
<PAGE>
 
                                                                  [EXHIBIT 23.1]

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-8 registration statement of our report dated May 15,
1998 included in Balance Bar Company's Form S-1, as amended (Registration
Statement File No. 333-49651), and to all references to our Firm included in
this registration statement.

Los Angeles, California
June 8, 1998

                              /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

                              Arthur Andersen LLP
