Is Larabar Apple Pie Healthy? A Detailed Nutritional Breakdown

November 19, 2025 •

4 min read

With only six whole-food ingredients—dates, almonds, apples, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon—the Larabar Apple Pie flavor appears to be a health-conscious snack. But is Larabar Apple Pie healthy in practice? The answer depends on your dietary goals and how you incorporate this fruit and nut bar into your diet.

Quick Summary

This article examines the nutritional profile of the Larabar Apple Pie, analyzing its ingredients, sugar content, and calorie density. It explores both the health benefits and potential drawbacks, comparing it to other snack options to determine if it's a suitable choice for your lifestyle.

Key Points

Simple Ingredients: The bar contains only six whole-food ingredients: dates, almonds, unsweetened apples, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon, with no added sugars.
High Natural Sugar: A single bar contains 18 grams of natural fruit sugar, which is a considerable amount, though it comes with fiber.
Good for Quick Energy: The high carbohydrate content from dates and dried fruit provides a quick and sustained energy boost, ideal for active individuals.
Calorie Dense: At approximately 200 calories, the bar is calorie-dense, which is important to consider for weight management goals.
Low Protein: With only 4 grams of protein, it is not an ideal post-workout recovery snack or meal replacement unless paired with a separate protein source.
Dietary Friendly: The bar is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, fitting several specific dietary needs.

Decoding the Ingredients and Nutrition

The Larabar Apple Pie’s simple ingredient list is its primary selling point: dates, almonds, unsweetened apples, walnuts, raisins, and cinnamon. This minimalism eliminates concerns over artificial additives, sweeteners, and preservatives often found in highly processed snack bars. The bar is also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary restrictions.

Nutritional Facts: Apple Pie Larabar (1.6 oz)


Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~200
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	1g
Total Carbohydrate	25g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Total Sugars	18g
Added Sugars	0g
Protein	4g

The “Healthy” Debate: Pros and Cons

While the bar is made from whole, recognizable foods, a closer look reveals that "healthy" isn't a one-size-fits-all label. Its high sugar content, even though naturally derived, is a point of consideration.

The Pros of Choosing a Larabar Apple Pie

Simple, Natural Ingredients: With no added sugars or artificial flavors, you know exactly what you're consuming.
Good Source of Fiber: The 4-5 grams of fiber per bar aid in digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the sharp spikes and crashes associated with refined sugars.
Provides Quick Energy: The high carbohydrate content from the dried fruit makes it an excellent option for a pre-workout boost or a quick energy source during a hike.
Nutrient-Dense Nuts: The almonds and walnuts provide healthy fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, along with minerals like potassium and magnesium.
Diet-Friendly: For those avoiding gluten, dairy, or soy, it’s a convenient and safe snack.

The Cons of Choosing a Larabar Apple Pie

High in Natural Sugar: 18 grams of sugar is substantial, equivalent to about 4.5 teaspoons. While from fruit, this is condensed sugar and can still impact blood glucose levels, particularly for individuals with insulin sensitivity or diabetes.
High Calorie Density: At around 200 calories per bar, it is calorically dense for its size. This can be a double-edged sword; great for energy but potentially problematic for those watching their calorie intake for weight loss.
Low Protein Content: With only 4 grams of protein, it lacks the muscle-building and satiating power of higher-protein bars. It is not an ideal choice for post-workout recovery or a genuine meal replacement.
Less Satiating Than Whole Fruit: The process of drying and compressing the fruit removes most of the water content. This makes the bar less filling than eating an equivalent amount of whole, fresh fruit.

Larabar Apple Pie vs. Other Snack Bars

To put the Apple Pie Larabar into perspective, let's compare its nutritional profile with two other common snack options.


Feature	Apple Pie Larabar	Generic Chocolate Candy Bar	High-Protein Bar
Key Ingredients	Dates, Nuts, Dried Apples	Sugar, Palm Oil, Cocoa	Protein Isolates, Oats, Sugar
Calories	~200	~210	~270-290
Total Sugar	18g (from fruit)	21g+ (added sugar)	16g+ (added sugar)
Added Sugar	0g	Varies, typically high	~11-12g
Protein	4g	~3g	10-12g+
Fiber	4-5g	~1g	~2-3g
Dietary Pros	Whole food ingredients, high fiber	None	High protein
Dietary Cons	High sugar and calorie density	High processed sugar, low fiber	Often high in added sugar, processed

When is Larabar Apple Pie a Good Choice?

The Apple Pie Larabar shines as a convenient, plant-based snack when you need a quick energy boost from natural sources. It’s an excellent choice for a mid-hike snack, a pre-workout fuel, or a grab-and-go option when you’re in a pinch and don't want a highly processed alternative. The presence of fiber from the dates and nuts also ensures that the energy release is more sustained than from a sugary candy bar.

When Might You Choose Something Else?

However, if your goal is weight management, you may need to consume it mindfully due to its calorie and sugar content. If you need a snack with higher protein to support muscle repair after a workout, a different type of bar, or pairing the Larabar with a protein source, would be more beneficial. Likewise, individuals with diabetes or those monitoring blood sugar should be aware of the 18 grams of natural sugar.

Conclusion: A Healthy Snack, But Context Matters

Ultimately, the question, "is Larabar Apple Pie healthy?" doesn't have a simple yes or no answer. It is a far healthier alternative to most candy bars and processed snacks, thanks to its short list of simple, whole-food ingredients. It provides quick energy and is a decent source of fiber. However, its high natural sugar and calorie content mean it shouldn't be mistaken for a low-calorie or low-sugar snack. By understanding its nutritional profile and considering your personal health goals, you can confidently decide when and how to enjoy this tasty, convenient treat.

Find more information about LÄRABAR products and their ingredients on the official website: https://www.larabar.com/

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the Larabar Apple Pie contains no added sugar. All 18 grams of sugar come naturally from the fruit ingredients, primarily dates and raisins.

Due to its calorie density (~200 calories per bar) and high natural sugar content, it should be consumed in moderation for weight loss. While it provides quick energy, there are lower-calorie and lower-sugar snack options available.

The dietary fiber from the fruits and nuts (4-5g) helps to slow the digestion and absorption of the bar's natural sugars, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar compared to snacks with refined sugars.

No, the Larabar Apple Pie is relatively low in protein, with only 4 grams per bar. It is primarily a carbohydrate and fat-based snack, better suited for energy than muscle recovery.

Individuals with diabetes should consult a doctor or dietitian. While the sugar is natural and paired with fiber, 18g of sugar can still significantly impact blood sugar levels, and monitoring is required.

The Larabar is more calorie-dense and contains a higher concentration of sugar because the fruits are dried and compressed. Fresh fruit contains more water, making it less calorie-dense and generally more filling.

No, the Larabar Apple Pie contains almonds and walnuts and should be avoided by individuals with nut allergies. Larabar uses nuts in many of its products.