Discovering the Best Gluten-Free Snack and Protein Bars
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Chapter 1: Navigating the Gluten-Free Snack Bar Aisle
The market is filled with an array of protein and snack bars, yet locating a gluten-free option that boasts wholesome ingredients and tastes good can be a challenging endeavor. While numerous brands offer gluten-free selections as healthier substitutes for traditional wheat products, many fall short in protein content and often include starchy fillers that can lead to digestive issues.
It's common to encounter bars that are more suited for the trash bin than for enjoyment. Additionally, the costs associated with buying and sampling various products can quickly add up. I’ve experienced the frustration of discarding countless bars that didn’t meet my expectations.
It's essential to recognize that not all gluten-free bars are created equal. Below, I've highlighted some of my preferred options to save you both time and money.
Section 1.1: The GFB Gluten-Free Bar
The GFB (Gluten Free Brothers) bar is one I consistently rely on for various activities like traveling, hiking, or just running errands. Founded by two brothers with gluten intolerance in Michigan, The GFB offers a product line that I believe to be the healthiest available.
These bars are certified gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher, and they are free from soy, dairy, wheat, lactose, trans fats, and cholesterol. Made from primarily organic ingredients in a dedicated gluten-free facility, each bar contains 240 calories, 12 grams of protein, and 12 grams of sugar per serving.
However, those with nut allergies should be cautious, as the facility processes peanuts and tree nuts. Flavor options include peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter, coconut, dark chocolate almond, cranberry toasted almond, and oatmeal raisin.
For those wanting to sample the flavors, a GFB five-bar sample pack is available for $13 on their website, although I haven't spotted these packs in retail locations. After testing various flavors, my personal favorites are the peanut butter and cranberry toasted almond varieties. While some bars were a tad too chewy or dry for my taste, they were generally satisfying without any unpleasant aftertaste.
The peanut butter bar, in particular, stands out as it has a pleasant chewiness, balanced flavor, and is quite filling. You can find The GFB bars in health and natural food stores, as well as online. I often find them at Vitacost, where a pack of 12 costs around $25.00, and that's without discounts.
Section 1.2: Perfect Bar Overview
Perfect Snacks, a family-owned business, offers a range of products including protein bars and peanut butter cups. Their Perfect Bars are USDA organic, preservative-free, non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and incorporate organic honey and whole food proteins. These bars are typically found in the refrigerated section of stores.
With a low glycemic index, they digest slowly, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels. However, they do contain more sugar than The GFB bars, with 330 calories, 20 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, and 20 grams of sugar per bar.
Flavor options are varied and include chocolate chip cookie dough, dark chocolate chip peanut butter, and salted caramel, among others. I’ve tried the dark chocolate chip peanut butter bar, which is quite satisfying with a soft texture and no unpleasant aftertaste, although they are on the smaller side.
These bars tend to be priced between $3.50 and $4.50, and many retailers only stock a limited selection of flavors. For further details on pricing and product availability, visit their website. It's advised to keep them refrigerated for optimal freshness, which can range from 2-7 days if left unrefrigerated, depending on the specific product.
Chapter 2: Nature’s Bakery GF Fig Bar
The final favorite on my list is the gluten-free Fig Bar by Nature’s Bakery. Established in 2011, this family-run business offers a unique product that may not appeal to everyone, especially if fig bars aren’t your thing. I view these bars as a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea, as they are lower in protein and higher in sugar.
These fig bars are plant-based, dairy-free, nut-free, vegan, and certified gluten-free, with no high fructose corn syrup. Each bar provides 200 calories, 5 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, and 19 grams of sugar.
The flavors include original fig, pomegranate, raspberry, and blueberry, all of which have a soft texture and delightful taste without any lingering aftertaste. Previously priced at $3.50 to $4.75 for a six-count box, the price has since risen to between $6 and $7. I hope to see prices stabilize soon.
Nature’s Bakery products can be found in many health and natural food stores, but be cautious as they also produce non-gluten-free fig bars.
For more product insights and to visit their website, click here. Additionally, many people enjoy the gluten-free Kind Bars (not shown) which are also gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO. These bars are widely available and often reasonably priced.
Regardless of the snack you choose, always check the ingredient list for allergens to prevent any adverse reactions, as many products do contain nuts.
If you're interested, check out my list of Trusted Retailers that offer these products at competitive prices.
In this video, explore the Top 7 Gluten Free Protein Bars that will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
In this video, discover how one creator thinks they've perfected a vegan and gluten-free protein bar recipe!
Conclusion
Whichever snack you opt for, ensure you review the contents for allergens to avoid any reactions. For those interested, click here to access my list of Reputable Retailers.
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Wishing you good health,
Kimberly I
Please note that any products mentioned or recommended are ones I personally use and find effective. I do not receive any revenue from these recommendations. Should this change, it will be disclosed. This information is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.