Granola bars are a solid rectangular snack made from whole grains, nuts, and dried fruit. They can be crunchy or chewy and may contain less healthy ingredients like candy or marshmallows. Some people make their own at home using similar ingredients.
A granola bar has several ingredients pressed into a solid rectangular shape that can be eaten. The ingredients correspond to those found in bulk muesli, such as whole grains, rice, nuts and dried fruit. Unlike bulk granola, manufacturers press and cook the bar to bind the ingredients. The shape and size make the bars easier to eat on the go.
Granola bars use oats and grains as the base ingredient. For example, the main ingredients might include oatmeal, brown rice and whole grains. Manufacturers often include flaxseed for the added nutritional value. To add more flavor to granola bars, manufacturers include nuts and seeds such as dried cherries, coconut flakes, almonds or peanuts. The bars might also contain peanut butter and honey, which adds flavor and helps bind the ingredients together.
While granola bars are primarily marketed as healthy snacks, some include less healthy ingredients. These types of granola bars often include candy, marshmallows, or sugar. Some bars even have a layer of yogurt or chocolate on top for added flavor. Typically marketed to appeal to children, manufacturers often describe these bars as lower in fat or calories than a candy bar or other high-calorie snack.
A traditional granola bar has a thick, rough texture, making them crunchy when eaten. Manufacturers also sell chewy granola bars. Manufacturers either eliminate the cooking process for oats altogether or reduce the cooking time to leave the oats with a softer texture.
The granola bar is very popular in the United States, Canada and parts of Europe. Depending on the brand and area, some manufacturers refer to bars as a mix trail bar, breakfast bar, or meal bar. German manufacturers market a similar product to the cereal bar, the muesli bar. Regardless of the name, these products have similar ingredients and textures.
Instead of buying pre-made granola bars, many bakers choose to make their own granola bars at home. Homemade granola bars typically include the same grains, nuts, and seeds as pre-made granola bars. Some bakers may choose to use a store-bought granola product.
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