Fiber One Bars Review
Healthy Snack or Fake Food? (Nutritionist Reacts)
Portable, bite-sized cereal bars have become a staple as we navigate our busy modern-day lives. They are can be perfect for satisfying many nutritional needs and cravings while on the go.
Some of them are actually good for you. Others are definitely unhealthy and may even have some negative side effects. I call the bad ones “fake food”.
And when it comes to high fiber bars in particular, guess what? Just because it’s high in fiber doesn’t make it healthy. You read that right!
So where do Fiber One bars stand? Are they a healthy snack or a fake food, like so many of the bars I review?
Fiber One bars can be good for you, but only when consumed in moderation (and there are netter plenty of better options, more on the later).
If you’re wondering if they can help relieve constipation the answer is “yes”, but there are some caveats.
If you have too many of these bars, you may experience bloating, cramping, or gassiness due to their high fiber content (at least 6 g of dietary fiber per 23 g bar). 6 g might not sound like a lot, but since these are only 70 calories per bar it would be really easy to overdo it.
Overdosing on fiber can actually make your constipation worse, especially if you don’t drink enough water.
Most of these side effects are temporary and only prevalent if you don’t generally have enough fiber in your diet.
Additionally, Fiber One Chewy Bars are loaded with added sugars and artificial ingredients with no nutritional value.
So let’s break down the Fiber One bars to find out whether they are worth your cash or if you should choose another option.
What Are Fiber One Bars?
Fiber One bars are manufactured by General Mills. These fiber bars make a suitable snack or low-calorie breakfast option as they’re a good protein source with a low-calorie count and are high in dietary fiber.
Other than bars, General Mills also produces a variety of other high-fiber products, including cereals, bread, sweet treats, and bites. The main thing to frown upon with Fiber One products is the high amount of artificial sweeteners they contain.
These also have very little to offer in terms of vitamins and minerals.
Fiber One makes three main types of bars:
- Fiber One (70 calories) Chewy Bars
- Fiber One (70 calories) Brownies or Soft Baked Bars
- Fiber One Chewy Protein Bars
 Chewy Bars Chocolate |
Brownies Chocolate Fudge |
Coconut Almond |
Fiber is an essential dietary requirement that only 5% of American adults get enough of.
Fiber One bars are a tasty and convenient way to increase your fiber intake. According to General Mills, these bars contribute 21–26% of the average adult’s recommended daily fiber target.
Adequate fiber intake is linked to a healthy gastrointestinal system and also helps to reduce cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar levels.
“I have a row of various Fiber One products on my shelf so grabbing a treat or dessert is delightful…”
Nutritional Macros
Fiber One bars contain 70 calories per each 23 or 25 g bar and 130 calories per 33 g bar. The macronutrients contributing to this calorie intake include:
- 5 g Net carbs
- 1–2 g Sugar
- 2–6 g Protein
- 1–3.5 g Saturated fat
- 90–130 mg Sodium
There are so many different Fiber One Bars that we can’t cover every single one, but we’re going to take a close look at the Chewy Bars line, and the Brownies because they are quite popular and generally representative of the brand.
Pros and Cons of Fiber One
Rating Fiber One
The section below breaks down the bars’ ratings based on six criteria to help determine whether the Fiber One bars are really a healthy snack or if they’re a fake food.
Texture and Taste
My favorite thing about Fiber One bars has always been the variety of flavors they offer. My favorites include:
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies
- Chocolate Fudge Brownies
- Chocolate Caramel & Pretzel Chewy Bars
- Coconut Almond Protein Chewy Bars
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Chewy Bars
The new 70 calorie bars have lost when it comes to taste. The former 90 calorie bar and brownie formula was tender and soft, but this new formula is dry and has a chemical after taste.
Macros
Fiber One bars contain carbs, calories, and protein from some healthy ingredients.
- 2–6 g Fat
- 16–17 g Total carbohydrates
- 6–8 g Dietary fiber
- 2–6 g Protein
The fat in the bars is obtained from highly refined palm and canola oil, which are prone to oxidation and may lead to inflammation.
Additionally, some of the carb content is derived from high-carb sweeteners, like fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, and sugar. These sugars are associated with a blood sugar level spike and increases one’s risk of diabetes.
Plant Protein and Fiber Content
Whey protein concentrate, soy lecithin, milk, and eggs are among the sources of protein used in Fiber One bars. These ingredients make the bars unsuitable for vegans, and soy may weaken estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity in the body.
The main sources of fiber in the Fiber One bars are:
- Chicory root
- Bran
- Whole grain oats
Inulin fiber from chicory root and oat fiber are soluble, meaning they are broken down during digestion. Bran fiber, however, is insoluble and typically supports the digestion of other foods.
Additionally, the inulin promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria and improves gut health, which can help you with your weight loss goals.
Ingredients
Fiber One Chewy Bars and Brownies contain a mixture of the following ingredients:
- Chicory root extract
- Rolled oats
- Nonfat milk or milk powder
- Soy lecithin
- Crisp rice or rice flour
- Sugar, honey, and cellulose gum
- Salt
- Whole grain barley flakes and barley malt extract
- Vegetable glycerin
- Sugar cane fiber
- Canola oil
- Palm kernel oil
- Baking soda
Several flavors are used to distinguish the different varieties. These include:
- Caramel
- Semisweet chocolate (sugar, chocolate liquor, chocolate chips cocoa butter, natural flavor)
- Peanut butter
There’s nothing too grand about these ingredients. Even worse, there are multiple fake sugar alternatives and other artificial additives.
