Nutrition bars have come a long way over the years. Once thought of as a grab-and-go meal replacement, bars have many roles, from filling in nutritional gaps, to being a good late-afternoon snack and boosting athletic performance.
We’ve researched ingredient lists, nutrient balance, sugar content and functional benefits of some of the latest and greatest bars so that we can recommend the healthiest, best choices for you.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Plant-Based Protein
Health Warrior Pumpkin Seed Bars are packed with nutrient-rich pumpkin seeds. The seeds are a good source of magnesium, which supports bone and heart health, to name a few benefits. The Dark Chocolate flavor contains 8 grams of plant-based protein with only 6 grams of added sugar. Made with simple ingredients, these tasty bars are a great snack option.
Supports Gut Health
This probiotic chocolate bar from Sunbiotics contains 10 billion active probiotics in each bar, plus prebiotic benefits with the addition of yacon root. Probiotics provide good bacteria that are essential to digestive and immune health, while prebiotics ensure the good bacteria are nourished and able to thrive. These bars are sweetened with coconut sugar, which has a low-glycemic index to keep blood-sugar levels in check.
For Athletic Performance
Performance bars from Shanti Bar are high in protein and formulated with a number of different functional foods. The Powerhouse contains spirulina, which is beneficial for muscular strength and endurance. The Recover contains turmeric, which fights inflammation and supports joint health. Other bars include Longevity and Vitality to support your specific workout or recovery needs.