Granola bars are a great snack, or even a fast breakfast when you don’t have much time to grab anything else. And, of course they’re also a lunchbox staple for loads of kids heading back to school. But are they gluten free? Let’s find out!
Do granola bars have gluten? Sometimes they do…
Granola bars are a general category of items at the grocery store – and there are many different brands and varieties to choose from. Make sure you always check the packaging of the granola bars you plan to purchase, because granola bars are NOT always gluten free.
Sometimes the problem lies in the fact that granola bars use rolled oats. Some rolled oats are gluten free, but some cannot be labelled that way as they haven’t been tested. And oats can be a tricky thing for Celiacs in particular, because oftentimes they can be cross contaminated with wheat or other gluten-containing grains like barley.
So, you can find granola bars that are certified gluten free – but never assume that a granola bar is gluten free if you haven’t been able to see the packaging for yourself! Only choose varieties that clearly are labelled as gluten free.
Are granola bars healthy?
It depends. Some granola bars can have a lot of healthy ingredients such as flaxseed and nuts that add a lot of protein and healthy fiber to the bars. But some granola bars are basically like a candy bar – filled with chocolate and even covered with a chocolatey coating! Which is all fine and good, but granola bars are not always a healthy treat.
To find a granola bar that’s healthy for YOU – make sure it is labelled gluten free, and then check the nutritional values panel on the side or back of the box. Try to find a bar that is lower in sugar, and has a good amount of protein and fiber for a well-rounded treat.