Healthy Breakfast Bars: 16 Store-Bought and Homemade Options
On busy mornings, it can be challenging to prepare a healthy breakfast. Grabbing a breakfast bar can be a convenient and nutritious option when you’re in a rush. The following are 16 store-bought and homemade breakfast bars that are healthy and quick. These products focus on natural, whole ingredients and limit unhealthy additives.
Store-Bought Breakfast Bars
KIND Dark Chocolate Cocoa Breakfast Bars
Just two of these nutritious bars have 22 grams of whole grains from a blend of oats, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, and quinoa. Whole grains have been linked to numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease.
* Calories: 220 per 2 bars (50g)
* Fat: 8g
* Protein: 4g
* Carbs: 33g
* Sugar: 11g
* Fiber: 5g
Kashi Honey Almond Flax Chewy Granola Bars
With healthy fats from almonds and flax seeds, Kashi’s honey almond flax chewy granola bars are a nutritious option to start your day. In fact, one bar provides 300 mg of the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is almost 20% of the Daily Value (DV).
* Calories: 140 per 1 bar (35g)
* Fat: 5g
* Protein: 3g
* Carbs: 23g
* Sugar: 7g
* Fiber: 3g
RXBAR Coconut Chocolate
RXBAR products are loaded with protein from egg whites and nuts, making them a satisfying option for breakfast on the run. Eating a protein-rich breakfast has been associated with increased fullness and fewer food cravings throughout the day, which may aid weight loss.
* Calories: 210 per 1 bar (52g)
* Fat: 9g
* Protein: 12g
* Carbs: 23g
* Sugar: 13g
* Fiber: 5g
NuGo Slim Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars
These bars are a low-sugar, high-protein choice for breakfast. Unlike many other store-bought bars, NuGo Slim contains no hydrogenated vegetable oils and thus no trans fats, which have been linked to increased inflammation and a higher risk of heart disease.
* Calories: 180 per 1 bar (45g)
* Fat: 7g
* Protein: 17g
* Carbs: 18g
* Sugar: 3g
* Fiber: 7g
L’rabar Apple Pie
Made with dates, nuts, and fruit, L’rabar products are known for their high fiber content and minimal number of ingredients. In fact, one apple pie L’rabar provides 15% of the DV for fiber. Fiber is vital for proper digestive health and regular bowel movements.
* Calories: 200 per 1 bar (45g)
* Fat: 9g
* Protein: 4g
* Carbs: 25g
* Sugar: 18g
* Fiber: 4g
That’s It Apple and Mango Bars
As their name suggests, That’s It apple and mango bars are made from just those two fruits. They’re fat-free, gluten-free, and contain no major allergens. What’s more, both apples and mangoes provide vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient that’s vital for immune strength and healthy skin.
* Calories: 100 per 1 bar (35g)
* Fat: 0g
* Protein: 0g
* Carbs: 27g
* Sugar: 23g
* Fiber: 3g
Blueberry Crisp Clif Bars
Clif Bars are an incredibly popular energy bar that also double as breakfast bars. In particular, their blueberry crisp flavor makes a great morning meal. Made with rolled oats, soy protein, and dried blueberries, these bars are rich in protein and fiber to keep you full and energized all morning long.
* Calories: 250 per 1 bar (68g)
* Fat: 5g
* Protein: 9g
* Carbs: 44g
* Sugar: 22g
* Fiber: 4g
Enjoy Life Chocolate Chip Banana Breakfast Ovals
Enjoy Life breakfast ovals contain no dairy, nuts, or gluten, and are free of most common allergens. In particular, the chocolate chip banana variety provides over 20 grams of whole grains per bar for stable energy levels all morning long.
* Calories: 220 per 1 bar (50g)
* Fat: 11g
* Protein: 3g
* Carbs: 29g
* Sugar: 10g
* Fiber: 3g
Perfect Bar Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter
High in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, Perfect Bars are a nutritionally balanced option to start your day. Peanut butter, the main ingredient in these bars, may provide additional benefits when eaten with breakfast.
* Calories: 320 per 1 bar (65g)
* Fat: 19g
* Protein: 15g
* Carbs: 25g
* Sugar: 18g
* Fiber: 3g
Luna Bar White Chocolate Macadamia
This flavorful bar, made by the same company that manufactures Clif Bars, is a sweet breakfast option that’s gluten-free and high in protein. The featured ingredient, macadamia nuts, are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats and have been shown to fight inflammation associated with heart disease.
* Calories: 200 per 1 bar (48g)
* Fat: 7g
* Protein: 8g
* Carbs: 27g
* Sugar: 8g
* Fiber: 3g
This Bar Saves Lives PBJ
This unique bar tastes just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Plus, This Saves Lives (also known as This Bar Saves Lives) claims that every purchase helps combat childhood malnutrition. What’s more, a single bar provides 7 grams of fiber, or 25% of the DV.
* Calories: 150 per 1 bar (40g)
* Fat: 6g
* Protein: 3g
* Carbs: 27g
* Sugar: 11g
* Fiber: 7g
Homemade Breakfast Bars
Homemade Baked Oatmeal Bars
Oatmeal bars are a healthy and delicious option for busy mornings. Plus, the beta-glucan fiber in oats can help fill you up and may even reduce high cholesterol levels. To make oatmeal bars, combine 3 cups (240g) of old-fashioned oats with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Whisk 1 cup (240ml) of milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup (120ml) of maple syrup. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined, then fold in 2 cups (280g) of blueberries. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Let cool before slicing into 12 bars.
