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16 of the Healthiest Breakfast Bars

On busy mornings, it can sometimes be difficult to eat a healthy breakfast. Grabbing a breakfast bar can be a nutritious and convenient option when you’re in a rush.

Here are 16 store-bought and homemade breakfast bars that are healthy and quick.

These products focus on natural, whole ingredients and limit unhealthy additives.

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KIND Dark Chocolate Cocoa Breakfast Bars

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Just two of these nutritious bars have 22 grams of whole grains from a blend of oats, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, and quinoa (1).Whole grains have been linked to numerous health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease (2).In fact, one study found that eating 3 servings — around 90 grams — of whole grains per day may reduce your risk of heart disease by 22% (2).

Per 2 bars (50 grams) (1):Calories:220 Fat:8 grams Protein:4 grams Carbs:33 grams Sugar:11 grams Fiber:5 grams

Kashi Honey Almond Flax Chewy Granola Bars

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With healthy fats from almonds and flax seeds, Kashi’s honey almond flax chewy granola bars are a nutritious option to start your day.In fact, one bar provides 300 mg of the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is almost 20% of the Daily Value (DV) (3, 4).Several studies suggest that ALA may help protect against heart and brain disease (5, 6).

Per 1 bar (35 grams) (3):Calories:140 Fat:5 grams Protein:3 grams Carbs:23 grams Sugar:7 grams Fiber:3 grams

RXBAR Coconut Chocolate

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RXBAR products are loaded with protein from egg whites and nuts, making them a satisfying option for breakfast on the run (7).Eating a protein-rich breakfast has been associated with increased fullness and fewer food cravings throughout the day, which may aid weight loss (8, 9).Coconut chocolate is one of the tastiest flavors, but RXBAR also offers blueberry, banana chocolate walnut, lemon, and several other options.

Per 1 bar (52 grams) (7):Calories:210 Fat:9 grams Protein:12 grams Carbs:23 grams Sugar:13 grams Fiber:5 grams

NuGo Slim Crunchy Peanut Butter Bars

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These bars are a low-sugar, high-protein choice for breakfast.Unlike many other store-bought bars, NuGo Slim contains no hydrogenated vegetable oils and thus no trans fats, which have been linked to increased inflammation and a higher risk of heart disease (10, 11).Instead, their crunchy peanut butter bars provide healthy fats from almonds and peanuts (12).

Per 1 bar (45 grams) (12):Calories:180 Fat:7 grams Protein:17 grams Carbs:18 grams Sugar:3 grams Fiber:7 grams

Apple Pie Lärabar

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Made with dates, nuts, and fruit, Lärabar products are known for their high fiber content and minimal number of ingredients.In fact, one apple pie Lärabar provides 15% of the DV for fiber. Fiber is vital for proper digestive health and regular bowel movements (13, 14).Plus, these products have no added sugars and come in several delicious flavors, including cashew cookie and cherry pie.

Per 1 bar (45 grams) (13):Calories:200 Fat:9 grams Protein:4 grams Carbs:25 grams Sugar:18 grams Fiber:4 grams

That’s It Apple and Mango Fruit Bars

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As their name suggests, That’s It apple and mango bars are made from just those two fruits.They’re fat-free, gluten-free, and contain no major allergens (15).What’s more, both apples and mangoes provide vitamin C, a water-soluble nutrient that’s vital for immune strength and healthy skin (16, 17, 18).

Per 1 bar (35 grams) (15):Calories:100 Fat:0 grams Protein:0 grams Carbs:27 grams Sugar:23 grams Fiber:3 grams

Blueberry Crisp Clif Bars

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Clif Bars are an incredibly popular energy bar that also double as breakfast bars. In particular, their blueberry crisp flavor makes a great morning meal.Made with rolled oats, soy protein, and dried blueberries, these bars are rich in protein and fiber to keep you full and energized all morning long (19).Plus, blueberries contain several anti-inflammatory compounds that may help boost immunity, promote brain and heart health, and protect against some cancers (20).

Per 1 bar (68 grams) (19):Calories:250 Fat:5 grams Protein:9 grams Carbs:44 grams Sugar:22 grams Fiber:4 grams

Enjoy Life Chocolate Chip Banana Breakfast Ovals

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Enjoy Life breakfast ovals contain no dairy, nuts, or gluten, and are free of most common allergens.In particular, the chocolate chip banana variety provides over 20 grams of whole grains per bar for stable energy levels all morning long (21).You can also find these bars in apple cinnamon, berry medley, and maple fig flavors.

Per 1 bar (50 grams) (21):Calories:220 Fat:11 grams Protein:3 grams Carbs:29 grams Sugar:10 grams Fiber:3 grams

Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Perfect Bar

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High in protein, healthy fats, and fiber, Perfect Bars are a nutritionally balanced option to start your day.Peanut butter, the main ingredient in these bars, may provide additional benefits when eaten with breakfast.According to one study, 15 women with obesity who added peanut butter to their breakfast experienced better blood sugar control. In turn, this may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (22).

Per 1 bar (65 grams) (23):Calories:320 Fat:19 grams Protein:15 grams Carbs:25 grams Sugar:18 grams Fiber:3 grams

White Chocolate Macadamia Luna Bar

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This flavorful bar, made by the same company that manufactures Clif Bars, is a sweet breakfast option that’s gluten-free and high in protein.The featured ingredient, macadamia nuts, are rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fats and have been shown to fight inflammation associated with heart disease (24).Luna bars are also available in other flavors, including lemon zest, caramel walnut brownie, and blueberry bliss.

