Homemade Superfood Energy Bars Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the main ingredient in energy bars? ›

Energy bars are supplemental bars containing cereals, micronutrients, and flavor ingredients intended to supply quick food energy. Because most energy bars contain added protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and other nutrients, they may be marketed as functional foods.

The more additives you see — particularly excess sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol), which can cause gastric distress — the less likely the bar is to deserve the “healthy” moniker. Palm oils, soy protein isolate and so-called natural flavors are also red flags.

"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."

Kept dry and tightly wrapped, these energy bars will keep at room temperature for weeks, months even. Just don't let them get too hot in your car or wherever, because they will melt, just like any other energy bar.

If you're eating it as a meal replacement, look for a product that has at least 300 calories and 10 grams of protein per bar. This will provide ample calories, carbohydrates and protein to help maintain energy and blood sugar levels throughout the day. Look for how much fat and sugar it contains.

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

Honey – Along with the nut butter, it helps all these ingredients stick together! I love its warm amber flavor in this recipe. Vanilla extract – It amps up the bars' warm flavor.

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.

Still, overdosing on "both water- and fat-soluble vitamins can cause a range of adverse reactions including irregular heartbeat, frequent urination, abdominal pain, weakness and appetite loss," cautions Alexandra Volo, DO, a family medicine physician at NYU Langone Medical Associates in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Can you live off superfood? ›

Your entire diet matters

Even though so much attention is given to specific foods, such as superfoods, humans cannot survive on any one food. We consume a varied diet comprising a variety of foods, some that contain more nutrients or different types of nutrients than others.

Yes, you can freeze these healthy energy bars! To do so, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer baggie. Press out all of the air and then store in the freezer until ready to eat. They'll stay fresh for up to 1 month in the freezer.

Slice chilled bars into twenty 2x3-inch squares. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

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.

Energy drinks are drinks that claim to improve energy. Their main ingredient is caffeine. They usually contain sugar, which adds calories. They also may contain guarana plant extract (which is similar to caffeine), taurine (an amino acid), and vitamins.

Your body stores carbohydrate energy as glycogen within your muscles which depletes during exercise. When you eat an energy bar the carbohydrates, including sugars, in that bar top up your body's fuel and give your body an energy boost to keep you going stronger for longer.

The most common substance in energy drinks is caffeine, which is the most consumed psychoactive substance worldwide.

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.