Made from seeds and nuts, these healthy sugar free low carb granola bars with chocolate chips are gluten, grain-free, and a great grab-and-go snack. They're so much like the real thing - you won't believe it!
[Before I begin, I have to thank my son who served as hand model for this post. I usually don't share my family or much of our home-life on the blog, but "mr. helpful" needs to be acknowledged. :)]
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My kids have been back to school for almost 2 months now. It’s been an exciting school year because my daughter started middle school. And, thanks to the school snack-shack, her options for available school snacks have broadened considerably. Even so, I continue to send her to school with homemade goodies like low carb Cheez-it’s or these chewy granola bars. I can’t help but feel that tucking a wholesome treat from home into her lunch bag let’s her know I love her.
If you have kids, then you’ve undoubtedly bought chewy granola bars with chocolate chips sometime in the past either as a school lunch treat or as a quick on-the-go snack. I know my kids love them, and so do I. I can’t tell you how many of the low carb chewy granola Atkins bars I’ve eaten in the last seven years - more than I care to admit. They are nice in a pinch, but I try to keep the additives to a minimum and I like to bake.
I’ve been making healthy sugar free granola bars for the kids in some form or another for years. I used to prepare them with gluten-free oats, but now I just make them with nuts and seeds for a healthy low carb and grain free option. Honestly, you can hardly tell the difference between this sugar-free version and those fruit and nut bars you see in the stores.
To keep these healthy granola bars as low in carbs, I added goji berries, which are high in antioxidants, but I often add dried cranberries or blueberries for the kids. Chocolate chips are a must for my kids and I like to use Lili’s sugar-free chocolate chips. Any mix of nuts and seeds can be used for this recipe, but don’t skip the sliced almonds - they’re what give these chewy granola bars that authentic granola-bar look.
I also highly recommend using a viscous sugar-free syrup like the Sukrin Fiber Syrup Clear (or gold), VitaFiber Syrup or xylitol syrup. You can try using sugar-free pancake syrup if you’d like, but I try to avoid heating aspartame as it can break down and/or react with other recipe related compounds.
This is the second low carb granola bar I’ve shared on LCM, the first being Kitchen Sink Bars which use puffed rice as the base ingredient. Wanting to provide a lower carb and grain-free option for more readers to enjoy, it was time to share this recipe. These bars are very lightly sweetened so add more powdered sweetener per your taste. I think you’ll agree that this recipe is as close as you’ll get to the real thing.
NOTE: I like to buy my almonds, walnuts and pecans from Costco for the best price. I commonly buy other nuts from Nuts.com - not only for the great variety they offer but for their great quality. Another great place to buy nuts is Trader Joe's.
These Sugar Free Low Carb Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips are 6 net carbs each. Omit fruit for 4 net carbs bars.
[This post and recipe may contain affiliate links.]
Sugar Free Low Carb Granola Bars with Chocolate Chips
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) sliced almonds
- ½ cup (55 g) walnuts
- ½ cup (55 g) pecans
- ⅓ cup (40 g) goji berries (or your favorite no-sugar added fruit)
- ⅓ cup (40 g) raw pumpkin seeds
- ⅓ cup (45 g) sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup (40 g) golden flax meal
- ¼ cup (65 g) Lily's SF Chocolate Chips
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) melted butter
- 3 tablespoons low carb powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup Sukrin Fiber Syrup Clear (or Gold or VitaFiber or SF pancake syrup), 89 ml
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 and place the rack to the middle position. Line a 13 x 9 inch baking dish or pan with parchment paper (or foil) by spraying the dish with baking spray to help it stick. Make sure the parchment over-hangs the sides so you can lift out the bars. Spray the parchment, too.
