6 Nutrition Bars that Will Change Your Life


 2016-07-12

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With all the various brands and flavors of nutrition bars available today, no one bar is going to taste the same as another. The same goes for the effect that they will have on our bodies (and blood glucose (BG) levels!) Need a hearty “meal” bar? A good balance of sugar and protein to correct a low BG? A quick boost at the gym? Maybe a lower carb option? There is truly a bar for every occasion, so here are a few of my favorites to munch on, each with their own unique appeal.

1 – A Healthy Boost

RISE Protein Bar: Almond Honey flavor

  • Total Carb: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 13g
  • Calories: 280
  • Protein: 20g
  • Total Fat: 16g

RISE bars are perfect for if you’re running low and need a healthy balance of sugar and protein. Those 13g of sugar will boost your BG levels quickly, and the 20g of protein will help to keep it there, without any crashes later. These bars are made with minimal ingredients (almonds, honey and whey protein isolate), they have very low sodium (25g), and are gluten free. Those 280 calories and 16g of “good” fat also make it a good overall “meal” bar if you are on-the-go.

2 – Low in Carbs, High in “Yum!”

PowerCrunch Protein Energy Bar: Cookies & Cream flavor

  • Total Carb: 9g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 5g
  • Calories: 205
  • Protein: 14g
  • Total Fat: 13g

PowerCrunch bars are flakey goodness that have a unique crispy coating that will remind you of a wafer cookie! But with all that protein, you won’t need to feel any of the guilt that tends to accompany those cookie binges. It is a great lower-carb and low-sugar option that shouldn’t spike your BG levels. They are a great accompaniment to your morning coffee, or to nibble on throughout the day for an extra hit of protein.

Other yummy flavors include: Chocolate Mint, Peanut Butter Crème, French Vanilla Crème, Triple Chocolate

3 – All-Natural & Feeling Full

KIND Bar (Nuts &Spices): Madagascar Vanilla Almond flavor

  • Total Carb: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Calories: 210
  • Protein: 7g
  • Total Fat: 16g

If you’re looking to feel full, get a nice balance of salty and sweet, and are a fan of nuts, look no further than a KIND bar (nuts & spices variety). It is low in both sugar and sodium and contains more fiber than most bars. It is made from all-natural ingredients / Non-GMO, dairy free and gluten free! Other “nutty” flavors: Dark Chocolate Mocha Almond, Honey Roasted Nuts & Sea Salt, Almond & Coconut, Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt and more!

4 – Time for Dessert

ATKINS Bar: Cookies n’ Crème flavor

  • Total Carb: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 9g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Calories: 200
  • Protein: 14g
  • Total Fat: 11g

This bar is so decadently dessert-like, it will feel like an indulgence. The best part is, it is very high in fiber and equals out to a minuscule 3.4 net carbs (minus the dietary fiber and sugar alcohols). Of course, be mindful of how certain chemicals and sugar alcohols tend to affect your BG. Try it for a satisfying dessert alternative!

5 – Favorite Fitness Bar

Quest Bar: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

  • Total Carb: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 14g
  • Sugars: <1g
  • Calories: 190
  • Protein: 21g
  • Total Fat: 9g

With its soft, chewy texture and perfectly dispersed, delicious chocolate chunks, (not to mention its insane amount of protein to keep you energized!) it’s no wonder that fitness enthusiasts are obsessed with this bar. It is the perfect companion at the gym or on a vigorous hike. The whopping 14g of dietary fiber and sugar alcohols subtracted from the 20g carbs settles at only 4g net carbs! Again: beware of the various effects of artificial ingredients.

Bonus tip: Heat this bar up in the microwave for approximately ten seconds and get ready to enter a state of warm cookie dough induced euphoria!

6 – Granola Goodness

Nature Valley Protein Bar: Dark Chocolate Chewy flavor

  • Total Carb: 14g
  • Dietary Fiber: 5g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Calories: 190
  • Protein: 10g
  • Total Fat: 12g

If you’re craving a good, old-fashioned granola based bar, this one is a nice and healthy, lower-sugar variation. It is made from mostly natural ingredients and is gluten-free. It is also lower in calories than many of its protein bar competitors! For a mid-day snack or speedy breakfast, it will definitely fill you up and tame your chocolate/peanut buttery cravings.


Read 5 Foods to Always Keep Stocked in Your Refrigerator by Caroline Potter.

WRITTEN BY Alexi Melvin, POSTED 07/12/16, UPDATED 09/29/22

Alexi Melvin is a freelance journalist and screenwriter based in the Bay Area. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2003, and has been passionate about raising awareness ever since. Her other passions include film, animals and spiritual healing. Check out her Facebook page @ https://www.facebook.com/healingwithalexi/.