Everyone has those moments where they feel like are starving and just can’t go on. But, oh wait? What’s this? A bar that has everything you need to feel energized and keep your hunger at bay until you can get a proper meal? Consider it already bought! I love snacks that are great for eating on-the-go because who has actual time to sit down these days. Bars that are sweet, salty, crunchy, or chewy are what dreams are made of!

I know that when I was growing up, my dad would specifically point out every time I ate while standing up. One of his favorite expressions was “you can sit for the same money” and it’s probably still in his top 5 of “favorite dad things to say.” There are crazy myths about eating while standing up or on-the-go.

One of them is that it prevents you from gaining weight (because all the food goes to your feet). I’ve also heard that it can cause you to gain weight because you aren’t fully focused on what you’re eating, leading you to eat more than what you needed to feel full.

Whatever you believe, you can’t deny that sometimes you just need a quick, delicious, filling snack, which is where KIND bars come in. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes these bars stand out among the rest.

KIND Company Background Explained

Kindness can change the world.

KIND’s slogan is “do the kind thing for your body, your taste buds, and your world.” Those words paint a picture of what KIND wants to provide their customers with. They believe that kindness can change the world which is why ever since KIND was founded in 2004, they have been living the KIND movement.

The people at KIND believe in inspiring and celebrating kindness. They feel that by improving the way we live, relate to one another, and eat we’ll create healthier and more empathetic communities.

Think of it this way, would you rather be called nice or kind? Kind is something greater, something that comes from within, something that leaves an impression. That is what KIND set out to achieve when they created their yummy bars. Ingredients are crucial to KIND’s success. If you can’t pronounce it, they don’t use it.

They want to fill your body and life with only the most nutrient dense ingredients like whole fruits, nuts, and grains. There are no secret or artificial ingredients. They’ve got nothing to hide.  Along with the importance of the ingredients comes the importance of taste. People shouldn’t have to compromise taste for health. With KIND, you get both!  

Are KIND Bars Healthy?

KIND bars are a great alternative compared to classic snacks like chips or cookies. How much healthier depends on the variety you choose. For example, the “fruit and nut delight” has 9 grams of sugar, 6 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber, while “Maple-glazed Pecan and Salt” has 5 grams of sugar, protein, and fiber.

Both of these are definitely better than the average candy bar, but not necessarily the best choice for everyone. There are many people that have to be careful with their added sugars and these bars are advertised as being “healthy” but what they should say is “could be healthy for you.”

The great thing about the KIND website is that you can use the filter tool on their site, to choose the perfect option for YOU! The tool allows you to mix and match benefits, flavors, and occasions to best fit your snacking needs. For example, you can choose to only view bars that have 0 grams trans fat, a fruit flavor, and can work as fuel for your morning run.

With those presets, it narrows your search down to 5 different KIND bars. Therefore, KIND bars can be a part of a healthy diet. Exactly how healthy is up to you and the variety you choose.

KIND Bars Ingredients Breakdown

KIND only use ingredients you can pronounce.

There are currently 25 different flavors of KIND bars. If I were to mention every ingredient for every single one, we would be here till next New Year’s. KIND bars take pride in that they only use ingredients you can pronounce. Reading their nutrition labels won’t make you feel like you’re back in your science class.

The bars contain whole nuts, whole fruits, and whole grains. There are a few specific KIND bars ingredients that are worth looking more into.

Palm Kernel Oil

Not to be confused with palm oil, palm kernel oil contains more saturated fats than palm oil. Even though it does contain plenty of saturated fats, it still has zero cholesterol, zero trans-fat, and is loaded with antioxidants.

It is also extremely rich in vitamin K, which is one of the most fat-soluble vitamins that our bodies require. It strengthens your bones and acts as a blood coagulant, which is why it is recommended for daily use.

Chicory Root Fiber

Technically, it’s a type of sugar that behaves differently than table sugar since it can’t be digested. Therefore, it has very little (if any) impact on your blood sugar. It works as a prebiotic, nourishing the good bacteria you already have in your gut. The greatest thing about this ingredient is that it contributes to your fullness feeling.

I guess this is one of the reasons KIND bars are a perfect snack to hold you over until your next meal. Having too much of this may cause you to feel bloated and gassy- consider yourself warned!

Honey

Nearly all of the KIND bars contain honey. This sticky, sweet treat is the perfect addition to these nutty snacks. It compliments the rest of the flavors. Honey also creates this sort of chewy but crunchy bar- the perfect texture. It also has plenty of health benefits including boosting energy and preventing nausea.

It just takes a scoop of honey with some lemon juice to combat nausea and prevent vomiting. You already know that honey can help treat a cold. It is known to soothe and clear your airways. I guess our moms and grandmothers were, and continue to be, right!

Are KIND Bars Vegan?

Kind bars are not vegan.

