Reaching for your water bottle and nutritional food, such as a natural energy bar, may instead help to deliver more prolonged energy.
Eating nutritious, balanced snacks between meals will help you maintain your energy levels the entire day. You might be tempted to grab an artificial energy drink or coffee to get through an afternoon slump; you don’t want to wind up with the subsequent “crash.”
According to the FDA, the term ‘natural’ means that nothing synthetic or artificial, including all color additives regardless of source, has been added to a food that would not normally be in that food. It is critical to understand that the phrase “natural” does not imply “USDA Certified Organic,” a controlled label with specified requirements.
Our natural energy bars are made with real, whole foods that provide carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you going between meals. We examined overall nutritional value, components, and flavor while selecting our top picks.
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Here are the top natural energy bars.
The product section may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.
Best Pick: RXBAR Protein Bars, Best Selling Variety Pack *
Pros
- Seasonal tastes are available in a wide range of flavors
- Most stores have it readily available
- Ingredients that are easy to find
- High protein content
Cons
- Dense texture
Thick texture may not be suited for all RX bars, but with a short, nutrient-packed ingredient list that includes egg whites, almonds, cashews, and dates, they take the best overall spot. Depending on the taste, bars have 12 grams of protein (from egg whites and nuts), 3-5 grams of fiber, and 7-9 grams of healthy fats (from almonds and cashews) to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
The natural flavors stated in the ingredients are derived from oils and extracts derived from spices, fruits, and plants rather than artificial flavorings. While these bars have a solid texture, they may not be the greatest choice if you prefer a softer, less chewy bar.
RX Bars are available in a variety of tastes to appeal to a wide range of palates, including Chocolate Sea Salt, Blueberry, Peanut Butter, Coconut Chocolate, and Mixed Berries. They also have seasonal flavors, so instead of a pumpkin spice latte with extra sugars, try a Pumpkin Spice RXBar.
Best Price: Earnest Eats chewy breakfast bars. 12 Pack *
Pros
- Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids
- Wheat-free
- Donates a percentage of sales
Cons
- There are only a few flavor possibilities
- Has 9 g of added sugar
Earnest Eats bars, made with whole rolled oats, almond butter, seeds, and nuts, are a terrific on-the-go breakfast or snack that is also inexpensive. They have a softer feel and are less dense than other energy bars on the market. There are 230 calories in each bar, as well as 11 grams of fat, 4 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of protein.
These bars contain 190 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lessen the risk of heart disease and improve brain function due to the walnuts they contain. They also contain whole grains, which provide fiber-rich carbs to provide a consistent supply of energy.
Missing breakfast can frequently lead to overeating later in the day, so have some of them in your luggage for mornings when you don’t have time to prepare a meal before leaving the house. This product also gives back: a portion of the proceeds go to the International Rescue Committee, a refugee aid organization.
At the time of publication, the price was $22 for a 12-count ($0.99 per ounce).
Rise of the Gluten-Free: Rise the Simplest Protein Bar 12 Pack*
Pros
- High protein content
- 3 basic elements
- Non-GMO
Cons
- A dense texture may not be liked by everyone
- Has 13 g of added sugar
Rise, The only components in Almond Honey Bars are almonds, honey, and whey protein isolate. Whey protein isolate is a protein that contains all nine necessary amino acids—amino acids that we must obtain from our diet because our bodies do not produce them. Whey isolate offers less lactose, fat, and carbs per serving than whey concentrate and higher protein.
These bars are a post-workout powerhouse, including 280 calories, 20 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat, and 4 grams of fiber per serving. The high protein content is ideal for muscle regeneration and recharging your body. Consider it a healthy protein shake in a bar, but without the unnecessary additives found in many pre-packaged shakes. Put this in your gym bag for a great post-workout energy boost.
No added sugar: Thunderbird Real Food Bar *
Pros
- Flavor combinations that are one-of-a-kind
- Non-GMO, employee-owned family business
Cons
- The gooey texture may not be acceptable for everyone
Thunderbird bars, which are slightly more expensive, check all the boxes: they are paleo, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and have no added sugar. They’re crafted with simple, healthful ingredients like fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, and extra virgin coconut oil. These natural food ingredients work together to deliver steady energy to propel you through strenuous workouts or those afternoons when you need a boost.
Almond Pecan Crunch has 230 calories, 16 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. Skip the cup of coffee and try their Coffee Maca taste as an afternoon snack. This bar includes 5 milligrams of caffeine per serving, unlike 95 mg in an 8-ounce cup of coffee, so you won’t experience a caffeine crash later in the day. Calories differ depending on the flavor (170-240).
Best Vegan: Bearded Brothers Vegan Organic Food Bar 12 Pack*
Pros
- Non-GMO and organic
- Ingredients that are easy to find
- Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids
Cons
- The portion size is small
Bearded Brothers Energy Bars are a terrific vegan choice that uses only natural ingredients. Each 180-calorie Blueberry Vanilla-flavored bar contains 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, making it the ideal snack.
Dried blueberries, dates, almonds, chia seeds, vanilla, and sea salt are among the outstanding ingredients. Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, containing fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and other minerals. Furthermore, blueberries have some of the greatest antioxidant levels of any fruit, neutralizing free radicals and safeguarding DNA.
