Best Energy Bars to Stash in Your Pack

Traveling, hiking or just wandering around the city, we don’t always have the time or inclination to stop for a meal. Maybe you just need an afternoon pick-me-up. Whatever the case, these are the best energy bars based on taste, nutrition and cost.

Clif

Clif makes a variety of bars. The Mojo is a favorite as is the original Clif Bar, which is a great all-around option. The blueberry crisp flavor has 10 grams of protein, 43 grams of carbs and a total of 250 calories. The eight grams of fat at 21 grams of sugar are pretty standard for an energy bar, made from organic brown rice, oatsmand soybeans. Avoid the Soyjoy.

KIND

KIND bars pride themselves on being all-natural and using only a few simple ingredients. They have a lower sugar content, but also a lower protein content (usually are five grams of each). At 190 calories, a little more of the caloric intake is coming from fat content.

Larabar

Another healthy option, Larabar has a wide variety of flavors, many of which are gluten, dairy and soy free. Along with being non-GMO, vegan and kosher, they are made with minimal ingredients (the Cashew Cookie has only two). Most flavors come in with around five grams of protein, 20 grams of carbs, 13 grams of fat and 20 grams of sugar, sitting right around 200 calories.

Snickers

Having said all that, sometimes it is impossible to find anything but a candy bar. No problem. A good, old-fashioned Snickers actually has about the same nutritional value as many energy bars, and is cheaper. A Snickers has 250 calories, 12 grams of fat, 33 grams of carbs, 27 grams of sugar and four grams of protein.