How Many Calories Are in 1 Fig Bar? A Nutritional Breakdown

November 28, 2025 •

5 min read

A single generic fig bar can contain as few as 56 calories, while a brand-name bar may have over 100, showing how the number of calories in 1 fig bar varies significantly depending on the brand and ingredients. Understanding this variability is key for mindful snacking and staying on track with your nutritional goals.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a single fig bar varies widely, typically ranging from 56 to over 100, based on factors like brand, size, ingredients, and processing. Key differences exist between homemade recipes and popular brands, influencing total calories, sugar, and fat content.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: The number of calories in a single fig bar depends on the brand, with generic bars averaging around 56 calories and popular brands like Nature's Bakery being closer to 100-110 calories.
Fig Newton vs. Nature's Bakery: A Nabisco Fig Newton cookie is approximately 55 calories, while a single Nature's Bakery bar is larger and typically 100-110 calories.
Ingredient Impact: The type of flour, added sugars (like corn syrup), and fats used significantly influence the final calorie count and overall nutrition.
Whole Grains and Fiber: Many fig bars contain whole grains and are a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion and satiety.
Watch the Sugar: Despite containing fruit, many commercial fig bars have considerable amounts of added sugars, which should be monitored for a balanced diet.
Homemade Alternatives: Making fig bars at home offers greater control over ingredients and sugar content, resulting in potentially healthier and lower-calorie options.
Moderation is Key: While fig bars can be a convenient snack, they are often calorie-dense and high in sugar. Eating them in moderation and pairing them with a protein source can help manage blood sugar and hunger.

The Calorie Breakdown of a Standard Fig Bar

When you think of a single fig bar, a simple calorie number doesn't tell the whole story. The average, generic fig bar is typically smaller than branded versions and can contain around 56 calories. However, modern packaged fig bars often come in a variety of sizes and formulations, which significantly affects their final nutritional information.

The calorie content comes primarily from the carbohydrates in the crust and the natural sugars found in the fig filling. Manufacturers may also use added sugars like high fructose corn syrup or cane sugar, along with various oils, which further increase the total calorie count per bar. Therefore, a one-size-fits-all approach to counting fig bar calories is not reliable. For accurate information, it is always best to check the nutritional label of the specific product you are consuming.

Calorie Comparison of Popular Fig Bar Brands

Major brands offer different calorie profiles, often due to differences in bar size, crust ingredients, and the amount of filling. This comparison table highlights the calorie differences between some well-known fig bar options to help you make an informed choice. Note that serving sizes can also vary by brand.


Brand/Type	Serving Size	Calories (approx.)	Notes
Generic Fig Bar	1 bar (16g)	56	Smaller, traditional size
Nabisco Fig Newtons	2 cookies	110	Approx. 55 calories per cookie
Nature's Bakery Original	1 bar	100-110	Part of a larger twin-pack serving
Nature's Bakery Gluten-Free	1 bar	100	Uses gluten-free flour blend
Homemade Fig Bars	1 bar	110-221+	Highly variable based on recipe

Fig Newtons vs. Nature's Bakery

Fig Newtons have a classic, softer cookie-like exterior and are often sold in packs containing multiple cookies per serving. A serving size of two cookies contains 110 calories, making each individual cookie around 55 calories, very close to a generic bar. However, Nature's Bakery fig bars are typically larger and contain around 100-110 calories for a single bar, not including the second bar in a twin-pack. Their formulation also tends to use whole grains and no high-fructose corn syrup, appealing to consumers looking for a more natural ingredient list.

Factors That Influence Fig Bar Calories

Several key factors contribute to the calorie count and overall nutrition of a fig bar. Being mindful of these can help you better understand your snack's impact.

Serving Size and Weight: As the comparison table shows, bar sizes are not standardized. A larger or denser bar will naturally have more calories. Pay attention to both the serving size and the net weight listed on the package.
Ingredients: The type of flour used (e.g., whole wheat vs. enriched), the fat source (e.g., palm oil vs. canola oil), and the type and quantity of sweeteners (e.g., cane sugar, corn syrup, fruit juice) all play a role in the calorie and macronutrient profile.
Processing: The level of processing can affect nutritional value. While figs themselves are healthy, the processed fig paste used in many bars can contain added sugars and lose some nutritional value compared to fresh fruit.
Flavor Additions: Flavored varieties, such as blueberry or raspberry fig bars, might have slightly different calorie counts depending on the fruit concentrate and added ingredients.

