Low Carb Chocolate Granola Bars - Recipe - Diet Doctor (2024)

Low Carb Chocolate Granola Bars - Recipe - Diet Doctor (1)

Nuts love seeds, seeds love dark chocolate, and they're all in love with coconut. Be prepared for a big bear hug of flavor when you combine all those flavors into healthy and low carb granola bars!

October 9 2016 recipe by Anne Aobadia, photo by Emma Shevtzoff, nutritional review by Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE in Recipes, Dessert

Nuts love seeds, seeds love dark chocolate, and they're all in love with coconut. Be prepared for a big bear hug of flavor when you combine all those flavors into healthy and low carb granola bars!

USMetric

20 servingservings

Ingredients

  • 3 oz. (923 tbsp) 85 g (140 ml) almonds
  • 3 oz. (45 cup) 85 g (200 ml) walnuts
  • 2 oz. (613 tbsp) 55 g (90 ml) sesame seeds
  • 2 oz. (7 tbsp) 55 g (100 ml) pumpkin seeds
  • 1 oz. (223 tbsp) 28 g (40 ml) flaxseed
  • 2 oz. (23 cup) 55 g (150 ml) unsweetened finely shredded coconut
  • 2 oz. 55 g dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa solids
  • 6 tbsp 6 tbsp coconut oil
  • 4 tbsp 4 tbsp tahini (sesame paste)
  • 1 tsp 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch 1 pinch sea salt
  • 2 2 large egglarge eggs
  • 3 oz. 85 g dark chocolate with a minimum of 70% cocoa solids, for garnish (optional)

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Low Carb Chocolate Granola Bars - Recipe - Diet Doctor (5)

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Making low carb simple

Instructions

Instructions are for 20 servings. Please modify as needed.

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Mix all the ingredients in a blender or food processor until they are coarsely chopped.

  3. Spoon the mixture into a 7 x 11" (18 x 28 cm) baking dish, preferably lined with parchment paper.

  4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cake has turned golden brown.

  5. Let cool a little and remove from the baking dish. Divide into 20 or 24 pieces with a sharp knife.

  6. Melt the chocolate in a water bath using a double boiler or microwave oven.

  7. Dip each bar in the chocolate, but just about 0.5" (1 cm) or on just one side. Let cool completely.

  8. Keep in the refrigerator or freezer.

Tips

Just use your favorite nuts and seeds or what you have on hand. A healthy nut and seed mix could consist of equal parts of almonds/hazelnuts/macadamia nuts, pecan nuts/walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and flax seeds.

The tahini (sesame paste) can be substituted with almond or nut butter. But remember that, for example, peanut butter has a lot more carbohydrates than sesame paste. Let your imagination run wild!

Recommended special equipment

Blender or food processor

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1 2

64 comments

  1. 51

    Dee

    May 6 2020

    I did as others suggested and reduced the amount coconut oil- and these are HORRIBLE! They have texture and flavour of sawdust. Yuck! Will not be trying these again and debating giving this batch to the dog.

    Replies: #56, #63

  2. 52

    Rima

    May 20 2020

    Does the recipe net carb count includes both chocolate amounts 50g and 75g for garnish or just initial 50 grams?

    Reply: #53

  3. 53

    Reply to comment #52 by Rima

    Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor

    May 21 2020

    Does the recipe net carb count includes both chocolate amounts 50g and 75g for garnish or just initial 50 grams?

    Optional ingredients are not included in the nutritional information.

  4. 54

    Lynn

    June 6 2020

    I am 66 and a lifelong sugarholic. These bars are a lifesaver. I have been making them for over a year, exactly as recipe dictates. Yes, oil on top is disconcerting at first but soon it settles back in. Once slightly cooled I melt the 3 Oz chocolate (88% Endangered Species is my go-to) in microwave and spread it on top. Pop pan in fridge and cut after everything cools. I cut small bars (1”x 2”) and keep in freezer. (I get dozens from this recipe) When munchies hit, they save the day. One is enough. Sometimes I am so munched I’ll eat two and always regret it in 15 minutes because I am so full. Yes there will be some crumbles after slicing but like others I keep for topping on yogurt I appreciate DietDoctor doesn’t have many recipes using artificial sugars. Those just perpetuate your sweet tooth.

    Reply: #55

  5. 55

    Reply to comment #54 by Lynn

    Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor

    June 7 2020

    I am 66 and a lifelong sugarholic. These bars are a lifesaver. I have been making them for over a year, exactly as recipe dictates. Yes, oil on top is disconcerting at first but soon it settles back in. Once slightly cooled I melt the 3 Oz chocolate (88% Endangered Species is my go-to) in microwave and spread it on top. Pop pan in fridge and cut after everything cools. I cut small bars (1”x 2”) and keep in freezer. (I get dozens from this recipe) When munchies hit, they save the day. One is enough. Sometimes I am so munched I’ll eat two and always regret it in 15 minutes because I am so full. Yes there will be some crumbles after slicing but like others I keep for topping on yogurt I appreciate DietDoctor doesn’t have many recipes using artificial sugars. Those just perpetuate your sweet tooth.

