Health Food or Candy?

Originally created for athletes who need to run, bike or even swim while they're refueling, energy bars have quickly become a mainstream food choice. Sales of energy bars have seen double-digit growth for each of the last four years according to research in Dietitian's Edge. With $700 million in sales, the energy bar folks have quite a bit riding on their product.

It seems there is now an energy bar designed for every need: protein, low carb, soy and low glycemic. With claims such as "tastes like a candy bar," "helps build muscle" and "boosts your energy levels," who wouldn't choose these quick-to-eat bars? But are they really a smart choice?Diet barsDiet bars are marketed to people looking to lose weight. Instead of eating a meal or snack, you eat a bar. Some people may find the portion control and limited choice useful in a weight loss program.

Instead of snacking on chips or making ice cream your dinner, you can choose a more nutritious diet bar. Others may find the bars, typically around 200 calories, unsatisfying. When we finish a meal hungry, snack attacks are bound to occur.Energy barsEnergy bars contain approximately the same amount of calories as most candy bars, 180 to 300 calories each. Sure, some have added protein, vitamins and minerals or even antioxidants, but we can get all of those healthy nutrients from foods for considerably less money. Since consumers are driven by taste and cost, the current trend is for bars that taste great, but pack less nutritional value. While some bars are low in total fat and saturated fat, others can have as much fat and saturated fat as a Snickers bar. by Lynn Grieger