Cereal bars are an “on-the-go” alternative to breakfast cereal.

Cereal bars are a quick alternative to breakfast for people on the go that come in a variety of tastes and textures. Recipes for cereal bars include anything from fruit to whole grains to yogurt. This food should be part of a balanced diet that follows the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Furthermore, not all cereal bars are the same, as some are more similar to cookies and candy bars than nutritional bars. It’s no surprise that the FDA has made efforts to redefine what food can be labeled healthy. Their 2016 Guidance for Industry: Use of the term “Healthy” in the labeling of Human Food Products focuses on fats and nutrition that is beneficial. All in all, cereal bars can be healthy if they are nutrient-rich and low in sodium, sugar, and saturated fat.

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References

BAKERpedia. “Breakfast Bars”, bakerpedia.com, https://bakerpedia.com/formulations/breakfast-bar/

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Guidance for Industry: Use of the Term “Healthy” in the Labeling of Human Food Products” US Food and Drug Administration, FDA, September 2013, https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-use-term-healthy-labeling-human-food-products

Grieger, Lynn. “How to Choose Energy and Granola Bars” summitmedicalgroup.com, Summit Medical Group, 7 July 2017, https://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/news/nutrition/how-choose-energy-and-granola-bars/