- Place the sliced almonds into a food processor (or chop by hand) and process until they resemble oats. Place the chopped almonds into a medium bowl. Chop the pecans and walnuts into smaller pieces - I use a chef's knife. Add them to the almonds. Add the gogi berries, pumpkins seeds, sunflower seeds, golden flax meal, chocolate chips, cinnamon, ginger and powdered sweetener into the bowl. Mix thoroughly. Pour the butter over and mix again. Add the fiber syrup and mix one more time.
- Pour the chewy granola bar mixture into the prepared baking dish and distribute as evenly as possible. Lay a piece of waxed paper on top of the mixture and using a flat bottomed glass, firmly press the granola mixture into the dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until it just begin to brown around the edges. Let rest in the dish for 10 minutes. Remove to a cooling rack by using the parchment to lift it out. Let it cool completely before cutting into 16 bars with a large, sharp chef's knife. Apply pressure in a downward motion and resist sawing back and forth. Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Omitting the fruit makes these bars 11 total carbs and 4 net carbs each.
Debbie
Best I’ve tried yet. Absolutely like the real thing! Stays chewy and holds together well. I will add a touch more sweetener next round.
Shelbie
So so so good!! I used raisins instead and added about a half cup of unsweetened coconut flakes/an extra tablespoon of pancake syrup. I also pulsed all ingredients together so the chocolate chips and raisins were broken into smaller pieces so I got some natural sweetness and chocolate with every bite. AMAZING. Will be making these every week!
Patricia
What do spray the parchment paper with?
Kim Hardesty
Hi Patricia. Use baking spray - Pam, coconut oil, olive oil or whatever you have. -Kim
RANNA H BLAKELY
I love these, great to take to work. I have shared with others and they like them also and want the recipe. Give them a 10. Easy to tweak it to your liking
Nora
I would like to see more protein in these bars - could you add some protein powder into the mix to boost it or would it ruin the recipe?
Kim
That's a great question, Nora. I haven't tried them with protein powder. Please let me know what happens when you try. -Kim
Angie
I just made these and they taste delicious! I used pure maple syrup instead of fiber syrup (which I didn't have). I am not on a low carb diet so sugar is not an issue with me. Mine came out a bit soft and slightly crumbly. Should I be baking it longer (I did 20 mins), or try to find fiber syrup instead? Thanks for a great recipe.
Kim
Hi Angie. I'm glad you like the recipe. I would use honey instead of the maple syrup, which is much thinner. Make sure to pack the mixture together really well, I use a piece of waxed paper over the bar mixture and press firmly with a flat bottomed glass. Let the bars cool completely before cutting. I think they hold together best when refrigerated, but they also were fine in my kids lunches. Baking time may be something you need to experiment with as I've found my mom's wall oven cooks my recipes differently than my large gas oven. I hope this helps. -Kim
Terry
These look great. I read reviews on Amazon for the Fiber syrup and many reported having sugar spikes after using this syrup, especially the diabetic posters. I'm wondering your thoughts and it looked like someone else used egg whites as a binder. Will that work? Thanks
Kim
Hi Terry. I haven't tried this particular recipe with just egg whites, but I do use it in one of my granola recipes. I do not know how much to use - maybe two and mix them until they are very frothy? THat's where I would start. The bars will most likely be hard or crunchy instead of soft, but again, I'm not sure because I haven't tried it. -Kim
Rene Vargas
Did the eggs work?
Patricia
Guess what? The egg whites didn't help either. The still are crumbly.
Jan Nightingale
I just made these and they are delicious! Thanks for the recipe. The only problem I have is that they are not very sturdy and don't hold their shape well. Any ideas?
Kim
They may have needed more time in the oven Jan. The mixture needs to be packed in tight and needs to cool completely before cutting. Did you use the fiber syrup? -Kim
Connie Barron
I made your bars this afternoon, and for the first time I actually got a BAR! My husband even loved them. I did make a few subs but it worked great. I used 1/3 c egg whites instead of the syrup and omitted the sunflower seeds, flax meal and pumpkin seeds...not a big fan of seeds. Used cashews, pecans, walnuts and almonds with great success. Can't wait to use blueberries next time! Good job!
