You Ask, I Answer: Odwalla Bars
How healthy are Odwalla bars?
Even though they are made with all natural ingredients, they can be high in calories and sugar.
– Jessie Arent
Petersborough, NH
I place them in the “definitely decent” category.
On the plus side:
- They are nowhere near as unhealthy as some heavily processed bars that are loaded with sodium and saturated fats (in fact, Odwalla bars offer more potassium than sodium)
- All grains in Odwalla bars are in their whole state
- Calorie counts are not obscenely high — they average at 230 calories, which is reasonable for a snack.
- They are low in saturated fat
- Most varieties use real fruit purees (as opposed to fruit juice concentrates or fruit flavorings)
- They are a good source of fiber (an average of 4 grams per bar — all from food, not isolated fibers)
I do, however, have some concerns:
- In some of the bars, brown rice syrup (AKA: added sugar) is the first ingredient
- Some Odwalla bars contain 12 grams (1 tablespoon) of added sugar
- Some of their nutrients are fortified (added in) rather than an intrinsic component of ingredients
- Some flavors use sweetened fruits and/or fruit juice concentrates
Bottom line: Odwalla bars earn a solid “B” in the Small Bites grade book.
Julia said on December 2nd, 2009
What are your favorite bars? Granted, even the best bar is, well, a bar, and therefore not the best option. But, within the bar category such as it is, what is the best option? I’m trying to find one with approx the following stats (I’m asking alot out of my bar and most of it’s general, but I think what I’m conjuring is within the realm of possibility): At least 14 g protein, but I’d prefer much higher. At least 3 g fiber. Around 200 calories. Lower in sugar. Very low in sat-fat, but it can have all the healthy fats it wants. Calcium fortification would be a bonus, but isn’t a deal breaker. thanks very much! Your site is such a publice service.
Andy Bellatti said on December 3rd, 2009
Hi Julia,
My #1 bars are Clif Nectar bars and Lara bars — very small list of ingredients (all WHOLE foods) and great nutrition profile.
Pure bars and Gnu Fiber & Flavor bars come in next. Pure bars are similar to Lara bars, but they add some added sugar in the form of agave nectar.
Fiber & Flavor bars are a wonderful source of fiber, but they also contain some added sugar (which is why they are not my #1 choice).
My question for you is — why are you looking for a high-protein bar?
The qualifications you are looking for are hard to meet.
Many 200-calorie bars contain no more than 10 or 12 grams of protein, and at least 8 to 12 grams of added sugar (unless they contain artificial sweeteners). Also, most high-protein bars contain a fair share of saturated fat due to the ubiquitous chocolatey coating.
Why not instead eat a banana and a Greek yogurt? Or an apple and an ounce of almonds?
Jessie said on December 10th, 2009
I’ve heard that Odwalla Bars are better nutrition wise than Clif bars. Is this not true?