mybest
Healthy Breakfast Bars

Helping You Find the Best

Close
  1. TOP
  2. Outdoor
  3. Outdoor goods
  4. 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars of 2024 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)
  • 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars of 2024 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 1
  • 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars of 2024 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 2
  • 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars of 2024 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 3
  • 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars of 2024 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 4
  • 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars of 2024 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed) 5

10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars of 2024 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)

As much as you try to get a balanced breakfast in every day, sometimes it’s just not possible to sit down and have a proper meal. While fast food and granola bars might seem like an easy fix, they can often cause sugar spikes and lethargy–exactly the opposite of what you’re looking for. Instead, it’s best to find a healthy breakfast bar that will energize you and keep you full.

But “health” is in right now, and every package seems to be trying to convince you that what they’re selling is good for you, so it can be hard to sift through the junk. In this guide reviewed by a registered dietitia, we’ll go over exactly what you should look for in a healthy breakfast bar. We’ve got a list of our 10 favorites to help you along, including our number one pick by This Bar Saves Lives.
Last updated 03/18/2024
Rachel Binkley
Expert
Registered Dietitian (RD, LD)
Rachel Binkley

Rachel Binkley is a registered dietitian who helps individuals develop healthy habits that fit into their lifestyle. She recommends adequate intakes of all micronutrients to help prevent deficiency as well as chronic conditions that may arise. You can keep up with her recipes, lifestyle, and more on Instagram or her blog, S'more Satisfaction.

Rachel Binkley's Profile
…Continue reading
mybest US Editors
Guide
Editing Dept.
mybest US Editors

mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.

mybest US Editors's Profile
…Continue reading
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.

Table of Contents

How to Choose a Healthy Breakfast Bar – Buying Guide

Nearly everything in the grocery store claims to be healthy, but we all know that’s far from the truth. Keep the following factors in mind when trying to decipher what’s good for you and what isn’t.
1

Check Out the Nutrition Facts Label

The nutrition label on the back of everything can be hard to figure out if you don’t know what’s considered “good” and what isn’t. Here’s what you should look for more and less of.

For a Balanced Breakfast, Pay Attention to Fiber and Protein

For a Balanced Breakfast, Pay Attention to Fiber and Protein
The whole point of a breakfast bar is to give you enough sustained energy to last you until lunch, and that’s hard to do if it only has processed carbs and sugar, which, to be honest, is basically every traditional breakfast bar. Instead, you want to look for a bar that has a good balance of fats, protein, and carbs – including fiber.


Having a more balanced nutritional profile will ensure not only that you’re getting all the nutrients you need, but also that you stay fuller longer. A good rule of thumb is to look for a bar that’s around 200 calories and has at least 4 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber.

Go Light on Sodium and Unhealthy Fats

Go Light on Sodium and Unhealthy Fats

Sodium and fats are added to foods because, well, they taste good! But too much of a good thing is a bad thing, and a lot of commercial bars tend towards excess. Too much sodium can cause bloating and exasperate high blood pressure in those that may already have underlying issues. As a good benchmark, try to keep your bar under 200 milligrams.


Fats are a little trickier. There are good fats and bad fats, and it’s becoming increasingly hard to tell the difference between them. A lot of the best breakfast bars are full of healthy fats from nuts and seeds, and that’s actually a good thing! Healthy fats keep you full for longer and are an important part of a balanced breakfast.


But to avoid unhealthy fats, look for 0 grams of trans fat, and 1 gram or less of saturated fat.

2

Choose High-Quality Bars With Whole Food Ingredients

Choose High-Quality Bars With Whole Food Ingredients
When it comes to figuring out if a food is healthy, the first thing you should do is look at the ingredients list. What you want to look for is a list filled with only ingredients that you might have in your own pantry or could find easily in a grocery store. Some ingredients that you want to see in breakfast bars are whole grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds.


On the other hand, when looking for ingredients to avoid, it’s best to stay away from almost everything else. Unfamiliar chemicals, preservatives, and flavorings are especially prevalent in breakfast bars, so be sure to double-check before you buy.

3

Keep in Mind Your Own Dietary Needs and Preferences

Keep in Mind Your Own Dietary Needs and Preferences
Just because you’re looking for a convenient, pre-prepared bite doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice your dietary preferences. There are bars that are certified gluten-free, kosher, vegan, non-GMO, and so much more. So be on the lookout for official certification stamps if you need or prefer one or the other.
Was the Buying Guide helpful?

