Sorting through Power Bars: Which Are Best?

As we fall kicks in, family schedules get a lot more hectic. And that means a lot more people will be eating on the go.

If you or your family members are among them, power bars could be a good choice as an alternative to a full, well-rounded meal.

There are several different groups: protein, energy, meal replacement, snack bars.

And, with so many on the market, how do you know the difference, and which ones are best?

On "The Early Show,", Tanya Zuckerbrot of CookingLight magazine described the differences and pointed to what she deems the wisest ones to grab.

According to Zuckerbrot:

Meal replacement bars are going to be high in calories (200 to 300); they're supposed to fill you the way that a real meal would. The purpose of these bars is to keep your energy up in the absence of sitting down for a full meal.

A protein bar is high in protein to build up muscle mass and replenish you after a big workout. These are the bars you most often see in muscle-building and health stores, for people who want to build up their bodies.

Snack bars are going to have a lower calorie count than meal replacements, about 100-200 calories each. They help to give you a boost of energy. Sugary snacks often give you a quick burst of energy that can't be sustained.

Energy bars are your best choice for pre-workout. They're high in carbs, which are going to keep you going no matter what activity you engage in.

While nothing beats real food for the best nutrition, bars are convenient and portable and can certainly have a place in a your life. There are so many choices of energy and protein bars on the market, the array is often hard to navigate.

You want one that offers fiber and protein to help you stay full longer. You need to steer clear of bars with transfats and pick ones whose fats are heart-healthy.

And sugars, even dried fruit, do add up. So you have to watch out for ones that are too sweet. Anything much higher than 20 grams of sugars may be too high for you.

BARS

Best for Women
Our top flavor pick: Lemon Zest

Bar Stats:
180 calories, 9g protein, 3g fiber, 13g sugar, 5g fat (2.5g saturated)



• Offers a nice balance of the nutrient "Big 3"-protein, fat, carb-in a sweet, tasty bar.
• With almost 10 grams of protein, the bars can double as appetite quenching snacks or a post workout protein boost.
• Bars are made with 70 percent organic ingredients and are newly fortified with Vitamin D.

Best for Kids: Clif Z Bars

Our top flavor pick: Z Bar Chocolate Brownie

Bar Stats:
120 calories, 3g protein, 3g fat (1g saturated), 3g fiber, 12g sugar

• Downsized to meet pint-size energy and nutrient needs
• Z bars have enough sweetness to appeal to kids, but they offer a bit of protein and fiber to make a better snack.

For teens and older kids

Clif Mojo

• Peanut Butter & Jelly offers a little less fiber than a PBJ on whole grain bread, but a little more protein too.
• At 220 calories and 9 grams of protein, it's not a bad choice when older kids are caught without something to eat.

Best Pre-Workout

ProBar Fruition

Our top flavor pick: Strawberry

Bar Stats
160 calories, 3g protein, 4g fiber, 21g sugar, 2g fat (0g saturated)

• With flavors reminiscent of a slightly sweet Fig Newton, these organic bars deliver a blast of slow-digest carbs from a mix of dried fruits, chia seeds, and rolled oats.
• Sugars are a little higher than our benchmark, but we've made an exception because studies show that carbs (plus a little bit of protein) before a workout give exercisers an energy edge, allowing them to workout longer and do more reps.

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[runnermatt]

I try to avoid bars that are high in sugar, but there aren't too many options. I did find one interesting bar that is really low in sugar. They are called Journey Bars and they have flavors like Parmesan Romano (6g of sugar) and Coconut Curry (10g). They taste really good. It's like eating real food instead of a candy bar. I highly recommend checking them out if you are looking for a low-sugar option.

[HouseOfKards]

I agree with SnoGrrl and CKPope on the Detour Bars. They are a family favorite because of their superior taste, high protein and (relatively) low sugar. We'll often break a bar in half as a snack right before or during soccer practices for the kids and I enjoy one for breakfast some days before heading to the gym.

[SnoGrrl]

Agree with the comment about Detour Bars - I've tried/researched them all and Detour has the most protein with the least sugar and the best taste. The carmel peanut flavor tastes pretty much like a Snickers.

[CKPope]

I highly recommend Detour Bars. They have several different kinds for lean muscle development and specific sports, but my favorite is the Lower Sugar Caramel Peanut. It has 15 grams of protein and just 3 grams of sugar, 170 calories.

[displeased]

I rely on power bars to help get me through long hikes and backpacking trips (being I don't cook on the trail). I often combine them with other snacks, such as PB&J or fruit. Sometimes I eat them as dessert when on camping trips. I also need them occasionally to help boost my energy while playing high-energy sports or weight training. My favorites include Nut Naturals and Cliff Bars.

[cktirumalai]

Since I tend to see the saturated fat and sugar content in red, I generally avoid power bars. I agree with you that nothing beats real food, carefully prepared with selected ingredients, for nutrition. But so long as those tempting and convenient bars are available, helpful advice like yours needs to be disseminated.
Candadai Tirumalai