Kim
I love the combination of your ingredients, Connie. Yes, the egg whites would help hold it together if you didn't have the syrup - great sub. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and ingredients. -Kim
Allyssa
Hi, wondering if you could tell me if these will keep their shape and not melt. I am looking for a recipe that is low carb that will hold up in a backpack while hiking. Every thing i have tried melts and needs refrigeration. Can't tell you How much ingredients I have wasted!
Kim
Hi Allyssa. These do not melt, but I would think that they may break apart on a hike? i just imagine them being jostled around? They do survive my kids walk to school in their lunch boxes. The ingredients need to be packed together well in the pan and need to be completely cooled before cutting with a sharp knife. Refrigerating them helps them stay together better, but I have kept them on the counter in a plastic container, too. I know this doesn't exactly answer your question. -Kim
Susan
How can I make these crispy ? Or do u have another recipe that is? Making for someone who has diabetes but can use the calories and wants a crunchy snacksusa
Kim
Hi Susan, I don't have a crispy recipe yet, but take a look at the sesame cracker recipe I have. They are easy to make and very nice to have with a dip and some summer sausage or cheese. My kids love them. -Kim
JBK
Hi Kim - can you tell if the fiber syrup has any of the "alternative sweetener" taste? I'm super sensitive to almost all of the alternative sweeteners out there (especially stevia) and can't stand the tastes. Just don't want to waste my money trying it out! Also, can I use almond flour in place of the flax meal? Or perhaps another substitute?
Kim
Hi JBK. Great question. I just tried both of the Sukrin varieties so I could be sure (I am out of the Fiberfit but it tastes the same)... The syrups have the mouthfeel of and taste like corn syrup but are not as sweet. They do contain a lot of fiber. Fiber does count towards carb intake and overeating this product can cause an insulin spike. I only use it in a few special recipes like these granola bars (which are great), granola cereal, and caramel recipes. I would not use it as a pancake syrup. It's a great product, however, and I love it. Let me know if you have any more questions. -Kim
Barbara
These bars look really good!
Do you think I could add some protein powder to the mix?
I'd like to make some for my (body building) son who is always looking for ways to add protein to his diet.
Just wondering if protein powder would change to consistency.
Thanks!
Kim
Hi Barbara. I'm sure you can add some protein powder, but it may make them grainy. I bet if you use peanut butter or another nut butter as a binder you could use more protein powder. I also like to mix protein powder (whey or egg white) with equal parts peanut or almond butter and add a little stevia for peanut butter balls (I have a recipe on the site). If you son is into body building, then he may be familiar with the protein fluff which uses casein protein. Casein protein and milk products become very thick and when whipped can produce a fluff which is very dessert-like. Caution: Casein protein can make people very constipated. I hope you find a combination that he likes. -Kim
Karla
What’s the difference between total carbs and net carbs?
Also, how many carbs without choc chips, or without choc chips and fruit?
Thanks,
Kim
Hi Karla. Total carbs takes into consideration all fiber carbs. To keep Keto stay under 50 total carbs a day. Some people need to stay around 35 grams total carbs or below to lose weight - so, fiber does count somewhat. Net carbs is the number you get when fiber carbs (and sugar alcohols) are subtracted from the total carbs. People using the net carb method for calculating carbs like to stay around 20 grams a day.
I no longer take the time to figure out carb counts for readers with and without specific ingredients. If I did that for everyone every time, I wouldn't have time to write my posts and test recipes. I hope you understand. -Kim
Kathy
Seriously delicious. My only issue was having enough patience to wait for them to cool to cut and taste them.
Thank you!
Kim
I'm so glad you liked the recipe. Enjoy your bars. -Kim
Brenda
Hi this is Brenda again inrefrence to the freezing question. I made them and they are one of the best granola bars if not the best I've ever eaten. The problem I'm having now is not eating them. Thanks for the recipe.
