Organic Dark Chocolate Almond & Peanut Energy Bars
Kind Bars contain glucose syrup, palm kernel oil, and soy lecithin - processed ingredients that can be easily replaced with organic alternatives. DIY version uses organic nuts, natural binding syrups, and eliminates artificial additives while maintaining the same nutritional density and satisfying crunch.
Based on: Kind Bar Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt
· Makes approximately 30 bars (40g each)
· Serving: 40g (1 bar)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Kind Bar Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt from Kind often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
Ingredients
Organic raw almonds
450g (about 3 cups chopped) · Food to Live Organic Raw Almonds (3 lb bag)
Primary protein and healthy fat source, provides the distinctive nutty crunch and satisfying texture
Organic raw peanuts
200g (about 1.25 cups chopped) · Bulk organic raw peanuts (80 oz pack)
Secondary nut component that adds protein diversity and complementary flavor to almonds
Replaces palm kernel oil, adds healthy saturated fats and helps bars hold their shape
Fine sea salt
3g (about 1 teaspoon) · Redmond Real Salt (26 oz)
Enhances all flavors and provides the signature salty contrast that balances sweetness
Organic rice flour
20g (about 2 tablespoons) · Bob's Red Mill Organic Brown Rice Flour (18 oz)
Helps absorb moisture and provides slight binding assistance for bar structure
Instructions
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Roughly chop almonds into pieces about 1/4 inch in size (not powder - you want visible chunks). Similarly chop peanuts into slightly smaller pieces. The varied textures are crucial for replicating the Kind Bar experience.
Step 2. Spread the chopped almonds and peanuts on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Toast for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and lightly golden. This step is essential - toasting develops the nutty flavors and removes moisture that could make bars soggy. Let cool completely, about 15 minutes.
Step 3. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine honey, brown rice syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until mixture is smooth and fluid (about 1-2 minutes total). The mixture should be warm but not hot enough to melt chocolate chips. If it's too hot, let it cool for 5 minutes while stirring occasionally.
Step 4. Add the cooled toasted nuts to the syrup mixture and stir thoroughly to coat every piece. Sprinkle in the rice flour and sea salt, mixing well - the rice flour prevents sticking and absorbs excess moisture. Finally, fold in chocolate chips gently so they don't melt completely (you want some whole pieces visible).
Step 5. Transfer mixture to your prepared pan and press down firmly with a spatula or the back of a measuring cup. Apply significant pressure - poorly compressed bars will crumble. The mixture should be level and compact, reaching about 3/4 inch thickness. If it's not holding together well, you can warm it slightly in a 200°F oven for 3-4 minutes to make it more pliable.
Step 6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until completely firm. Using the parchment overhang, lift the entire slab out and place on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into 30 bars (6 cuts lengthwise, 4 cuts widthwise). Clean your knife between cuts for neat edges - these bars are dense and sticky.
Step 7. For storage, wrap individual bars in parchment paper or store in airtight containers with parchment between layers. Use within 2 weeks at room temperature, 1 month refrigerated, or 3 months frozen. For on-the-go snacking, the parchment wrapping prevents sticking and mess.
Storage
Store wrapped bars at room temperature up to 2 weeks, refrigerated up to 1 month, or frozen up to 3 months. Bars may become slightly softer in warm weather - refrigerate 10 minutes before eating to restore firmness.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.46
Cost per serving (store-bought)$1.79
Savings74%
High upfront investment ($136) buys ingredients for 180+ bars, but long-term savings are substantial. Organic premium adds 15-20% over conventional but eliminates processed additives and supports sustainable farming.