What Are Oatmeal Breakfast Bars?
You can probably guess that one on your own. As previously mentioned, oatmeal is a highly versatile food meaning it can be cooked in various forms. Oatmeal breakfast bars are basically oatmeal but in snack bar form. You probably came across some at your local supermarket or gas station.
Some of the well-known brands selling these oatmeal bars include KIND, Quaker Oats, and Nutri-Grain. Like oatmeal porridge, these delicious snack bars offer much of the same benefits but are designed to be taken on the go to complement any breakfast.
What Is Oatmeal?
Before we get into the good stuff, let’s clarify what oatmeal really is. Oatmeal is a nutrient-dense whole grain that’s universally known and super easy to make.
Oatmeal comes in many forms; whether it’s a hot bowl of steel-cut oats, oatmeal raisin muffins, or an irresistible slice of oatmeal pie, there are many ways to cook it. There is no debate, oatmeal is the superstar of a healthy breakfast, but more often than not, it doesn’t get the appreciation it so justly merits.
When cooked, oatmeal has a subtle, honeyed flavor and a creamy texture. Most people like to eat it straight from the pot. Other people like it better as a snack such as muffins, bars, or bites.
What Are the Benefits of Oatmeal?
Oatmeal is insanely healthy. It’s rich in beta-glucan, a potent soluble fiber known to lower cholesterol levels, promote a healthier immune system, and more. Furthermore, oatmeal is an essential component of a high fiber diet, which can help counteract chronic ailments like type 2 diabetes and heart conditions. That being said, if you’re conscious about your weight, eating a bowl of oatmeal may help you in this endeavor.
In addition, oats are packed with essential minerals, vitamins, as well as antioxidants. Some of those key ingredients include:
- Copper
- Manganese
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
- Phosphorus
- Iron
- Folate
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Oatmeal Bars vs. Other Breakfast Bars
There are thousands of breakfast bars available on the market today. You probably already enjoy some of them. However, unlike other bars, oatmeal contains more beneficial elements. Some breakfast bars contain an excessive amount of sugar, fat, and calories. Oatmeal breakfast bars offer a nutritious, well-balanced amount of ingredients for the perfect meal replacement.
Is Oatmeal Plant-Based?
The answer to this question is Yes and No! It depends. Oatmeal is made of oats, and oats are categorized as cereal grains that come from a plant called Avena Sativa. So, in its raw form, yes, oatmeal is vegan. But people rarely eat raw oats. Most of the time, there will be add-ons, such as milk or honey. When that’s the case, its vegan status becomes somewhat dubious.
How to Make Breakfast Bars
Now you know how nutritious oatmeal bars really are, the many benefits they contain, and how they differ from other breakfast bars. Making your own breakfast bar sounds impossible until you actually take the time to do it. Then you realize it’s not so difficult. We have the perfect recipe to help you make your own healthy bars. You’ll thank us later. Let’s get started.
Other Variations of Oatmeal Bars
As previously mentioned, for the people that are on a strict plant-based diet plan, you’ll find your share of vegan oatmeal bars recipes. For people that like to spice things up, there are many variations of healthy breakfast bars you can try. You can add apples in the mix and make yourself an apple oatmeal bar or strawberry if you’re in the mood for it. If you like your snack extra Chewy, you can absolutely make them that way. And lastly, for the chocolate fanatic, oatmeal chocolate chip bars are definitely doable.