10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars

If you’re suffering from choice paralysis, here are our 10 favorites to help you cut down the decision-making a bit. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

This Bar Saves Lives

Breakfast BarMadagascar Vanilla Almond & Honey, 12 count

This Bar Saves Lives Breakfast Bar 1

$14.74

Low

Good for You, Good for Humanity

2

LivBar

Organic All Natural Macro Snack BarLemongrass Cherry Matcha, 12 count

LivBar Organic All Natural Macro Snack Bar 1

$36.00

High Mid

Organic Bars to Take Anywhere

3

Blake’s Seed Based

Snack BarRaspberry, 12 count

Blake’s Seed Based Snack Bar 1

$19.98

Mid

Allergy-Friendly Breakfast Bars

4

RxBar

Real Food Protein BarPeanut Butter & Berries, 12 count

RxBar Real Food Protein Bar 1

$18.89

Low Mid

High Protein Without Chalky Protein Powders

5

Probar

Meal BarSuperfood Slam, 12 count

Probar Meal Bar 1

$37.62

High Mid

Nutrient-Dense, All Morning Energy

6

Health Warrior

Chia BarsCoconut, 15 count

Health Warrior Chia Bars 1

$24.78

Mid

Tiny, Chia Seed Bars

7

Larabar

Fruit & Nut BarCashew Cookie, 16 count

Larabar Fruit & Nut Bar 1

$16.93

Low Mid

Just Fruits and Nuts in This Bar

8

KIND

Breakfast Bars32 count

KIND Breakfast Bars 1

$20.64

Mid

Whole Grain Bars to Tuck Away for Later

9

Heartbar

Oatmeal SquareBanana Walnut, 12 count

Heartbar Oatmeal Square 1

$17.99

Low Mid

Heart Healthy Bar With Phytosterols

10

Rise

High Protein BarAlmond Honey, 12 count

Rise High Protein Bar 1

$33.79

High Mid

High Calorie, High Protein Fuel

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

This Bar Saves LivesBreakfast BarMadagascar Vanilla Almond & Honey, 12 count

Breakfast Bar 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$14.74
Low
Reference price
$14.74
Low

Good for You, Good for Humanity

These tasty bars are full of nuts, whole grains, and fruits that you can see in every bite. They’re crisp and chewy without being hard and aren’t too sweet. They're also GMO-free, gluten-free, and 170 calories per bar. And if Madagascar Vanilla isn't for you, the bar comes in seven other delectable flavors.

On top of being good for you, proceeds from every bar go toward food aid for children in developing nations as well as within the United States, so you can feel extra good about your breakfast.

Reviewers say that, even though they taste delicious, there's a lot more sugar than they expected in these bars. But the bars are perfectly balanced in flavor and texture and aren't too sweet, so kids and adults can enjoy them.

Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2

LivBarOrganic All Natural Macro Snack BarLemongrass Cherry Matcha, 12 count

Organic All Natural Macro Snack Bar 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$36.00
High Mid
Reference price
$36.00
High Mid

Organic Bars to Take Anywhere

These bars are good for you and the earth. They’re handmade in small batches in Oregon, come in compostable wrappers, and are certified organic. They're vegan, all-natural, and full of complex carbs, seeds, and fruits.

For the adventurous, these bars are great to take with you anywhere as they don’t freeze or melt and have a shelf life of 9 months. If you’re culinarily adventurous too, they come in a variety of unique flavors that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere.

Some reviewers were not fans of the flavor - saying they were dry and tasteless. However, flavor is rather subjective, so many more reviewers actually find these delicious and love feeling like they are eating healthily. They also like the creative flavors.

No.3

Blake’s Seed BasedSnack BarRaspberry, 12 count

Snack Bar 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$19.98
Mid
Reference price
$19.98
Mid

Allergy-Friendly Breakfast Bars

These bars are great for those with allergies as they are free from the top eight common allergens: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, and wheat. They're also low in sugar and full of fiber and protein.

On top of that, they taste good, and thanks to all of the seeds, the texture makes them really enjoyable to eat as well. These bars also come in three other flavors if raspberry isn’t your thing.

One reviewer thought the bars were rather sticky and too sweet, but most actually like the bars - they're moist, flavorful, and work well as a dessert or a snack. The raspberry flavor is pronounced and that it's nut-free was a highlight for reviewers.

No.4

RxBarReal Food Protein BarPeanut Butter & Berries, 12 count

Real Food Protein Bar 1
Source:amazon.com
Real Food Protein Bar 2
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$18.89
Low Mid
Reference price
$18.89
Low Mid

High Protein Without Chalky Protein Powders

These bars are full of whole food ingredients that make for a protein-rich, well-balanced breakfast. They are filling and delightfully chewy thanks to the dates. They're also paleo, gluten-free, and contain no added sugar.

This particular bar is peanut butter and jelly-inspired, but RxBar also produces a number of different, equally high-protein flavors, which you’ve probably seen near checkout counters at every cafe and grocery store recently. There are a total of 21 different flavors including mint chocolate, pecan, and mixed berry.

The unwrapped bars don't look the most appealing and reviewers say it has a taffy-like texture. However, the flavor is good, and the Peanut Butter & Berries does taste like a classic PB&J. Reviewers also like that RxBars are made of simple ingredients.

