A busy schedule can put a damper in a healthy lifestyle. That is why health bars like those from Clif® bar can help you stay on track when you don’t have time for a healthy meal or snack. Although some health bars may be a little high in sugar, they can be better than a trip to the vending machine or fast food restaurant if you don’t have a healthy meal or snack on hand. The only problem is that some of these health bars, although considered all-natural, may contain ingredients that are high FODMAP. Let’s look a little closer at common ingredients in a Clif® bar and see if they can be considered a low FODMAP choice.
Common ingredients in Clif® bars
Clif® bars contain many different natural ingredients that help to create over 15 different delicious flavors. Common ingredients in Clif® bars include organic brown rice syrup, organic rolled oats, organic cane syrup, rice flour, cane sugar and sea salt. Also, other natural ingredients like peanuts, organic peanut butter, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, organic cinnamon, and dried fruits create the flavors that make Clif® bars popular.
This health bar brand has about 200 calories or more per bar with between 4 and 5 grams of fiber, between 8 and 11 grams of protein, and over 20 grams of sugar. So, although the Clif® bars would be great for the hikers and other active individuals in their advertisements, they are rather high in calories and sugar for the average person.
Are Clif® bars low FODMAP?
Although the ingredients listed above are low FODMAP for the most part, common core ingredients in Clif® bars also include high FODMAP food products. Such high FODMAP ingredients in Clif® bars include organic roasted soybeans, barley malt extract, and organic soy flour. These three ingredients are found in just about every Clif® bar product. Therefore, Clif® bars cannot be considered low FODMAP food products. Not to mention that some Clif® bars also contain high FODMAP ingredients like honey, dried apricots, organic dried apples, concentrated apple puree, and apple juice concentrate.
How to find a low FODMAP health bar
Health bars can be a great way to fill in the nutrition gaps of the day or to provide a healthy small meal or snack when you don’t have any other healthy options. However, for those with digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome that are sensitive to foods with FODMAPs, not all health bars are safe eating. Therefore, it is important to look at the ingredient label before purchasing any health bar or to just try and find one that is low FODMAP-certified.
This can be a challenge in your average supermarket. However, you can order a delicious low FODMAP-certified health bar on Casa de Sante. The Vegan Chocolate protein bar with only 190 calories and a good source of 12 grams of protein and 14 grams of fiber is not only low FODMAP-certified, but is also vegan, keto, and paleo friendly. Ingredients like organic almond butter, pea protein, and organic cocoa make this health bar naturally nutritious and delicious. Not to mention that this snack bar is only 2 grams of sugar, so is healthy for just about anyone following a healthy lifestyle.
Take home message
Therefore, if you’re heading out for a long workout, or just a day of running errands be sure to have a health bar along like the Vegan Chocolate bar to keep you satisfied until your next healthy meal. This is because your health bar should be the healthiest it can be and shouldn’t trigger any symptoms that may not make you feel your best.
