Nuts and legumes are full of protein [1] and give you energy. That is, of course, why they're a main ingredient in granola bars and trail mixes. But if nuts are on your no-go list, be it due to allergies or personal preference, it can be hard to find a tasty protein bar.
Ahead, you'll find seven energy bars that are labeled as nut-free [2] but are also tasty and filling. Whether you're looking for a post-workout snack or a feel-good bite in the afternoon, add these to your shopping list.
88 Acres Seed Bars
By using seeds — like pumpkin, sunflower, and even watermelon — 88 Acres has mastered the consistency game without the use of traditional nuts. Try one of each of their five most popular varieties, from Ginger Apple to Chocolate Sea Salt, in the 88 Acres Seed Bar Sample Pack [4] ($10 for 5).
Don't Go Nuts Chewy Granola Bars
Though these bars might be marketed to children, let us announce formally that the Don't Go Nuts Chewy Granola Bars [5] ($22 for 15) are among the most delicious bars of the bunch. They're not only nut-free, but gluten-free as well, and they come in Blueberry Blast, Whitewater Chomp, and Gorilla Power.
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates Tanabar Chewy Granola Bars
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates has expanded into sugary treats, trail mix, and granola bars that are all allergen-free. Available in Triple Berry, Chocolate Chip, and Sweet Raisin, the energy-packed Vermont Nut Free Chocolates Tanabar Chewy Granola Bars [6] ($25 for 12) are delicious.
Enjoy Life Soft Baked Chewy Bars
Enjoy Life's entire product line is free of the top eight known allergens [7] (which include milk, eggs, peanuts, soy beans, and tree nuts), as well as sesame, casein, potato, and sulfites. While the brand produces everything from baking mixes to chocolate chips, the Enjoy Life Soft Baked Chewy Bars [8] ($4 for 5) are among our favourites. Our personal favourite flavour is Caramel Blondie, but we also love Chocolate and Lemon Blueberry.
MadeGood Mixed Berry Granola Bars
While MadeGood products claim to be safe of peanut and tree nuts, they have the added benefit of checking boxes for many other dietary restrictions, as they are free of dairy, soy, gluten, and more. We are huge fans of the MadeGood Mixed Berry Granola Bars [9] ($15 for 5), but there are other delicious flavours: Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Banana, Chocolate Chip, and Strawberry.
Amrita Sunflower Butter and Jelly High Protein Bars
For those who can't have a PB&J, the Amrita Sunflower Butter and Jelly High Protein Bars [10] ($27 for 12) come insanely close. They're packed with superfoods, protein, and fibre.
GoMacro Nut-Free Bar Variety Pack
The GoMacro Nut-Free Bar Variety Pack [11] ($35 for 12) is totally free of nuts, gluten, and dairy. These bars, which come in Sunflower Butter + Chocolate, Maple Sea Salt, and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, are chewy in texture but packed with seeds to ensure a mixed texture you'll love.