1 of 14
Overview
It goes without saying that real food is better than a protein or energy bar. But there's a reason the protein and energy bar market is booming -- they're convenient, practical and (often) tasty. But what should you look for? "Always look for bars with quality ingredients. Look specifically for rolled oats, rice, seeds (like flaxseed or chia), nuts and a protein component (like whey isolate, soy or a rice/pea blend if it's a vegetarian bar)," advises Jim White, RD, ACSM HFI, and spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It's also important to think about the purpose of your bar: Is it to fuel your workout, curb your hunger between meals or a meal replacement? To help you raise the bar on your next shopping trip, here are the top choices in 12 different categories.
Image Credit: Demand Media
1 of 14
Overview
It goes without saying that real food is better than a protein or energy bar. But there's a reason the protein and energy bar market is booming -- they're convenient, practical and (often) tasty. But what should you look for? "Always look for bars with quality ingredients. Look specifically for rolled oats, rice, seeds (like flaxseed or chia), nuts and a protein component (like whey isolate, soy or a rice/pea blend if it's a vegetarian bar)," advises Jim White, RD, ACSM HFI, and spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It's also important to think about the purpose of your bar: Is it to fuel your workout, curb your hunger between meals or a meal replacement? To help you raise the bar on your next shopping trip, here are the top choices in 12 different categories.
Image Credit: Demand Media
Overview
It goes without saying that real food is better than a protein or energy bar. But there’s a reason the protein and energy bar market is booming – they’re convenient, practical and (often) tasty. But what should you look for? “Always look for bars with quality ingredients. Look specifically for rolled oats, rice, seeds (like flaxseed or chia), nuts and a protein component (like whey isolate, soy or a rice/pea blend if it’s a vegetarian bar),” advises Jim White, RD, ACSM HFI, and spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It’s also important to think about the purpose of your bar: Is it to fuel your workout, curb your hunger between meals or a meal replacement? To help you raise the bar on your next shopping trip, here are the top choices in 12 different categories.
Image Credit: Demand Media
1. EVERYDAY SNACK: KIND Nuts & Spices Bar
Image Credit: Courtesy of KIND Bars
2. PROTEIN: Rise Protein+ Bar
Image Credit: Courtesy of Rise Bars
3. GLUTEN-FREE: Larabar Uber
Image Credit: Courtesy of Larabar
4. PALEO: EPIC Bar
Image Credit: Courtesy of EPIC Bars
5. MEAL REPLACEMENT: Vega One All-in-One Meal Bar
Image Credit: Courtesy of Vega
LIMITED INGREDIENT, “CLEAN”: Larabar, the Original Fruit & Nut Bar
7. VEGAN: Raw Revolution
Image Credit: Courtesy of Raw Revolution
8. LOW-CALORIE: Health Warrior Chia Bar
Image Credit: Health Warrior
9. LOW-CARB: Quest Bar
Image Credit: Courtesy of Quest Bars
10. PRE-WORKOUT: ProBar Fuel
Image Credit: Courtesy of Probar
11. RECOVERY: Hammer Recovery Bar
Image Credit: Courtesy of Hammer Nutrition
12. ORGANIC: BumbleBar
Image Credit: Courtesy of Bumblebar
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