First of all, I feel that Kashi is that brand that has helped the granola bar re-gain its status as an actually healthy snack choice. It boasts a rich and natural mix of nuts, protein, and seven whole grains, so its a satisfying snack, dessert or post-work out pick-me-up.  It actually contains 7 whole grams of protein per serving derived from whole almonds and the crispy soy granules, reminiscent of Rice Krispies.  And for those of you trying to increase your protein content, you know that’s no joke for a snack!  The Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars have 4 grams of fiber per serving, partly from the inclusion of Flax Seeds.  Of course, there is no white sugar, or even brown sugar popular, instead they are sweetened with wildflower honey and brown rice syrup.  I love that the Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars also contains 7 different whole grains and sesame seeds, including Hard Red Winter Wheat, Oats, Rye, Barley, Triticale, Long Grain Brown Rice, Buckwheat, and Sesame Seeds.

Now what about the Quaker Simple Harvest Bars?  The Simple Harvest line is marketed as having simple, healthy ingredients. My favorite, the Quaker Simple Harvest Dark Chocolate Chunk Multigrain Granola Bars are a tasty granola bar with simple ingredients and good nutrition, but this one is made mostly from whole oats, plus some barley and wheat. There are 2 grams of fiber in one, which is less than the Kashi bar.  Quaker Simple Harvest Dark Chocolate Chunk Multigrain Granola Bars are indeed quite simple in regards to their ingredients: whole grain rolled oats top the list of ingredients followed by semisweet chocolate chunks; there are no partially hydrogenated oils and no high fructose corn syrup (or any corn syrup for that matter).   High on taste and the nutrition content is pretty good.

And now my least favorite: Nutri-Grain Fruit & Nut Bars.  The Nutrigrain bar has a very soft texture, except for the peanuts inside in some.  Nutri-Grain Fruit & Nut Bars come in Cranberry, Raisin, & Peanut flavor which is a mixture of Virginia peanuts, whole oats, cranberries, and raisins, a healthy mix of goodies.  The Berry & Almond version is a mixture of California almonds, whole oats, and the natural taste of blueberries and strawberries. But here’s the deal: the bar has 3 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugar, 3 grams of protein, and though all and all, this isn’t too bad of a snack with fiber, protein, and it’s low calorie content, unfortunately it is filled with high fructose corn syrup which is less than friendly to your blood sugar balance.   So my vote: Kashi TLC!