(Family Features) Snacks are a staple in the American diet. If you often find yourself eating while on the go, you know how important it is to keep your energy up without sacrificing nutrition with quick, convenient meals and snacks. Whether you’re commuting to work, dropping the kids off at school or heading home from a workout, whole grains, granola and protein offer nutrients your body needs.
These Popcorn Granola Snack Bars are an energy-boosting pick-me-up, providing the stamina you need along with delicious flavor. As a tasty combination that satisfies hunger, popcorn, granola and peanut butter join forces to help you keep going between meals or replace a meal when schedules get hectic.
They’re easy to make and feature popcorn, a whole grain that’s 100% unprocessed with no additives, hidden ingredients or GMOs. Alone, air-popped popcorn has only 30 calories per cup.
Popcorn is also a whole grain that provides energy-producing complex carbohydrates and nutrients including zinc and B vitamins and contributes fiber to the diet for a satisfying treat that helps you feel fuller longer.
This Popcorn Granola Snack Bars recipe makes plenty for the week so you can enjoy while they’re fresh then store the leftovers in the refrigerator for easy snacking any time.
To find more popcorn snacks to satisfy cravings on the go, visit Popcorn.org.
Line 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with foil. Spray foil lightly with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
In large saucepan, heat honey until boiling. Stir in peanut butter until well blended.
Remove pan from heat and stir in granola, peanuts and popcorn until coated.
Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. Refrigerate until cool; cut into bars to serve.
Nutritional information per 1-cup serving:180 calories; 11 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 90 mg sodium; 18 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 12 g sugar; 6 g protein; 147 mg potassium.
