Are Energy Bars Really Better for You Than Candy Bars?
With more and more energy bar brands coming out with flavors like Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch and Chocolate Cookie Dough, we can't help but ask: Are energy bars really good for you or are they just candy bars in sheep's clothing?
A little research gave surprising results. While almost all energy bars have a solid amount of protein per serving (plus other workout-friendly ingredients such as carbs) most aren't much lower in fat and calories than a Milky Way. Don't believe it? Check out our assessment of the following energy bars. You might be surprised just how close to dessert they are.
Original Clif Bar - Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch
Clif Bars claim to be a good source of protein and fiber-and the bars deliver on both counts. Overall, Clif falls right in the middle when compared to other energy bars. But when you put it up against Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, the news is a little disappointing. While Clif Bars have more fiber, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups actually have a lot less carbs. (15 grams less to be exact!)
Total calorie counts: 230 for Clif, 210 for Reese's!
PowerBar Performance Energy - Cookies n Cream
PowerBar energy bars are touted for higher intensity competitions or training sessions-like running or swimming. This makes sense given that the bars have the most carbs per serving than any other bar. In fact, PowerBars have more carbs than Milky Ways and Snickers-though the energy bar has less calories and fat grams.
Total calorie counts: 240 for PowerBar, 273 for Snickers, and 262 for Milky Way.
Balance Bar - Double Chocolate Brownie
Balance bars are by far the most healthy energy bar when compared to typical candy bars. With substantially less calories and less fat (seven grams) and solid amounts of protein and fiber, Balance bars are the clear choice when looking for something to munch on.
Total calorie count: 200 for Balance Bar
Promax - Double Fudge Brownie
Promax bars are pretty similar to Snickers bars when you get down to it. Promax has 280 calories, Snickers has 273, and both have about 28 grams of sugar-and around two grams of fiber. But here's where it gets interesting: while Promax packs 20 grams of protein per bar to Snickers' 5 grams, Snickers bars actually have less carbs. (Though we have to mention that Promax bars have half the amount of fat.)
Total calorie counts: 280 for Promax, 273 for Snickers
Larabar - Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
When deciding whether a Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar is healthier for you than a Larabar, the answer is quite surprising: it's a real toss up! Both have about 14 grams of fat and 26 carbs. Larabar has a little more protein but the Hershey bar has 20 less calories. So, it might taste better to grab the chocolate bar!
Total calorie counts: 230 for Larabar, 210 for Hershey's
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
