These healthy snack bar recipes give you the power to control what goes into your snack food and save some money too – and they’re fast and easy to make!
- Why Make Homemade Snack Bars?
- Healthy Snack Bar Recipes by Category
- Nutritional Information
Why Make Homemade Snack Bars?
One of my favorite food bloggers is Chocolate Covered Katie. You’ll find two of her recipes below, and in one of them she makes an excellent point: that many so-called healthy protein bars on the market contain loads of processed ingredients and so much added sugar that it’s hard to believe they could possibly pass for a health food. That’s certainly one good reason for choosing homemade instead!
Another reason is that busy schedules can often be a bad influence on eating habits. When you’re in a hurry it’s always tempting, and so convenient, to grab whatever is in the pantry, healthy or not. If all you have are chips and cookies, your choice is to either go hungry or load up on empty calories.
Of course there are some commercial brand snack bars that actually are healthy, but they can be rather pricey. The recipes below give you an opportunity to eat healthier without breaking the grocery budget.
No need to spend hours in the kitchen either. All these recipes are easy to make and don’t require a lot of prep time. With a few exceptions, they call for common ingredients that most of us have in the pantry.
Remember that eating healthy includes your snacks. In fact, the right snack at the right time can prevent hunger from getting out of control and help prevent bad choices and overeating at meal times.
In my post Healthy Snack Ideas for Work I covered lots of ideas for quick and easy snack food combinations. This recipe roundup includes bake and no-bake, low calorie, high protein, energy, and breakfast bars. I hope you’ll find exactly what tempts your tastebuds and best serves your needs.
Healthy Snack Bar Recipes by Category
Note that nutrition and dietary information is provided when available from original recipe.
I tried to choose recipes that have commonly used ingredients. There is one notable exception, but the recipe has links to buy those ingredients online if necessary.
Healthy Snack Bar Recipes: No-Bake
- Pumpkin Granola Bars, Chocolate Covered Katie
This wonderful cook is known for clean eating and wholesome ingredients. In her post she suggests lots of variations so you can substitute to suit any taste preference. You’ll love them for a work snack, but they’re kid friendly too. Total prep time is only 20 minutes, and you likely have everything in your pantry already. The recipe also gives you the option to bake the bars for about 18 minutes, which makes them a bit crunchier than the chewy no-bake version.
Nutrition: Calories: 120, Fat: 3.8g, Carbs: 20.5g (Fiber: 1.7g, Sugar: 9.1g), Protein: 2.1g
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Egg-free
- Almond Butter Cheerio Bars with Flax, Ambitious Kitchen
Between the Cheerios and chocolate drizzle you’ll almost think you’re eating comfort food. Yet these bars provide a healthy amount of nutrition for a very reasonable number of calories. For even fewer calories you can go plain by omitting the chocolate topping. Prep time is only 5 minutes, then place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes to harden and they’re ready to eat.
Nutrition: Calories: 113, Fat: 6.3g, Carbs: 13.8g (Fiber: 1.8g, Sugar: 8.5g), Protein: 3.2g
- Healthy No-Bake Bars, A Virtual Vegan
Cookie dough flavor topped with fudgy chocolate make this a perfect choice for anyone with a sweet tooth. Dates provide natural sweetness, and chickpeas give these bars extra protein. Total prep time is only 15 minutes, but allow an hour for chilling. The recipe gives options for making it nut-free and/or gluten-free.
Nutrition: Calories: 133, Fat: 6g, Carbs: 18g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 9g), Protein: 3g
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Healthy Snack Bar Recipes: Baked
- 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola Bars, The Real Food Dietitians
Whip up these easy granola bars in less than 20 minutes, start to finish. Notes on this recipe include some very helpful success tips such as why honey works better than maple syrup. The authors also include a vegan option plus ideas for using different add-ins so you’ll never get bored eating the same ole thing.
Nutrition: Calories: 200, Fat: 9g, Carbs: 25g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 9g), Protein: 6g
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
- Paprika Parmesan Granola Bars, Good Housekeeping
For all you lucky souls who don’t have a sweet tooth, this savory snack bar will hit the spot. Unique ingredients include freeze-dried vegetable bits and smoked almonds, and crisp rice cereal adds to the crunch. Prep time is around 10 or 15 minutes plus 30 minutes to bake. These will keep you in the kitchen a little longer but the delicious factor will make it well worth it. The bars keep for up to a week at room temperature.
