Energy bars have come a long way. When introduced more than two decades ago, they sacrificed taste for function and were "enjoyed" almost solely by hard-core athletes and hikers. Today, thanks to a boom in competing brands, some are actually worth savoring--while others are still harder to swallow than compressed wood shavings.
To determine the best and worst, 15 Sierra Club staffers blind-tasted and scored bars from 25 companies that work to preserve the environment. Our eaters didn't sugarcoat their opinions: Some bars garnered comments like "looks and tastes like bear scat," "I'd rather have a root canal," "should not be sold to the public," "like sticking your tongue in a mousetrap," and "kitty litter." But other brands pack as much flavor as t hey do nutrients. Here are Sierra's top five in order of how they ranked.
1. LUNA
White Chocolate Macadamia
$1.39 | lunabar.com
Fans called it "simply delicious," "natural tasting," and "not too dense" and noted its "nice crunch" and "tempting" appearance. They detected vanilla, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a "sweet and salty combo," which inspired comparisons to Rice Krispies Treats and popcorn Jelly Bellies. But not everyone loved this bar. "Weird aftertaste," one complained. "A bit commercial," said another.
Luna bars, marketed to women by the makers of Clif Bars, are 70 percent organic. A portion of the company's proceeds goes toward eliminating environmental causes of breast cancer.
2. OLYMPIC GRANOLA
Almond Chocolate Trail Bar
$2.99 | olympicgranola.com
Raves included "I'd get this for a hike, no doubt," "one of the best," and "I'd eat these every day." Our panel appreciated the "hearty, well-balanced mixture of nuts, oats, seeds, and chocolate"; the "chewy," "light and airy" texture; and that it "looks like food." One naysayer commented that there's "too much going on."
Olympic Granola's corn-syrup-free bars are made of non-genetically-modified ingredients that are grown without chemical sprays.
3. ONE LUCKY DUCK
Chewy Almond Crunch Bar
$6.50 | oneluckyduck.com
Despite being chided as an ugly duckling--one taster said it looked "terrible," and another found its green seeds "off-putting"--One Lucky Duck's taste soared. The "hearty" bar is "well executed" and has "a nice collection of nuts, seeds, honey, and oats accented with raisins," with "just the right amount of moisture, chewiness, and sweetness." "This could be served as a dessert at a nice restaurant," one taster opined.
Handmade in small batches, this pricey bar is from a company that sells only raw, vegan, organic products.
4. CLIF BAR
Cool Mint Chocolate
$1.39 | clifbar.com
"The icing pulls you in and the minty flavor finishes you off," summarized one taster. The bar was called "refreshing," "chewy but not too dense," and "like a Thin Mint." "Caffeine?" someone surmised. (Yes, actually--one of the ingredients is green tea.) Though a few found it "weird" and "too potent," most were "surprised to like this one so much."
Clif Bars are 70 percent organic, and the company engages in many sustainable actions, including diverting most of its waste and using biodiesel for its fleet.
5. HONEY STINGER
Peanut Butter 'n Honey
$1.49 | honeystinger.com
This "crumbly," "simple-looking bar" was divisive. Those who gave it a thumbs-up said it "tastes almost like candy" with an "excellent flavor," "melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter," and a "nice crunch." But those who didn't like it commented on a "terrible chemical flavor." One taster wondered, "Will the chocolate base melt in the heat?"
Honey Stinger is 100 percent wind powered, and employees get time-off credit for carpooling, bicycling, or walking to work. The company recycles all paper, glass, and metal and maintains a community vegetable garden outside of its building.
Click through the jump to see how the rest placed.
6. BORA BORA BARS
Cinnamon Oatmeal
wellements.com/boraborabars.asp
7. PRANA BARS
Apricot Pumpkin
pranabars.com
8. CAVEWOMAN BARS
PB&J
(818) 321-1703
9. CLIF BAR
Cranberry Orange Nut Bread
clifbar.com
10. BOBO'S OAT BARS
Strawberry
bobosoatbars.com
11. EDDIE'S ENERGY BARS
Almond Double Chocolate Chip
eddiesenergy.com
12. PALEY BAR
Fruity Nut Evolution
paleybar.com
13. EVERLAST
Dark Chocolate Nut
everlast.com
14. PURE 15. ELEMENT BARS 16. LUNA BAR 17. SHAKTI BAR 18. GO MACRO 19. NATURE'S PATH 20. NUGO 21. NRG 22. VEGA 23. MACROLIFE 24. 3 BAR 25. AMAZING GRASS 26. YOU BAR 27. GOODONYA BAR 28. PRO BAR
Apple Cinnamon
thepurebar.com
Oaty and M&Ms
elementbars.com
Lemon Zest
lunabar.com
Goldenberry Goji
No Web site
Granola Delight
gomacro.com
Banana, Nut, Matcha & Flax
naturespath.com
Double Dark Chocolate
nugonutrition.com
Chocolate Chip Coconut
nrg-bar.com
Berry Flavor
sequelnaturals.com/vega
Macro Greens Apple Lemon Ginger
macrolifenaturals.com
Tropical Tri
tri3bar.com
Chocolate Whole Food Energy
amazinggrass.com
Customized Flavor
youbars.com
Peanut Butter Chocolate
thegoodonyabar.com
Superfood Slam
theprobar.com
--Avital Binshtock & Michael Fox
Good list of all those energy bars. A review on each would be great!
