In today’s busy world, it’s hard to find time for a healthy meal. Whether you’re busy at work, looking after kids, or simply short on time, having fast and healthy choices is vital. That’s where on-the-go bars come in handy. These bars are full of good stuff and are great for busy people who want to stay healthy even when they’re in a hurry.
Different Types of On-The-Go Bars
Granola Bars: These are made with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, offering a crunchy and satisfying snack.
Protein Bars: Packed with protein from sources like whey, soy, or nuts, these bars are great for muscle recovery and keeping you full longer.
Fruit and Nut Bars: Combining the natural sweetness of dried fruits with the crunch of nuts, these bars provide a quick energy boost.
Nut Butter Bars: Made with creamy nut butter like almond or peanut, these bars are rich in healthy fats and protein, keeping you energetic throughout the day.
Energy Bars: Loaded with carbohydrates from sources like grains and fruits, these bars provide a quick burst of energy for active individuals.
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1. Homemade Granola Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, chopped nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. Stir until evenly distributed.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey or maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until all the dry ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of parchment paper or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the granola slab out of the dish.
- Place the slab on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your desired size.
- Store the homemade granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
2. Recipe of No-Bake Protein Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup protein powder (vanilla or chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional add-ins: chopped nuts, seeds, dried fruit, chocolate chips
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats and protein powder. Stir until well mixed.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, combine the nut butter and honey (or maple syrup). Heat gently until the mixture is smooth and well combined, stirring frequently.
- Stir in the almond milk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until all the oats and protein powder are evenly coated. If desired, add any optional add-ins at this stage and mix well.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of parchment paper or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.
- Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set.
- Once chilled, remove the dish from the refrigerator and use the parchment paper overhang to lift the protein bar slab out of the dish.
- Place the slab on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your desired size.
- Store the no-bake protein bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or individually wrap them and store in the freezer for longer shelf life.
3. Fruit and Nut Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- 1 cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nuts evenly on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- In a food processor, combine the toasted nuts, dried fruit, and oats. Pulse a few times until the mixture is coarsely chopped and well combined.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey or maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the food processor. Pulse several times until everything is evenly mixed and begins to clump together.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of parchment paper or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.
- Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set.
- Once chilled, remove the dish from the refrigerator and use the parchment paper overhang to lift the fruit and nut bar slab out of the dish.
- Place the slab on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your desired size.
- Store the fruit and nut bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or individually wrap them and store in the freezer for longer shelf life.
4. Quinoa Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (raisins, chopped apricots, cranberries)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the oats on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, toasted oats, mixed nuts and seeds, and dried fruit. Stir until well mixed.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey or maple syrup, almond butter or peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of parchment paper or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the baking dish. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the quinoa bar slab out of the dish.
- Place the slab on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your desired size.
- Store the quinoa bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.
5. Superfood Bars Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup mixed nuts and seeds (almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds)
- 1/4 cup dried fruit (goji berries, cranberries, chopped apricots)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mixed nuts and seeds, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and dark chocolate chips. Stir until well mixed.
- In a small saucepan, heat the honey or maple syrup, almond butter or peanut butter, vanilla extract, and salt over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a piece of parchment paper or your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish.
- Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set.
- Once chilled, remove the dish from the refrigerator and use the parchment paper overhang to lift the superfood bar slab out of the dish.
- Place the slab on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into bars of your desired size.
- Store the superfood bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or individually wrap them and store in the freezer for longer shelf life.
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Life can be hectic, and having quick and healthy snacks like on-the-go bars can be a real lifesaver. Whether you’re heading to work, juggling family responsibilities, or just busy with everyday tasks, these bars offer a convenient and tasty way to stay fueled.
From homemade granola bars to protein-packed quinoa bars and superfood bars, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Making your own bars at home ensures you know exactly what’s in them, keeping things natural and good for you.
So, next time you’re in need of a snack on the run, reach for one of these bars. They’re simple, yummy, and keep you going strong all day long.