Energy Bars
Energy bars can give you a boost but they are no replacement for food. And it is a confusing world out there with the array of varieties.
Why are you choosing to eat energy bars - weight loss, ease, before or after exercise?
There are high protein bars, high carbohydrate bars and middle of road bars. Is taste a must or do you just want to get what you need when you need it with speed and ease?
Energy bars can satisfy hunger, they do provide energy but they do pack plenty of calories in a small package. Read labels and choose carefully. They are certainly a much better choice than a candy bar.
I use energy bars during the day when I am too busy to have a ‘real’ meal. I use it to regulate my blood sugar so I don’t have an afternoon slump and to peak my energy level in between meals and especially before exercise.
I have chosen some of the most popular brands on the market and compared them so that it might help your decision process without having to purchase twelve different bars before deciding which is best for your needs.
The first ingredient I am interested in is the amount of protein. Second is the carbohydrate/sugar content. Protein keeps my blood sugar level and the carbs will give you a boost of energy. I always eat a bar that has at least 19 - 30 grams of protein and as little sugar as possible. That fits my needs. You must determine what will fit yours.
I chose bars that can be purchased easily at Walmart or grocery chains and I tried to stay with some form of chocolate flavor because it is usually the most popular.
Pure Protein/Smores
Protein 19 gr.
Carbs. 20 gr.
Sugar 2 gr.
Calories 180
Fat 5 gr.
The Pure Protein brand is the least expensive and a good value as well as having a good flavor.
South Beach/Chocolate Peanut Butter
Protein 19 gr.
Carbs. 26 gr.
Sugar <1 gr.
Calories 210
Fat 7 gr.
The South Beach brand is one of the most expensive but it does have a very good flavor and is
large.
EAS Myoplex/Chocolate Peanut Butter
Protein 30 gr.
Carbs. 35 gr.
Sugar 15 gr.
Carlories 340
Fat 9 gr.
The EAS brans is the most expensive and has the most protein but a very high calorie and sugar count. The flavor is mediocre.
Atkins Advantage/Peanut Fudge Granola Bar
Protein 16 gr.
Carbs 17 gr.
Sugar 1 gr.
Calories 210
Fat 7 gr.
The Atkins brand is always one of the most expensive but is always superior in flavor.
Zone Perfect
Protein 14 gr.
Carbs. 25 gr.
Sugar 17 gr.
Calories 210
Fat 7 gr.
The Zone brand is one of the cheapest, not very large and has a very good flavor which could
come from all that sugar.
Balance Bar/Caramel Chocolate
Protein 14 gr.
Carbs. 50 gr.
Sugar 1 gr.
Calories 190
Fat 7 gr.
The Balance brand is one of the least expensive, the smallest and short on flavor.
Clif Bar/Chocolate Almond Fudge
Protein 10 gr.
Carbs. 44 gr.
Sugar 20 gr.
Calories 250
Fat 5 gr.
The Clif brand is small, short on protein, big on sugar, inexpensive but tasty.
Luna/Smores
Protein 10 gr.
Carbs. 27 gr.
Sugar 13 gr.
Calories 180
Fat 4.5 gr.
The Luna brand is small, short on protein, fairly big on sugar and not very flavorful but
inexpensive.
Power Bar Harvest/Toffee Chocolate Chip
Protein 10 gr.
Carbs. 42 gr.
Sugar 20 gr.
Calories 250
Fat 5 gr.
The Power Bar brand is the least expensive with the least amount of protein, one of the highest
in sugar and one of the highest in calories.
Some of the bars contain sugar alcohol which must be listed as a carbohydrate but does not have the calories of sugar. Read labels carefully and experiment until you see how the sugar alcohol affects you. Some bars contain high amounts of fiber which will also be listed as a carbohydrate. Either can cause bloating and discomfort in some individuals.
Taste is a personal matter. Stick with individual bars until you find the one you like and then you can get the most for your money by purchasing by the box. | 