Nutritional Profile Beyond Calories

While calories are a major consideration, they are not the only nutritional metric to track. Fig bars often provide additional benefits and drawbacks to consider.

Fiber: Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help with feelings of fullness. Fig bars typically contain 1 to 4 grams of fiber per serving, a decent amount for a small snack.
Sugar: Despite being made with fruit, many commercial fig bars contain a significant amount of added sugars. For example, a two-bar serving of Nature's Bakery has 19 grams of sugar, with 14 grams being added sugars. This is a major factor to consider for those monitoring sugar intake.
Vitamins and Minerals: Figs naturally contain essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. However, the processing can affect the final vitamin and mineral content in the bar. Whole grain versions also contribute more nutrients compared to those made with refined flour.
Whole Grains vs. Refined Flour: Many brands now use whole grains, which provide more fiber and nutrients than traditional recipes using enriched flour. Always check the ingredient list to determine the quality of the grains used.

Are All Fig Bars Healthy? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Fig bars can be a part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation. They offer a quick source of energy, especially for those needing a pre- or post-workout snack. For individuals seeking a plant-based or dairy-free snack, many brands, including Nature's Bakery, are suitable options.

The primary downside lies in the added sugar and refined ingredients present in many commercial versions. Overindulging can lead to excessive sugar intake. Pairing a fig bar with a source of protein or healthy fat, such as a handful of nuts or a spoonful of almond butter, can create a more balanced snack that helps regulate blood sugar levels and increases satiety.

For a more wholesome alternative, consider making your own fig bars at home. Homemade versions offer complete control over ingredients, allowing you to reduce added sugar and choose healthier flour alternatives like whole wheat or oat flour. The calorie content of homemade bars can vary widely depending on the recipe, but it provides the flexibility to cater to specific dietary needs.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Your Snack

The question of "how many calories are in 1 fig bar?" has no single answer because of the significant variations across brands and recipes. From the 56-calorie generic bar to the 100-calorie branded options, and highly variable homemade recipes, the key is to look at the nutrition label of the specific product. While they can be a source of fiber and quick energy, moderation is key due to the sugar content often found in commercial versions. By comparing brands and considering the overall nutritional profile, you can easily fit a fig bar into a balanced eating plan without compromising your health goals.

Note: For more information on the health benefits of figs, visit the Cleveland Clinic's article on the subject.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard serving of Nabisco Fig Newtons is two cookies, which contains 110 calories. This means a single, small fig newton cookie has approximately 55 calories.

Fig bars can fit into a weight loss plan when consumed in moderation. They offer whole grains and fiber, which can promote fullness. However, they are also moderately high in calories and can contain added sugars, so monitoring intake is crucial.

A single bar from Nature's Bakery typically contains between 100 and 110 calories, depending on the flavor. These are often sold in twin-packs, making a full serving around 200 calories.

Not necessarily. For example, a gluten-free Nature's Bakery fig bar has 100 calories, which is comparable to its regular, whole wheat counterpart. The calorie count depends more on the specific recipe and size rather than the presence of gluten.

Most commercial fig bars contain a mixture of natural sugars from the fig paste and added sugars. For example, a Nature's Bakery twin-pack contains 19g of total sugar, including 14g of added sugars.

Homemade fig bar calories can vary significantly based on the recipe, from around 110 kcal per bar to over 200 kcal. While store-bought brands like Nature's Bakery are around 100-110 kcal per bar, homemade versions allow for healthier ingredient choices and less added sugar.

Many brands, including Nature's Bakery, are certified vegan and dairy-free, but it's important to check the specific product label. The ingredients typically consist of whole grains, fig paste, and plant-based oils.

Fig bars come in various flavors like raspberry, blueberry, and apple cinnamon, typically using fruit pastes or concentrates. This can cause minor calorie variations depending on the sugar content of the added flavorings, but the overall calorie count remains similar across flavors from the same brand.