As a college student, I am constantly eating— and I mean constantly. My backpack is full of snacks and I never leave my dorm without at least two different types of energy bars for my hectic running-around-campus days. As a vegan, I am constantly coaxing all of my non-vegan friends into trying my favorite snacks. Here are six of the best vegan energy bars: they are delicious, satisfying, and keep me energized all day long.
1. Clif Bars
Clif Bars are truly the college student’s classic bar. They make great snacks, but can also replace a meal in a pinch. Developed with the demanding energy and nutritional needs of athletes in mind, Clif Bars boast organic ingredients as well as an impressive macronutrient ratio for sustained energy all day.
My top picks include White Chocolate Macadamia, Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch, and Blueberry Crisp.
2. Larabars
Filled with wholesome ingredients such as dates, nuts, and spices, Larabars are the ideal bar for on-the-go college students, whether they are vegan or non-vegan. Many of their bars have six or fewer simple ingredients, including indulgent flavors such Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Key Lime Pie, Peanut Butter and Jelly, and Chocolate Chip Brownie.
#SpoonTip: Encouraging your omnivorous friends to try these bars out? Steer them towards the dessert flavors, and they’ll be hooked— and probably won’t even realize they are healthy.
3. Square Bars
One of my newest bar addictions, Square Bars, squash my chocolate cravings every time without leaving me feeling bloated or sluggish. Crafted with all-organic ingredients (hence the name) such as sprouted brown rice protein, nuts, and oats, these bars are a perfect pre or post-workout snack with 10-12 grams of plant protein.
After sampling all of the flavors that Square Organics offers, I loved the flavors reminiscent of desserts, as usual. The chocolate coated peanut butter flavor is essentially a Reese’s cup, while the chocolate coated mint screams thin mint cookies.
#SpoonTip: In addition to eating these bars on their own, you can freeze them into chunks to use as toppings for smoothie bowls and other desserts.
To get your own Square Bars, use this 20% off code (vegetarianna) and try all of the amazing flavors!
4. Pro Bars
Pro Bar is a brand I have only discovered in the past few months, but that doesn’t mean these bars are any less amazing. These bars are usually sold at more specialty health food stores, but are well-worth the hunt. Some of the flavors are reminiscent of actual candy bars without the hydrogenated oils, dairy, and refined sugar.
My two preferred types of bars that Pro Bar offers include the Base bars and the Meal bars. While the Base Bars are perfect for a post-workout meal with 20 grams of soy and rice protein, the Meal Bars are higher in fat and calories, made to substitute an actual meal in a pinch. As always, my top flavors include anything with chocolate, peanut butter, or cookie dough.
5. Picky Bars
Picky Bars, though small in size, boast creative flavors with even more creative names and a stellar nutritional profile. Similar to a Larabar, these bars contain fewer ingredients than the Clif or Pro Bars, which is perfect for health conscious college students and athletes. These bars provide clean energy to fuel any activity and are perfect to ward off the mid-lecture hanger strike.
If you’re very curious (and also very picky) about your bar choices, definitely try out the Cookie Doughness, Ah, Fudge Nuts!, and Smooth Caffeinator flavors.
#SpoonTip: The Smooth Caffeinator flavor has a sneaky 25 mg of caffeine to give you a little buzz before a long lab or lecture.
6. Go Macro Bars
Go Macro bars are the most unique bar on of this list, and I can confidently say that I am addicted. And of course, now that Trader Joe’s carries their best flavors, I’m really hooked.
Not only are these bars suitable for a macrobiotic diet, meaning that they predominantly made of whole grains, they are also certified raw, as well as gluten-free, soy-free, and organic. Despite sounding way too healthy, these bars taste delicious and have an addicting chewy texture.
The brand truly has an incredible variety of flavors to choose from, such as peanut butter chocolate chip, sunflower butter & chocolate, and cashew caramel.
Whether you’re vegan or not, you’ll love these bars. They are all perfect for college students who need something quick and nutrient-dense without sacrificing flavor. Next time you’re at the grocery store, go on a spree and try these vegan bars out— you won’t be disappointed.