Not only can bars provide a vehicle for adult nutrition, but they also offer plenty of potential to improve children’s diets. Bar producers are actively working on products specifically designed to deliver nutrition to kids.

Clif Bar & Co., Emeryville, CA, developed its Clif Kid Zbar Crispy with children’s nutritional needs in mind. Each rice-based bar contains calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin D and 8 g whole grains. They come in kid-pleasing flavors such as chocolate, chocolate chip and peanut butter.


Quaker Oats Co., Chicago, IL, uses ingredients children recognize such as pretzels, chocolate and fruit in its Chewy Smashbar line, launched in 2011. The line qualifies for “good source” claims for fiber and calcium and serves only 90 Cal and 6 g sugar.

Veronica Bosgraaf, founder, Pure Bars, Newport Beach, CA, began making bars in her kitchen as a healthy snack her children would enjoy. “I started out with my goal being to create a great-tasting product that my kids would think was a treat but still delivered omega-3s, protein, natural sugars and antioxidants through great ingredients,” she said.

Pure Bar’s strategy for product development hasn’t strayed far. “When we talk about product creation, the first thing I think about is, ‘Would I put this in my kids’ lunchbox every day?’” she said. “If I wouldn’t be happy with them eating this every day, then we need to change this so I would.”