When it comes to quick and easy snacks, flapjacks and oat bars are two options that come to mind first (especially in my household!). We absolutely love both.
But, what’s the difference? Flapjacks and oat bars are both made with oats, but they are not the same thing (despite many getting confused about this).
The details here may be important if you’re looking to manage your weight, or if you’re suffering with certain conditions such as diabetes. Because, if you’re looking for a sweet, indulgent treat, a flapjack might be the way to go. But if you’re looking for a healthier snack option, an oat bar might be a better choice.
So let’s get in to it and delve in to the world of flapjacks and oat bars!
Flapjacks
Definition and origin: Flapjacks are a type of baked good that originated in the United Kingdom. They are made with rolled oats, butter, sugar, and golden syrup. The traditional flapjack recipe is simple and straightforward, and has been enjoyed for generations.
Key ingredients: The key ingredients in flapjacks are rolled oats, butter, sugar, and golden syrup. The rolled oats give flapjacks their distinctive texture, while the butter and sugar provide sweetness and richness. Golden syrup is a key ingredient in traditional flapjacks, as it helps bind the ingredients together and gives the snack its characteristic chewiness.
Texture and consistency: Flapjacks have a dense and chewy texture, with a slight crunch from the oats. They are often quite sweet, with a rich buttery flavour. The consistency of flapjacks can vary depending on the recipe, but they are generally quite firm and hold together well.
Flavours and variations: While traditional flapjacks are made with the key ingredients of oats, butter, sugar, and golden syrup, there are many variations on this classic recipe. Some recipes might add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit for added texture and flavour. Other recipes might swap out the golden syrup for honey or maple syrup, or use coconut oil instead of butter to make the flapjacks vegan-friendly. With so many variations to choose from, there’s a flapjack recipe out there for every taste preference.
Oat bars
Definition and origin: Oat bars are a type of snack that are often marketed as a healthier alternative to traditional granola bars. They can be made with a variety of ingredients, including oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. Oat bars are a more modern invention than flapjacks, and have become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for healthier snack options.
Key ingredients: The key ingredient in oat bars is, of course, oats. Other common ingredients include nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. Oat bars can be made with a variety of different ingredients depending on personal preference and dietary restrictions.
Texture and consistency: The texture and consistency of oat bars can vary depending on the recipe. They are generally more crunchy than flapjacks, with a firmer texture. Oat bars are often quite sweet, but can also have a slightly salty or savoury flavour depending on the ingredients used.
Flavours and variations: Oat bars can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, which means there are endless flavour combinations to choose from. Some common variations include peanut butter and chocolate chip oat bars, cranberry and almond oat bars, and maple pecan oat bars. Oat bars can also be made with different sweeteners to accommodate different dietary restrictions, such as using agave nectar instead of honey for a vegan-friendly option. Additionally, oat bars can be customised to include different nuts, seeds, and dried fruit based on personal preference.
The Difference Between Flapjack and Oat Bars
Primary differences in ingredients: The main difference between flapjacks and oat bars is the primary ingredients used. Flapjacks are made primarily with rolled oats, butter, sugar, and golden syrup, while oat bars can be made with a variety of ingredients such as oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Flapjacks tend to be richer and more indulgent due to their higher butter and sugar content, while oat bars are often marketed as a healthier snack option.
Variations in texture and consistency: Another key difference between flapjacks and oat bars is their texture and consistency. Flapjacks are dense and chewy, with a slightly crunchy texture from the oats. They tend to be quite firm and hold together well. In contrast, oat bars can have a more crunchy texture and are generally firmer than flapjacks. The texture and consistency of oat bars can also vary depending on the ingredients used, with some recipes resulting in a softer or more crumbly bar.
Flavours and variations: Flapjacks and oat bars both offer a wide range of flavour variations. Flapjacks tend to have a rich buttery flavour with notes of caramel from the golden syrup. Oat bars, on the other hand, can have a wider range of flavours depending on the ingredients used. Some popular oat bar flavours include peanut butter and chocolate, blueberry and almond, and cinnamon and raisin. Additionally, oat bars can be customised to fit a variety of dietary needs, including vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options.
In summary, while flapjacks and oat bars share a common ingredient in oats, they differ in their primary ingredients, texture and consistency, and flavour variations. Understanding these differences can help you choose the snack that best fits your needs and preferences.