energy bar recipe | protein bar recipe | dry fruit energy bars | nut bar (2024)

FAQs

What should be avoided in energy bars? ›

Ingredients to avoid: High-fructose corn syrup: Added as an inexpensive sweetener, it is worse than regular white sugar. Soy isolate: It may sound natural and healthy, being a soy product, but it's not something you could make yourself (warning sign!).

Energy bars are, by definition, high in readily available calories and carbohydrates, which makes them great workout fuel. If you're eating them purely as a healthy snack and hoping they'll make you fitter and healthier, they may contain more energy than your body requires at that moment and may not be the best choice.

I tinkered with ratios a bit, but in the end, I decided to take the most straight-forward path: equal parts dried fruits, nuts, and pitted dates. Whizz them together in a food processor until they combine into a thick paste, press into a square, chill, and chop into squares for snacking. Done.

Because they are high in carbohydrates and sugars (even those which use only natural fruit sugars) they can be consumed as a treat from time to time but may not be the best snack option for those with a sedentary lifestyle.

But, some people may experience adverse effects such as headaches, digestive issues, or allergic reactions. May Cause Digestive Issues: Some people may experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea after consuming energy bars.

Cons of energy bars

The slower absorption of carbohydrates is a disadvantage when we need energy quickly. If they contain a lot of fiber, fat or protein, they slow down gastric emptying and can cause gastrointestinal problems. They are more difficult to eat because you have to chew them.

These are not just delicious treats but they can be your best companion in your weight loss regime. As a balanced mix of all essential nutrients, they can be used as meal replacers and keep you fuller for a long time. They help you overcome your hurdles and help you stick to your diet.

There's no protein, there's no healthy fat, there's no fibre in those bars to keep you feeling fuller longer.” The only time a fruit bar might be a good option, she said, is if you're doing a high-intensity activity for over an hour that requires a quick source of energy.

Popular dried fruits include raisins, dates, prunes (dried plums), figs, apricots and peaches. Fruits such as dried mango, pineapple and berries are also available, but these tend to be dried with added sugar.

How is fruit bar made? ›

MANUFACTURING PROCESS:

Then mix the pulp with the required quantity of sugar. This blend is then dehydrated in tray dryer and drying time is around 18-20. In fruit toffee, you will need to mix sugar, color, preservatives, glucose, skimmed milk powder, hydrogenated fat, flavor etc.

Unhealthy Fats and Low-Quality Proteins in Energy Bars

Some energy bars might contain trans fats or highly processed oils. Similarly, protein bars might be packed with protein, but this protein could be a low-quality concentrate, filled with additives.

"They may think that these bars are better than food. But there are ingredients in foods that are missing from these bars. Just as you wouldn't want to live only on peaches or only on tuna sandwiches, you need a lot more in your diet than just energy bars."

Many energy bars come with too many calories and fat while others pack more nutrients through complex, quality ingredients. Reach for brands like Kate's Real Food who use complex carbs, fruits, and nut butters to ensure a healthy fueling experience.

Avoid any bars with palm oil or kernel oil (often included in bars coated with chocolate) Sugar. If sugar, sucrose or high fructose corn syrup is the main ingredient, don't buy it. Also avoid sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol and maltitol—they cause bloating and gas and have a laxative effect.

SUMMARY. Don't let “natural flavors” fool you into purchasing granola bars that are actually full of added sugars. The list of hidden ingredients to avoid includes sugar alcohols and fractionated palm kernel oil.