The pace of modern life is chaotic. From working professionals to school-going kids, everyone is juggling a hectic schedule. This fast-paced lifestyle demands flexibility and convenience, especially when it comes to selecting healthy snacks.
Apart from convenience, nutritional value and versatility are other crucial factors to consider when choosing a snack.
Recent research shows that modern consumers are interested in buying fruits and cereal bars over traditional snacks, with a preference for cereal bars made with health-promoting properties.
Why are cereal bars a good option for healthy, on the go snacks?
High in Nutrients and a Good Source of Energy
High-fiber cereal bars are rich in various essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Thus, they can be used as a quick and efficient way to boost your energy levels. They provide sustained energy and help you stay focused and productive throughout the day.
Increased Convenience
These bars are easy to grab and on-the-go snacks. They offer increased convenience and allow you to maintain your healthy eating habits even with a busy schedule. Whether you are rushing to a meeting, heading to the gym, or packing lunch for your kids, cereal bars are a perfect fit as they are portable, compact and come in sturdy packaging.
Highly Versatile
Cereal bars come in various flavors and ingredient combinations and you can choose as per your personal preferences and dietary needs. Moreover, they are versatile in nature and can be used as a crunchy addition for your yogurt or as a topping for ice cream and dessert.
Affordable and easily available
Cereal bars are budget-friendly and easily available snacks. Moreover, they come in individually wrapped packs, thus they help in portion control and prevent overeating.
Tips to Select a Good Quality Cereal Bar
Read the Labels and Check the Ingredients List
As a first step, it is important to read the labels and check the ingredients list, before buying a cereal bar. Focus on cereal bars which are minimally processed and made up of natural and wholesome ingredients like whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Select Cereal Bars with low sugar content
High sugar content can negate the health benefits of cereal bars. Thus, select a cereal bar with low sugar content. Moreover, you can also select a cereal bar made up of natural sweeteners like honey or dates to avoid refined sugar.
Consider Fiber Content
High fiber content is essential for digestive health and prolonged satiety. Thus, focus on selecting cereal bars with at least 3-5 grams of fiber per serving. Fiber aids in digestion and keeps you full longer. Thus, it helps in healthy weight management.
Avoid Long Lists of ingredients and focus on free from Artificial Preservatives
Prefer to buy cereal bars with short and simple ingredient lists and those that are free from artificial preservatives. Natural preservatives like vitamin E and rosemary extract are preferable because they maintain the bar’s freshness without compromising health.
Give preference to Local Indian Brands
Last, but not the least,try to buy cereal bars from local Indian brands. Local brands are more likely to use fresh ingredients and offer snacks that are perfect for the local taste palette. By choosing local, you can also contribute to the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance shipping.