Posted by: Atkins Diet Recipes | June 23, 2009 at 01:05 AM
What about Tanka Bar, the Native American energy bar.
TankaBar.com
Posted by: Richard Bugbee | June 30, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Please consider the ingredients. If they include high fructose corn syrup please see Michael Pollan for the damage it does.
Posted by: Bonnie Hughes | June 30, 2009 at 05:19 PM
You overlooked Odwalla bars. In addition to being one of the tastiest energy bars, Odwalla has a proud history of sponsoring tree plantings.
http://www.parkvisitor.com/odwalla/
Posted by: Tom Rau | June 30, 2009 at 05:24 PM
What about Bear Valley Mealpacks??? The healthiest, greenest, and best tasting bar around, in my opinion. And not too sweet either!
Posted by: hmw | June 30, 2009 at 05:38 PM
Which one was the scat!?
Posted by: Pat | June 30, 2009 at 05:43 PM
It would be more useful to have a comparative review that took nutrition into account as well. Some of these bars are high on sugar and fat. Thus far, to me, Kashi strikes the best balance, but that's not based on any systematic comparison.
Posted by: gogo | June 30, 2009 at 06:03 PM
They didn't rate Lara bars which have been around for awhile. I really like the Apple Pie one. Also, I was surprised that the Pro Bar rated so low....I really like these, especially compared to Clif. It may just be that that flavor didn't do it justice. I have had that one and it is a bit funky, but I still liked it...some of the other flavors are better. But as my mother used to say "there is no accounting for tastes" (latin version)
Posted by: Paul Ries | June 30, 2009 at 06:40 PM
How about Transitions On-the-Go Bars. They provide an energy boost with little sugar and lots of protein.
Posted by: Jeff | June 30, 2009 at 07:01 PM
I am sorry that you did not rate the Lara bar. It is my favorite - primarily for its being so entirely made up of raw fruits & nuts. I don't enjoy eating chocolate nor peanut butter when I'm exercising, so I am really glad to have the Lara bar as an option.
Posted by: La | June 30, 2009 at 07:04 PM
You missed Trader Joe's Vanilla Almond Crunch Chewy Granola Bar. It is great.
Posted by: Bill | June 30, 2009 at 07:32 PM
I guess I would argue that a high-protein energy bar is not really an energy bar. Most people take (or should take) energy bars when they are in the middle of intense activity. Protein does not metabolize anywhere near as quickly as carbohydrates, and so you can eat it, but you won't be able to go nearly as hard and will have to take some time to digest, which may or may not be what you need based on your planned activity.
Now as to whether High Fructose Corn Syrup is the best way to get carbohydrate food energy: There are certainly arguments about the quantity of corn that is grown in the US and how much it uses in all sorts of foods. I would suggest that energy bars might be one of the few places where it may be appropriate, and that if they got rid of all the other places that HFCS was used, then it would not be such a big deal. I do prefer the bars with fruit-derived energy, though (and they are going to be more expensive).
I guess the question is whether cost should be a factor (and I realize corn is subsidized...but even if it weren't it would still be a pretty cheap source of food energy...which is described by Michael Pollan in Omnivore's Dilemma...the very first part).
Anyway, most of the dietary ills described by Pollan are in the context of sedentary people consuming HFCS. My own feeling is that if you are burning more than you are taking in, which I do in a lot of my workouts, and need to eat, that something with carbs in it will give your body what it needs quickly and keep you going.
My experience is with endurance events (cycling) where it is basically impossible to keep up with your caloric demands during the event. You stomach doesn't digest as fast as your legs burn, no matter what you put in. This may not apply to everyone.
People are starting to act like HFCS is radioactive! (granted it is being eaten a lot more than it should)
Posted by: Paul Ries | June 30, 2009 at 07:54 PM
the taste is not the first thing i consider. i consider the ingredients. so this list of tasteful bars doesn't do a thing. i wouldn't even follow through on checking them out - if they taste that great, they have too much sugar, carbs and oil for me.
Posted by: penny roberts | June 30, 2009 at 08:15 PM
What about Gnu Bars?
Posted by: Lisa Leonard | June 30, 2009 at 08:24 PM
I like clif nectar bars myself. They are light, fruity, tart, yum
The worst are the ThinkThin and Think Fruit bars like a chewy cardboard experience.
Posted by: Kathy | June 30, 2009 at 08:27 PM
I would have appreciated having a calorie count for each bar. We only eat them when desparation hits like being lost in the Sierra or stranded at sea.