To spice things up, try one of their distinctive flavors, such as the Ginger Peach, Vanilla Pecan, Almond Butter Chocolate, Raspberry Lemon, Coconut Mango, and Maca Chocolate are also included in the convenient variety pack.
Best Organic: GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Protein Bars 12 packs*
Pros
- Most stores have it readily available
- Such tastes include Low FODMAP compatible
- Non-GMO and organic
- a good source of protein
Cons
- Has 12 g of added sugar
- Fiber content is lower
The components in the GoMacro protein bars are nutritious, organic, and vegan and include seeds, nuts, nut butter, dried fruits, puffed rice, brown rice protein, and pea protein. With 280 calories, 2 grams of fiber, 11 grams of fat, and 11 grams of protein (peanut butter taste), these bars can keep you going between meals for longer.
The organic brown rice syrup is listed first on the ingredient list for this bar. This bar uses brown rice syrup as a natural sweetener and acts as a binder derived from the breakdown of cooked rice starches. Despite the fact that it is natural, it is still regarded as an added sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
GoMacro makes it simple to find a bar that suits your specific requirements. Their website has a feature that allows you to specify any dietary restrictions you may have. It will take you to the bars that meet your requirements, such as those that are nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, or fodmap friendly.
Best Taste: Larabar Gluten-Free Snack Bar 16 variety pack*
Pros
- Seasonal tastes are available in a wide range of flavors
- Each flavor should have no more than 9 ingredients
- Most stores have it readily available
Cons
- Has 10 g of added sugar
LARABARs include only two to eight components, depending on the bar, and they are all complete, natural foods. Dates, almonds, fruit, cocoa powder, coconut, vanilla essence, and sea salt are among the ingredients. All of the bars are sweetened with natural sources of sugar and fiber. Because natural sugars are digested with fiber, they are taken more slowly into your system, resulting in a lower blood sugar surge (and subsequent drop) than processed, concentrated sweets.
Make this bar your go-to for a sweet treat anytime you’re craving Cashew Cookie, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, or Cherry Pie. 210 calories, 25 grams of carb, 11 grams of fat, and 3 grams of protein are in the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough taste.
Finest Caffeinated: Quantum Organic Caffeinated Energy Square Caramel Almond Sea Salt 8 pack *
Pros
- High protein content
- Non-GMO
- The recipe was assisted by a pastry chef
Cons
- Many stores do not have it readily available
- Caffeine supplements may not be suited for everyone
Quantum Caffeinated Energy Squares provide 100 mg of caffeine per bar thanks to the usage of green coffee beans. This bar can be a terrific alternative to grabbing one cup of coffee or using pre-workout drinks as a constant energy source. If you use this as a midday snack, you’ll receive 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber.
MCT oil, or medium-chain triglyceride oil, is also included in these bars. While research on the possible advantages is equivocal, it is very popular among athletes.
How We Decided
We looked at a variety of goods with a majority of carbohydrates and fat, moderate protein, and appropriate fiber while determining the finest natural energy bars. Furthermore, we selected goods with predominantly simple ingredients, such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and natural sugars. When selecting the best natural energy bars, taste, affordability, and convenience were all taken into account.
Components to Look for in Natural Energy Bars
While choosing energy bars, make sure to read the nutrition label as well as the ingredient list. Look for simple ingredients such as entire foods such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and spices. Adhere to brief ingredient lists (10 or less), and keep in mind that the order in which the ingredients are listed represents the number of items in the product.
Sugar
Although natural bars may contain more sugar than others on the market, it is recommended to choose goods sweetened with natural sugars derived from dried fruits, such as dates. The recommended limit for added sugar is 25 grams per day for women and 37 grams per day for males. Assess how much-added sugar you consume from other foods and select goods with less than 15 grams of sugar.
Fiber and protein
To help you stay fuller for longer, choose bars with 5 grams of fiber and 3 – 5 grams of protein at the least.
Adults should consume 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day, according to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines. Many of us fall short of that goal, so seeking bars with greater fiber content can help.
Most individuals get their protein from other sources, but an energy bar with protein added will help you stay filled for longer!
What factors contribute to the nutritional value of an energy bar?
The nutrients in an energy bar are determined by the ingredients. Energy bars are a quick and easy method to fuel your busy lifestyle. Examine the food label when looking for a nutritional energy bar. Choose a bar with a brief list of common ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dried fruit.
You should also consider the sugar, fat, and fiber levels of your energy bar. Pick a fiber-rich bar that is low in added sugar and saturated fat.
What should you avoid when purchasing energy bars?
In general, avoid consuming energy bars that include significant amounts of added caffeine, which can induce side effects such as headaches and anxiety. Additionally, keep an eye out for sugar alcohols like mannitol, xylitol, or sorbitol in energy bars, which are used to provide sweetness without adding calories. Although sugar alcohols are safe to consume, your body cannot entirely break them down, which can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea if consumed in excess. It is advisable to ingest energy bars made from complete, natural ingredients that you tolerate well.
What effect do energy bars have on your body?
It depends on the components in the energy bar, but they often deliver energy (through carbohydrates), protein, and good fats to keep you nourished and satisfied in between meals. To meet your particular nutritional needs, consider the context of your entire diet and complement meals with healthy snacks like natural energy bars.
To Conclude
We used clinical knowledge to break through the hype and get to the science. These are all goods she has researched, evaluated, and would recommend to her private practice clients as well as put into her personal diet.