KIND bars are not vegan. Most people who aren’t vegan forget about honey when they think about a vegan diet. Sadly, many KIND bars do contain honey and therefore aren’t necessarily vegan-friendly.

KIND brand does sell vegan-friendly products like their “Pressed by KIND,” “Fruit Bites,” and most of their “Healthy Grain Clusters.” KIND has thought of everything.

Their “Pressed by KIND” products are very simple. Each flavor contains only 3 ingredients. For example, “Mango, Apple, Chia” only contains mangoes, apples, and chia seeds. This is truly a great snack for everyone that follows a vegan diet as well as anyone who doesn’t! I may not be vegan but I always loved a good natural fruit product, including this one.

The “Healthy Grain Clusters” have way more than just 4 ingredients but are thankfully also vegan-friendly! Specifically, the “Vanilla Blueberry Clusters” contains oats, cane sugar, brown rice, flax seeds, and about 10 other ingredients. I would suggest trying these in a bowl for breakfast with soy or almond milk.

Top 5 KIND Bars Ranked

1. Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate

Who doesn’t love a heaping scoop of peanut butter every once in a while? This flavor is packed with 8 grams of protein meaning it can provide you with about 14% of the daily recommended value for protein. This Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate bar is very similar to a candy bars taste and feel but only has 9 grams of sugar. Compared to a candy bar, that’s not that much. And who doesn’t love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate?

2. Caramel Almond and Sea Salt

I’ve always been a huge fan of salted caramel flavors, and this Caramel Almond and Sea Salt KIND bar does not disappoint. It stands out compared to all of their other flavors. It’s dipped in caramel which makes it creamy and a little sweet. The sea salt is just the finishing touch that balances out all the ingredients.

You’d think this would be loaded with sugars, but it only has 5 grams in addition to being full of fiber and protein. This flavor is one of KINDS best-selling nut bars! An extra bonus is that it’s packed with energy-boosting magnesium, which makes it a great treat for runners.

3. Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew

One of the chewier of the KIND products, this flavor is packed with more dried cherries than nuts. The dark chocolate mixed with the cherries makes the chocolate feel extra creamy and soft in your mouth. The Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew KIND bar has 11 grams of sugar, a lot more than the other KIND bars. It’s probably the least healthy out of all of the KIND’s bars.

If you’re worried about the sugar but still want this flavor- share it with a friend! You’ll get your fix without the guilt.

4. Madagascar Vanilla Almond

It may seem like the only nut in this bar is almonds, but there are peanuts and cashews as well. It’s definitely a very nutty bite. With only has 4 grams of sugar, it’s got what it takes to satisfy your sweet tooth. The Madagascar Vanilla Almond KIND bar is the most sought after and popular vanilla variety! It’s superior in flavor and aromatic qualities.

It’s also high in monounsaturated fats which help to curb your appetite while promoting weight loss! Now I’m wondering what’s in the vanilla extract in my kitchen because it’s definitely not this “superior vanilla variety.” If you like a crunchy bar that smells and tastes like vanilla, then you’ll love this.

5. Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio

This is my personal favorite of the bunch. I love how the tartness of the pomegranates combine with the sweetness of the blueberries, leaving you with a fruity, tart sensation! The Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio KIND bar does have 8 grams of sugar, which is probably why I like it. I don’t notice the pistachio flavor.

It could be because the fruit flavor takes full command. This bar contains 50% of the recommended daily intake of vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins work by maintaining a healthy immune system function, elevating your mood and much more.

Homemade KIND Bars Recipe And Guide

Homemade KIND bars.

All that needs to be done to make some delicious homemade KIND bars  is mix together a few ingredients, place them on parchment paper, and stick it in the oven for 20 minutes on 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Sounds easy enough right? You’ll only need 1.5 cups of chopped nuts, half a cup of chopped fruit, honey, coconut flour, a little almond butter, dash of sea salt, and a cup of coconut flakes.

Any combination of nuts can be used. If you don’t like coconut and feel like being a little wild, you can use chocolate chips instead. This is a winning recipe that everyone in your family will enjoy!

Conclusion

KIND bars are truly sticking to their mission statement. They are “making the world a little kinder.” You know that when you have a KIND bar in your hand or purse, you’re excited! With many options to choose from, there truly is a KIND bar for everyone. For people that have to watch their sugar intake or their calories, this product can definitely be a once-in-a-while snack.

They’re also the perfect size to take on-the-go and even more perfect to hold you over until you can have a proper meal. They may get a little sticky since they contain honey, but it’s just a part of what makes them as great as they are.

Whether you need fuel for a morning run, a snack for on-the-go, a guilt-free indulgence, or an evening snack- KIND has the bar for you. KIND takes pride in their products only containing “ingredients you can pronounce” and they’ve absolutely achieved it! They are open and honest with everything that goes into their product.

Yes, some are healthier than others, but that’s the greatest part. They let you choose! Now, go out there, and as Ellen DeGeneres would say- “be KIND to one another.”