Are granola bars actually good for you?

Because health, what is good for us, and taste preferences are all subjective, it’s tough to say that granola bars are a good choice for everyone across the board. “Granola bars can be a great addition to anyone’s daily eats. Those who have busy schedules (who doesn’t have one of those?!) can really benefit,” says Godwin. In addition to those with busy schedules, granola bars can offer convenience and nutrition to a wide assortment of people. Kids can benefit from the whole grain oats in granola bars at snack time, as they contribute fiber and B vitamins. “For the kiddos, these are great to have at home for an after-school snack or a pick-me-up before or after sports.” continues Godwin. People with variable schedules can benefit from them since a granola bar can offer them a bridge to their next meal. Overall, most people can benefit from the fiber from granola bars. The bars that contain high-fiber carbohydrates from oats, as well as a source of protein, can help stabilize blood sugar between meals. However, there are other ways to get this combination of nutrients from different foods if granola bars don’t appeal to you or aren’t accessible.

How many granola bars should you eat in a day?

There is no single answer that will be “right” for every person when it comes to food and eating since it’s such a personal experience. Not every person has the same nutrient needs, schedule, hunger and fullness levels, accessibility, and taste and texture preferences. In general, you want to look at enjoyment, the overall variety of food for the day, and your eating schedule. If you enjoy granola bars and want to include them in your day, one bar can typically fit into the day consistently while still allowing for variety from other meals and snacks. If your schedule has long stretches of time between meals, you may need something more substantial than a granola bar to bridge the gap between meals. In addition, some days you may feel hungrier than others and might need multiple granola bars, or a granola bar paired with another food, to feel full and satisfied. “[Granola bars] are great to pair with fruit, a smoothie, or some yogurt for a balanced snack that will provide sustained energy,” says Godwin.

Can granola bars replace a meal?

In a pinch, a few granola bars can take the place of a meal. However, if they replaced a meal regularly, you may run the risk of not eating enough as well as not meeting other nutrient needs. “Granola bars should not replace a meal—they simply don’t provide enough energy. Granola bars usually provide us with some carbs, protein, and fats (depending on the type),” says Godwin. Granola bars can serve as a high-fiber carbohydrate component of a meal, however. For instance, if you had something like black bean soup or a salad with chicken, a granola bar could be added to the meal to round out the amount of food and carbohydrates. Granola bars can be paired with yogurt and fruit or eggs for a smaller meal or snack.

The 12 Best Granola Bars of 2023

There is no official definition of what can be called a granola bar, but Merriam-Webster defines them as “A bar made of a mixture of oats and other ingredients (such as brown sugar, raisins, coconut, or nuts) that is eaten as a snack.” The options of granola bars continue to change, and there are not only more options but a much wider variety of flavors and textures.

“The biggest benefit, in my opinion, is the flexibility of a granola bar. They do not have to be kept cold or hot, you don’t have to use utensils to eat them, and they stay fresh for an extended period. Granola bars are a great snack to throw in your backpack, purse, or desk and forget about them!” says Tiffany Godwin, RD, LD, the director of clinical nutrition at Connections Wellness Group.

As a registered dietitian, I recommend granola bars for busy clients of all ages, including kids and families. I look for granola bars that have a variety of flavors and textures, contain whole grain oats as one of the first two ingredients, offer enough calories to be a satisfying stand-alone snack or as a component of a meal, and contain a blood sugar-stabilizing mixture of high-fiber carbohydrate and protein. While added sugar varies, none of these bars have sugar as the first ingredient, meaning that oats and nuts or seeds make up a larger percentage of the bar. If you’re looking at a Nutrition Facts label, the general guidance for granola bars is at least 200 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of protein.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

RXBAR AM Protein Bar Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter at Amazon

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Best Budget:

KIND Healthy Grains Oats & Honey Bar at Amazon

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Best Allergy-Friendly:

Enjoy Life Sunseed Crunch Chewy Bars at Walmart

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Best Organic:

Cascadian Farm Oats and Honey Granola Bar at Amazon

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Best Gluten-Free:

88 Acres Cinnamon & Oats Granola Bar at Amazon

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Best Vegan:

Clif Bar Oatmeal Raisin Walnut at Amazon

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Best for Athletes:

