As soon as kids get into their snack-monster phase, the word “bar” becomes a staple in their vocabulary—and a request parents hear a dizzying amount. That being said, there are lots of reasons for families to love snack bars: they’re packed with nutrition, undeniably delicious, convenient to carry on the go, and fit perfectly in lunchboxes and diaper bags. But navigating the snack bar aisle at the grocery store can be overwhelming and it’s easy to get lost among all the choices, from granola bars and protein bars to breakfast bars, seed bars, and fruit bars. How is a parent to choose, and which ones are actually healthy?
As a dietitian, I’m a fan of snack bars that are loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They’re the perfect bridge between meals and keep my kids energized and full (goodbye, hangry tantrums!). So here’s a little shortcut: grab snack bars that are a mix of nuts and seeds, whole grains, and a hint of sweetness from dried fruit. This combo provides the right balance of protein, fats, and fiber-filled carbs to keep your kiddos fueled until the next “Can I have a snack?” moment hits.
Check out these 5 nutritious kid-approved snack bars that also get a thumbs up from this dietitian:
1. Happy Wolf Bars
We love Happy Wolf bars because they’re naturally sweetened with dates and honey (only 2 grams of added sugars!), and each bar contains 3 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber. Plus. they’re free of the top nine allergens, making them safe for nut-free schools and play dates.
2. Skout Organic Kids Snack Bar
Skout Protein Bars come in a variety of fun flavors like peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter, and chocolate peanut butter. Each bar delivers a hefty 10 grams of protein without any added sugars. Skout also makes nut-free snack bars made with sunflower seeds, perfect for school lunches and kids with food allergies.
3. Little Spoon Oat Bakes
Little Spoon’s oat bakes are packed with nutritious ingredients like zucchini, oats, coconut oil, pea protein, hemp flour, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds. Each bar has 3 grams of protein, 4 grams of healthy fats, and omega 3 fatty acids to support brain health.
4. Ready Set Food Organic Oat and Fruit Bars
These PB&J bars are made with oats, real strawberries, and contain 3 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and zero added sugars. Ready Set Food bars also contain the top eight allergens—peanut, egg, milk, cashew, almond, walnut, sesame, and soy—to provide regular allergen exposure. RSF’s mission is to offer early and frequent exposure to these allergens to reduce the risk of children developing food allergies later on.
5. LÄRABAR Minis
Made with just a handful of ingredients, LÄRABARs are loaded with protein and healthy fats, featuring peanuts, dates, semisweet chocolate chips, and sea salt. These bars include larger chunks of nuts so they’re best for older kiddos (age 4 and up).
6. Once Upon A Farm Organic Refrigerated Oat Bar
Once Upon A Farm’s refrigerated oat bars boast zero added sugar and 4 grams of protein per bar. They’re wonderfully soft and super chewy and each bar is made with a blend of fruit and veggies, delivering an extra kick of vitamins and minerals in every bite.
7. Cerebelly Smart Bar
A nutrient-dense option, not only are Cerebelly Smart Bars nut-free but they’re also rich in brain-supporting omega-3s, making them an ideal addition to snack bags or on-the-go adventures. With no added sugar, Smart Bars come in a variety of delicious flavors like strawberry beet, apple kale, sweet potato blueberry, and carrot date.
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