Are Energy Bars Good for You?

Once the domain of astronauts and athletes, today energy bars are found on supermarket shelves. Most of these colorful bars are healthy snacks that will give you that much-needed pick-me-up. They also come in a wide variety of flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry. And while many energy bars can indeed be a healthy snack choice, this cannot be said for all of them. So how can you tell which energy bars are good and which are not? Read on to find out. 

Different Types of Energy Bars 

There are four main types of energy bars—all characterized by different ingredients. As their name suggests, protein bars are rich in protein. Energy bars help to build muscle and aid muscle recovery after exercise. Endurance bars contain more carbohydrates than protein bars and are eaten before exercise. Activity bars are designed to sustain energy and are great for outdoor workouts. Organic bars deliver natural power, which means that they do not contain artificial sweeteners or protein. 

What to Avoid in an Energy Bar

Like anything else on supermarket shelves, energy bars contain a variety of ingredients. 

As a rule of thumb, the fewer ingredients and fewer additives in your energy bar, the better. In particular, it is wise to avoid excessive sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and xylitol, as they can be bad for your digestive system. Other common energy bar additives to stay away from, include soy protein isolate, palm oils, and natural flavors, as these are often not as natural as you may think. Some may be surprised by this, but energy bars can also be full of fat, containing as many as 350 calories.

Ester Robinson, a certified nutritionist from SUPPLEMENTSCOUTS, says that energy bars should not be used as replacements for proper meals. “Even though an energy bar is jam-packed with healthy ingredients such as fruit and nuts, it may be lacking in the vitamin department. Since vitamins are crucial to your well-being, particularly if you are a very active person, you should ensure that you are getting what your body needs by consuming nutritious food and supplements.”

What to Look for in an Energy Bar 

Energy bars contain macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fat) and micronutrients (minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids). To get the best out there, look for energy bars with simple and healthy ingredients such as raisins, honey, and dark chocolate.

Nuts and seeds are a healthy source of protein and fiber and contain good fats. Whole grains, such as oats, buckwheat, corn, and whole wheat flour, are great carbohydrates and fiber. In terms of sweeteners and vitamins, look for bars with dry fruits, raisins, and berries. 

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