PROBAR Blueberry Muffin Meal Bar at Amazon

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Best for Kids:

GoMacro Protein Bars at Amazon

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Best High-Protein:

Over Easy Breakfast Bars at Amazon

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Best High-fiber:

This Bar Saves Lives Madagascar Vanilla and Honey at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

Amazon

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Pros

Large enough to be a snack on its own
Oats are first ingredient
Balanced protein, carbohydrates, fat

Cons

Not suitable for vegan diets
Has honey as an added sweetener

Because it’s packed with rolled oats, the Honey Cinnamon Peanut Butter RX Bar A.M. delivers two nutrients that can help you feel full—fiber and protein. The protein is mainly from egg whites, which may be preferable for people who opt for less-processed protein sources. However, because it contains egg white, it’s not suitable for anyone who doesn’t eat animal products or has an egg allergy.

Aside from eggs, these bars also contain peanuts and wouldn't be safe for those with peanut allergies. While other RX Bars are sweetened with dates, the A.M. bars have honey, so they do have more added sugar than other varieties. However, the added sweetener means it can be a great post-workout snack to help restore muscle glycogen.

One of the reasons we gravitate toward these bars is their size. It can be tough to find a granola bar that makes you feel immediately satisfied and keeps you satisfied. While the flavor and texture of these bars can easily be paired with other food to offer a more substantial snack, at 230 calories, they offer more substance than many granola bars on the market. Additionally, the mixture of oats, peanuts, and egg whites creates a balance of high-fiber carbohydrates, fat, and protein that can also help keep hunger at bay for longer on busy days.

Price at time of publication: $22 ($1.85 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 230 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 10g | Carbs: 29g | Fiber: 4g | Added Sugar: 12g | Sodium: 170mg}

Amazon

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Pros

Multiple whole grains in addition to oats
Lower in added sugar
Chewy and crunchy texture

Cons

Lower in fiber
Lower in calories

Granola bars are typically either chewy or crunchy in texture, but the KIND Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut offers both textures in one bar. Part of this interesting texture is due to the fact that the bar integrates whole grains like buckwheat, millet, amaranth, and quinoa in addition to oats. The tapioca syrup and cane sugar help hold these granola bars together while still being on the lower end of added sugar, 6 grams per bar.

Because these bars are smaller in size, they may not be a satisfying snack on their own. The smaller size also means they aren’t able to pack in as much of the nutrient-rich ingredients, which means they are also lower in fiber and protein than other bars. Honey delivers sweetness and flavor to the bar, but it also means that it’s not suitable for people who don’t eat animal products.

Price at time of publication: $36 ($0.90 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 150 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 23g | Fiber: 2g | Added Sugar: 6g | Sodium: 95mg}

Walmart

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Pros

Free from common food allergens
Low in added sugar
School Safe certified

Cons

Lower in fiber
Lower in protein

Finding a granola bar that is safe for people with peanut or tree nut allergies can be tough since nuts are commonly added for flavor, texture, and protein. Additionally, many schools do not allow peanut products in lunches and snacks. The Enjoy Life Sunseed Crunch Chewy Bars are guaranteed free from 14 common allergens, including peanuts. They’re also certified School Safe, meaning they contain no peanuts or tree nuts.

These bars are relatively small, which means they are lower in fiber and protein than many other bars. Texture-wise, these bars are soft, with crunchy puffed grains throughout. The first ingredient for these bars is sunflower seed spread. The flavor is relatively neutral, with no one strong flavor standing out. f

Price at time of publication: $42 ($1.40 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 140 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 4.5g | Carbs: 23g | Fiber: 2g | Added Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 95mg}

Amazon

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Pros

Made in peanut-free facility
3 grams of fiber per bar
Lower in added sugar

Cons

Lower in protein

If you’re looking for a certified organic granola bar, Cascadian Farms Oats and Honey bars offer a classic granola bar that is made from organic ingredients. This is a basic granola bar recipe using mostly oats and sweetener to stick the oats together. The oats help provide 3 grams of fiber per bar. The bars are also lower in added sugar than many bars, with only 5 grams of added sugar.

Because the bars are smaller, they don’t provide enough energy for most people for a snack. They are also lower in protein, with 2 grams per bar. Pairing a bar with something like yogurt, cheese, or nuts can add enough calories and protein to help create a satisfying snack. If you’re packing these in a peanut-free school lunch or have a peanut allergy, the bars do not contain peanut products and are made in a peanut-free facility.