Nutrition: Calories: 235, Fat: 1g (2g Sat), Carbs: 18g (Fiber: 5g), Protein: 10g
- Blueberry Carrot Cake Bars, Cotter Crunch
How about 7 grams of protein in a bar that tastes like a piece of cake? That’s what you get in these tasty treats that you can make in 45 minutes. Fresh blueberries, grated carrots and coconut make for a wonderful moist texture. If you like you’ll find recipes for optional toppings on the same site (links are in the recipe for vegan cashew frosting or coconut frosting). Be aware that these must be stored in the fridge due to the dairy content, so if you’re taking them to work plan on using a cold pack in your lunch container.
Nutrition: Calories: 225, Fat: 6g, Carbs: 26g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 6g), Protein: 7g
Dietary:
High Protein Snack Bar Recipes
- Peanut Butter Protein Bars, Well Plated
Ditch the commercial brands to save money and control exactly what goes into your protein bars. Prep time for this no-bake recipe is only 15 minutes, and the bars can be stored at room temperature – no refrigeration needed. You’ll need peanut butter, oats, flaxseed meal, your favorite protein powder, and a few other pantry staples. You can easily make them vegan by substituting maple syrup for the honey. The author also offers a number of variations so you can enjoy different flavors from week to week.
Nutrition: Calories: 247, Fat: 14g, Carbs: 25g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 13g), Protein: 9g
- Protein Bars (in 5 Flavors), Chocolate Covered Katie
We’re all trying to save money on groceries these days, and the author of this recipe says you can make an entire pan of protein bars for little more than what one bar would cost you at Whole Foods. As a bonus she gives you 5 variations on her basic recipe: Chocolate Protein Bars, Peanut Butter Protein Bars, Banana Bread Bars, Cookie Dough Pretein Bars, and Protein Bars Without Protein Powder. As yet another bonus, all these bars use very common ingredients, and you can mix them up in just 5 minutes. Chill until firm and they’re ready to go.
Nutrition: Calories: 160, Fat: 11g, Carbs: 5.8g (Fiber: 1.8g, Sugar: 2.9g), Protein: 12g
Dietary:
- Homemade Protein Bars (copycat RXBAR in 4 flavors), Fit Mitten Kitchen
You may not have everything on hand to make these protein bars, but I think you’ll agree it’s well worth planning ahead. The recipe gives you a choice of 4 luscious flavors: Blueberry, Mint Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, or Pineapple Mango Protein Bars. Also included are some adaptations for even more interesting flavors. You’ll need a good food processor, and prep time is about 35 minutes, but there is nothing complicated about this recipe. If nothing else, you should give it a look to get ideas. You might discover some tasty addins and variations for your own favorite protein bar recipe.
Nutrition: Calories: 206, Fat: 9g, Carbs: 23g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 15g), Protein: 10g
Dietary:
Low Calorie Snack Bar Recipes
- Low Calorie Muesli Banana Hemp Bars, Skinny Fitalicious
The creator of this recipe is a nutrition practitioner who helps women lose weight, and author of the Low Calorie Cookbook. This is a very easy recipe. Mix up in 5 minutes and bake for 35 minutes. She uses mostly common ingredients like bananas and applesauce. If you don’t have muesli or hemp seeds, you’ll find links in the recipe to order them online.
Nutrition: Calories: 145, Fat: 2.7g, Carbs: 29.3g (Fiber: 2.8g, Sugar: 15.4g), Protein: 3.5g
Dietary: Low Calorie, Gluten-free, Vegan
- 100 Calorie Granola Bars, Spark People
Here’s a great way to make a homemade granola bar with common ingredients and familiar flavors. The main ingredients you’ll need are oats, wheat bran, wheat flour, applesauce, almonds, peanuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips. The recipe calls for “Splenda or equivalent”. Personally, I would substitute Stevia or Monkfruit sugar as a healthier option. Prep time is 10 minutes, then bake for 30 minutes. Note that no amount of sugar is listed for this recipe, but they are sweetened by sugar substitute and lite applesauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 99.6, Fat: 2.5g, Carbs: 20.5g (Fiber: 3.1g, Sugar: Not Given), Protein: 2.2g
- Ellie’s Easy Healthy Energy Bars Recipe, Simple Nourished Living
This is a soft, chewy snack bar with dried fruits and added crunch from nuts and seeds. These mix up quickly in a food processor, and the author gives lots of ideas for substitutions and variations. There are also options for gluten-free or vegan versions. Prep time is 15 minutes plus 20 minutes for baking. Note that the recipe author does not list an amount of sugar per serving, but these bars are sweetened with maple syrup as well as the natural sugars from dried fruits.
