows and chocolate chips. Instead: If granola bars are a must-have, choose one with 6 grams of sugar or less per bar, and hopefully some fibre.

What happened to Quaker granola bars? ›

In December, the Quaker Oates Company recalled certain granola bars and cereals over possible salmonella contamination. Then in January, the company expanded the recall, adding about two dozen more products to the list.

How do you keep granola bars from falling apart? ›

If your granola bars are falling apart or seem too crumbly, here are a few tips. Make sure you use honey or another sticky sweetener such as maple syrup in the liquid part of the recipe; this recipe calls for honey. This will help bind together the ingredients and keep that signature bar shape.

What are natural binders for protein bars? ›

Peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower seed, and pumpkin seed are all great options. Another great addition is dried fruit, which sweetens up your bar with naturally occurring sugars while providing fiber and vitamins—plus chewiness and binding.

What is a good binder for protein bars? ›

Overall, raisins are an excellent binder that perform well when used in protein bar applications and could be used as a binder in many other applications. BENCHTOP PROCESSING METHOD: In a food processor or buffalo chopper, blend whole raisins, half the nuts, all the egg white, salt, vanilla, and yogurt powder.

What foods can be used as a binder? ›

Binding Agents: In a Nutshell
  • Cracker crumbs.
  • Eggs.
  • Evaporated milk.
  • Gelatin.
  • Ground flax.
  • Guar gum.
  • Oatmeal.
  • Milk.
Aug 17, 2021

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