Price at time of publication: $27 ($0.90 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 140 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 24g | Fiber: 3g | Added Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 55mg}

Amazon

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Pros

Certified gluten-free oats
7 grams of protein
More filling snack

Cons

Expensive

There are many reasons we love these bars, but the great flavor and texture are at the top of the list. We like that the 88 Acres Cinnamon Maple Seed + Oat Bars get their flavor from pure maple syrup and cinnamon rather than added artificial or natural flavorings. So, the flavor is subtle and true to the ingredients. The texture is somewhere in between a classic granola bar and a denser energy bar due to a mixture of seeds added to the oats.

The bars are gluten-free and use certified gluten-free oats, making them a safe snack option for those with celiac disease and gluten intolerances. Because a mixture of seeds and oats are the first ingredients, the bars naturally deliver 7 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 11 grams of fat, making them a nutritionally balanced and satisfying snack choice.

Additionally, they are on the larger end of granola bars and offer 200 calories, making it more likely one bar can be a satisfying snack on its own. With a higher percentage of more expensive ingredients, like seeds and certified gluten-free oats, note these bars are a bit pricier than some other options.

Price at time of publication: $24 ($2 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 200 | Protein: 7g | Fat: 11g | Carbs: 21g | Fiber: 3g | Added Sugar: 6g | Sodium: 110mg}

Amazon

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Pros

Higher in protein
More filling snack option
5 grams fiber

Cons

Higher in added sugar
Contains tree nuts and soy

The Oatmeal Raisin Walnut Clif Bar includes rolled oats as the first ingredient, giving it 5 grams of fiber per bar. This is also a larger bar and makes for a more satisfying snack overall. In addition to packing in more fiber, it also contains 10 grams of protein and 250 calories, making it a satisfying stand-alone snack for many people. The larger size does mean it also contains more added sugar. In fact, it’s one of the highest in added sugar at 14 grams per bar, which could make it a good choice post-workout to help restore muscle glycogen or as a snack during a hike or long bike ride.

Texture-wise, this bar is soft and holds together well. It travels well and doesn’t tend to crumble even when dropped to the bottom of a bag. The flavor is similar to an oatmeal raisin cookie. Because the bars contain both walnuts and soy, people with allergies to these foods should choose another bar. Additionally, this bar wouldn’t be allowed in schools that don’t allow tree nuts.

Price at time of publication: $14 ($1.17 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 250 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 43g | Fiber: 5g | Added Sugar: 14g | Sodium: 190mg}

Amazon

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Pros

Higher calories
10 grams protein
More filling snack

Cons

Expensive

PRO Bars are some of the largest, highest-calorie bars, making them more likely to be a satisfying snack on their own. The Nutrition Facts are labeled for both a half-bar serving and a full-bar serving. Because of this, the bar is higher in protein and fiber than many other bars but also higher in added sugar than smaller bars. Each full bar contains 12 grams of added sugar. It can be a great snack option when going on a hike or a long bike ride, or skiing all day.

The Blueberry Muffin Meal On-the-go PRO Bar contains rolled oats, allowing it into the granola bar category. The rolled oats, along with the assortment of nuts and seeds, contribute to the six grams of fiber per bar. The 10 grams of protein per bar comes from nuts, seeds, and nut butter, and the bar is also certified organic.

Because of the larger size, this bar might be ideal for someone wanting a nutritious, larger snack. It can also be convenient for someone who likes to break a snack up into two parts, as the larger bar can provide two smaller snacks. Texture-wise, this is a chewy bar that has larger chunks of nuts and seeds. Because of its larger size and organic ingredients, it is one of the more expensive bars.

Price at time of publication: $30 ($2.50 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 400 | Protein: 10g | Fat: 21g | Carbs: 44g | Fiber: 6g | Added Sugar: 12g | Sodium: 140mg}

Amazon

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Pros

Non-crumbly texture
More filling snack
12 grams of protein

Cons

Expensive
Higher in added sugar

We like that the first ingredient in GoMacro Heartwarming Retreat Oatmeal Chocolate Chip bars is sunflower seed butter, followed by an organic protein blend and oats. Each of these first ingredients contributes to the 12 grams of protein in every bar. Each bar also clocks in at 270 calories and has 3 grams of fiber, making this a more satisfying, stand-alone snack for many people.

