Granola bars are a popular snack or breakfast option, but are they keto-friendly? Traditional granola bars typically contain oats, sweeteners, and dried fruit, which can be high in carbs and sugar. However, it is possible to make keto-friendly granola bars by using alternative ingredients.
Keto granola bars are made with nuts and seeds instead of oats, and a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit. They can be flavoured with chocolate chips, coconut, or dried fruit, and held together with egg, collagen, or sugar-free syrup.
These keto-friendly alternatives provide a crunchy, chewy, and sweet snack option that is perfect for those following a keto diet.
What You'll Learn
- Keto granola bars can be made with nuts and seeds instead of oats
- Sugar-free syrup, flaxseed, chia seeds or egg whites can be used to bind the bars
- They are easy to make and can be customised with different nuts and seeds
- They are a good breakfast option or snack and can be stored for a few weeks
- They are cheaper to make than buying shop-bought keto bars
Keto granola bars can be made with nuts and seeds instead of oats
Granola bars are often thought of as a healthy snack option, but many store-bought varieties are loaded with added sugars and high-carb ingredients like oats, making them unsuitable for a keto diet. However, it is possible to make keto-friendly granola bars at home by using nuts and seeds instead of oats.
Keto granola bars can be made by combining nuts such as almonds, pecans, and cashews with seeds like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and hemp seeds. These ingredients are bound together using a sweetener such as keto maple syrup, erythritol-based sweeteners, or a powdered monk fruit allulose blend. Additional ingredients like shredded coconut, collagen, and dark chocolate chips can also be added for extra flavor and texture.
The process of making keto granola bars is simple and involves chopping the nuts and seeds, mixing them with the sweetener and any additional ingredients, pressing the mixture into a baking dish, and baking it in the oven. It is important to chop the nuts and seeds finely, use a binder to hold the bars together, and press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure the bars stay together.
Keto granola bars are a versatile snack that can be customized with different nuts, seeds, and flavor combinations. They are a great option for those following a keto diet who want a convenient and tasty snack option.
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Sugar-free syrup, flaxseed, chia seeds or egg whites can be used to bind the bars
Sugar-free syrup, flaxseed, chia seeds, or egg whites can be used to bind granola bars.
Sugar-free syrup is a popular choice for binding granola bars, as it helps hold the bars together while adding sweetness. Some recipes call for keto-friendly maple syrup, while others suggest making a syrup by melting butter and mixing it with keto-friendly sweeteners. It is important to note that the type of sweetener used can affect the texture of the bars, with erythritol-based sweeteners resulting in firmer bars.
Flaxseed and chia seeds are also effective binding agents in granola bars. When combined with liquid, these seeds become gel-like, helping to bind the other ingredients together. Flaxseed can be used as a substitute for wheat germ in granola bar recipes, adding protein and fibre.
Egg whites are another binding option for granola bars. They provide structure and help hold the bars together. A whole egg can also be used, as seen in a recipe that includes egg as an essential ingredient for binding the bars together.
When making granola bars, it is important to firmly press the mixture into the pan to ensure the bars stay together. Additionally, allowing the bars to cool completely before cutting or removing them from the pan helps to prevent crumbling.
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They are easy to make and can be customised with different nuts and seeds
Granola bars are easy to make and can be customised with different nuts and seeds. You can use a variety of nuts, such as almonds, pecans, walnuts, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, and cashews. For seeds, you can use pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, or flax seeds. You can also get creative and add dried fruit, such as cranberries, or coconut flakes.
The process is simple: chop your chosen nuts and seeds, combine with a binder like egg or collagen, add a sweetener, and press the mixture into a baking pan. You can also add chocolate chips to the mixture or drizzle them on top. The bars are then baked in the oven until golden brown.
There are many ways to customise your granola bars, and the key is in the combination of nuts and seeds you choose. For example, you can make a peanut butter and chocolate chip version by using peanuts and drizzling melted dark chocolate on top. Or, for a blueberry pecan flavour, add dried blueberries to the mixture and use roughly chopped pecans. The options are endless!
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They are a good breakfast option or snack and can be stored for a few weeks
Granola bars are a great breakfast option or snack and can be stored for a few weeks. They are a convenient, tasty, and healthy option for those on the keto diet.
Granola bars are a convenient snack option for those on the keto diet. They can be made in advance and stored for up to a few weeks, making them an ideal snack to have on hand when hunger strikes. They are also a great breakfast option, providing a quick and easy way to start the day.
Keto granola bars are typically made with nuts, seeds, and a sugar-free sweetener, making them a nutritious and delicious option. They are often described as having a chewy, crunchy texture and can be customized with different nuts, seeds, and flavors to suit individual preferences.
In terms of storage, keto granola bars can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks. Alternatively, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks or frozen for up to six months. This makes them a convenient snack option that can be prepared in advance and enjoyed at any time.
Overall, keto granola bars are a tasty, nutritious, and convenient option for those following a keto diet. They can be easily customized and stored for several weeks, making them an ideal breakfast or snack option.
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They are cheaper to make than buying shop-bought keto bars
Granola bars are a convenient snack, but the store-bought variety is often loaded with sugar and high-carb ingredients, making them unsuitable for a keto diet. However, making keto-friendly granola bars at home is easy and cost-effective. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can create delicious, healthy snacks that won't break the bank.
The primary ingredient in traditional granola bars is oats, which are not keto-friendly. However, by substituting nuts and seeds for oats, you can make granola bars that are not only keto-friendly but also packed with essential nutrients. Nuts and seeds are generally affordable, especially when bought in bulk, and they provide a satisfying crunch to your granola bars.
Another essential component of granola bars is a binder to hold all the ingredients together. While traditional recipes may use sugar or honey, keto-friendly alternatives like egg whites, collagen, or keto-approved sweeteners can be used instead. These binders help create a chewy, crunchy texture without adding unnecessary carbs or sugar.
By making your own keto granola bars, you can also customise the flavours to your liking. Whether you prefer a simple combination of nuts and seeds or want to add in dried fruits or chocolate chips, the possibilities are endless. You can even create different variations, such as peanut butter and chocolate, vanilla and almond, or cranberry and almond, to suit your taste buds.
Preparing keto granola bars at home is a cost-effective way to enjoy delicious, healthy snacks without sacrificing your dietary preferences. With a few simple, affordable ingredients and some creativity, you can have a tasty treat that fits within your keto lifestyle.
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Frequently asked questions
Most store-bought granola bars are not keto-friendly as they contain added sugar, high-carb ingredients like oats, and even candy. However, you can make keto-friendly granola bars at home by using nuts and seeds instead of oats and choosing a safe sweetener instead of corn syrup or white sugar.
The best granola bars for keto should contain primarily nuts and seeds (no oats!) and safe sweeteners instead of corn syrup or white sugar. It can be hard to find bars like this in stores, but it’s easy to make them at home.
You can swap out the sweetener in your keto granola bars, but be aware that some sweeteners will make the bars very soft and crumbly. For example, sweeteners containing BochaSweet or allulose will result in soft, crumbly bars. Only erythritol-based sweeteners such as Swerve or Lakanto will result in bars with the right texture.
You can use your favourite low-carb nuts or seeds, but keep in mind that this may change the carb count in your keto granola bar recipe. If you substitute nuts, make sure they are chopped to a similar size (roughly 1/4 inch).