    Thanks, Lynn! So glad you love this recipe!

  6. 56

    Reply to comment #51 by Dee

    Cari

    June 20 2020

    As they have chocolate in them, I rather hope you didn't give them to the pup. Not every recipe is going to be to everyone's taste, so while this one might not have worked for you, DD has heaps of other snacks on the site :)

  7. 57

    TRACY

    September 18 2020

    This is a good recipe and worth a re-make but with the tahini and sesame seeds, the bitterness of the sesame was just a bit too much. There is no sweetener in the recipe, which was disconcerting at first but I'm starting to appreciate it as I try and step down the overall sweetness levels. I'm still enjoying them, but next time I plan to replace the tahini with almond butter, and perhaps replace the 2 oz sesame seeds with either flax or extra pumpin seeds. I ran out of coconut oil after the 4th tbsp, so I used butter and it worked fine. I use 90% Lindt chocolate which, after trying multiple other brands, I think is the most balanced and smoothest chocolate available at this level of cocoa.

    Reply: #58

  8. 58

    Reply to comment #57 by TRACY

    Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor

    September 18 2020

    This is a good recipe and worth a re-make but with the tahini and sesame seeds, the bitterness of the sesame was just a bit too much. There is no sweetener in the recipe, which was disconcerting at first but I'm starting to appreciate it as I try and step down the overall sweetness levels. I'm still enjoying them, but next time I plan to replace the tahini with almond butter, and perhaps replace the 2 oz sesame seeds with either flax or extra pumpin seeds. I ran out of coconut oil after the 4th tbsp, so I used butter and it worked fine. I use 90% Lindt chocolate which, after trying multiple other brands, I think is the most balanced and smoothest chocolate available at this level of cocoa.

    Thank you for your feedback! Those tweaks sound delicious.

  9. 59

    Nicole

    December 21 2020

    Would this recipe have a good level of resistant starch?

    Reply: #60

  10. 60

    Reply to comment #59 by Nicole

    Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor

    December 21 2020

    Would this recipe have a good level of resistant starch?

    Unfortunately our nutrition information does not calculate or track resistant starch amounts.

  11. 61

    Sally

    January 2 2021

    Hi there, just to let you know that this recipe doesn't specify the ingredient quantities on your recipe app. Everything ingredient says 'some' - which is rather enigmatic! So glad I found the full recipe here, and looking forward to making some 😀

    Reply: #62

  12. 62

    Reply to comment #61 by Sally

    Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor

    January 3 2021

    Hi there, just to let you know that this recipe doesn't specify the ingredient quantities on your recipe app. Everything ingredient says 'some' - which is rather enigmatic! So glad I found the full recipe here, and looking forward to making some 😀

    Thanks for the heads up, Sally! I will let our team know.

  13. 63

    Reply to comment #51 by Dee

    Martyn

    January 21 2021

    totally agree, dried bitter sawdust

  14. 64

    Reply to comment #5 by Luz

    Celeste Reed

    June 2 2021

    Mine also had a pool of coconut oil on top. I hope they turn out after they sit for a while.

    Reply: #65

  15. 65

    Reply to comment #64 by Celeste Reed

    Celeste Reed

    June 3 2021

    Wow! My husband and I are addicted to these now. Yes, when it came out of the oven the whole ‘cake’ was floating on a pool of coconut oil. However, as it cooled the oil was absorbed back in. Yes, they do crumble a bit...but that is okay. We break them up into smaller bits when we eat them. Next time I would use a smaller pan to bake them in. The taste is great. It is a mouth full of flavors. I will probably experiment with different nuts in the future.

  16. 66

    Elizabeth Stewart

    May 7 2023

    I just made these and had no issue with the coconut oil pooling. I think the problem is the amount of coconut oil. The recipe does not state whether it is solid or liquid coconut oil. I used liquid because if you use solid, you are really putting in 12 tablespoons, not 6. Many people would not realise this.

    I think all recipes should state solid or liquid and this would solve the issue.

    I also didn’t have an issue with crumbling.

    Overall, I am very happy with the recipe. Thank you.

1 2

Leave a reply

Low Carb Chocolate Granola Bars - Recipe - Diet Doctor (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat granola bars on a low carb diet? ›

I do not recommend conventional granola bars on a keto or low carb diets, as they have far too many carbs. But making your own low carb versions with nuts and seeds rather than oats is an excellent snack option.

Can I eat granola on a no carb diet? ›

Most store-bought granola are not keto-friendly since most are grain-based and include enormous amounts of sugar. Some granolas, however, such as our Nutty No Grainer Mediterranean, are keto-friendly.

What makes a healthy granola bar? ›

Healthy granola bars should contain a good amount of protein and fiber with little added sugar and fewer calories. They're also easy to make at home and require just a few simple ingredients.

