Best Energy Bars - Yucky or Yummy?
The best energy bars are very popular with runners for a number of reasons. They're easy to digest, store, travel with, and buy.
They're also nutritionally complete with varying numbers of calories in them. Below are 5 of the best energy bars based on:
- taste;
- texture;
- quality of ingredients;
- variety; and
- cost.
Clif Bar Energy Bars
These come in at least 19 flavors and each one has calorie levels ranging between 230 and 260. The bar weighs 2.4 ounces and contains 70% organic ingredients as well as other nutrients: 40-45gm of carbohydrates and 9-10gm of proteins depending on the variety.
All of these ingredients make the Clif bar the most nutritionally balanced bar for sustained energy. Its taste and texture are highly rated too. According to customer reviews, it doesn't crumble or crush easily and tastes freshwhen ice cold. These are great to keep in your purse, jogging stroller, desk drawer or in your car when you need a quick, tasty treat without all the junk.
Luna Bar
The Luna bar, although marketed toward women, is also ideal for men and children. Each bar weighs 180gm. The Luna bar has less carbohydrates and more protein (8-9gm) making it sufficiently filling. All of their 14 flavors are 70% organic. The Luna bar is generally crunchier than the Clif bar.
LARABAR
The LARABAR is made from unprocessed ingredients devoid of sugars or preservatives, free of gluten, dairy, soy and nuts. It's vegan and kosher! It's ideal for people with a sensitive stomach, as well as those who prefer whole foods or who are on special diets (e.g., gluten free). Although some of its ingredients are organic, this bar is mainly inorganic. Each bar contains 210 calories, 24-28gm of carbohydrates and 5gm of protein. It is spicy and although lacking in sugar as a sweetener, it is considered delicious by joggers who favor this brand.
Clif Kid Zbar
Unlike most kids’ energy bars containing lots of sugar and fat, the Clif Kid ZBar comes with less sugar and calories. They contain 80gm of calories, 12 vitamins and minerals such as iron and calcium. In addition, it's 100% organic. Many adults also enjoy these kids’ bar.
Clif Nectar
This is an energy bar that is 100% organic and made from whole grain ingredients such as nuts fruits and dates. The bars have a calorie range between 150 and 170. Each bar has 4 grams of proteins, 27-29gm of carbohydrates, and 4-7gm of fiber. They contain two servings of fruit, too. This high fiber content means the bar is filling in spite of its low calorie content.
Final Thoughts
While these may be considered the best energy bars, they're not a substitute for a well-balanced nutritional meal.
Most of these bars lack the natural fiber and vital ingredients found in fruits and vegetables. These bars are great to use when you need something before a jog or after a workout.
Energy bars are also low in water content so drink lots of water when eating them and whenever you're jogging.
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