* Calories: 131 per 1 bar
* Fat: 1g
* Protein: 4g
* Carbs: 24g
* Sugar: 9g
* Fiber: 3g
Homemade Fruit and Quinoa Breakfast Bars
Since it’s rich in fiber and protein, a quinoa-based bar gives you sustained energy levels to power through your morning. To make these one-of-a-kind breakfast bars, combine 1 cup (80g) of old-fashioned oats with 1 cup (185g) of cooked quinoa, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mash 2 bananas and mix in 1/2 cup (128g) of peanut butter, 1/4 cup (60g) of pumpkin seeds, and 3 tablespoons (45ml) of honey. Add the wet ingredients to the oat and quinoa mixture, then stir in 1/3 cup (40g) of dried cherries. Spread the batter in a lined 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F (177°C). Slice into 9 bars.
* Calories: 259 per 1 bar
* Fat: 10g
* Protein: 8g
* Carbs: 35g
* Sugar: 11g
* Fiber: 4g
Homemade Chocolate Black Bean Bars
Adding black beans to homemade breakfast bars is a great way to boost your protein and fiber intake. What’s more, these beans are rich in antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress in your body, which is linked to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. You can make chocolate black bean bars with 1 can of black beans, 1 scoop (39g) of chocolate protein powder, 2 tablespoons (8g) of cocoa powder, 1/2 cup (120ml) of maple syrup, 3 tablespoons (45ml) of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon (15ml) of vanilla. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth, then transfer to a greased 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking dish. Spread out the batter and press chocolate chips into the top, if desired. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 16-18 minutes before slicing into 9 bars.
* Calories: 155 per 1 bar
* Fat: 5g
* Protein: 6g
* Carbs: 22g
* Sugar: 12g
* Fiber: 4g
Homemade Five-Ingredient Granola Bars
Most store-bought granola bars contain oats, dried fruit, and nuts or nut butters, a combination that’s easily replicable at home. Making breakfast bars at home also gives you greater control over the ingredients. This way, you can easily avoid excess sugar and unnecessary preservatives. Whip up a batch of these 5-ingredient bars by combining 2 cups (160g) of old-fashioned oats with 1/2 cup (120g) of creamy peanut butter, 2 beaten eggs, 1/3 cup (80ml) of maple syrup or honey, and 1/3 cup (40g) of dried cranberries. Spread the mixture into a greased 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking dish and bake for 12-15 minutes at 350°F (177°C). Let cool completely before slicing into 9 squares.
* Calories: 226 per 1 bar
* Fat: 9g
* Protein: 7g
* Carbs: 31g
* Sugar: 15g
* Fiber: 3g
Homemade Almond Butter White Bean Bars
Bars made from white beans and almond butter are loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and can be prepped in bulk for busy mornings. Start by blending or pulsing 1/2 cup (40g) of old-fashioned oats into a flour. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 can of drained, rinsed cannellini white beans, 1/2 cup (120ml) of honey, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup (64g) of creamy almond butter. Blend until smooth, then transfer to a greased 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking dish. Press 1/4 cup (44g) of chocolate chips in the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (177°C), let cool, and slice into 9 bars.
* Calories: 163 per 1 bar
* Fat: 4g
* Protein: 5g
* Carbs: 28g
* Sugar: 16g
* Fiber: 3g
The Bottom Line
Homemade or store-bought breakfast bars can serve as a nutritious choice on busy mornings. Plus, many of the ones on this list are gluten-free, high in protein, and low in sugar and fat. The next time you’re looking for a speedy, healthy breakfast, grab one of these bars to tide you over until lunchtime.
What are the benefits of consuming whole grains?
Whole grains have been linked to numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease.
What’s the main ingredient in RXBAR Coconut Chocolate and what are its benefits?
The main ingredients are egg whites and nuts, which provide protein, making them a satisfying option for breakfast that can aid in weight loss.
Why are NuGo Slim Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars a good choice for breakfast?
NuGo Slim bars are low in sugar, high in protein, and free from hydrogenated vegetable oils and trans fats.
What nutrient is crucial for digestive health and regular bowel movements, and how much fiber does one apple pie L’rabar bar provide?
Fiber is crucial for digestive health, and one apple pie L’rabar bar provides 4g, which is 15% of the Daily Value (DV).
What makes the That’s It Apple and Mango Bars free of common allergens?
These bars contain no dairy, nuts, or gluten, and are free of most common allergens.
How do Perfect Bars provide not just energy but also health benefits?
Perfect Bars are high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, and peanut butter, the main ingredient, provides additional health benefits.
What ingredient are chocolate chips made from in the Luna Bar White Chocolate Macadamia?
The macadamia nuts are the key ingredient, rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats and beneficial for fighting inflammation associated with heart disease.
What does purchasing This Bar Saves Lives PBJ support?
Purchasing This Bar Saves Lives PBJ aids in combating childhood malnutrition, and it provides 7 grams of fiber, or 25% of the DV.
How does the beta-glucan in oats contribute to one’s health?
Beta-glucan fiber in oats can help fill you up and may reduce high cholesterol levels.
What makes the chocolate black bean bars nutritious?
Black beans are rich in antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress, which is linked to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases.
Can homemade breakfast bars be beneficial as alternatives to store-bought ones?
Yes, homemade breakfast bars are nutritious, gluten-free, high in protein, and low in sugar and fat, giving you greater control over the ingredients.
