Homemade Superfood Energy Bars Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What should be avoided in energy bars? ›

The more additives you see — particularly excess sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol), which can cause gastric distress — the less likely the bar is to deserve the “healthy” moniker. Palm oils, soy protein isolate and so-called natural flavors are also red flags.

If you're eating it as a meal replacement, it should have no more than 4 grams of added sugars and 4 grams of saturated fat per bar. If you're eating it as a snack, choose bars with no more than 2 grams of added sugar or 2 grams of saturated fat per bar.

Kept dry and tightly wrapped, these energy bars will keep at room temperature for weeks, months even. Just don't let them get too hot in your car or wherever, because they will melt, just like any other energy bar.

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

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

Avoid any bars with palm oil or kernel oil (often included in bars coated with chocolate) Sugar. If sugar, sucrose or high fructose corn syrup is the main ingredient, don't buy it. Also avoid sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol and maltitol—they cause bloating and gas and have a laxative effect.

Energy bars are supplemental bars containing cereals, micronutrients, and flavor ingredients intended to supply quick food energy. Because most energy bars contain added protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and other nutrients, they may be marketed as functional foods.

They contain excessive sugar and calories.

That may be OK for athletes who burn lots of calories in high-intensity activities, like competitive cycling. But for many teens the extra sugar and calories just contribute to weight gain, not to mention tooth decay.

Energy bars often contain a higher carbohydrate content, making them an ideal choice for quick energy before a workout or a long cycling trip. Protein bars, however, have higher protein content, making them a better choice for post-workout recovery as protein assists in muscle repair and growth.

Stir oats, chocolate chips, flax meal, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, and salt together in a bowl. Roll into 24 balls and refrigerate until firm, at least 30 minutes.

Can you live off energy bars? ›

"They may think that these bars are better than food. But there are ingredients in foods that are missing from these bars. Just as you wouldn't want to live only on peaches or only on tuna sandwiches, you need a lot more in your diet than just energy bars."

Can I freeze energy bars? Yes, you can freeze these healthy energy bars! To do so, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer baggie. Press out all of the air and then store in the freezer until ready to eat.

Research and development costs include conducting taste tests, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and ensuring that the bar meets specific nutritional standards. These costs are then passed on to the consumer, resulting in a higher price for the final product.

Sure, they may be packed with vitamins and minerals, but energy bars are often loaded with sweeteners that can cause drastic fluctuations in energy levels, especially if you're eating them as a snack and not to power through a workout.

I've made a lot of granola bars over the years and have tried everything from honey to maple syrup to bind them together. In the end, I've settled on one product that works like a charm: brown rice syrup. Brown rice syrup is special because it is versatile.

SUMMARY. Don't let “natural flavors” fool you into purchasing granola bars that are actually full of added sugars. The list of hidden ingredients to avoid includes sugar alcohols and fractionated palm kernel oil.

Many energy bars provide nothing more than a quick boost of carbs and sugar, often with high fat and saturated fats thrown in. They have all of the nutritional value of a regular chocolate bar — and we wouldn't recommend swapping your lunch for that.

Energy drinks are loaded with sugar. One typical energy drink contains 54 g to 62 g of added sugar. For reference, The American Heart Association recommends that women have about 24 g of added sugar per day and men 36 g of added sugar daily. So, just one energy drink can exceed that amount.