Soft, Uncoated Chocolate Chip Granola Bars: Ingredients & Nutritional Information
Granola bars are a go-to snack for anyone seeking a balance of convenience, nutrition, and taste. The soft, uncoated chocolate chip variety offers a delightful blend of chewy oats, sweet chocolate, and wholesome ingredients, making them an irresistible choice for a quick bite. Whether you’re packing a lunch, heading to a workout, or simply craving a snack, these granola bars provide a mix of essential nutrients to fuel your day.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Oats | 1 cup (roughly 80g) |
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 1/2 cup (90g) |
| Honey or Maple Syrup | 1/4 cup (60ml) |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tbsp (25g) |
| Butter or Coconut Oil | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp (1g) |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp (5ml) |
| Almonds or Walnuts (optional) | 1/4 cup (30g) |
| Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds (optional) | 1 tbsp (15g) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (kcal) | 418.0 | 21% |
| Protein (g) | 5.65 | 11% |
| Total Fat (g) | 16.57 | 25% |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 6.061 | 30% |
| Carbohydrates (g) | 70.2 | 23% |
| Fiber (g) | 3.8 | 15% |
| Sugar (g) | 28.92 | 32% |
| Calcium (mg) | 41.0 | 4% |
| Iron (mg) | 2.19 | 12% |
| Magnesium (mg) | 64.0 | 16% |
| Phosphorus (mg) | 176.0 | 25% |
| Potassium (mg) | 237.0 | 7% |
| Sodium (mg) | 251.0 | 10% |
| Zinc (mg) | 1.3 | 9% |
| Copper (mcg) | 273.0 | 30% |
| Manganese (mg) | 1.263 | 60% |
| Selenium (mcg) | 11.1 | 16% |
| Vitamin C (mg) | 0.0 | 0% |
| Thiamine (B1) (mg) | 0.169 | 14% |
| Riboflavin (B2) (mg) | 0.082 | 6% |
| Niacin (B3) (mg) | 0.765 | 5% |
| Vitamin B6 (mg) | 0.066 | 5% |
| Folate (mcg) | 16.0 | 4% |
| Vitamin B12 (mcg) | 0.0 | 0% |
| Vitamin A (mcg) | 0.0 | 0% |
| Vitamin E (mg) | 0.31 | 2% |
| Vitamin D2 (mcg) | 0.0 | 0% |
Allergen Information
- Contains: Dairy (butter), Wheat (oats), and Nuts (if using almonds or walnuts).
- May Contain: Gluten, depending on the oat processing method.
- May Contain Traces of: Soy, due to shared equipment in processing.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit vegetarian diets.
- Gluten-Free: To make these bars gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and ensure that other ingredients do not contain gluten.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Nut-Free: If nuts are a concern, simply omit them or replace with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Low in Sugar: Reduce the sugar content by using less honey or opting for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Tips and Advice
- Customization: These bars are highly customizable. Add in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness, or include seeds like chia or flax for additional omega-3s and fiber.
- Storage: Keep your granola bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Binding: If you prefer a firmer texture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, or even a bit of peanut butter to help bind the oats together.
- Protein Boost: To increase the protein content, try adding a scoop of your favorite protein powder, or mix in some roasted chickpeas or edamame.
Conclusion
Soft, uncoated chocolate chip granola bars are the perfect blend of chewy oats, rich chocolate, and a variety of beneficial nutrients. High in carbohydrates for energy, with a good balance of fats and protein, these bars make for an ideal snack or breakfast option. Their versatility allows for numerous adaptations, catering to various dietary preferences. Whether you are packing them for a lunchbox or keeping them on hand for a midday snack, these homemade granola bars will surely satisfy your taste buds while nourishing your body.