Kim
Great, Brenda. I'm so glad you like them. Enjoy your weekend. -Kim
Brenda Jones
I'm the only person that will be eating them so can I freeze them?
Kim
Hi Brenda. I have never frozen these, but they last in the refrigerator for weeks. They are just nuts so I guess freezing and thawing in the fridge would be fine. Keeping them refrigerated, helps hold them together better anyway. -Kim
Barbara B
I make my own granola and freeze it in snack sized bags (inside a freezer quart size bag) and pull it out when I need it. I think they would freeze just fine. Try 1 or 2 and then defrost in the refrigerator and see how they taste. I've been freezing my granola almost 5 years now and it tastes as good as when I made it.
Jacob Maynard
How long can this stay on the shelf? And I don't have to use fruit for this, right? Also, could I just use 2/3 of a cup of pumpkin seeds instead of pumpkin and sunflower seeds?
Kim
Hi Jacob, great questions. You can customize the seeds any way you want and you don't have to add the fruit. I keep them in the refrigerator and they last for several weeks. -Kim
Chelsea
Could you add a few eggs to bind everything together?0
Kim
Maybe you can use some peanut butter or almond butter as a binder? I don't know if I would bake them, though. I have only tested the recipe with the ingredients listed, Chelsea. -Kim
Lowcarblover
When I finished cooling down the bars how long can I keep the bars in the refrigerator? Or is it better if I kept in the freezer? What do u think is the best opinion to keep the bars still nice and fresh?
Kim
Hi Kate, great question. I put them in an air-tight container and keep them in the fridge for 1-2 weeks. My kids generally eat them in a week. There is no need to freeze them. Since they are mostly nuts and a little dried fruit (if you are using), then they will last for at least two weeks in the fridge. -Kim
Angela
This recipe was delicious. Mine crumbled but that most likely is because I do not have fiber syrup. I used sugar-free honey instead. I ate my "bar" with a spoon. So good. Thank you!
Ariana
Mine crumbled is this normal?
Kim
Hi Ariana. No, they shouldn't have crumbled. Did you have the fiber syrup? That gives the best results. You may have needed to add a little more fiber syrup to get the mixture to stick together. I also packed the ingredients firmly into the pan before baking. If the bars aren't completely cooled, they will crumble a bit. As you can see from the pictures, they held together and were chewy. If they crumble, break them up into small pieces and use as a granola to sprinkle over yogurt or ice cream. I'm sorry your first batch didn't hold together. If you have any more questions, please ask. -Kim
Tina
Would freeze dried berries work in this?
Kim
They might, Tina, but I think they would break apart. Still, if it were me, I would try. -Kim
Jen
Would love to see the ability to share via email since I don't tweet or facebook... just a suggestion. Great recipe idea! i'm printing out and trying for myself!
Kim
Great idea, Jen. I didn't know that was even an option on other sites. I'll see if my social sharing plug-in has an option for that. If you have an iPhone I think you can share via email by hitting the (square with the up arrow? the sharing button) you should have an option to email. Enjoy the recipe. -Kim
Darcy
Do these even have to be baked?
Kim
I don’t know, Darcy. I have never made them without baking. I feel that the baking “sets” the syrup. Thats just my intuition, though. -Kim
Angie
Yum yum yum! These really hit the spot and keep my hands from getting into the Halloween candy!
Kim
Oh, good, Angie. I’m glad they helped. Have a wonderful week! -Kim
Milena
Hello! If I used vita fiber syrup, it's the same amount (1/3 cup), correct?
Thanks!
Kim
Yes, Milena. Enjoy the recipe. -Kim
Kim
Great question, Shari. Although I haven't tried it, you may be able to add soy protein crisps (like rice krispies) and mix them in. You also bind with a mixture of nut butter and protein powder. That's all I got. -Kim
Shari
This look wonderful. Is there a way to increase the amount of protein?
