5 Popular Snack Bars with Hidden Sugar: Think Twice Before You Bite
Snack bars have become a go-to choice for many people seeking a convenient and seemingly healthy option to curb their hunger between meals. However, not all snack bars are created equal, and some popular brands contain hidden sugars that can undermine your health goals. In this article, we'll reveal five popular snack bars with hidden sugar and discuss why they might not be the best choices for your snacking needs.
KIND Snacks is known for its wide range of snack bars made from wholesome ingredients like nuts, fruits, and grains. While many of their products do contain healthy fats and proteins, some of their bars also contain added sugars that can quickly add up. For example, the KIND Fruit & Nut bar in Almond & Coconut flavor contains 12 grams of sugar per bar, with honey and glucose syrup listed as sweeteners. When choosing a KIND bar, be sure to check the label for added sugars and opt for their lower-sugar options, such as the KIND Nuts & Spices line.
RXBARs have gained popularity for their simple, clean ingredient lists and high protein content. While they don't use added sugars or artificial sweeteners, the sugar content in their bars primarily comes from dates, which are high in natural sugars. Some RXBAR flavors contain up to 17 grams of sugar per bar, which can be problematic for those watching their sugar intake. If you're a fan of RXBARs, consider enjoying them in moderation and choose flavors with lower sugar content, like the Chocolate Sea Salt or Mint Chocolate varieties.
Health Warrior offers a range of snack bars made with nutrient-dense ingredients like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and oats. However, some of their bars contain hidden sugars in the form of agave syrup, brown rice syrup, or cane sugar. For instance, their Chia Bars in Acai Berry flavor contain 5 grams of sugar per bar, while their Pumpkin Seed Bars in Honey Sea Salt flavor contain 10 grams of sugar per bar. When selecting a Health Warrior bar, look for options with minimal added sugars and opt for bars with naturally occurring sugars from whole fruits or seeds.
Perfect Snacks is known for its line of refrigerated protein bars made with whole food ingredients like nut butter, honey, and dried fruits. While these bars do contain healthy fats and proteins, they also have a considerable amount of sugar. The Perfect Bar in Peanut Butter flavor, for example, contains 18 grams of sugar per bar, with honey listed as the second ingredient. If you enjoy Perfect Snacks bars, consider consuming them in moderation and be mindful of the sugar content.
Clif Bars are designed to provide sustained energy for athletes and active individuals. While they contain a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, many Clif Bar varieties also have a high sugar content. The Clif Bar in Chocolate Chip flavor contains 21 grams of sugar per bar, with cane sugar and brown rice syrup listed as sweeteners. If you're looking for a lower-sugar alternative from Clif, consider their Clif Mojo Bars or Clif Nut Butter Bars, which have a lower sugar content and rely on nuts and seeds for sustained energy.
Tips for Choosing Healthier Snack Bars
To avoid hidden sugars in snack bars, keep these tips in mind when making your selection:
- Read the ingredient list: Look for bars with a short, recognizable ingredient list and minimal added sugars or sweeteners.
- Check the sugar content: Aim for snack bars with less than 10 grams of sugar per serving and prioritize options with naturally occurring sugars from whole fruits.
- Pay attention to serving size: Some snack bars contain multiple servings per package, which can lead to higher sugar consumption than anticipated. Be mindful of the serving size and adjust your intake accordingly.
- Opt for whole food ingredients: Choose snack bars made with whole, unprocessed ingredients like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds to ensure you're getting the most nutritional benefit from your snack.
- Make your own snack bars: Creating your own snack bars at home allows you to control the ingredients and sugar content, ensuring a healthier option tailored to your preferences.
In conclusion, it's essential to be aware of the hidden sugars in many popular snack bars on the market. By reading ingredient lists, checking sugar content, and opting for whole food ingredients, you can make more informed choices and select healthier snack bars that align with your health goals. Remember, a truly nutritious snack bar should provide you with energy, essential nutrients, and satisfaction without the unnecessary added sugars.
One of the best alternatives to the snack bars listed above is SIMPLE Bars (www.simplebars.com). With no added sugar, no cane sugar, no sugar alcohols, and only 1 gram of sugar per bar, SIMPLE Bars are a healthier option for those looking to minimize their sugar intake. Made with clean and natural ingredients, these bars are an excellent choice for a truly nutritious and satisfying snack.
SIMPLE offers a variety of delicious snacks for the health-conscious individual. Have a question about a product? Reach out today to learn more.
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