E.Emde
Posted by: Enid Emde | June 30, 2009 at 09:16 PM
I know I'm in the minority here but I still opt for the original chocolate Power Bar. As unnatural as it is, it works the absolute best for me - and I do like the taste!
I'm also a fan of the overlooked Odwalla Bars.
Posted by: cj | June 30, 2009 at 09:36 PM
I try to make my own bars, and when I don't have the time to make them from scratch I love Matisse & Jack's Power Snacks (www.matisseandjacks.com). They are super easy to make and customize. YUM!!
Posted by: sara | June 30, 2009 at 10:02 PM
I love the Clif Nectar Organic Fruit and Nut Bar in the Dark Chocolate Walnut flavor and the Think Organic Chocolate Coconut. Neither has any added refined sugar and both taste good. Quality ingredients are very important to me.
Posted by: Claudia | June 30, 2009 at 10:06 PM
fun to see our bar mentioned thank you! for anyone really interested in nutrition the first thing we need to learn about are GMO's. It's true a lot of bars have 20-30 grams of sugar and if you are really buring that then the "energy" bars are for you. we just believe in eating the most natural form of sugars possible. HFCS is being debated if it acts like normal sugar in the body. that is NOT the issue. the CORN is GMO.
we are all healthy/active people. GMO's are in 70% of packaged foods on the shelf. and fish, chickens and cows are fed GMO grain for their diets. go to www.wideeyecinema.com for free documentaries on health. watch The Future of Food and Frankensteer.
go to www.thegoodonyabar.com/blog and watch The World According to Monsanto. All free. we need to know this info. See Food Inc if you can.
after watching just one of these i bet you won't want to eat any soy, corn, canola. and even organic soy is processed with hexane, a petroleum bi-product.
please email me with any questions. this is my passion.
kris@thegoodonyabar.com
Peace!!!
Posted by: kris Fillat | June 30, 2009 at 10:15 PM
I believe Greens + Chocolate Energy Bar is the best for me. I love the taste and texture. It is real food and can be eaten for a meal. I have a sugar sensitivity, and I never have a problem with it. It is made with organic superfoods, cold processed green food and is alkaline forming vs acidic forming that you get with carbohydrate foods. This bar is my desert or meal anytime of the day. I keep one in all my bags, although, it does have a short shelf life. Since I cannot eat the other power bars, this bar is a dream come true for me. TJ's sells it for $2.99. This is not an ad or a paid review, I just want to pass on a good, nutritious product. I hope you enjoy it as much as me!
Posted by: Pamela Bone | June 30, 2009 at 10:33 PM
I found a bar that is vegan, gluten free, kosher, dairy, wheat & GMO free and is mainly fruit and nut energy. It is Mrs. May's Trio bar. Very, very good. www.mrsmays.com. Found at Costco, although am not such a fan of the store anymore with their corporate greed, undercutting the mom & pop shop way of doing business. Plus they sell a lot of made in china products.
Posted by: Gabe Alarcon | June 30, 2009 at 10:51 PM
I'm amazed that you didn't rate Shaklee's Energy Bars. They taste great - are 100% organic, and the company is the first corporation to be certified climate neutral.
Posted by: lokywoky | July 01, 2009 at 01:06 AM
I agree that the Cool Mint Clif bars are great. I have one a day. My son and husband have at least one, of various flavors, each day as well. I think they are addicting.
Posted by: Gobi | July 01, 2009 at 04:11 AM
Christine Miles said...
I have a problem with these selections, as the reviews don't even mention grams of protein and sugar per individual bar or the number of calories. Although I'm sure I'd love the taste of these bars, my primary concern HAS to be, grams of sugar endured per grams of protein delivered. Anything over 6 gm of sugar per bar, and many consumers slump into a reactive state that might as well have been doughnut-induced. I need a bar to pack at least 10 and preferable 15-30 grams of protein with sugars and carbs (even complex carbs) staying low. I've come to rely on Pure Protein's Peanut Marshmallow Eclipse/ 280 cals, 29 grams protein, 3 grams of sugar, or Pure Protein S'mores flavor w/ similar stats as meal replacement bars. The others are just candy and my body knows it. I can also relay on a much smaller South Beach Living Cereal Bar for a quick pick-me-up. They offer 10 grams of protein w/ a slightly higher 6 grams of sugar and 140 calories. Go to The Daily Plate http://www.thedailyplate.com/ and punch in the name of the bar you're considering to check out the true nutritional facts before you believe that it is "all that." For example the top rated bar here, The LUNA White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Bar, only has 8 grams of protein to a whopping 13 grams of sugar! No thanks... And the #3 CLIF BAR Cool Mint Chocolate bar packs a sizable 17 grams of sugar to a bare minimum 10 grams of protein at 250 calories! So beware! Know your body and become best friends with the kinds of fuels that make it hummm. The brands recommended in this article would make my system sputter and crash.
Reply 07/01/2009 at 05:31 AM
Posted by: Christine Miles | July 01, 2009 at 05:41 AM