Emily Wong
You could use brown rice or agave syrup.
Kim
Sure Emily, those are great vegan options. I just want to remind any low carver who may read this that these sweeteners are not low carb and will raise blood sugar in diabetics. Thanks again, Emily! -Kim
Steve
What does it cost to put together this recipe? Looks like it could be as much as $50
Kim
I have bought the mixed nuts at the health food store before and it's more affordable that way. Yes, nuts are much more expensive than oats. -Kim
Natasha
I'm definitely making these as soon as I can get all the ingredients together. Is the fiber syrup necessary to keep them held together, or will any sugar free syrup do the trick?
Kim
Natasha, the fiber syrup is viscous and sticky like honey. It holds the ingredients together. It's also perfect for granola cereal. I just love it. However, I am careful not to use too much because it has a lot of fiber. You can try the sugar free pancake syrup, but I'm not sure it hold the ingredients together like the fiber syrup. Enjoy the recipe and have a great week! -Kim
Debbie
I have a little suggestion for something else to hold the mixture together.
We use Nature's Hollow Sugar-Free Honey Substitute. OMG, this works sooo well in our low-carb recipes when we need a little honey. I Netrition carries it.
Kim
Thanks for the idea, Debbie! Have a fantastic weekend. -Kim
Susan
These look like just what I'm looking for. One problem... where I'm from we cannot buy 'fiber syrup'. Can you substitute agave or something similar?
Kim
Yes, Susan. That would be a good sub, just make sure to count the carbs. -Kim
Linda
Made these tonight exactly as written except with vitafiber (plus a bit extra) and erythritol stevia blend from the bulk store. They smelt great baking and I have only had a few bits that fell off when I was cutting them but they tasted awesome. It's a good size bar that will make a perfect breakfast on the way to work. Thanks for the recipe
Kim
Hello Linda. I'm so happy you like the recipe. Have a wonderful day. -Kim
Anna
I made these today. Although they taste delicious, when I went to cut them, they crumbled. What do you think I did wrong?
Kim
Hello Anna. Did you use the fiber syrup? It's the secret ingredient to holding these together. Another thought is whether or not the ingredients were packed firmly enough in the pan. Lastly, I waited until the mixture was completely cool before I cut them. I used my big chefs knife and cut straight down. I hope these tips help. I will check the recipe to make sure the instructions are clear. Let me know if there is anything else I can help with. Have a nice day. -Kim
Lynn Price
I just made my second batch, and I love it! I added a pinch of salt, which adds a lot of flavor. Ibdisnt have the goji berries, so I substituted homemade dried cranberries, which add a nice tart surprise. I also made a low carb glaze with Just Like Sugar powdered sugar and salted caramel Torani, and drizzled it over the granola bars. Sheer bliss. Thanks for the recipe!
Kim
I'm glad you like the recipe, Lynn and I'm crazy about your tweaks. Thanks for sharing! Enjoy your week. -Kim
Jeanette
Regarding the fruit, do you use fresh or dried
Kim
Great question, Jeanette. I use dried fruit that has no added sugar for as low carb as possible. For my kids, I just use what I can get at the store (fruit juice sweetened or whatever). Of course, you do not have to add any fruit if you do not want to. Does this answer your question? If not, let me know. Have a wonderful day. -Kim
missy.kroninger@gmail.com
I need these for busy days.
Doris
Would like to try this recipe, but have never found surkin in any stores around me. Where is the best place to get it?
Kim
Hi Doris. Can you purchase through Amazon or directly through Sukrin? Where are you? There is a product called VitaFiber Syrup. If you can find that, it works too. I hope this helps. -Kim
Laurie
Just waiting for my syrup to arrive to try these!!!
Kim
Oh, great, Laurie. The syrup makes awesome granola and bars! -Kim
Julie
I have been looking for a grain free breakfast on the go option. These will be great!