No.5

ProbarMeal BarSuperfood Slam, 12 count

Meal Bar 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$37.62
High Mid
Reference price
$37.62
High Mid

Nutrient-Dense, All Morning Energy

These high-calorie, 90% organic bars are filled with nuts, fruits, and whole grains for a full morning of sustained energy and are perfect for those exercising or doing physical work.

However, at over $37 for a box of 12, they are quite expensive and may not be a worthwhile investment for some people. Additionally, some reviewers have found issues with freshness when ordering online.

But reviewers can't get enough of the taste, and say they're very filling, nutritious, and don't give you a bloated feeling after eating them.

No.6

Health WarriorChia BarsCoconut, 15 count

Chia Bars 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$24.78
Mid
Reference price
$24.78
Mid

Tiny, Chia Seed Bars

Thanks to chia seeds, these little bars are packed full of omega-3s, protein, minerals, and fiber. About half the size of your average breakfast bar, these are perfect for light eaters or a mid-morning pick-me-up.

However, given that they’re half the size but about the same price as any other breakfast bar, if you do need to eat more than one, you’re paying twice as much for the calories. But reviewers say the bars are crunchy, chewy, and quite satisfying.
No.7

LarabarFruit & Nut BarCashew Cookie, 16 count

Fruit & Nut Bar 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$16.93
Low Mid
Reference price
$16.93
Low Mid

Just Fruits and Nuts in This Bar

Larabars are made completely from whole food ingredients, and this one has just two: cashews and dates. They’re sweet, chewy, and don’t taste “healthy.” They come in over 20 different flavors so you’ll never get bored.

However, they can be quite sweet and have a relatively high-fat content given their all fruit and nut ingredients. Some reviewers also note that boxes sometimes arrive expired.

On the other hand, reviewers really like how the bar only has two ingredients, with no added sugar or fillers. It's perfect for a snack in between meals.

No.8

KINDBreakfast Bars32 count

Breakfast Bars 1
Source:amazon.com
Reference price
$20.64
Mid
Reference price
$20.64
Mid

Whole Grain Bars to Tuck Away for Later

These chewy whole-grain bars will fill you up and keep you going for hours. It contains five super grains, baked and encased in delectable peanut butter for an added protein kick. They come in small packs of two, which make them more compact and easier to stash in a pocket.

However, some reviewers note that the texture can be a little off-putting to some–not crunchy but not exactly soft and chewy either, and it requires a bit of jaw work to really break it down. Of course, chewing more can also make you feel fuller more quickly.

Other reviewers say they're addictive, filling, and not too sweet. They're great for on-the-go, or as a satisfying breakfast.

No.9

HeartbarOatmeal SquareBanana Walnut, 12 count

Reference price
$17.99
Low Mid

Heart Healthy Bar With Phytosterols

These heart-healthy bars are full of whole grains, fruits, and phytosterols, which are shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re chewy like a soft cookie and come in 9 flavors.

However, this bar does have a rather long ingredients list that includes a few artificial ingredients like maltodextrin, vegetable glycerine, and soy lecithin. So if you’re looking for a more whole foods bar, this probably isn’t the one for you. 

On the other hand, reviewers do find them moist and soft, not too sweet, and say the Banana Walnut tastes exactly like banana bread.

High Calorie, High Protein Fuel

For those looking to fuel a morning workout, this bar is a great, protein-packed alternative to traditional chemical-filled protein bars. Plus it comes in 7 flavors and has a better texture and taste than other protein bars.

However, for those not working out, this bar may be a bit too high in calories, fat, and sugar for just your average morning. There are also better-tasting options without protein powder for those who don’t need it.

Though you can somewhat taste the whey protein in the bar, they taste simple and good, according to reviewers. It's not too sweet and has a moist texture. People also really like that it only has 3 ingredients.

Check Out These Other Healthy Snacks

You can make healthier choices in anything that you eat - mains, lunches, or even just for snacks. But it can be a little confusing what to look out for when trying to buy something that's better for you. So if you're looking for other healthy foods to munch on, then look no further!

Top 5 Healthy Breakfast Bars

No. 1: This Bar Saves LivesBreakfast BarMadagascar Vanilla Almond & Honey, 12 count

No. 2: LivBarOrganic All Natural Macro Snack BarLemongrass Cherry Matcha, 12 count

No. 3: Blake’s Seed BasedSnack BarRaspberry, 12 count

No. 4: RxBarReal Food Protein BarPeanut Butter & Berries, 12 count

No. 5: ProbarMeal BarSuperfood Slam, 12 count

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
  1. TOP
  2. Outdoor
  3. Outdoor goods
  4. 10 Best Healthy Breakfast Bars of 2024 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)

Search by category

mybest

We connect users with the best tried and true products,
tested by our in-house guides and backed by expert insight.

Copyright mybest All Rights Reserved.