Snack bars are one of those things many of us buy on autopilot. They promise energy, fibre or protein, but often come with a long ingredient list, a hefty price tag and very little control over what actually goes into them.

Homemade snack bars are a simple alternative. You know exactly what ingredients you’re using, you can adjust the sugar to suit your taste, and they’re far cheaper than store-bought versions. Better still, they’re ideal for popping into a bag before a long walk, a round of golf or a day out when you want something filling without being heavy.

Here are five easy, packable snack bar recipes that travel well and deliver steady energy without the additives.

No-bake oat and peanut butter bars
Best for: Quick energy on the go

Ingredients

2 cups rolled oats
½ cup natural peanut butter
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup chopped nuts or seeds
¼ cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract

Method

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Press firmly into a lined square tin. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then slice into bars.

Chewy date and almond energy bars

Best for: Long walks or hikes

Ingredients

1½ cups pitted dates
1 cup almonds
½ cup rolled oats
1 tbsp coconut oil
Pinch of salt

Method

Blitz everything in a food processor until it forms a sticky mixture. Press into a lined tin and refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing.

Apricot, coconut and seed bars
Best for: Light, not-too-sweet snacking

Ingredients

1 cup dried apricots, chopped
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup desiccated coconut
¼ cup mixed seeds
⅓ cup honey
2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil

Method
Combine all ingredients, press into a lined tin and bake at 170°C for 20–25 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.

Banana oat breakfast bars
Best for: Early tee-offs or morning walks

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed
2 cups rolled oats
¼ cup walnuts or pecans
¼ cup sultanas or raisins
1 tsp cinnamon

Method
Mix everything together, press into a lined tin and bake at 180°C for 25–30 minutes until lightly golden. Cool before cutting.

Chocolate protein snack bars
Best for: Post-walk or post-golf energy

Ingredients

1½ cups rolled oats
¼ cup cocoa powder
⅓ cup almond butter
⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
¼ cup protein powder (optional)
Splash of milk to bind

Method
Mix dry ingredients, stir in wet ingredients and enough milk to form a thick mixture. Press into a tin and refrigerate until firm.

Why homemade bars are worth it

You control the ingredients – no hidden sugars or preservatives
They’re cheaper – often less than half the cost of packaged bars
They’re customisable – adjust sweetness, nuts or textures
They freeze well – make once, snack all week
Wrap them individually and they’ll happily survive a walk, a golf bag or a glove compartment without fuss.