Energy Bars: Health Food or Candy?

Originally created for athletes who need to run, bike or even swim while they're refueling, energy bars have quickly become a mainstream food choice. Sales of energy bars have seen double-digit growth for each of the last four years according to research in Dietitian's Edge. With $700 million in sales, the energy bar folks have quite a bit riding on their product. It seems there is now an energy bar designed for every need: protein, low carb, soy and low glycemic. With claims such as "tastes like a candy bar," "helps build muscle" and "boosts your energy levels," who wouldn't choose these quick-to-eat bars? But are they really a smart choice?

Diet bars
Diet bars are marketed to people looking to lose weight. Instead of eating a meal or snack, you eat a bar. Some people may find the portion control and limited choice useful in a weight loss program. Instead of snacking on chips or making ice cream your dinner, you can choose a more nutritious diet bar. Others may find the bars, typically around 200 calories, unsatisfying. When we finish a meal hungry, snack attacks are bound to occur.

Energy bars
Energy bars contain approximately the same amount of calories as most candy bars, 180 to 300 calories each. Sure, some have added protein, vitamins and minerals or even antioxidants, but we can get all of those healthy nutrients from foods for considerably less money. Since consumers are driven by taste and cost, the current trend is for bars that taste great, but pack less nutritional value. While some bars are low in total fat and saturated fat, others can have as much fat and saturated fat as a Snickers bar.

Choose wisely
Follow these tips to make the smartest selection:

Choose a bar if you're looking for a quick snack you can throw in your briefcase or keep in your glove compartment.
If you're using a bar as a meal replacement, make sure it contains at least 300 calories.
You'll feel more satisfied if you add a glass of skim milk and a piece of fruit to your "meal."
Bars are typically more nutritious than a candy bar, so if your choice is a Hershey bar or a Cliff bar, go for the Cliff. Just don't fool yourself into thinking bars are always the healthiest choice.
Look for bars with no more than two grams saturated fat and at least three grams fiber to limit the damage to your cardiovascular system.
Remember real food? Bars can't compare to fruit, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.