What Are the Different Types of Sugar-Free Bars?

Sugar-free bars include nutritional or protein bars that are made with sugar substitutes, although dessert bars are also popular. A very popular frozen summertime treat is the sugar-free fruit and juice bar. Many people refer to these refreshing treats as ice pops. To prevent dehydration after an illness, children are often given frozen sugar-free electrolyte bars.

People who are on a low-carb diet or those with diabetes often choose sugar-free bars for snacks. Many sugar-free bars are a healthy alternative to sweets and may also aid in weight loss. Sugar substitutes such as aspartame may be used to sweeten sugar-free bars. Alternately, some sugar-free bars are sweetened with honey or molasses.

Not all sugar-free bars are frozen confections or nutritional bars. Some varieties of sugarless bars are shaped into individual sized cakes. These sugar-free cake bars may be homemade from scratch or store bought. When store bought, the bars are typically packaged individually for freshness.

Naturally sweetened with sugar substitutes, sugar-free cake bars are often made with fruit or fruit filling. Lemon or raspberry fruit bars are popular for snacks and desserts. Typically moist and chewy, a sugar-free cake bar is something many parents pack in school lunches for a special treat.

Sugar-free cookie bars can satisfy a sweet tooth without the extra calories. A sugar-free cookie bar is similar to a traditional sugar-free cookie, although the bars are elongated and generally thicker than a regular cookie. One variation of a sugar-free cookie bar is the chocolate chip variety, made with or without almonds or walnuts. Coconut cookie bars made without sugar are another type. Sugar-free brownie bars differ from traditional brownies, as they are bar-shaped instead of rectangular.

Many nutritional bars are available in sugar free varieties, and some are used as meal replacement bars. A sugar-free meal replacement bar is generally fortified with vitamins, minerals, and protein. Many people on a weight-loss program eat sugar-free meal-replacement bars as an alternative to a typical breakfast or lunch. While many are created as a weight-loss aid, not all meal replacement bars are sugar-free.

Protein or power bars are another popular option, typically available in sugar-free varieties. Many professional athletes prefer sugar-free power bars to give them sustained energy and increase their endurance. Those who simply want a mid-day energy boost may find that a sugar-free power or protein bar is a good choice.