19 Homemade Cereal Bar Recipes Kids + Adults Will Love (2024)

FAQs

How long do homemade cereal bars last? ›

Store them in the fridge or freezer.

I recommend storing them with a sheet of parchment paper between layers so that the bars don't stick together. They'll keep for up to a week in the fridge, but you can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Don't confuse granola bars with breakfast or cereal bars. Granola bars are typically made from whole grains; breakfast bars are typically made with refined grain and look like a smooth pastry. Few granola bars are high in fiber, and some have more sugar than one serving of cereal.

The ingredients of cereal bars and granola bars can vary widely – but it's worth remembering that however wholesome their packaging may look, they are not necessarily a healthy choice.

Cereal bars are usually a healthier alternative to chocolate bars. However, they are still a sweet snack and you should take the time to choose the right one. Because of their unhealthy levels of sugar and carbs, cereal bars aren't actually an ideal breakfast; they're more of a sweet treat alternative.

The good news is that you can still eat cereals after their 'best before end' date if they don't look, smell or taste out of the ordinary. As long as you store them properly and according to the instructions on the label, you can still finish the old box of cereals before starting a new one.

Safety: The expiration date on granola bar packages is not a safety date but rather an estimate of when the bars will be at their best quality [2]. If the bars have been properly stored, the package is undamaged, and there are no signs of spoilage, they can still be safe to consume even after the expiration date.

Ground Flaxseed. Adds protein and, when combined with the wet ingredients, becomes a glue-like binding agent that helps hold the bars together. Wheat Germ. A superfood boost that adds folate, fiber, vitamin E, and other key nutrients to these no bake granola bars (as well as this Healthy Granola).

For best results, steer clear of highly processed, artificially sweetened granola bars. Instead, opt for ones made from whole ingredients, such as whole grains, fruit, nuts, or seeds, as these are more likely to help you meet your daily nutrient needs. It's also worth favoring bars rich in fiber and protein.

One primary difference between granola bars and energy bars is their protein levels. Regular granola bars contain approximately 1 g of protein per bar. Energy bars, on the other hand, may contain 10 to 20 g of protein per serving. Common sources of energy bar protein include gelatin, collagen, milk, soy or eggs.

Why do people eat cereal bars? ›

They are a convenient way of getting both fast and slow release energy: you don't have to think about them, they should be easy to eat without stopping, and you can throw them into a pack and forget they're there till you need them. But not all bars are created equal.

You may want to avoid eating cereal before sleeping. Even if you're not, the quick changes in blood sugar don't contribute to the relaxed state your body requires for sleep. If resisting cereal at night proves to be challenging, make sure that you select one that is low in sugar and high in whole grains.

A breakfast bar is a countertop that extends from a kitchen island or kitchen cabinets to provide extra seating for meals, such as breakfast. They are typically between 36 and 48 inches wide and around 16 to 24 inches deep, with enough space for two to four people to sit comfortably.

Carbs and sugar

Cereal bars may well contain both types of carbs, and, as we know, carb counting plays an important part in good blood sugar control and effective diabetes management. Read more about the relationship betweencarbs and sugar. Cereal bars can contain surprisingly large amounts of sugar.

Everyday items such as breakfast cereals and mass-produced or packaged bread can be considered ultra-processed foods. This is because they often have extra ingredients added during production, such as emulsifiers, sweeteners, and artificial colours and flavours.

Most granola bars are actually quite shelf-stable and can last for months, or even years, if stored properly. Typically Granola Bars Are Good For 6-10 Months past the labeled best by date. The key to making sure your granola bars don't go bad is to keep them dry and free from moisture.

Consuming cereals after the 'Best if Used By' date does not pose a food safety risk. "If you eat a cereal after this date, it simply may not taste as good." Many cereals are like canned foods, which generally stay safe to eat but may lose their texture and color as the months and years pass.

Another study concluded that an energy bar made from underutilized Chironji seeds was safe to consume within 15 days after production if kept at room temperature . Additionally, energy bars made from sorghum were found to be acceptable up to 60 days of storage and had good shelf life .

Shelf Life and Storage Tips

These convenient food items provide nutritional benefits and are designed to be long-lasting. Typically, breakfast bars maintain their freshness and are safe for consumption for 6 to 12 months if they are stored in their original packaging.