Why You’ll Love These High Protein Granola Bars
- Suitable for a wide variety of dietary needs, they’re naturally gluten and nut-free and can easily be made dairy-free and vegan, too.
- One batch makes 12 servings, meaning they’re great to prepare ahead of time and enjoy all week.
- They’re much more budget-friendly than store-bought options.
- As the name suggests, these protein granola bars are full of protein. However, they’re also rich in healthy fats and fiber to keep you satisfied.
- Quick and easy, they’re ready in less than 30 minutes and are loved by kids and adults alike.
Key Ingredients
With no preservatives or strange additives, you’ll love the simple, nutritious ingredients that go into these high protein granola bars. Below are the primary items you’ll need, but be sure to double-check the recipe card below for all the specifics.- Old Fashioned Rolled Oats—Used to form the base of these bars, rolled oats provide a robust, slightly chewy texture. If needed, make sure to buy from a brand that is certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination with other gluten-containing ingredients.
- Protein Powder—We prefer to use vanilla protein powder, and your favorite brand will work. However, we highly recommend steering clear of artificial sugars, as those tend to have an unpalatable aftertaste.
- Chia Seeds—Little nutritional powerhouses, these provide a great source of healthy fats and fiber.
- Sunflower Butter—This acts as the binder, holding the ingredients together and providing a nutty flavor while keeping the bars nut-free.
- Pure Honey—Used as a natural sweetener. Maple syrup works as well.
- Milk—Regular dairy milk or any plant-based milk can be used.
- Mini Chocolate Chips—We love to use mini chocolate chips over full-sized varieties, as the mini chips blend in better.
Flavor Variations
One of the great things about these protein granola bars is that they can easily be adjusted to fit all your preferences. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and add-ins to make them your own! For instance, some of our favorite variations include:- Dark Chocolate—Chop up your favorite dark chocolate into bits. Or, melt dark chocolate, and use it to dip, dunk, or drizzle your bars. Place them in the fridge to set, and enjoy!
- Coconut—Incorporate unsweetened shredded coconut flakes into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Dried Fruit—For a hint of sweetness and a chewy texture, fold dried fruit like raisins, blueberries, or cherries into the mix.
- Nuts—Add in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch and healthy fats.
Make a double batch of protein granola bars to enjoy now and save for later. Courtesy of Amy Dong
