Larabars have rapidly gained attention in the health community for their simple and whole-food ingredients. But are they a good choice when it comes to weight loss? Let’s dive in. Larabars are primarily composed of dates, nuts, fruits, and various seasonings. These snack bars are renowned for their on-the-go convenience, making them a top pick for activities such as hiking. Plus, with their vegan and dairy-free nature, they cater to a wide range of dietary preferences.
Are Larabars Good for Weight Loss?
Larabars certainly offer nutritional value, thanks to their whole-food ingredients. Compared to many snack bars on the market, Larabars are less processed. Yet, it’s worth noting the calorie and sugar content. Ranging from 13g to 20g of sugar and around 200 calories per bar, Larabars aren’t necessarily low in sugar or calories.
However, here’s the catch: Larabars, while nutritious, are calorie-dense due to their primary ingredients: dates and nuts. Dates are among the fruits with the highest sugar content, and nuts are calorically dense because of their fat content. Remember, fat has 9 calories per gram, while proteins and carbohydrates contain just 4 calories per gram.
Consider this: A banana is larger than a Larabar but contains fewer calories. A Larabar may be smaller in size but has almost twice the calories of a banana! Thus, while Larabars can fit into a weight loss regimen, focusing on fruits and vegetables that are less calorie-dense might be more beneficial.
Larabar Sugar Content
While nine Larabar flavors contain added sugar, the remaining twenty-one do not. Still, every bar is rich in natural sugar from fruits. Mainly, chocolate chip flavors have added sugars. Below are some of the flavors with their respective added sugar.
- Almond Butter Chocolate Chip (4g)
- Banana Chocolate Chip (3g)
- Chocolate Chip Brownie (4g)
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (3g)
- Chocolate Hazelnut Swirl (3g)
- Coconut Chocolate Chip (4g)
- Mint Chip Brownie (4g)
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip (4g)
- Strawberry Chocolate Chip (3g)
Which is the Healthiest Larabar
The Almond Cookie Larabar takes the crown with the lowest total sugars, no added sugars, and only 1 gram of saturated fat. Flavors like Cashew Cookie, Lemon Bar, and Pecan Pie are also top contenders for their low sugar and saturated fat content.
LARABAR Nutrition Facts Comparison Chart
| Flavour | Calories | Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Carbohydrate (g) | Fibre (g) | Sugar (g) | Protein (g) | Sodium (mg) | Potassium (mg) |
| Apple | 200 | 10 | 1 | 26 | 4 | 18 | 4 | 10 | 300 |
| Cashew | 220 | 12 | 2.5 | 26 | 3 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 300 |
| Chocolate Brownie | 200 | 9 | 2 | 26 | 5 | 19 | 4 | 30 | 300 |
| Chocolate Chip | 200 | 12 | 3.5 | 25 | 3 | 16 | 4 | 60 | 250 |
| Coconut Cream | 210 | 10 | 6 | 28 | 5 | 20 | 3 | 5 | 350 |
| Mint Chocolate Chip | 200 | 9 | 2.5 | 26 | 4 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 300 |
| Peanut Butter | 220 | 12 | 2 | 24 | 4 | 16 | 6 | 90 | 300 |
Cost
Priced between $1.87 and $1.99, Larabars might be a tad pricier than average snack bars. However, they align well with specialty bar categories, reflecting their quality ingredients.
Conclusion
When considering Larabars for weight loss, it’s crucial to factor in their calorie and sugar content. While they boast wholesome ingredients and are less processed than many alternatives, they are calorie-dense. Integrating Larabars into a weight loss journey is possible, but it’s essential to balance them with other low-calorie foods.
FAQs
1. Which LARABAR flavor is the highest in protein?
While this article provides a detailed look into Larabars and weight loss, for protein specifics on each flavor, it’s recommended to check the nutritional information on the package or the official Larabar website.
2. Are LARABARs keto?
Given the high natural sugar content from dates, Larabars may not be the ideal choice for a strict keto diet.
3. Are LARABARs gluten-free?
Yes, Larabars are gluten-free, catering to those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
While considering the efficacy of Larabars for weight loss, it’s also insightful to look into how RXBARs contribute to weight loss.