The texture of the bars is very chewy, and they hold up well for travel or carrying in a backpack. The texture also allows half the bar to be saved, which is convenient for kids who may have varying appetites. The ingredient list is free of many common allergens, including tree nuts, and the oats are gluten-free. However, the bars are manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts, so they may not be suitable for someone with a severe allergy to these foods.

Price at time of publication: $26 ($2.17 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 270 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 35g | Fiber: 3g | Added Sugar: 12g | Sodium: 60mg}

Amazon

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Pros

11 grams of protein
Higher in fiber
More filling snack

Cons

Expensive
Not suitable for vegans

The Over Easy Peanut Butter Breakfast Bar provides more of a classic granola bar texture but with an extra boost of protein from egg whites. The oats, peanuts, and peanut butter also help elevate the total protein per bar to 11 grams. At 230 calories, the bar is more likely to be able to serve as a stand-alone snack and feel satisfying.

Each bar offers 6 grams of fiber from a mixture of oats, peanuts, and added tapioca fiber. The added fiber can be helpful for some, but note for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or who find themselves sensitive to added fibers for other reasons it may not be the best choice. Also, note the price point of these bars is higher than many others. Because they contain eggs and honey, they are not suitable for those who do not eat animal products.

Price at time of publication: $33 ($2.75 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 230 | Protein: 11g | Fat: 11g | Carbs: 24g | Fiber: 6g | Added Sugar: 8g | Sodium: 85mg}

Amazon

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Pros

Contains prebiotic fiber
Lower in added sugars
Supports organizations to end childhood hunger

Cons

Added fiber source may not be best for some

If you’re looking for chewy granola bars with a little crunch and lots of texture, the This Bar Saves Lives Madagascar Vanilla & Honey bars deliver. The flavor is well-balanced, and each bar contains only 5 grams of added sugar—less than many others on the market. Each bar delivers an impressive 8 grams of fiber—29% of the Daily Value.

Some of this fiber comes from oats, almonds, and flaxseeds, and some come from the addition of inulin. Inulin can be irritating for some people with IBS and others who are sensitive to it. For others, it may offer digestive benefits and is considered a prebiotic.

The bars do not contain peanuts, but they do contain almonds, so they wouldn’t be appropriate for schools that don’t allow tree nuts. They also contain honey, which may not be suitable for those who don’t eat animal products. Each purchase of This Bar Saves Lives bars sends food to a child in need via several giving partners.

Price at time of publication: $23 ($1.92 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 170 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 23g | Fiber: 8g | Added Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 85mg}

Taos Bakes

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Pros

Higher in protein
Texture similar to grain bars
4 grams fiber

Cons

Expensive

While granola bars are technically based on whole grains—usually oats—the Taos Bakes Pinon Coffee + DK Chocolate bar offers a grain-free option that delivers the texture of oat-based bars. Because this bar is based on almonds and contains pine nuts and chia seeds, it is higher in protein, with 9 grams per bar. These same ingredients also contribute 4 grams of fiber per bar, even more than some oat-based bars.

Because the bar contains a larger percentage of expensive ingredients like nuts and seeds, these bars come at a higher price point than some oat-based bars. While the bars do not contain peanuts, the website does note that they are processed in a facility that uses peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame seeds. The bars also contain coffee. The small caffeine boost could be a bonus for some people but may not be appropriate for kids or those who are sensitive to caffeine.

Price at time of publication: $30 ($2.50 per bar)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 210 | Protein: 9g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 17g | Fiber: 4g | Added Sugar: 11g | Sodium: 54mg}

Amazon

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Pros

Flexible portion size
6 grams protein per serving
Lower in added sugar

Cons

Not single-serving size
Not suitable for vegans

If bars aren’t your preference, or you like to change things up, the Peanut Butter and Honey Bear Naked Bites are a great option. They contain the same mixture of whole-grain oats, nuts, and seeds that many other granola bars do but come in bite-sized pieces. Because of this, you can adjust the portion to fit your needs at the time or pair it with other snack foods. However, that also means they come in a large bag with several servings inside and may not be so convenient to carry around on the go.

