Muesli bars – they are often yoghurt topped, chocolate chipped, protein packed, fibre boosted or gluten free…. How do you know which one to choose, and are they actually a healthy choice??
There are many different varieties of muesli bars available in the supermarket today, it only takes a stroll down the ‘cereals’ isle to see what I’m saying. When it comes to a snack, I always recommend choosing fruit, yoghurt, nuts, vegetables or wholegrain crackers first to keep you satisfied between meals. However, wholegrain muesli bars, along with a healthy balanced diet has its place too. And lets be honest, sometimes life get’s in the way, and we don’t always have that perfect healthy snack available, right?! Muesli bars can be a convenient, portion controlled and filling snack option, offering some important nutrients when needed!
But choosing the right one can be a headache.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making a better choice;
– Flip the packet over to look at the nutrition information panel.
– Choose wholegrain bars (meaning it literally contains the wholegrain, therefore more nutrients and fibre and healthy fats to keep you full for longer)
– Choose muesli bars with less than 600 kJ / 140 calories per serve (where 1 serve = 1 bar, stated at the top of the nutrition information panel on back of packet)
– Look for at least 3g fibre per serve or 8g or more of fibre per 100g. The more fibre the better.
My top 3 recommendations:
– Be Natural Trail Bars 5 Whole Grains: Berry (wholegrain, 460 kJ/serve, 3.7g fibre per serve)
– Goodness Superfoods, Fibre Boost: Cranberry nut cereal bars. (Wholegrain, 532 kJ per serve, 9g fibre per serve)
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– Uncle Toby’s Body Wise Bar: Apple Delight (Wholegrain, 465 kJ per serve, 8.9g fibre per serve)
I always keep one in my bag just incase I am caught out and the only other option is an unhealthy choice from the cafe!
Which bar do you choose?