Product Review: Energy Bars

The process of learning about the wild world of energy bars has come to an end; as a natural food freak, I bravely ventured into the territory of natural, wholesome energy sources to get through my roughest days. Campers and outdoor enthusiasts are familiar with a wide range of organic and natural-based brands that essentially give your brain and body a boost for long-lasting energy. I personally enjoy dried fruit, granola, and chocolate for my general energy resources, and was surprised and happy to have found a large variety available on the market today! From Clif bars, Luna, Powerbar varieties, and the Lara Bar, I was overwhelmed with choices.

A closer look, however, proved to be interesting; after reading the nutrition facts thoroughly (something I am also brave enough to admit; I’m one of those people who reads all the fine print, nutrition facts included), it was clear that many of these chocolate covered and fine-tasting concoctions were akin to flavor, texture, and even calorie content to a regular candy bar. But what makes them different? I think the composition of granola, rice, and soy-based products, along with increased protein, gives these bars preference over your standard, sugar-loaded Snickers. Even though Snickers peanuts have plenty of protein, you might say, natural-based granola bars and organic ingredients do provide longer lasting energy over a few hours, rather than a sugar-inspired spike and crash.

So, finding the top five energy bars involved choosing from some key factors; for my review, I made note of taste, texture, natural-food ingredients/composition, price, as well as the all-important but very superficial wrapper/logo. With the large and growing variety of energy bars out there, I do think that creative advertising and brands are a strong decision-making factor for the average energy bar consumer. My top choices were the Lara Bar, Bumble Bar, Luna Bar, Clif Bar, and

#1:  Lara Bar