Flapjacks

Flapjacks are a time-honoured British treat, and it’s easy to understand why. Packed with nutritious oats and delicious, sweet flavourings, these golden-baked bars are perfect for slipping into lunchboxes, handbags, or rucksacks, or simply for grabbing a tasty snack at any time.

With options for vegan and gluten-free diets, it’s always worth keeping a stash of flapjacks in your cupboard, as the whole family will enjoy tucking in.

What are flapjacks?

Flapjacks are delicious oat-filled bars that can be enjoyed as a nutritious snack or served as a dessert. Infused with oats, golden syrup and butter, flapjacks have a rich, sugary flavour and a firm, chewy and slightly crispy texture. They’re perfect for enjoying on-the-go for a quick and filling snack, meaning they’re just as popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts as they are with those looking for a sweet treat.

If you’re in the United States or Canada, then you may be a little confused, because the term flapjacks is a common name for pancakes in North America. However, here in the UK and Ireland, when we mention flapjacks, we’ll almost certainly be referring to the sweet oat-based snack.

The best flapjacks at Holland & Barrett

Here at Holland & Barrett, we offer a range of appetising flapjacks, which include gluten and wheat-free types in an appealing variety of flavours.

All the Trek Flapjacks are gluten-free, wheat-free, vegan-friendly and contain an impressive 9g of protein per bar, plus they come in fun flavours like cocoa coconut, smooth lemon or white chocolate and raspberry. You can buy these individually, or we also offer multipacks, so you always have a bar ready to go.

For a classic flapjack taste, you can pick up one of our Holland & Barrett Oaty Flapjacks, or for an extra treat, try our Yogurt Top Flapjacks.

FAQs

Are flapjacks gluten-free?

Traditional flapjacks made with rolled oats are not usually considered to be gluten-free, as oats can sometimes be mixed with other gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, or rye during processing. However, flapjacks can be made by using gluten-free oats that have been carefully processed in non-gluten facilities so you can enjoy them even if you don’t eat gluten.

Discover a range of gluten-free recipes here.

Can you freeze flapjacks?

Yes, flapjacks can be frozen, which is ideal if you’re looking to extend their shelf life and enjoy them later. If you’ve baked them yourself then you should wait for them to cool, then wrap each flapjack individually in plastic wrap or baking paper, pop them into a freezer bag or container, and then freeze for up to a couple of months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or even overnight, and they’re ready for snacking!

Are flapjacks vegan?

Regular flapjacks tend to be made with butter, so aren’t traditionally vegan-friendly. However, it’s possible to make vegan flapjacks by substituting butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut or vegetable oil. If your diet is plant-based, then there are vegan flapjacks available, which have no animal products in the ingredients list.

Inspire your next plant-based meal by checking out our vegan recipes.

How do you make flapjacks?

Flapjacks are made by mixing rolled oats, melted butter, sugar, syrup and any other flavourings you like (including options like chocolate chips, salt, caramel, dried fruit, chopped nuts, seeds, and coconut flakes) into a thick syrupy mixture, before baking in the oven. Once cooled you should be left with delicious bars of chewy-yet-crunchy goodness.

If you’re interested in making flapjacks yourself, then check out some of our favourite recipes below:

Best protein flapjacks

Low-sugar & low-calorie flapjacks

Rebel Recipes banana, date, and walnut flapjacks

Berry flapjack hearts

(vegan-friendly, gluten-free)