Store-bought energy bars can be expensive — and unhealthy. They tend to be high in sugar and contain processed ingredients that might give you a temporary energy boost but not many nutrients.

Save money by making these healthier, homemade alternatives. These recipes make for great after-school treats for kids and snacks for busy parents alike:

• No-Bake Energy Bites
• Easy Protein Bars
• Peanut Butter & Banana Oatmeal Squares 

	Ingredients
	1 cup oatmeal ½ cup peanut (or any nut) butter 1/3 cup honey 1 cup coconut flakes ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips 1 tsp. vanilla
	Preparation
	Mix all ingredients all together in a large bowl. Refrigerate dough for 1 hour. Roll into tablespoonful balls and enjoy. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Optional: Mix in chopped dried fruits, like apricots, raisins or dates. For extra protein, add dried milk powder.

	Ingredients
	14 ounces 100% natural protein powder 7 ounces organic rolled oats 1 cup fat-free milk 1/3 cup natural peanut butter 1/3 cup organic honey 6 Tbsp. cocoa powder Organic ground flax seeds for rolling the bars
	Preparation
	Add all ingredients except the milk to a large mixing bowl. Add half the milk to start and mix with your hands. Continue to add milk to wet the ingredients, but use sparingly. The dough should be thick and not a runny batter. You may not need all of the milk. Roll the dough in your hands and make 13 balls. To keep the dough from sticking to your hands, wash them first then wet them with cold water or cover them with a little olive oil. Flatten and shape each ball into a bar, then roll in ground flax seeds. Put the bars in the refrigerator to chill and store them in a covered container for up to a week. These bars also freeze well for up to 3 months.

	Ingredients
	1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup milk 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 large mashed banana 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
	Preparation
	In a large bowl mix together the oats, light brown sugar, baking powder, kosher salt and ground cinnamon. Add in vanilla extract, milk and egg. Mix, then add in mashed banana and creamy peanut butter. Combine everything together. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 8 by 8 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy. For variety: Omit the banana and add in 2 medium chopped, peeled apples and ½ c diced pears (no juice).