Because they’re based on oats, nuts, and seeds, each portion provides 6 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. They contain 5 grams of added sugar per serving, which is on the lower end for granola bars. They contain peanuts, so aren’t suitable for those with peanut allergies or for packing for schools that don’t allow peanut products. They also contain honey and may not be appropriate for people who don’t eat animal products.

Price at time of publication: $45 ($1.50 per serving)

^{Key Specs:
Calories: 170 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 20g | Fiber: 3g | Added Sugar: 5g | Sodium: 160mg}

How We Selected the Best Granola Bars

Our dietitian, Tiffany Godwin, RD, LD, director of clinical nutrition at Connections Wellness Group in Denton, Texas, has worked with clients in her private practice for 13 years, helping them discover what food choices work best for them and help them feel their individual best. She spent over 15 hours researching current granola bar options and tasting each bar that was chosen. She interviewed registered dietitians who work with individuals and families and specialize in helping their clients choose foods that will fit into their schedules, make them feel good, and taste great. We also consulted Samina Qureshi, RDN, a irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gut health expert in Houston, Texas.

The initial bars were chosen based on meeting general nutrition and ingredient criteria. In order to be included, bars needed to have at least 150 calories, 3 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of protein, in addition to having whole grain oats come before sugar in the ingredient list. The bars that fit these criteria were then tasted for texture and flavor to ensure they tasted like the packaging described and also stayed in one piece during shipping/eating.

What to Look for in a Granola Bar

Ingredients

The components of granola bars can vary a lot depending on the flavor, texture, and purpose. Generally, a granola bar needs to have oats in it to be considered as such. Because ingredients are listed in order of what is used in the largest to smallest quantities, looking for bars that list oats, fruit, nuts, and seeds near the beginning of the ingredient list will yield a more nutrient-rich bar.

While ingredients like oats, nuts, and seeds do contribute protein to a granola bar, some companies add additional protein in the form of protein powder or high-protein food ingredients, like egg whites.

It’s important to check the ingredient list to see where the protein in a bar is coming from, as some protein sources will not be suitable for those who do not eat animal products. In addition, many granola bars do use nuts or nut butters in the ingredients, so check labels for any potential allergens since ingredients not only vary by brand but also by individual flavor.

Protein

Depending on the size of a granola bar, the potential for how much protein it can contain from ingredients besides protein powder varies. One-quarter cup of whole-grain oats contains a little over 2.5 grams of protein, and 2 tablespoons of peanuts contain roughly 2 grams of protein.

So, if a bar doesn’t have added protein powder, but includes rolled oats and nuts or seeds, expecting 3 to 4 grams of protein, depending on the size of the bar, is realistic. Since protein sources can vary from isolated protein powders to egg whites, the amount of added protein varies widely, too. In general, granola bars with a concentrated source of protein added have closer to 10 grams of protein per bar.

Fiber

Some of the most common granola bar ingredients, like rolled oats, nuts and seeds, and fruit, all naturally contain fiber. Like protein, the amount of fiber that can come from naturally occurring fiber in ingredients depends on the size of the bar.

One-quarter cup of whole grain oats contains 2 grams of fiber, 2 tablespoons of peanuts contain 1.5 grams of fiber, and 1 tablespoon of raisins contains slightly less than half a gram of fiber.

If a bar doesn’t contain added isolated fiber but does contain rolled oats, nuts or seeds, and fruit, it’s realistic to expect at least 3 grams of fiber. If they contain added fibers, the fiber amount can range from 6 to 9 grams per bar. Some bars do include added isolated fibers, such as inulin, chicory root, or tapioca fiber.

Samina Qureshi, RDN, an irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gut health expert, warns that for people with IBS, the bars with added fiber may not be the best option. She says, “I primarily recommend granola bars without added fiber like chicory root or inulin because they can trigger IBS symptoms like bloating, gas, or diarrhea.”

While added fibers may not be a good fit for some, for others, inulin, specifically, is being studied for its prebiotic properties and ability to reduce constipation.

Carbohydrates and Sugar

Because granola bars are based on oats (a whole grain), they will contain carbohydrates. Checking the ingredient list to see that oats are the first or second ingredient in a bar and that oats come before sugar in the ingredient list ensures that there will be more oats than sugar in the bar. This can be a simple way of choosing a bar with more fiber and protein from rolled oats and less added sugar.

