Retailers are stocking an increasingly broad variety of energy bars, designed to meet different nutritional needs, fit into a new diet plan and deliver great taste and nutrition. However, Palo Alto’s CBS5 reported on the continued growth of the energy bar market, questioning whether the nutritional value in these processed foods is, in fact, delivering what consumers need.
“Some power bars taste good because they have loads of hidden sugar, making them more like a candy bar than their granola-based cousin,” Dr. Kevin Murray, an orthopedic surgeon at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Mountain View Center, told the reporter. Among Murray’s tips for selecting bars:
- Look for a sugar content under 18 g.
- Avoid bars with trans fats and hydrogenated oils.
- Check for fiber (at least 3 g) and other nutritious foods, such as nuts and fruits.
- Watch the calorie count; bars can deliver between 180 and 380 calories, offering energy, but not necessarily a light snack.