Comparing and testing of the top energy bars
Pemmican Fruit and Nut
The moist, homemade quality of this cake-like treat makes it a favorite. Made with soy flour, malted corn, and barley, and sweetened with honey and grape juice, the bar contains a whopping 58 grams of carbohydrates and 16 grams of protein, enough for two power-packed snack breaks or lunch. Some claim this bar to be the best all-around energy bar. Other flavor available: Carob-Cocoa.
Size: 106 g
Calories: 420
Price: $1.39
mealpack.com
Clif Builder’s, Chocolate
This crispy bar is liked for its 20 grams of protein, thick coat of chocolate frosting, and crunchy cocoa crisps. Made with soy protein and organic and natural ingredients, the bar also packs 23 vitamins and minerals into a filling snack or breakfast that gave us several steady hours of energy on the trail. Although, a downside is that it’ll melt in hot weather. Other flavors available: Peanut Butter and Cookies ‘n Cream.
Size: 68 g
Calories: 270
Price: $1.89
clifbar.com
ProBar, Original Blend
This all-around favorite comes in 11 other flavors, and they are all winners. The Original Blend's hefty, all-natural mix of raisins, sunflower seeds, cashews, and chocolate chips earned it strong endorsements. Made with 15 natural ingredients, this performance bar packs a nutritional punch with a 60-15-25 carb-protein-fat ratio, an ideal combination for backpackers.
Size: 85 g
Calories: 370
Price: $3.29
theprobar.com
Detour Runner
This nutty core generously dipped in chocolate overpowers saliva-sucking whey protein. A top pick for replenishing late-day endurance, the Runner includes a protein-based dietary supplement called MicroLactin to help muscles and joints recover.
Size: 50 g
Calories: 210
Price: $1.25
detourbar.com
Bobo’s Oat Bar, Cinnamon Raisin
Moist and chewy, this bar is a favorite on mornings when you don’t want to fuss with dishes, as it is a great breakfast replacement. To extend its energy boost (and aid digestion), many hikers ate this bar by tearing off small hunks over time.
Size: 86 g
Calories: 180
Price: $2.10
bobosoatbars.com
Larabar Jocalat, Chocolate Mint
Layers of chocolate over a minty core will make your mouth water for this dessert-like bar. Plus, the chocolate is fair trade and the ingredients are organic. Jocalats aren’t powerhouses, but their mood-lifting cocoa and stomach-settling peppermint give a mental and physical boost. A strong dose of antioxidants sweeps up free radicals spawned by exertion.
Size: 48 g
Calories: 190
Price: $1.69
larabar.com
Balance Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter
This bar has a mix of salty flavor and serious nutrition. It consists of a layer of nuts and oats piled atop a gooey, sweet base. Plus, it packs many vitamins and minerals. It contains 100 percent of your daily vitamins C and E, as well as hefty doses of protein and other important nutrients. Why care? Because converting carbs and fat into energy requires sufficient levels of riboflavin and iron (which many trail foods lack). Plus, vitamin C and zinc boost your immune system.
Size: 50g
Calories: 210
Price: $1.10
balance.com