Do granola bars count as junk food? ›

Often touted for their whole grain goodness, most granola bars are sticky-sweet junk food in disguise. Don't let a few oats fool you — especially when you also see marshmallows and chocolate chips. Instead: If granola bars are a must-have, choose one with 6 grams of sugar or less per bar, and hopefully some fibre.

What chocolate bars have the least carbs? ›

Our Dark Chocolate is completely sugar-free and sweetened with Stevia! If you're devoted to living a low carb lifestyle, CarbZone's Low Carb® Dark Chocolate allows you to live with determination, and eat with satisfaction. These delicious little treats are completely sugar free and contain less than 1g net carbs.

Are granola bars a good snack for weight loss? ›

“It's water fortified with vitamins—there's no evidence of value, and it may actually be harmful.” Enough said. Yes, granola bars are healthy (when made of real grains, nuts, and fruit), but they're for energy, not weight loss. In fact, you could be gaining weight if they're your go-to snack.

Can I eat oatmeal on a no carb diet? ›

While oatmeal isn't considered a keto food, it's not entirely off-limits. One serving of our Organic Steel Cut Oats oats contains 31 grams of carbohydrates. The suggested daily carbohydrate intake is typically reduced to less than 50 grams when following the ketogenic diet.

Can you eat peanut butter on keto? ›

Peanut butter can definitely be part of a keto diet, but it's best to stick to plain options that are free of extra flavors and sweeteners. Almond butter is a good choice, too, and it's slightly lower in carbs. Additionally, you should be mindful of your portion size if you're trying to lose weight.

What can I eat instead of granola bars? ›

10 Healthy Alternatives to Cereal Bars
  • Homemade granola with oats, nuts, and seeds. ...
  • Greek yogurt with mixed berries. ...
  • Sliced apple with almond butter. ...
  • Whole grain toast with avocado. ...
  • Chia seed pudding made with almond milk. ...
  • Raw nuts and dark chocolate chips. ...
  • Cottage cheese with cinnamon and sliced peaches. ...
  • Hard-boiled eggs.

What is the healthiest snack bar to eat? ›

There are hundreds of bars on the market, but here are 10 you can feel good about grabbing whenever hunger strikes.
  • KiZE Bars Peanut Butter. ...
  • RBar Blueberry Breakfast. ...
  • Simple Squares Cinnamon Clove Protein Bar. ...
  • RX Bar Chocolate Sea Salt. ...
  • Health Warrior Organic Honey Cracked Pepper with Turmeric Pumpkin Seed Bar.

Are homemade granola bars healthier than store-bought? ›

Homemade granola bars are a great alternative to store-bought ones. Because they typically use minimally processed ingredients and very little added sugar or salt, they're often more nutritious than packaged versions.

How to eat granola for weight loss? ›

Tips to help granola work for your weight-loss plan

Think smaller portion size to add some nutrition and crunch. Use granola as a light topping for other healthy foods. Make a granola parfait in a bowl with Greek yogurt, antioxidant-rich berries, and a few tablespoons of granola over the top for crunchiness.

What are 5 unhealthy foods? ›

Some examples of junk food include:
  • cakes and biscuits.
  • fast foods (such as hot chips, burgers and pizzas)
  • chocolate and sweets.
  • processed meat (such as bacon)
  • snacks (such as chips)
  • sugary drinks (such as sports, energy and soft drinks)
  • alcoholic drinks.

What can I snack on instead of junk food? ›

7 Healthy Snack Alternatives to Your Favorite Junk Food
  • Instead of potato chips, try kale chips. ...
  • Instead of candy, try dried fruit. ...
  • Instead of ice cream, try frozen yogurt. ...
  • Instead of soda, try sparkling water. ...
  • Instead of cookies, try homemade granola bars. ...
  • Instead of popcorn, try roasted chickpeas.
Apr 7, 2023

Are granola bars high in carbs? ›

Granola bars often have little protein and fiber and a lot of sugar. You might find granola bars with 20 grams (or more) of sugar and up to 80 grams or so of carbohydrates, but without fiber to decrease net carb count and slow digestion, which fuels you for longer.

Is granola a good carb or bad carb? ›

"Standard granola often contains rolled oats, which provide fiber and complex carbohydrates, and nuts that contribute healthy fats, plant protein and vitamin E," says Gellman. On the flip side, it can also be a source of saturated fats and added sugars, which are harmful for your heart when eaten in excess.

What granola bars can you eat on keto? ›

The Best Keto Granola Bars To Boost Your Weight Loss Journey
  • Best Overall: Munk Pack Keto Granola Bar Shop Now ➔
  • Best for Low-Sugar Diets: Atkins Keto Granola Bar Shop Now ➔
  • Best Tasting: Perfect Keto Keto Granola Bar Shop Now ➔
  • Safe and Natural: Zero Sugar Brands Keto Granola Bar Shop Now ➔
Mar 29, 2024

Can you eat protein bars on a low-carb diet? ›

The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a very low carb, high fat diet that's associated with several health benefits, including weight loss ( 1 ). If you're following this diet, protein bars can be a convenient grab-and-go option when you need a quick meal or a filling snack.

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