Value
These bars are fairly priced for a healthy snack bar that’s ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an on-the-go treat. You can get this bar for even less if you sign up for Fiber One’s Subscribe & Save program for the best bulk discounts.
Low Sugar
Fiber One bars can’t be considered low-sugar. That’s because they contain at least 5 g (20 calories) of sugar, despite their variation in macronutrients.
The sugar comes from natural sweeteners like sugarcane fiber, but the bars also contain a lot of added sugars from corn syrup, maltodextrin, honey, and cellulose gum.
“Excessive sugar alcohols are the problem causing bitter aftertaste and digestive eruptions..”
The Verdict: Fiber One Bars are Not (that) Good for You
Fiber One bars can be a convenient source of fiber, but they are also processed and often contain added sugar and other ingredients that may not be as healthy as whole, unprocessed foods.
It’s important to remember that no single food is inherently unhealthy, and the key to a healthy diet is to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods in moderation, rather than relying on any one type of food or food product.
Fiber One bars may be high in fiber, but they can also be high in added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and other ingredients that may not be as healthful as whole, unprocessed foods.
For example, some Fiber One bars contain high fructose corn syrup, which is a type of added sugar that has been linked to a number of health problems, including weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
It’s also important to consider the portion size of Fiber One bars. While they may be a convenient source of fiber, they are also a processed food and should be eaten in moderation as part of a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of whole, unprocessed foods.
Fiber One Bars vs. Human Food Bar
When compared to the Fiber One bar, the Human Food Bar is not your typical fiber bar.
It contains a unique blend of ingredients, including prebiotic fibers, resistant starch, plant-based protein, and superfoods.
This unique blend provides you with a tasty fiber bar that’s lectin-free, plant-based, and that provides you with multiple health benefits.
This table gives you a side-by-side comparison of the Fiber One and Human Food Bar.
| Fiber One Bar | Human Food Bar | |
| Dietary fiber content | 6–9 g dietary fiber from chicory root, bran, and oats | 13 g dietary fiber obtained from multiple fiber sources (prebiotic fiber and resistant starch) |
| Carb and sugar content | Contains at least 5 g of sugar from added sugars | Low carb and low sugar without sugar alcohols |
| Superfoods | None | Four superfoods: baobab, green banana flour, tiger nuts, and cacao |
| Calories | 70–140 calories | 240 calories (just enough to keep you full) |
The Fiber One bar might be worth taking a bite of. But, it lacks some beneficial ingredients, such as superfoods, to be your go-to fiber bar.
Our Human Food Bar, on the other hand, will provide you with all the benefits of a fiber bar and keep you satisfied for a long time. What’s more, our bar will be so healthy that you can eat it everyday without developing any stomach-related issues, like you would if you had too many Fiber One bars.
So who’s the winner? You be the judge.
Is the Fiber One Bar Worth Your Money?
We can all agree that the Fiber One bar has quite a bit to offer as a healthy snack, but it doesn’t quite make the grade. This is owing to its extremely high fiber content, excess sugar, and inadequacy when it comes to superfoods and health-boosting ingredients.
The Human Food Bar, however, compensates for these deficits and more, making it the ideal fiber bar to help you meet your daily dietary requirements.
Our bar is inspired by ancient humans but designed for modern humans to ensure you have impeccable gut health without compromising on taste.
By joining our waitlist, you can be among the first few people to get your hands on this impeccable bar.
Still not sure? Check out these reviews of other fiber rich bars we tested:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Fiber One brownies healthy?
Fiber One brownies are not healthy for regular consumption. While they do contain some fiber, they are also high in sugar and artificial ingredients. They are a processed, packaged snack and should be consumed only in moderation as part of a balanced diet. But really though, might was well just choose a healthier fiber bar.
Are Fiber One bars good for weight loss?
Fiber One bars can good snack for weight loss because they contain fiber, which can help with weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and helping to regulate appetite. With that said, some of them are high in sugar, which can contribute to weight gain. If weight loss is your goal, there are better bars.
Do Fiber One bars help you poop?
Fiber One bars contain fiber, which can help with bowel movements and alleviate constipation. However, it is important to note that everyone's body is different and what may work for one person may not work for another. Fiber One bars are most likely to help you poop when you drink lots of water with them.
How much fiber is in a Fiber One bar?
A Fiber One bar typically contains around 9 grams of fiber per serving. However, the exact amount of fiber may vary depending on the specific flavor and size of the bar. It is always recommended to check the nutrition label for the exact fiber content of a specific product.
How many Fiber One bars should I eat a day?
It is not recommended to eat more than one Fiber One bar per day. It is important to consume a variety of nutrients from a balanced diet and to not rely on a single food or supplement as the sole source of fiber. Additionally, the amount of fiber in multiple Fiber One bars is likely to cause GI distress, including gas and bloating.
Are Fiber One bars good for diabetics?
Fiber One bars can be a good option for diabetics as they typically have a low Glycemic Index (GI), due to their high fiber content. However, it is important to note that the specific GI of a Fiber One bar may vary depending on the specific flavor and ingredients used.
