Protein/energy bars

Are protein bars/energy bars truly a good snack? It seems like it's just a disgusting candy bar for the same amount of calories. I understand that they provide more protein than, let's say, Snickers, but I'm not quite sure they are much better for you than a Snickers.

I'd like to hear about some of the energy bars people like the taste of and what benefits they receive from them. Do they really get energy out of them?

Thu. Feb 9, 2:49pm

Yes, watch the sugar content in some of the bars.

I usually eat the Kashi Go-Lean bars, although some of them have the consistency of spackling putty...

Usually, I use these if I'm in a hurry and just need a quick "snack" to tide me over until the next meal, OR for a pre or post-workout snack. I recently found some Kashi GoLean Bars that are "low glycemic index", and supposedly doesn't cause the blood sugar to spike. They are satisfying, but can leave you with jaw cramps because they need to be thoroughly chewed.

On the other hand, Pria bars are so "candy-bar" and light tasting that I would be afraid of eating a whole box at a time (luckily for me, however, I prefer salty to sweet when it comes to snacks).

At any rate, I think they are good if you are consuming immediately before or after a work-out, otherwise, you might be better off eating a piece of fruit or something else that's less calories and more filling.

Thursday, February 9, 2006, 2:56 PM

Balance bars and Zone bars are two really good options - they have way less sugar than the others because they are "balanced" in terms of their macro nutrients. (Obviously balanced means different things to different people, but their claim is that a split of 40-30-30 percent of calories from carbs/protein/fat is the best combination to keep you feeling full the longest.) And the flavors are ok...certainly not good enough for me to ever want to eat more than one in a sitting, but also definitely good enough for me to choose one of them over empty snacks at my 3 o'clock snacky. They also take quite a bit of chewing, which forces me to slow down and not just reach for another.

For me, even on an empty stomach, they can keep me full and not craving other food for just about two hours. I eat them in the afternoons at work to avoid being starving when I get home. That way I'm more likely to get to the gym. I also carry one in my bag so that if I'm ever caught without a meal, I can eat one to tide me over until I can get to some food. (Try finding something healthy to eat when you have 10 minutes before your train leaves - hard!)

All that said, I agree with the above poster - not all bars are created equal, and one of the biggest differences to pay attention to is the amount of sugar in them. If there is too much sugar, you will be hungry quickly, and what's the point of that?

Thursday, February 9, 2006, 3:10 PM

i know this suggestion isn't a protein bar but how about some granola with dried fruit and nuts mixed in, and you could exclude the fruit if you wanted something with less sugar.

if you just want a good yummy snack bar, the peanut butter oats and honey bars by quaker are soooo good. and they're a lot cheaper than the protein bars.

Thursday, February 9, 2006, 4:08 PM

Most of them, including the Kashi-Go-Lean ones, are so sweet that they make me want to gag when they are in my mouth (I _don't_ have a sweet tooth.) and upset my stomach. But I do really like the PowerBar Protein bars. Not too sweet, and they have some umami taste to them. I don't use them as a snack, but as a meal substitute when I'm stuck someplace that only meat meals are available. (I'm a vegetarian.)

Thursday, February 9, 2006, 4:22 PM

what is umami?

Thursday, February 9, 2006, 5:55 PM

I'm the same way, I don't care too much for sweets, I prefer to snack on things like Triscuits or trail mix when it comes to something energizing.. but I have to watch out how many dried fruits & nuts I consume because it can start adding up very quickly!

Thursday, February 9, 2006, 5:56 PM

umami is the taste of protein.
MSG is often referred to as the "food" which best adds umami -- why Chinese restaurants sometimes add it to vegetable dishes to "improve" the flavor.

Thursday, February 9, 2006, 6:10 PM

These bars vary quite a bit but many tend to have way too much sugar. But frankly, I'm just sick to death of these bars. They are appealing the first couple of times and then - yuck! Cheaper and better is an ounce of nuts and 1/2 ounce of raisins or other dried fruit. I never get tired of this.

Friday, February 10, 2006, 6:20 AM

The pria bars are good but for the price of most of these bars you are better off having a piece of chicken or any other lean protein and a few veggies.

Friday, February 10, 2006, 9:17 PM

I really love the Peanut Butter Protien Plus power bar. It's great with a cup of coffee for lunch. I've tried other brands when I couldn't find my kind at the store, and haven't found any other one that I like. ALL THE OTHERS TASTE LIKE CARDBOARD to me!

Saturday, February 11, 2006, 9:52 AM

anything on the special k protein bars?

Friday, July 13, 2007, 10:38 AM

The Kelloggs smart start healthy heart bars are sooo good, they taste like rice crispie treats.

Friday, July 13, 2007, 1:53 PM

Too funny this came up. I was JUST at Walgreen's this morning and saw the Special K Protein bars and wondered about them. I like Special K's cereal and rarely find a bar I can tolerate either the texture or the taste. Anyone have any feedback on this brand?

Friday, July 13, 2007, 2:32 PM

Well, it all depends on what you want from an energy bar. If you want to feel full, I suggest the PRIA bars or a whey protein shake. If you want to satisfy a craving, I suggest the Slim Fast Optima bars. If you are in a hurry and want to have a meal, I suggest Power Bars.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 9:38 AM

I'm additcted to the PowerBar Triple Threat Caramel Peanut one. I have 2 for my early and late lunch. I tried to eat them as snacks but find I really can't go without 2 a day. I love sweets so this is a perfect compromise for me, I get 2 candy bars everyday and they are good for me. And yes these ones really taste good.

Wednesday, August 1, 2007, 9:49 AM

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