New Healthy Trend: Savory Snack Bars

New food trend alert! New food trend alert!
You know how we’re always on the lookout for snacks that are sweet but not too sweet? Well, the food industry has heard our calls! And now they’re making bars that aren’t just not very sweet, they’re actually savory. And, man, oh, man are they fun. Check out these savory snacks that have landed on our fit foodie radar!

1. Mediterra Bars

Sundried Tomato and Basil? Black Olives and Walnuts? Yep, those are snack bar flavors — not pizza toppings. And they are sooo interesting and unique and, well, savory! All natural, non-GMO and gluten-free with 6 grams of protein (from pea crisps), 6 grams of fiber and about 150 calories per bar, these are fantastic as a late afternoon snack or when out on a hike. They definitely satisfy and with only 3 to 4 grams of sugar per bar, you can feel pretty great about eating them. The Black Olives and Walnuts is our fave of the two flavors, but both have a taste that’ll have you wondering why more savory snack bars aren’t out there.

2. Epic Bars

When your brand name is “Epic” you kinda gotta be epic, right? And, well, we have to admit: Epic is pretty darn epic. A lot of its bars pair savory with sweet (think beef and cherry or turkey and cranberry), but some of its new offerings are straight up savory. Our current savory fave? Chicken Sesame BBQ Seasoned that’s Paleo with 15 grams of protein, 120 calories and 3 grams of sugar. And although it’s not a “bar,” Epic’s Uncured Bacon (Pork and Sea Salt) Bites are sure to please the bacon-lover in just about anyone.

3. Strong & KIND Honey Smoked BBQ

If you’re wanting to try the whole savory snack bar thing but aren’t entirely sure you want to dive straight into the flavor profiles, try this Kind bar. The Honey Smoked BBQ flavor is definitely smokey with a little spice, but the honey balances it out nicely and provides just a little sweetness (6 grams). With 10 grams of protein and 230 calories per bar, these are a bit heftier and more filling than other KIND bars, and they sure are delicious! Like a summer barbecue in your mouth.

4. Clif Organic Energy Food

Okay, so these aren’t actually bars, but since they’re from Clif’s Athlete Series and hit the savory spot, we thought they’d still be good to share here! The Organic Energy Food comes in two savory flavors: Pizza Margherita and Sweet Potato with Sea Salt (as well as a couple of fruitier options), and they’re squeezy pouches. Sounds weird, right? We thought so, too, at first, but then got to thinking about how sick we were of all the sweet gels and chews offered during endurance events, and realized it’s all kind of brilliant. The flavors are seriously tasty, and while the soft texture is … unusual (the Pizza Margherita flavor is kind of like you tossed a pizza in the blender), it’s also something that would be easy to eat on a run, bike ride or mega hike. We don’t see these so much as just a snack to grab around the house, but if you’re looking for non-sweet fuel for an endurance event? Totally worth a squeeze.
Are you a fan of savory snack bars? We have to say that we’re curious to see just how far this trend will go! Kale salad bar, anyone?  —Jenn & Kristen