Cereal Bars — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Nutrients
Nutrition facts
Amount per 100 g
Calories
🔥 387 kcal
| Nutrients per: 100 g | Value | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Carbs | 75 g | 27.27% |
| Fiber | 5 g | 17.86% |
| Sugars | 30 g | 60% |
| Glycemic Index | 61 | - |
| Protein | 6 g | 12% |
| Sodium | 200 mg | 8.7% |
| Total Fat | 7 | 8.97% |
*The % of Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
5 g
🥔 Good Fiber Content
Key takeaways
Health benefits
- Provides quick and convenient energy from carbohydrates, making them a good option for a quick snack or on-the-go meal.
- Rich in fiber if made from whole grains, supporting digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements, and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals if fortified, such as iron, B vitamins, and calcium, which support overall health and well-being.
- Can include additional nutrients from added ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, which provide healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.
- Versatile and portable, offering a convenient snack option that can be easily carried and consumed anywhere.
Health risks
- High sugar content in many commercial cereal bars, which can contribute to weight gain, tooth decay, and increased risk of diabetes when consumed frequently.
- High calorie content particularly in bars that contain added fats or chocolate, which can lead to weight gain if consumed in large quantities.
- Low nutrient density in many highly processed cereal bars, which may lack essential nutrients and fiber, offering little nutritional value.
- Potential for artificial additives such as preservatives, flavorings, and colorings, which may cause adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.
How to choose cereal bars
Cereal bars should have a firm texture and hold together well without being too sticky. Look for bars that contain whole food ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, and whole grains, visible through the packaging.
Do not choose cereal bars that are overly hard or dry, which can indicate they are stale. A good cereal bar should taste fresh and have a balanced sweetness, without overpowering sugariness.
How to store cereal bars
To keep cereal bars fresh and flavorful, store them in a cool, dry environment. Leave them in their original packaging or move them to a sealed container. When stored properly, cereal bars can remain good for 6-8 months.
Avoid placing them in warm areas, as heat can make the bars sticky or cause them to melt. Humidity can also impact their texture. Make sure they are in a sealed container to maintain their freshness and prevent staleness. After opening, it’s best to enjoy them within 1-2 months.
✅ Extra Tip
How long do they last?
Cereal bars can last for 6-8 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Always check the expiration date on the packaging for the best quality. Once opened, it is best to consume them within 1-2 months.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover cereal bars can be used in a variety of ways. Crumble them and use as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, adding a crunchy, sweet element. Cereal bars can also be mixed into smoothies for a quick and easy breakfast on the go.
Use crumbled cereal bars in baking, such as adding them to cookie or muffin batter for extra texture. They can also be chopped and mixed into a trail mix with nuts and dried fruit. If you have a lot of cereal bars, consider using them as a crust for a no-bake cheesecake or pressing them into the bottom of a pan to make a bar base for layered desserts. Cereal bars can also be broken into pieces and mixed into granola or used as a topping for pancakes or waffles. For a quick snack, enjoy them with a spread of nut butter or dipped in chocolate.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
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