Food and drinks packaged for kids are typically higher in sugar and lower in nutrition. While children usually need a few lunch box snacks to get them through the school day, the go-to granola bar is typically loaded with inflammatory oils, processed ingredients, and as much sugar as a candy bar. Let’s swap out those sugary snacks for healthier packaged options or homemade granola bars like the pumpkin spice version below.
Granola bars are often marketed as a healthy snack for children, but most are loaded with processed sugar, unnecessary calories, and artificial ingredients. A popular favourite contains up to 15 g of refined sugar per serving! Some granola bar companies try to tap into the consumer trend towards healthy food choices by fortifying their bars with omega-3s and vitamins, but only in tiny amounts—and this can’t make up for the high sugar content. While these beloved snacks are undoubtedly quick and easy, they’re basically processed cookies masquerading as health food. It’s also important to look at the type of oils used in these packaged snack foods; most contain seed oils such as canola, soybean, and sunflower, which can lead to inflammation and other health issues when consumed in excess.
Are Granola Bars Good For You?
Good news! There are plenty of health-minded companies that now offer healthier granola bars. Many are high in fibre, made with whole ingredients like nuts and oats, and use nut butter or coconut oil instead of seed oils. Look for low-sugar bars that are also free from sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, and harmful preservatives. Here's our swaps for healthier, and some sugar-free granola bar options.
MADE GOOD—Chocolate Drizzled Granola Bars Cookie Crumble (Made with Whole Grains)
KIND SNACKS—Oats & Honey with Toasted Coconut Granola Bars (Wheat-Free)
SPROUT LIVING—Epic Protein (Plant Based) Protein Vanilla Lucuma (20 g of Protein)
SIMPLY ORGANIC—Pumpkin Spice (Sugar-Free)
It’s also surprisingly quick and easy to whip up a week’s worth of granola bars at home. This recipe incorporates fall flavours but can be tweaked to incorporate whichever flavours your child prefers.
- Mix oats, rice cereal, pumpkin seeds, spices, salt, and hemp seeds in a large bowl.
- Mix nut/seed butter, oil, vanilla, and maple syrup in a small sauce pot on the stovetop over low heat until slightly warm and easier to pour.
- Mix the warmed liquid mixture with the dry ingredients and stir well to combine.
- Pour mixture into an 8 x 8 parchment-lined baking pan and lightly press the mixture so it’s even.
- Place pan in the fridge for 1 hour until bars firm up, then cut into 10 bars and wrap each in parchment paper to store.
Keep in the fridge for up to 1 week.