Nutrition: Calories: 133, Fat: 5g, Carbs: 20g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: Not Given), Protein: 5g
Dietary:
Homemade Energy Bar Recipes
- Superfood Energy Bars Recipe, To Simply Inspire
The recipe name is appropriate when you see the ingredient list: quinoa, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, almonds, dates and raisins. Sweeten with honey and add a touch of chocolate, and the combination makes for a delicious snack that packs a powerful punch. Total prep and cooking time is 30 minutes. Note that the calorie count is quite low, but these are small bars.
Nutrition: Calories: 150, Fat: 7g, Carbs: 19g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 11g), Protein: 3g
- Homemade Chocolate Larabar Recipe (4 Ingredients!), Haute & Healthy Living
The author’s goal with this recipe was to make her own fresh energy bars that taste like her favorite commercial brand, and to make them without any processed ingredients. The result is a super simple snack bar that you can whip up in 10 minutes. It requires only four ingredients, and changes are you have them all on hand already.
Nutrition: Calories: 149, Fat: 8g, Carbs: 20g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 14g), Protein: 2g
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegan
- Healthy Homemade Energy Bars, Easy and Delish
If you’re looking to save money over commercial brands, give this recipe a try. These no-bake treats mix up quickly in just 10 minutes and are ready to eat after 20 minutes in the freezer. They’re made with oats, a mixtures of seeds, peanut butter, coconut, raisins, and honey or maple syrup. The chocolate cooffee drizzle adds extra yum. See notes in the recipe to easily make these vegan.
Nutrition: Calories: 245, Fat: 15.7g, Carbs: 22.6g (Fiber: 5.3g, Sugar: 2.6g), Protein: 7.5g
Dietary: Gluten-free
Healthy Snack Bar Recipes No Nuts
- Nut Free Granola Bars, Two Peas & Their Pod
These sweet and chewy bars are loaded with healthy oats, mini chocolate chips, and your choice of dried cranberries or cherries or blueberries or raisins or other dried fruit. For chewing pleasure the pumpkin seeds give you lots of crunch without nuts. This is another adult snack that is kid friendly, and it’s excellent for schoolrooms where nut products may not be allowed. You can also make them gluten-free by simply using gluten-free oats.
Nutrition: Calories: 202, Fat: 9g, Carbs: 29g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 11g), Protein: 3g
- No-Bake Apricot Chia Seed Bars, Cupcakes & Kale Chips
These nutrient dense bars use only 6 ingredients, and they take only minutes to mix up in your food processor. Total prep time is 10 minutes, and then they need to chill for a half hour. This is a chewy bar with just a bit of crunch from the seeds.The all natural sweetness comes from Medjool dates, and the only added sugar is from white chocolate chips which are optional. Be sure to read the recipe tips. You’ll want to avoid over-processing so you end up with a chewy bar that still has a nice bit of crunch from the chunks of seeds.
Nutrition: Calories: 84, Fat: 3g, Carbs: 14g (Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 11g), Protein: 2g
Dietary: Nut-free, Gluten-free, Vegan
- Homemade Nut Free Protein Bars, The Lemon Bowl
This is a soft and chewy bar made with oats, flax seed meal, and whole wheat flour, sweetened with honey and apple sauce. Protein powder provides a nutrition boost, and you can add raisins or chocolate chips for added flavor and substance. Prep time takes 5 minutes, and they’ll need to bake for 25 minutes. Kids of all ages will love these whether at school, work, or play.
Nutrition: Calories: 187, Fat: 3g, Carbs: 33g (Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 10g), Protein: 7g
Dietary: Nut-free
Healthy Breakfast Bars Recipes
- Healthy Chewy Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars, Lovely Little Kitchen
I normally prefer a bit less sugar in a snack bar, but the wholesome ingredients and protein still make this recipe a much healthier choice than typical packaged breakfast bars. Toasted oats, pecans, and flax seeds give these chewy bars plenty of satisfying crunch. Total prep and cooking time is only 25 minutes.