Dried fruit will also contribute carbohydrates and sugar to a granola bar. However, unless the fruit is dried with added sugar, its sugar will not show up as added sugar on the Nutrition Facts label. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest that no more than 10% of your total energy intake come from added sugars—about 16 teaspoons or 64 grams for someone eating around 2500 calories.

Taste and Satiety

Because granola bars are based on oats, the texture of most bars may be similar to an extent. However, what binds the oats together to form a bar varies and can affect the texture, flavor, and how satisfying the bar is.

The texture of bars can be affected by the protein source of bars, whether the protein is coming from a larger amount of oats, nuts and seeds, protein powder, or a protein-rich food like egg whites. Granola bar flavors range from fruit-forward flavors to coffee and tea-flavored bars. The nutrition of bars can change depending on the flavor, so it’s important to read the labels if you’re looking for something specific.

Additionally, the size of bars varies widely, and many bars are not enough to be a satisfying snack on their own. When it comes to how satisfying a bar is—both the eating experience and how long it helps to hold hunger at bay—bars that offer more calories and combine high fiber carbohydrate, protein, and fat are likely to keep you fuller for longer and yield a more satisfying eating experience. “Granola bars are a convenient and shelf-stable option for bridging the gap between meals,” says Qureshi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are granola bars actually good for you?

Because health, what is good for us, and taste preferences are all subjective, it’s tough to say that granola bars are a good choice for everyone across the board. “Granola bars can be a great addition to anyone’s daily eats. Those who have busy schedules (who doesn’t have one of those?!) can really benefit,” says Godwin. In addition to those with busy schedules, granola bars can offer convenience and nutrition to a wide assortment of people.
Kids can benefit from the whole grain oats in granola bars at snack time, as they contribute fiber and B vitamins. “For the kiddos, these are great to have at home for an after-school snack or a pick-me-up before or after sports.” continues Godwin. People with variable schedules can benefit from them since a granola bar can offer them a bridge to their next meal.
Overall, most people can benefit from the fiber from granola bars. The bars that contain high-fiber carbohydrates from oats, as well as a source of protein, can help stabilize blood sugar between meals. However, there are other ways to get this combination of nutrients from different foods if granola bars don’t appeal to you or aren’t accessible.
How many granola bars should you eat in a day?

There is no single answer that will be “right” for every person when it comes to food and eating since it’s such a personal experience. Not every person has the same nutrient needs, schedule, hunger and fullness levels, accessibility, and taste and texture preferences.
In general, you want to look at enjoyment, the overall variety of food for the day, and your eating schedule. If you enjoy granola bars and want to include them in your day, one bar can typically fit into the day consistently while still allowing for variety from other meals and snacks.
If your schedule has long stretches of time between meals, you may need something more substantial than a granola bar to bridge the gap between meals. In addition, some days you may feel hungrier than others and might need multiple granola bars, or a granola bar paired with another food, to feel full and satisfied. “[Granola bars] are great to pair with fruit, a smoothie, or some yogurt for a balanced snack that will provide sustained energy,” says Godwin.
Can granola bars replace a meal?

In a pinch, a few granola bars can take the place of a meal. However, if they replaced a meal regularly, you may run the risk of not eating enough as well as not meeting other nutrient needs. “Granola bars should not replace a meal—they simply don’t provide enough energy. Granola bars usually provide us with some carbs, protein, and fats (depending on the type),” says Godwin.
Granola bars can serve as a high-fiber carbohydrate component of a meal, however. For instance, if you had something like black bean soup or a salad with chicken, a granola bar could be added to the meal to round out the amount of food and carbohydrates. Granola bars can be paired with yogurt and fruit or eggs for a smaller meal or snack.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Willow Jarosh, MS, RD, CIEC, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor with a master’s degree in Nutrition Communications from Tufts University. Willow sees patients in her private practice, where she focuses on helping each person discover what “healthy” means to them and always honoring the relationship between food and body. Willow also consults with the food industry to help them describe the attributes of their products without engaging diet culture messaging and is the author of "Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook."

The Best Meal Replacement Bars, Recommended By a Dietitian