Low FODMAP Dark Chocolate & Cranberry Muesli Bars

Ingredients

MAKE GLUTEN FREE

Makes 12 servings (1 bar per serve)

Low FODMAP Muesli Bar

5   gluten free weetbix*
140   gluten free all purpose flour*
1   baking powder
80   dried shredded coconut*
12   dried cranberries*
80   dark chocolate chips*
125   butter or dairy free spread*
1   golden syrup*
1   pure maple syrup*
1   large egg or chia seed egg*
210   white sugar

* See the FODMAP Tips, Dairy Tips and Gluten Free Tips for the ingredient notes above the method.

Low FODMAP Dark Chocolate & Cranberry Muesli Bars

Last updated Feb 8th, 2021

PREP IN 15 MIN
COOKS IN 20 MIN
SERVES 12
(1 bar per serve)
BY Alana Scott
DIETITIAN REVIEWED BY Joanna Baker (APD)
FEATURED IN Baking, Snacks, Vegetarian Options

These muesli bars are foodie heaven! Golden brown bars that are crunchy on the outside, deliciously chewy, and have yummy hints of cranberries and dark chocolate. This low Fodmap dark chocolate and cranberry muesli bar is also gluten free and takes me to my happy place!

As a child my mum used to make this amazing munchie muesli bar slice that was full of dates and apricots... obviously that recipe is high FODMAP so I decided to make this low FODMAP version instead!

Vegan option: Use vegan dark chocolate and dairy free spread. Replace the egg with a chia seed egg. Chia egg = 1 tbsp chia seed + 2.5 tbsp hot water. Mix together in a cup and allow to soften into a thick gel.

Golden Syrup & Weetbix Alternatives: You can swap the golden syrup for an equal amount of maple syrup. You can replace the gluten free weetbix/Nutri-Brex with rolled oats. 5 weetbix = 1.5 cups rolled oats (please note this option is not gluten free). Mix the oats through with the dry ingredients. After you mix through the wet ingredients, the mixture should start sticking together but shouldn't be liquidy. If the mixture is too wet add another 1/4 cup of rolled oats. You will need to cook this option at 190ºC (375ºF) for 30 to 40 minutes until golden brown.

FODMAP notes: Dried cranberries, golden syrup and dried coconut all have low FODMAP serves. Just make sure you divide the recipe into the recommended number of servings to stay within the Low FODMAP zone.

  • Gluten Free
  • Low FODMAP
  • Dairy Free
  • Egg Free
  • Nut Free
  • Soy Free

Ingredients

MAKE GLUTEN FREE

SERVES 12 (1 bar per serve)

Low FODMAP Muesli Bar

5   gluten free weetbix*
140   gluten free all purpose flour*
1   baking powder
80   dried shredded coconut*
12   dried cranberries*
80   dark chocolate chips*
125   butter or dairy free spread*
1   golden syrup*
1   pure maple syrup*
1   large egg or chia seed egg*
210   white sugar

* See the FODMAP Tips, Dairy Tips and Gluten Free Tips for the ingredient notes above the method.
SHOW NUTRITION

Nutrition per serve

    | |
Calories 333
Fat 16.4g
Saturates 6.9g
Protein 3.2g
Carbs 49.1g
Sugars 31.5g
Fibre 2.9g
Salt 0.2g
Iron 3.5mg
Calcium 60.4mg
Calories 333
Fat 16.4g
Saturates 6.9g
Protein 3.2g
Carbs 49.1g
Sugars 31.5g
Fibre 2.9g
Salt 0.2g
Iron 3.5mg
Calcium 60.4mg
Calories 333
Fat 16.4g
Saturates 6.9g
Protein 3.2g
Carbs 49.1g
Sugars 31.5g
Fibre 2.9g
Salt 0.2g
Iron 3.5mg
Calcium 60.4mg
    | | |
  1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF) bake function. Grease a 22cm by 22cm (9 inch x 9 inch) square baking pan.
  2. Crumble the weetbix. Then place the gluten free all purpose flour, baking powder, dried coconut, dark chocolate chips, dried cranberries, and weetbix/Nutri-Brex into a large bowl and mix well.
  3. In a medium-sized bowl, melt the dairy free spread or butter. Then whisk through the golden syrup, maple syrup, egg (or chia egg - see note in the introduction), and white sugar. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, then combine.
  4. Add the muesli bar mixture to the baking pan and smooth it evenly to the edges. Gently press the mixture into the tin - we did this by placing a piece of baking paper on top and then gently using our hands to smooth out the top (then discard the baking paper).
  5. Pop in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until golden.
  6. While still in the baking pan, allow it to cool for 10 minutes, then cut into squares. It's easier to cut the slice into muesli bars while it's still warm. Leave the bars in the tin until they have cooled completely.
  7. Once cool, transfer the muesli bars into an airtight container. Store somewhere cool or in the fridge.

Buying Tips

Make sure you use pure maple syrup (low FODMAP) not maple flavoured syrup (potentially high FODMAP).

Check that the dried cranberries are sweetened with sugar and not apple juice.

Choose a dark chocolate that doesn't contain inulin or high FODMAP sweeteners like honey, high fructose corn syrup, agave syrup or fructose. Also avoid dark chocolate that contains high FODMAP fruit or nuts.

Buy a gluten free plain flour or gluten free all purpose flour. The one we used contains these ingredients: maize starch, rice flour, tapioca starch, rice bran, & guar gum. Avoid flour blends that contain soy flour, chickpea/besan/gram/garbanzo bean flour, lentil flour, coconut flour, amaranth flour, or lupin flour.

According to Monash University gluten free weet-bix/Nutri-Brex are low FODMAP by ingredient. Avoid regular weet-bix as they are high FODMAP.

Golden syrup is low FODMAP in 1 teaspoon serves. Be careful with your serving size as it does become high FODMAP in larger serves. If you are feeling concerned you can swap the golden syrup with pure maple syrup.

To replace a large egg with a chia egg you will need 1 tablespoon of chia seed + 2.5 tablespoons of hot water.

Gluten Free Tips

If you are highly sensitive to gluten, check all packaged products, processed meat (like bacon), nuts, seeds and dried fruit do not contain a warning for trace gluten. If you are just on the low FODMAP diet you do not need to worry about this.

Dairy Free Tips

Use a dairy free spread or olive oil spread instead of butter. Butter is considered low FODMAP.

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Author: Alana Scott

In 2013, Alana was diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She also suffers from coeliac disease, is allergic to nuts and is intolerant to dairy products. This means she understands how difficult it can be to cook with multiple food intolerances. Her exp... Read More

Professional Reviewer: Joanna Baker (APD)

Joanna is a foodie, an accredited practising dietitian and a registered nurse, who is passionate about digestive health. She now works exclusively in IBS and food intolerance in her Melbourne based private practice Everyday Nutrition. Joanna works alon... Read More

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