How to Choose a Low Carb Granola Bar

Granola bars can be loaded with sugar and therefore high in carbohydrates. If you are diabetic or on a low carb diet, you need to choose a granola bar carefully. Learning how to read total carbohydrates on labels, saturated fats, and fiber content will help you choose a healthy granola bar.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• carbohydrate limits for the day and meal

1. Learn about carbohydrate servings. Fifteen grams of carbohydrates is one serving. Most dietitians recommend approximately one serving for a snack and two to four servings for a meal.

2. Understand the serving size on the label. Some granola bars are one serving per bar, while others are one serving for two bars in a package. The serving size will indicate how many bars are included.

3. Look for the total carbohydrates on the label. The total carbohydrates are listed on the nutrition label of the granola bars. Below the carbohydrates is the fiber content. If the fiber content is five or more grams, divide the fiber in half and subtract it from the carbohydrates. A granola bar that has 25 grams of carbohydrates and six grams of fiber is equivalent to 22 grams of carbohydrates.

4. Look for the saturated fat. You want a granola bar that is low in saturated fat. Look for saturated fats that are no more than three grams.

5. Check out the calories. You want a granola bar that is below 100 calories for a snack. Kashi Crunchy Granola Bars have 180 calories in one serving. However, there are 2 bars in the serving. One bar is 90 calories, 13 grams of carbohydrates and less than a 1/4 gram of saturated fat. This is a good granola bar for a low carb bar.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out Kashi granola bars.
• Don't buy a granola bar that says Low Fat without reading the label.