A look at making smart choices about your food bars
It’s mid-afternoon and I’m tired and hungry. When I search for a smart snack I look for something both convenient and good for me — a nutrition bar.
Some brands are definitely better than others when it comes to taste and satisfaction. Ranked from worst to best, I have outlined all you need to know about what’s up to par so you can “pass the bar.”
Balance Bar:
Someone needs to balance out these ingredients. So much sugar and so little anything else makes for a stomachache. Chewy caramel is always nice but not what I am looking for in an energy bar. I need something healthy so I can ace my exam without crashing halfway into it. If I wanted a Snickers I would have had one and not some imposter.
PowerBar Pria:
Why so much chocolate? Isn’t this supposed to be good for me? Another stomachache waiting to happen, except this bar won’t give it to you for too long. Don’t worry. You’ll be done with this baby in half a bite. If you’re looking to stay full until dinner, look somewhere else. With only 110 calories, these bars are a waste on my energy to money ratio.
Clif Bar LUNA Bar:
I prefer the s’mores flavor because it makes me feel like I am eating something not quite so healthy. The top layer is uncoated and crispy and the bottom layer is a thin slice of chocolate. Although I did say chocolate, I think the creators tried to squeeze some vitamins into this layer. As a result, the chocolate does not taste like any Hershey’s chocolate I ever had. It comes across as somewhat fake tasting. Right idea, but either give me chocolate or don’t. I don’t want any of this kind-of-chocolate-except-not thing.
Kashi bars:
As a peanut butter lover, the Peanut Peanut Butter is great for giving me the fix I need. I love the little peanut butter chips scattered throughout the bar. This is a healthy bar that does not overwhelm the taste buds. Some bars are crumbs before you even open them. Not this one — it is great for on the go. But I’m not full. Give me more protein!
Top Choice:
LARABAR:
Cashew cookie flavors. Can you say unique? Not another chocolate caramel or vanilla swirl flavor. I like cashews and I like cookies, perfect. This bar is wholesome and healthy and isn’t deceptive. I can actually see all the ingredients in the bar. Yeah there is a higher fat content than those other low fat bars, but it’s healthy fat from the cashews. This helped me stay full and free from craving real cookies. I also love how I can have my pie and eat it too. Other flavors include apple pie, cherry pie and key-lime pie to name a few. The only draw back is they are small, so pace yourself. You’ll be glad you did.
Contact Campus Press Staff Writer Jennifer Jacobs at jennifer.jacobs@colorado.edu
