Stand in the granola bar aisle at any grocery store and you’ll immediately feel overwhelmed. So many choices and, more and more, so expensive.

We wondered if making our own versions at home would be worthwhile. Fussy directions? Time consuming? No thanks. But what we learned was a few, well-curated “base” recipes (oats, a natural sweetener, and some mix-ins) are the perfect foundation for an ideal snack. Best of all, you can customize these recipes to your family’s preferences and dietary needs.

Check out our recommendations!

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Healthy Protein Granola Bars

“Think you can’t get a boost of protein from a granola bar? Think again! These make a great snack and will help you avoid that mid-afternoon slump.” Dimity McDowell

No-Bake Loaded Granola Bars

“These bars have great ingredients with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep blood sugar levels balanced and taste buds happy! Easy to make and our kids love them too. Just can’t keep them around long, as they are devoured.” BAMRbassador Linda

Chocolate Peanut Butter Energy Balls

“These energy balls are easy to make and freezer friendly. As someone with food allergies, crafting them at home grants complete control over ingredient selection, guaranteeing a safe and satisfying snack tailored to individual dietary needs. They are perfect for on-the-go snacking or after a run.” BAMRbassador Shannon

Granola Bark

“Sweet, but not too sweet, and just crunchy enough. If you find yourself always fishing around in the bag for those big clumps of granola that stick together, you need to make this—it’s all clumps (in a good way)! And FYI, it also works really well as an ice-cream topping” BAMRbassador Michelle

Blueberry Hemp Crumble Bars

“If you’re in the mood for a softer bar, these are delicious. This makes a perfect addition to plain Greek yogurt at breakfast. Eat it warmed up on the side or mix it right into the bowl.” Cathy Engstrom

To-Go Breakfast Bars

“It’s a good recipe for cleaning out the cupboards, using up the last handfuls of nuts/seeds/dried fruit in a bag. One bar on its own is a filling snack; with an apple or banana and some yogurt, it’s a good breakfast.” BAMRbassador Stephanie

Easy No-Bake Granola Bars

“A former running buddy, now pickleball pal, shared these with pickleball league folks and I promptly made them myself! They’re delicious and fool-proof. When I made them, I added pepitas, sunflower seeds, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, and dried cherries.” Sarah Bowen Shea*

Five-Ingredient Chocolate Chip Granola

“Rather than reach for a granola bar, I love granola mixed with yogurt. The chocolate chips make it feel like a decadent treat after a workout, and this recipe really is as easy as it gets.” April Hopkins

*Nuts.com is where Sarah gets all her ingredients for baking. Go to Nuts.com/AMR and you’ll get a free gift (1-pound bag of roasted, salted cashews!) + free shipping on orders of $29+.