Nutrition: Calories: 243, Fat: 13g, Carbs: 31g (Fiber: 3.2g, Sugar: 18g), Protein: 3.1g
Dietary:
- Homemade Kind Bars, Eat Yourself Skinny
I confess I love a good Kind bar! That and a glass of almond milk are my go-to breakfast on busy days, and that is pretty much all the time. Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt is one of my favorite flavors, and this “copycat” recipe looks every bit as good. The ingredients are all natural and healthy, and no baking is involved so they are done in 10 minutes. Fans of Kind bars can use this recipe as a base and substitute ingredients to create other flavors of the brand. You may also be able to save money over the store bought version by shopping for sales on ingredients and buying in bulk.
Nutrition: Calories: 214, Fat: 12.4g, Carbs: 17.5g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 11.8g), Protein: 4.1g
Dietary:
- 100 Calorie Berry Lemon Breakfast Bars, Skinny Fitalicious
The author of this recipe is a certified nutrition practitioner, and she says most commercial granola bars don’t have enough fiber and protein, both of which are needed to manage your weight. Her solution is this easy recipe that is excellent for either breakfast or snacking. Prep time is only 10 minutes using a food processor or blender, then bake for 40 minutes. They’re a delicious combination of fresh raspberries and blackberries, and mostly common pantry ingredients such as cottage cheese, oats, chia seeds, egg, and almond milk.
Nutrition: Calories: 109, Fat: 3g, Carbs: 14g (Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 3g), Protein: 5g
Dietary: Low Calorie, Gluten-free
Nutritional Information
Your favorite snack bar may vary depending on your needs at the time. Are you looking for extra protein, or carbs for an energy boost, or perhaps a healthy snack while you’re trying to lose weight?
I hope the chart below will help you choose. At a glance you can compare nutritional information for all of the above recipes. Happy snacking, and happy healthier eating!
| Recipe | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin Granola Bars | 120 | 3.8g | 20.5g | 1.7g | 9.1g | 2.1g |
| Almond Butter Cheerio Bars with Flax | 113 | 6.3g | 13.8g | 1.8g | 8.5g | 3.2g |
| Healthy No-Bake Bars | 133 | 6g | 18g | 3g | 9g | 3g |
| 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Granola Bars | 200 | 9g | 25g | 3g | 9g | 6g |
| Paprika Parmesan Granola Bars | 235 | 3g | 18g | 5g | * | 10g |
| Blueberry Carrot Cake Bars | 225 | 6g | 26g | 4g | 6g | 7g |
| Superfood Energy Bars | 150 | 6g | 19g | 2g | 11g | 3g |
| Homemade Chocolate Larabar | 149 | 8g | 20g | 2g | 14g | 2g |
| Healthy Homemade Energy Bars | 245 | 15.7g | 22.6g | 5.3g | 2.6g | 7.5g |
| Low Calorie Muesli Banana Hamp Bars | 145 | 2.7g | 29.3g | 2.8g | 15.4g | 3.5g |
| 100 Calorie Granola Bars | 99.9 | 2.5g | 20.5g | 3.1g | * | 2.2g |
| Ellie's Easy Healthy Energy Bars | 133 | 5g | 20g | 3g | * | 5g |
| Peanut Butter Protein Bars | 247 | 14g | 25g | 3g | 13g | 9g |
| Protein Bars (in 5 flavors) | 160 | 11g | 5.8g | 1.8g | 2.9g | 12g |
| Homemade Protein Bars (copycat RXBAR) | 206 | 9g | 23g | 4g | 15g | 10g |
| Nut Free Granola Bars | 202 | 9g | 29g | 3g | 11g | 3g |
| No-Bake Apricot Chia Seed Bars | 84 | 3g | 14g | 1g | 11g | 2g |
| Homemade Nut Free Protein Bars | 187 | 3g | 33g | 4g | 10g | 7g |
| Healthy Chewy Apple Cinnamon Granola Bars | 243 | 13g | 31g | 3.2g | 18g | 3.1g |
| Homemade Kind Bars | 214 | 12.4g | 17.5g | 2g | 11.9g | 4.1g |
| 100 Calorie Berry Lemon Breakfast Bars | 109 | 3g | 14g | 2g | 3g | 5g |
| *Information not provided in original recipe |
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