It’s just a general term. Granola bars often don’t really contain granola. They may be cereal, fruit and pasty or even a meal replacement, but we lump them all into the category of granola bars.
Because there are so many different types of bars in this category, it’s hard to compare them and come up with the best ones for your family.
You can start, though, by determining what you want this bar to do for you. Do you want it to replace a meal or just help you make it from midday till lunch? Is it more like a dessert, or more like a high-protein snack? Once you determine what you need, it’s easier to determine which products to buy.
If you’re after a healthy, all-purpose snack bar, look at the nutrition facts panel on the package. If it has less than 6 grams of sugar and more than 3 grams of fiber, it’s a pretty healthy choice. If you’re looking for a high-protein meal replacement, go for something that offers 10 or more grams of protein. And for a sweet treat or dessert? You’ve got a lot of leeway on that one. Go with whatever suits your fancy!