Remember when the only snack bar on the market was the granola bar? It was created out of need as a healthy, hearty snack for hikers. Nothing fancy, it was simply a modest creation of granola packaged as an easy-to-eat bar. It wasn’t until recently that the novelty of the snack bar became a necessity among busy adults, athletes and even children.
Clif and Powerbar were two early leaders in the growing industry, creating snack bars with hikers and athletes in mind. With an increase in demand, the number of snack bar manufacturers continued to grow. Growth of the multi-million dollar industry peaked in 2007 with over 2,000 new snack bars introduced to the market. While growth has slowed of since then, new bars introduced have become more specialized and manufactures have targeted specific niches within the market.
It’s no wonder, then, that people feel lost when faced with the decision of which bar is right for them. The solution may be as easy as asking a few questions and doing a little homework. First, determine what you or your clients needs are. Is the bar simply a snack or is it being used as a recovery food after intense exercise? Next, decide what aspects of a bar are important to you. For example, do the ingredients need to be organic? Are you trying to avoid certain ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup or wheat? Lastly, determine an acceptable range of calories (or fat, carbohydrate and protein) that suits your needs. Remember not all bars are created calorically equal.
Basic Bar Breakdown
Looking for a good snack? Stay around 100-200 calories. No need to focus on protein or other additives, unless you know your diet is lacking in those areas. Organic, Kosher, Vegetarian; there are options for everyone in this category.
Gearing up for a big run or swimming event? Look for companies that make specialized bars for sports nutrition. Companies like Gatorade and Powerbar have spent countless hours researching and testing nutrition bars that enhance or complement athletic performance.
Concerned about allergies? Many bars are created specifically for individuals with food allergies. Be sure to read the labels closely and never hesitate to call the company to verify information. You may be surprised to find that some of your favorite bars are allergen-free too.
A Sampling of Available Bars
Annie's Natural Granola Bars
Avg. bar size (g): 28
Calories: 120
Organic ingredients: X
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: N
Kosher?: N
Claims: Organic snack bars for the family
Clif Bar
Avg. bar size (g): 68
Calories: 230-250
Organic ingredients: 70 percent organic
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: N
Kosher?: Y
Claims: Energy bar
Clif Kid Z Bar
Avg. bar size (g): 36
Calories: 120-130
Organic ingredients: 95 percent organic
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: N
Kosher?: N
Claims: Created for active kids
Corazonas Oat Squares
Avg. bar size (g): 50
Calories: 180-190
Organic ingredients: none
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: N
Kosher?: N
Claims: Plant sterols for heart disease
Gatorade Series Pro 01 Prime Nutrution Bar
Avg. bar size (g): 60
Calories: 230
Organic ingredients: none
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: N
Kosher?: N
Claims: Athletic performance
Kind Bars
Avg. bar size (g): 40
Calories: 170-190
Organic ingredients: none
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: Y
Kosher?: N
Claims: Healthy snacks
LÅRABARS
Avg. bar size (g): 45-51
Calories: 190-240
Organic ingredients: X
Dairy-free?: Y
Gluten-free?: Y
Kosher?: Y
Claims: Healthy, gluten-free energy bars
Luna Bar
Avg. bar size (g): 48
Calories: 180-190
Organic ingredients: 70 percent organic
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: N
Kosher?: Y
Claims: Nutrition for women
Power Bar
Avg. bar size (g): 20-46
Calories: 130-360
Organic ingredients: none
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: N
Kosher?: N
Claims: Athletic performance
ProBar
Avg. bar size (g): 85
Calories: 360-390
Organic ingredients: X
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: N
Kosher?: N
Claims: Meal replacement
PureFit Nutrition Bars
Avg. bar size (g): 57
Calories: 210-220
Organic ingredients: none
Dairy-free?: Y
Gluten-free?: Y
Kosher?: Y
Claims: Athletic performance
Rise Bars
Avg. bar size (g): 40-60
Calories: 160-280
Organic ingredients: X
Dairy-free?: Y
Gluten-free?: Y
Kosher?: Y
Claims: Fuel for anytime of day
Zing Bars
Avg. bar size (g): 50
Calories: 210
Organic ingredients: some ingredients
Dairy-free?: N
Gluten-free?: Y
Kosher?: N
Claims: Created by dietitians
