What Are Nutrition Bars?

Dec 22, 2022

In today’s busy and energy-depleting lifestyle, nutrition bars are on the rise. These quick, on-the-go snacks or meals can help you stay on track. Anyone looking for a nutritional boost can keep several of these stashed in a gym bag, briefcase, or purse.

It’s worth noting that not all nutrition bars are created equal. In this article, we’ll cover the differences in bars and the list of ingredients so you can find the bar that’s right for you.

Are Nutrition Bars Good for You?

Nutrition bars are a quick and effective way of giving you the nutrients you need. Yet, they are highly processed and often contain more calories, fat, and sugar than necessary. Relying on them to fuel the entire day can stall weight loss and even lead to weight gain.

So, it’s important to read the nutrition label and still eat proper meals.

Types of Nutrition Bars

Here are the five types of nutrition bars and what makes them different.

Energy bars are rich in oats, nuts, seeds, and granola. They’re intended for short bursts of energy, especially for rigorous activity, making them a popular choice for athletes and gym-goers.
Low carb bars are super low in carbohydrates and are moderately high in protein and fat.
Meal replacement bars have more calories, fat, and fiber than protein bars since they’re intended to replace a meal and not be considered a snack.
Protein bars may consist of dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and whole grains like oats or quinoa. Along with offering protein and carbs, many are good sources of micronutrients.
Weight loss bars contain fewer calories and nutrients and are relatively low in calories, carbs, and sugar. They boost metabolism and have ample protein to satisfy hunger cravings.

Nutrition Bar Ingredients to Avoid

To reduce your chances of having spiked blood sugar levels and digestive problems, avoid the ingredients below or have them in moderation.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup, a liquid sweetener made from corn, doesn’t differ much from sugar. Over the past few decades, it has become affordable and widely available. Experts now attribute excessive amounts of high fructose corn syrup to health issues also caused by sugar.

Sugar

Sugar is not a problem if eaten in moderation. Cane sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, and raw agave nectar are good natural sugars. Still, it’s wise to keep an eye on your sugar intake. Too much can lead to type 2 diabetes, obesity, and raised blood pressure.

Sugar Alcohol

While sugar alcohol is a popular additive due to its sweetness, it cannot be fully digested. This can lead to bloating, gas, stomach pain, and raised blood sugar levels. Commonly found sugar alcohols in nutrition bars are erythritol, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol.

Ingredients to Look For in a Nutrition Bar

These two categories stand out when it comes to what should be in a nutrition bar.

Easy-To-Read Ingredients

You should be able to recognize a majority of ingredients on the nutrition label. Look for ingredients that could be bought separately, like nuts, seeds, and unsweetened cocoa powder.

Still, an ingredient unfamiliar or hard to pronounce doesn’t mean it’s bad. It could simply be the scientific name for a vitamin or mineral, the good stuff your body needs.

Fiber

Most people don’t have rough fiber in their diet. Supplementing with a nutrition bar is an easy way to increase your intake. The benefits of eating a high-fiber diet are: