Four Homemade Granola Bar Ideas

Most consider granola bars to be a convenient and healthy snack as they enjoy their crunch and bite. These bars are a good source of fiber and protein and satiate sweet cravings and work as a snack between meals. Granola bars are not only convenient but also highly portable and budget-friendly, used as a light meal while traveling or working. However, processed and mass-produced granola bars contain more sugar, carbohydrates, artificial sweeteners, and fats which might not bring about the effect you expect from it. Granola bars are made of ingredients such as oats, dried fruits, seeds, nuts, honey, coconut, caramel, and chocolate. The nutritional value of granola bars is decided by the ingredients used. Generally, most commercial products are loaded with higher calories, thus the need for healthier homemade products arises. Let us take a look at four homemade granola bar ideas –

• The dates blend– The base for the first type of bars are dates, a natural sweet with lower sugar and fat levels. With dates as a base which can firmly hold the bar together with ingredients such as almonds, oats, and fruits or honey. This mix well and then are easily molded into bar forms and then are cooled to retain their shape. Oats and almonds can be roasted to add more flavors. There is no need to bake. This bar is quite healthy, keeps you full for a longer period of time, does not harm your sugar levels and serves as a perfect snack while managing your weight.
• Baked bars with low/no sugar – These bars are crispier but also drier. They require no dates and have less sugar overall. These can also be gluten-free by choosing the correct kind of oats and nuts. These also have a viability of up to five days. Ingredients such as coconut and dark chocolate can also be used. The method of preparation requires toasting oats and nuts and stirred with coconut oil with your ingredients. Then the paste is baked and cut accordingly. These can also serve as refreshments to your tea or coffee.
• Fruit-based bars – Fruits such as orange, cranberry, and lemon are used with sunflower seeds, coconut, and almond to make grain-free bar. These bars can use the pulp of these citruses and make a tangy and savory healthy bar. Many have preferences of not using modified grains and eat gluten-free, hence grain-less bars are
• Energy-packed granola bars – these are just perfect for growing children and can also be consumed during breakfast. The nutritional profile of these bars are quite high and they contain ingredients like dates, eggs, almonds, raisins, hazelnut, and dark chocolates. These bars are high in protein and fibre that is necessary for developing adults.

Footnote

Do try these simple yet nutritious granola bars at home and tell us which one is your favourite. Also, do share your recipes with us!