Product Review: Nutrition Bars

Updated September 1, 2020

Eating on the go, whether you are on a gluten free diet or not, is a resort many of us make even when we try to eat healthy and whole foods on a daily basis.  Furthermore, if you are trying to eat every few hours, a snack bar can help when the urge to eat kicks in and when you are trying to resist processed foods, the nutrition bar seems like a healthy option.

Today, the shelves of grocery and health food stores are lined with energy bars, protein bars, nutrition bars and snack bars for your convenience.  But the nutrition bar jungle makes selecting the best one hard to do.  They all offer some kind of supplement in an easy to eat bar loaded with proteins, fiber, fruits, etc. Some nutrition bars contain too much sugars or gluten, for those watching wheat consumption, but the main point is to eat a bar full of nutrition.

Below is an analysis of nutrition bars to see how they stock up and assist you in making a powerful punch with your purchase. Nutrition bars come in a variety of flavors and with a variety of names:

• Protein bars
• Energy bars
• Meal-replacement bars
• Fruit & nut bars
• High protein cookies

However, those categorized as nutrition bars differ from snack bars (granola) or candy or chocolate bars by the following characteristics:

• Larger by Weight
• Higher protein (between 10-30 grams/bar)
• Fiber content

Within the broad category of nutrition bars, there is a huge difference in nutrition value.

• Fiber – To promote natural elimination and reduce cholesterol
• Saturated Fat – “Bad” fat, should only 1/3 of total dietary fat
• Total Fat – Whole foods such as nuts are naturally high in fat
• Sugar Alcohols – Too much sugar causes bloating, gas and laxative effect
• Added Vitamins

Here are nutrition bars by category, including a brief description of flavor and notes on each bar’s strength or weakness.  Note which bars are safe