The humble bar has become an essential part of the habits of health and fitness fans worldwide, used for everything from a quick breakfast to refueling after a hard workout. And as diets get more specific, so do the bars people eat to stay healthy. This complete guide to paleo bars will talk about the different kinds of bars that fit the paleo way of life, why they’re so popular now, and how you can add them to your diet.

The Paleo diet, sometimes called the “caveman diet,” is based on what people in the Paleolithic period were thought to have eaten: wild foods and animals. People who support the diet believe that our bodies are genetically not designed to handle modern food and ways of life, which causes health problems. So, the paleo diet focuses on eating whole foods, lean proteins, fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds and stays away from processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy.

This way of thinking about food leads to paleo-friendly bars made with items that are good for the paleo diet. Paleo bars have become very famous as more people follow this diet because they think it can help their health in many ways, such as by lowering their blood sugar, helping them lose weight, and giving them more nutrients.
You can make your paleo bars at home. Here’s everything you need to know about other kinds of paleo bars.

What are Paleo Bars?

Paleo bars are snack foods that are made especially for people who are on a paleo diet. The Paleo diet is based on what people in the Paleolithic period are thought to have eaten. It promotes whole, unprocessed foods like meat, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These rules are followed by Paleo bars, which don’t have any grains, beans, dairy products, or refined sugars.

Types of Paleo Bars

Paleo bars are very flexible, so there are many kinds for any taste or event.

Paleo Protein Bars

People who want to ensure they get enough protein to help their muscles grow and heal often choose protein bars. On the other hand, some store-bought protein bars are full of sugar and fake ingredients that don’t belong on the paleo diet.

It’s better to eat paleo protein bars instead. They often have a mix of animal and plant-based proteins, like pea protein and grass-fed whey, to keep your energy up and help you make gains at the gym. Look for ones that have few, easy-to-recognize ingredients and sweeteners like dates, honey, or maple syrup.

Paleo Granola Bars

Many people like to grab a granola bar as a quick snack on the go. Paleo granola bars don’t have the usual oats and grains. Instead, they have nuts, seeds, and sometimes coconut to give them a pleasant crunch and fats that provide you with energy. They have a lot of fiber and good fats to help you feel full and energized between meals.

Paleo Lemon Bars

If you have a sweet tooth, lemon bars are a sour and tasty treat that won’t make you feel bad. Almond flour, coconut oil, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup make the crust and the lemon filling in paleo forms. These bars are great for a summer picnic or as a light treat after dinner.

Paleo Pecan Pie Bars

Who says you can’t have cake if you’re paleo? A rich, gooey pecan filling sits on top of a buttery, crumbly base in pecan pie bars, making them a sweet treat that will fill you up. For the paleo version, ingredients like almond flour and dates make the pie taste just as good without the toxic ingredients in the regular pie.

Paleo Chocolate Bars

If you can believe it, there are chocolate bars that are paleo-friendly! Dark chocolate with a high cocoa content and paleo-friendly items like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit are often used.

Benefits of Paleo Bars:

• Convenience: Paleo bars offer a grab-and-go solution for busy individuals on the paleo diet. They’re perfect for pre-workout fuel, post-lunch pick-me-ups, or satisfying midday cravings.
• Nutrient-Dense: Many paleo bars are packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, keeping you full and energized for longer.
• Portion Control: Pre-packaged paleo bars offer a convenient way to manage portion sizes, preventing overeating.
• Travel-Friendly: Their compact size makes them ideal for traveling, hiking, or keeping in your purse or gym bag.
• Dietary-Friendly: Paleo bars are naturally gluten-free and often accommodate other dietary restrictions like dairy-free or vegan.

Choosing the Right Paleo Bar for You:

Choosing the right paleo bar can be challenging because there are so many kinds on the market. Here are some essential things to think about: 

• Ingredients: Always prioritize bars with a short, recognizable list of paleo-approved ingredients. Look for whole foods like nuts, seeds, fruits, and grass-fed meats.
• Sugar Content: Aim for bars with minimal added sugars. Opt for those sweetened naturally with dates, honey, or fruit.
• Fiber Content: Fiber keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Choose bars with a decent amount of fiber, ideally around 5 grams or more per serving.
• Protein Content: Protein is essential for satiety and muscle repair. Look for bars with at least 5-10 grams of protein per serving for a more balanced snack.
• Sodium Levels: Be mindful of sodium intake, especially if you have blood pressure concerns. Opt for bars with lower sodium content.
• Personal Preferences: Consider your taste preferences! Do you crave something sweet or savory? Crunchy or chewy? Choose a bar that sounds appealing to you.

Making Paleo Bars at Home

When you make your paleo bars, you can know what goes into them. You can make enough of this to last you all week.

Paleo Bars Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of almonds
• 1 cup of cashew nuts
• 1 cup of pitted dates
• 1 cup of coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup of almond butter
• 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• A pinch of sea salt

Directions:

1. In a food processor, chop the almonds and peanuts into small pieces.
2. Mix in the almond butter, honey or maple syrup, sea salt, dates, and coconut flakes. Process the food until it starts to stick together.
3. Put parchment paper around the edges of a baking dish and press the mixture into it so it’s evenly spread and tightly packed.
4. Put the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour or until it sets.
5. After the bars have been set, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the dish and cut them into bars.
6. The bars can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for longer.

Feel free to customize this base recipe with your favorite nuts, seeds, and natural flavorings like cocoa powder or cinnamon.

Tips for Successful Paleo Bar Making

• Ensure your nuts and seeds aren’t salted or cooked in oil, which can add salt and fats that are bad for you.
• If you can’t eat nuts, sunflower and pumpkin seeds are great options because they are high in nutrients.
• Use raw honey or pure maple syrup to make your bars sweet. They don’t undergo much processing, so they keep more of their nutrients than highly refined sugars.
• You can use egg whites to help recipes stay together when they need extra help.
• Once you’ve cut your bars, you can wrap each in parchment or wax paper to keep them fresh and easy to grab on the go.

Faqs About Paleo Bars

Are Paleo bars vegan?

Only some of the time. Meat and eggs are allowed on the paleo diet so that some paleo bars will have them. If the bar isn’t vegan, check the list of ingredients to see if it has cheese.

How many calories are in a paleo bar?

It changes a lot. Most paleo bars have between 200 and 350 calories, but check the nutrition facts to be sure.

Are all Paleo bars actually Paleo?

Not every bar that says “paleo” really follows the paleo diet. Carefully read through the list of ingredients. Avoid bars with unhealthy fillers, refined sugars, beans, dairy products, grains, or legumes.

Are Paleo bars a healthy snack option?

It depends on your chosen bar, but some paleo bars can be a healthy snack. Look for bars with good fats, fiber, and protein, not added sugars, fillers, or sodium.

What is paleo used for?

Paleo is a way of eating based on what people in the Paleolithic era were thought to have eaten. It focuses on whole, unprocessed foods like fish, meat, veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds and stays away from grains, legumes, dairy, and refined sugars.

How Many Paleo Bars Can I Eat Per Day?

Paleo snacks should not be used in place of meals. They’re meant to be snacks. How many calories you should eat daily depends on how active you are and how many calories you need. Eating one to two bars a day is fine, but you should always consider how they fit into your total diet.

What are the healthiest protein bars you can eat?

This depends on what you need to eat. If the bars focus on whole foods and have a good mix of macros, they can be healthy. There are, however, other protein bars that can be used for people with different nutrition needs.

Are Costco paleo bars healthy?

It depends on the place in question. Check out the list of products at Costco. Look for bars with a few extra sugars, salt, and whole, recognizable ingredients.