How are Granola Bar and Breakfast bar different from each other?

This Post points out the major difference between Granola Bar and Breakfast Bar

Granola bars, protein bars, breakfast bars – they all sound the same but are somehow different. In fact, these terms are so interchangeably used that sometimes even the granola bar enthusiasts are not able to perfectly distinguish between a granola bar and a breakfast bar. But exactly how are they different from each other? They even have similar ingredients!

Let’s try to nit-pick and analyse just how these two products differ from each other – and why are they considered similar.

Granola Bars

A Granola is a kind of breakfast preparation, consisting of rolled oats, nuts, dry fruits and chocolate. They are baked, rather than being cooked like cereal. Granola can be eaten in various ways – as a breakfast, or as a snack and can also be compressed in a portable size and carried around as granola bars.

Granola bars are essentially compressed granola. A single granola bar could be equivalent to a small bowl of loose granola – it’s just that the former is compressed so tightly as to fit any pockets.  A granola bar – especially a healthy one – can be eaten in place of breakfast, or a meal. It can also be a post-workout snack or simply a healthy snack. Since they are popularly eaten in-between intense workouts, granola bars are also known as energy bars. These energy bars contain a large number of carbs and proteins, with very high levels of fibre.

Comparatively, granola bars are also higher in calories than breakfast bars.

Breakfast Bars

An Energy bar is a food preparation which contains the nutrients that are normally covered by breakfasts. Energy bars usually serve as a meal replacement, so it is very important that they contain the major macronutrients in the right proportions, especially proteins. Eating a lot of proteins, especially plant-based protein, during breakfast helps in maintaining body health and helps in the repair and restoration of the human body. Hence it is not surprising to find breakfast bars laden with protein powders.

Similarly, fibre is also an important constituent of a breakfast. This is due to the fact that fibres take a long time to digest, thus the person does not crave food, particularly junk food, in between meals.  Hence, unhealthy cravings could be curbed.

However, most breakfast bars are not rich in calories. In fact, breakfast bars are low in calories and high in proteins and Polyunsaturated Fatty acids (PUFAs), encouraging metabolism and helping in weight management.

Why are they considered similar? Most granola bars and breakfast bars have similar ingredients. As a matter of fact, most companies produce the same product and sell them as two different ones, as part of their marketing strategy. 

But the main difference is that while granola bars can be eaten as a snack and hence may contain a lot of sugars and calories, breakfast bars primarily serve as a meal replacement, and as a result, should contain lower levels of calories.

Which is better?

It all stems down to your daily lifestyle choices and requirements.

Granola bars could be considered all-purpose. The right bar can be eaten not only as a tasty snack or a post-workout booster but also as a meal replacement. Granolas are also a dangerous gamble, as most commercial granola bars are basically oats candy. Avoid them since they have abnormally high caloric density and sugar content.

To make them appealing to children, granola bars also have yummy ingredients like chocolates and rice crisps. They are an easy way to make fussy kids eat something healthy but do not overdo them.

Breakfast bars are meal replacements. If you are more prone to forget breakfast during a busy day, it is best to stock on these. They contain a lot of proteins and fibres to keep you full and help you sustain at least until the next meal. Always keep in mind that breakfast bars are just meant to be a temporary substitute for your regular breakfast. You cannot entirely live on these alone and need to have a proper meal.

Most breakfast bars are sweet, catering to those with a sweet tooth. However, there are a few savoury breakfast bar options available in the market. These are a good option for diabetic people and those who hate sweets. These savoury bars serve as a quick meal without making you feel guilty for eating sweets!

Technically, breakfast bars and granola are similar. They only have a few subtle differences in their nutritional compositions.

Check out Foodvez for granola and breakfast bars.