Kim
Fantastic. I hope you like them, Julie. -Kim
Tiffany
I love stuff I can take to the park with my kids. These looks like great travel snacks!
Kim
They are, Tiffany. I had to change the name on them because I had a few people call me out for offering high carb granola bars on a low carb site. They didn't read that the bars are made of nuts, they just looked at the pictures. Lol. They are lightly sweetened, so you may need to taste and adjust. Enjoy! -Kim
Valerie G
These look perfect.. can't wait to try them!!
Kim
Thank you, Valerie. I hope you like them. -Kim
Marilyn Shapiro
I have a condition called CI which is carbohydrate intolerance. It is very complex and as a result I cannot eat more than 6 carbs a day or I get a migrain headache. I must stay away from sugar 100 percent. I live on a very stringent diet and am always looking for different foods I can tolerate. Is there a printed book containing your recipes?
Thanks,
Marilyn
Kim
Hi Marilyn, I am sorry to hear about your condition, I bet it's not easy to live with. No, I do not have a cookbook, but I do have a nice mix of recipes available on the site. Have a wonderful week. -Kim
Sarah
These look incredible! I always loved the chewy chocolate chip granola bars!
Kim
Thanks Sarah. You could definitely always double the chocolate chips, too. yum! -Kim
Taryn
I love the photos on this post! I frequently use my kids to help as 'models' too. And these granola bars look amazing! I'm going to make some to keep on hand for times I have to run out the door without a real meal.
Kim
Thanks, Taryn. It's fun including the kids sometimes when they are into it. I frequently ask them to hold the bounces for me, too. Kids are kind and wonderful. Have a nice day. -Kim
Tasha
Love your little hand model! A total natural! (:
I'm a big fan of low carb bars, but the processed ones are so hit or miss. I love the idea of making a yummy homemade batch for my go-to in a pinch. These look a million times better than anything you can pick up at the store and so much healthier. Thanks for the recipe!
Kim
Thanks, Tasha. He was so extremely excited to help out. Then, I showed him the pictures and his whole face lit up! I make these bars all the time and am always surprised how much they look like they were made of oats. Thanks for the nice compliments. Enjoy your week. -Kim
Janet
These look really yum
Janet
When you say sukrin liquid sweetener are you in America or Australia Melbourne as I can't get it in Perth Australia
I will have to research what it is as it don't sound like equal drops ?
Kim
Hi Janet. I'm in the America. You can Google Sukrin Fiber Syrup and get a picture and an explanation. Someone told me the other day that someone in Australia is going to be importing the Sukrin products. It may be available on-line for you very shortly. It is not equal drops. This is a thick, viscous syrup almost like corn syrup in texture. It it lightly sweetened and great for this type do application. Thanks for your great questions. Have a nice week. - Kim
Janet
When you say sukrin liquid sweetener are you in America or Australia Melbourne as I can't get it in Perth Australia
I will have to research what it is as it don't sound like equal drops ?
Keep the recipes coming thx
Kim
Thanks Janet. My kids went bonkers for them. -Kim
STACEY
These sound very yummy! I love snack bar type foods. Kids make the best hand models, except when they eat or lick your your subject! Your son did a good job.
Kim
Thanks, Stacy. You know, he was so thrilled to be helping me. My daughter wanted to do it, but she is a nail biter and picker, so I told her no. My son jumped right in. I think he did a good job, too. Thank you. -Kim
Georgina Bomer
These look really tasty! Mind you I usually love everything with Lily's choc chips in !
Kim
Thank you Georgina. I like Lily's Chocolate, too. -Kim
Katrin
These granola bars look so much nicer than anything you can buy in the stores! They would be great to make ahead and have something to grab when you are busy or just cannot be bothered to make a proper meal! Great recipe, Kim!
Kim
Thanks, Katrin! -Kim
Maya | Wholesome Yum
These look delicious! Perfect for a snack on the go!
Kim
Thank you, Maya! -Kim