Per 1 bar (48 grams) (25):Calories:200 Fat:7 grams Protein:8 grams Carbs:27 grams Sugar:8 grams Fiber:3 grams

This Bar Saves Lives PB&J

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This unique bar tastes just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Plus, This Saves Lives — also known as This Bar Saves Lives — claims that every purchase helps combat childhood malnutrition (26).What’s more, a single bar provides 7 grams of fiber, or 25% of the DV (27).Eating a fiber-rich bar for breakfast has been shown to boost alertness, mood, and memory (27).

Per 1 bar (40 grams) (26):Calories:150 Fat:6 grams Protein:3 grams Carbs:27 grams Sugar:11 grams Fiber:7 grams

Homemade baked oatmeal bars

Oatmeal bars are a healthy and delicious option for busy mornings.

Plus, the beta glucan fiber in oats can help fill you up and may even reduce high cholesterol levels (28).

To make oatmeal bars, combine 3 cups (240 grams) of old-fashioned oats with 1 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Whisk 1 cup (240 ml) of milk, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of maple syrup.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet and stir until combined, then fold in 2 cups (280 grams) of blueberries. Transfer to a greased 9-by-13-inch (23-by-33-cm) baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Let cool before slicing into 12 bars.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 bar (29):

  • Calories: 131
  • Fat: 1 gram
  • Protein: 4 grams
  • Carbs: 24 grams
  • Sugar: 9 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams

Homemade fruit and quinoa breakfast bars

Since it’s rich in fiber and protein, a quinoa-based bar gives you sustained energy levels to power through your morning (30).

To make these one-of-a-kind breakfast bars, combine 1 cup (80 grams) of old fashioned oats with 1 cup (185 grams) of cooked quinoa, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, mash 2 bananas and mix in 1/2 cup (128 grams) of peanut butter, 1/4 cup (60 grams) of pumpkin seeds, and 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of honey.

Add the wet ingredients to the oat and quinoa mixture, then stir in 1/3 cup (40 grams) of dried cherries. Spread the batter in a lined 8-by-8-inch (20-by-20-cm) baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes at 350°F (177°C). Slice into 9 bars.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 bar (29):

  • Calories: 259
  • Fat: 10 grams
  • Protein: 8 grams
  • Carbs: 35 grams
  • Sugar: 11 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams

Homemade chocolate black bean bars

Adding black beans to homemade breakfast bars is a great way to boost your protein and fiber intake.

What’s more, these beans are rich in antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress in your body, which is linked to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases (31, 32).

You can make chocolate black bean bars with 1 can of black beans, 1 scoop (39 grams) of chocolate protein powder, 2 tablespoons (8 grams) of cocoa powder, 1/2 cup (120 ml) of maple syrup, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vanilla.

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth, then transfer to a greased 8-by-8-inch (20-by-20-cm) baking dish. Spread out the batter and press chocolate chips into the top, if desired.

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 16–18 minutes before slicing into 9 bars.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 bar (29):

  • Calories: 155
  • Fat: 5 grams
  • Protein: 6 grams
  • Carbs: 22 grams
  • Sugar: 12 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams

Homemade five-ingredient granola bars

Most store-bought granola bars contain oats, dried fruit, and nuts or nut butters, a combination that’s easily replicable at home.

Making breakfast bars at home also gives you greater control over the ingredients. This way, you can easily avoid excess sugar and unnecessary preservatives.

Whip up a batch of these 5-ingredient bars by combining 2 cups (160 grams) of old-fashioned oats with 1/2 cup (120 grams) of creamy peanut butter, 2 beaten eggs, 1/3 cup (80 ml) of maple syrup or honey, and 1/3 cup (40 grams) of dried cranberries.

Spread the mixture into a greased 8-by-8-inch (20-by-20-cm) baking dish and bake for 12–15 minutes at 350°F (177°C). Let cool completely before slicing into 9 squares.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 bar (29):

  • Calories: 226
  • Fat: 9 grams
  • Protein: 7 grams
  • Carbs: 31 grams
  • Sugar: 15 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams

Homemade almond butter white bean bars

Bars made from white beans and almond butter are loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and can be prepped in bulk for busy mornings.

Start by blending or pulsing 1/2 cup (40 grams) of old-fashioned oats into a flour. Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 can of drained, rinsed cannellini (white) beans, 1/2 cup (120 ml) of honey, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup (64 grams) of creamy almond butter.

Blend until smooth, then transfer to a greased 8-by-8-inch (20-by-20-cm) baking dish. Press 1/4 cup (44 grams) of chocolate chips in the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes at 350°F (177°C), let cool, and slice into 9 bars.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1 bar (29):

  • Calories: 163
  • Fat: 4 grams
  • Protein: 5 grams
  • Carbs: 28 grams
  • Sugar: 16 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams

The bottom line

Homemade or store-bought breakfast bars can serve as a nutritious choice on busy mornings.

Plus, many of the ones on this list are gluten-free, high in protein, and low in sugar and fat.

The next time you’re looking for a speedy, healthy breakfast, grab one of these bars to tide you over until lunchtime.

Meal Prep: Everyday Breakfast