I love discovering new *healthy* products and I discovered this one quite by accident. I found the 9bars lurking in the ‘free from’ section of the supermarket (not a section I normally browse) and was immediately drawn to the ‘mixed seed energy bars’ topped with carob.. once tried I was hooked and looked up this ‘new brand’ to see what I could find.
9bars are made in Wales (UK) and are free from wheat, gluten, dairy, lactose, yeast and egg, making them ideal for those with food allergies or specific dietary requirements. They also contain no trans fats (bad, processed fat), artificial additives, preservatives or colours (always a good thing!). They get their name from the wonderful seeds and hemp which contain all 9 essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein which our bodies cannot make).
The bars are crammed with healthy ingredients and are:
- Rich in omega 3 (essential for heart health)
- Low glycaemic index (releases energy slowly)
- High protein (8-11g protein per bar)
- Complete protein (the bars contain all 20 amino acids & the 9 essential amino acids)
- Good source of fibre (for digestive health & reducing cholesterol levels)
There are 6 different types of bar to choose from (as pictured above) with my favourite being the ‘original’ and the ‘flax’ bars. Flax seeds are a fantastic source of omega 3 (for heart health) and help to contribute to a healthy digestive system. Most of the bars are topped with carob, which is basically like a healthier version of chocolate/cocoa – it’s caffeine free and is naturally sweeter which means that it needs less sugar added to it to make it taste good!
These bars really are crammed with so many nutrients and although they are slightly higher in calories than the standard between meal ‘snack bars’ (they’re around 270 calories a bar), they’re a great source a protein and in my opinion great for more active people (they are a perfect pre or post work out boost) or for those who choose to eat ‘little and often’ – if you are trying to lose weight then my advice would be to incorporate these within your daily calorie allowance (phone apps such as My Fitness Pal can calorie count for you – vlog/blog review to come on that!). They could even be a nutritious ‘breakfast on the go’ for busier mornings.
You can buy the bars from Holland & Barrett & also Amazon
April 2013 Update: 9Bar have also launched their new Savoury 9 bar range!
P.S If you want to find out more about how to choose a healthy snack bar, check out my video below!
*Samples of the product mentioned were supplied to me free of charge however this review is 100% honest and of my own opinion. I was not influenced in any way by the free samples supplied and do not promote this product more than other products that I have not reviewed. This blog post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer page for more information.
These bars are FAB!! They all taste amazing and its even better that they are good for you. I am addicted :)xx
Yay so glad you’re a fan too! I have a giveaway coming on my blog soon so keep a look out!! Nic x
I just found these in the supermarket the other day! Love the pumpkin 🙂 I’ve also found that half of the 50g bar before my workout and half after is the perfect compromise 😉
Hurray! Funny you should comment today – I’ve just demolished the fruity one (new) and flax seed one!! 2 for £1 in Asda – I can never resist!! x
I came home from the gym via Asda for that very reason! My Tesco had the smaller bars in a multipack so I got those too the other day!
Discovered these bars recently. Bought the Flax ones. They taste so good. Great convenient snack and packed full of goodness. What more can you ask for?
I totally agree!! Look out for my xmas giveaway if you like them 😉
I was a bit worried they were high in sugar but I’m not very good at making sense of nutrition labels so will trust in your review 🙂
You’ll be hooked 😉
where can I buy ?I live in Greece
On Amazon 🙂
Hey!
I tried the mixed super seeded one but was concerned on the fats as it had palm oil but is that okay? I had half the bar with my lunch after a gym workout 🙂
Everything in moderation is A-OK! 🙂 I don’t know how you only eat half a bar!!