Back to School Gluten-Free Spiced Ginger Coconut Cashew Protein Granola Bars

As a child I was never much of a sandwich girl, but I always looked forward to the satisfying crunch and variety of flavors of a good granola bar inside my lunchbox! Nowadays, I still enjoy a great granola bar but prefer to make my own to avoid any unnecessary additives, refined sugars or artificial flavors.

A granola bar is  a convenient grab and go snack or dessert option that you can pack full of hearty, wholesome ingredients to keep your energy stable and satisfy your hunger. This version is soft, moist and has the right amount of satisfying texture. They are easy to throw together and pack well.

My Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Back to School Gluten-Free Spiced Ginger Coconut Cashew Protein Granola Bars are gluten-free and egg-free and can be made nut-free, dairy-free and vegan with a few modifications! They pack a good balance of carbohydrates and protein without too much added sugar to provide sustained energy without a crash. They are a welcome addition to any lunchbox or as a quick breakfast, dessert or snack. This recipe also makes a nice post-workout recovery mini-meal since it has a good amount of protein and is low in added sugar.

These bars combine the flavors of coconut, cashews and fresh ginger  for a tropical flair with a comforting burst of cinnamon. Add a pinch of cardamom for a burst of extra spice flavor.  If your kids are not big fans of ginger you can substitute fresh organic lemon or orange zest for a fresh, light taste.

Quinoa flakes have a similar texture to rolled oats and provide the nutritional benefits of quinoa such as added protein. Quinoa is a gluten-free seed that can act like a culinary grain. It provides all nine essential amino acids along with fiber and a variety of minerals. If you cannot find quinoa flakes, you can substitute gluten-free rolled oats.

Cashews add a creamy, almost buttery flavor along with heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Approximately 75% of their unsaturated fatty acid content is oleic acid which has been shown to help reduce high triglyceride levels. They also provide magnesium and calcium for healthy bones and nerve function. If you need a nut-free option, you can easily swap out the cashews for sunflower, hemp or other seeds so everyone can enjoy them.

I tend to find the best prices for organic, whole food ingredients at Vitacost or iHerb. Click HERE to get $10 off your first order of $30 or more at Vitacost  or HERE and us the code BGF320 to save $5-10 off your first order at iHerb (affiliate links).

To add more protein without lots of added refined sugar, I used Siggi’s Icelandic Skyr in this recipe since it has 3-4 times the amount of protein as regular yogurts and is low in added sugars. It is made from milk of cows that have never been treated with growth hormones and does not contain additives, artificial sweeteners or thickeners. One standard 5.3oz container of the vanilla flavor I used here contains 14 grams of protein and only 9 grams of sugar. You could also use a strained coconut milk yogurt for a vegan option, but it will not be as high in protein.

These Simple | Pure | Whole^TM Back to School Gluten-Free Spiced Ginger Coconut Cashew Protein Granola Bars are hearty, chewy and crunchy with real food nutrition to get you or your child through a busy afternoon. I love to pack one in my non-toxic lunchbox for a busy day on the go or take them along as a filling hiking snack!

Find this and 20+ new recipes featuring fall produce in my Fall Action Plan Festive Cookbook, the perfect fall companion for allergy-friendly, balanced, healthy recipe ideas that are easy to prepare and everyone will enjoy! Start planning your healthy Thanksgiving, family gathering or fall gameday party today with these delicious ideas plus a BONUS e-cookbook with over 50 delicious healthy recipes for any season!

What is your favorite granola bar flavor? Did you have a special go-to lunchbox snack as a child?

If you enjoy this Simple | Pure | Whole^TM recipe and want more allergy-friendly healthy options, check out my Glorious Greens for Great Health virtual workshop and cookbook and these free Simple | Pure | Whole^TM recipes! If you have not already joined, I would love to have you as part of my free Insider’s Community where you will receive wellness resources, news and opportunities along with a special free gift! Get your FREE Chapters from The Whole Cure and purchase your copy of the paperback or Kindle edition today on Amazon!

NOTE: this post contains affiliate links for products that I use myself and frequently recommend to my clients. These products and the information provided should not be considered medical advice. AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links. Prices are exactly the same for you if your purchase through an affiliate link or a non-affiliate link. Thank you!

This post was shared with: Summer Family Fun Party, Create and Share, Two Cup Tuesday, Crafty & Delicious Party, Full Plate Thursday, Create It Thursday, Family Fun Friday, Weekend Retreat, Gluten-Free Friday, Friday’s Five Features, Real Food Fridays, Motivation Monday, Meatless Monday from The Fit Food Mama, Meatless Monday with Tina Muir, Monday Funday, Made by You Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Tuesday’s Table, Healthy, Happy, Green & Natural Party Blog Hop, Fat Tuesday, Tell Em Tuesday, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Tip Tuesday, Allergy-Free Wednesday,  A Little Bird Told Me, Gluten-Free Recipe Fix Carnival