User:SammiMaloney/Energy bar

This page is about the cereal bar. For similar types of cereal bars, see Granola bar. For the video game concept, see Health bar.

Energy bars vary in size, ingredients, and nutritional benefits.

A HOOAH! energy bar provided by the United States Army in its MREs

Energy bars (candy bars) are supplemental bars containing cereals and other high energy foods targeted at people who require quick energy but do not have time for a meal. Because most energy bars contain substantial amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and other nutrients, they are often classified as functional foods. In fact, many energy bars contain enough nutrients to be used as meal replacements for many physically active people. However, they should be used carefully to supplement meals with added nutrition rather than eliminating meals.

Nutrition

A typical energy bar weighs between 30 and 50 g and is likely to supply about 200–300 Cal (840–1,300 kJ), 3–9 g of fat, 7–15 g of protein, and 20–40 g of carbohydrates — the three sources of energy in food. In order to provide energy quickly, most of the carbohydrates are various types of sugars like fructose, glucose, maltodextrin and others in various ratios, combined with complex carbohydrate sources like oats and barley. Proteins come mostly in the form of fast digesting whey protein. Energy bars generally don't contain sugar alcohols, since these bars, due to type of carbohydrate content, don't require low calorie sweeteners to improve their taste. Fats in energy bars are kept to minimum and their main sources are often cocoa butter and dark chocolate.However, when choosing an energy bar to consume, it is important to pay attention to the ingredients as many energy bars contain as much sugar as your average candy bar.

Usage

Energy bars are quick and easy to consume, so they are used in a variety of contexts. They are a practical solution to a variety of situations in which someone needs a simple snack or intake of nutrients. Energy bars are used as energy source during athletic events such as marathons, triathlons and other activities which require a high energy expenditure for a long periods of time. They are also commonly used as meal replacements in many successful weight-loss programs. Or, they are simply used as a quick snack when one needs an on the go meal. However, it is important to understand the differences between energy bars as they all serve different purposes. Some may be highly nutritional while others may be fun treats to consume as an alternative to candy bars. Many energy bars tend to be high in sugars and low in protein which does not provide the nutritional benefits that are associated with other bars. For the majority of people, they can be used as a quick on the go snack to satisfy hunger, but should still be supplemented with a real, nutritious meal. For those who are malnourished, energy bars are an effective tool to help someone consume necessary nutrients condensed into a tasty, easy to eat bar. Many companies have seen the impact the way they market their energy bars has on the people who buy them. As a result, they are marketed in a variety of ways to gain the attention of the consumers. Most bars are either claimed to be a snack, candy, or a meal replacement while ensuring consumers are aware of the health benefits packed into the product.

See also

• Candy bar
• Protein bar
• Energy gel
• Sports drink
• High energy biscuits
• Flapjack (oat bar)
• D ration