How to Choose the Right Energy Bar

2. Above all, go for whole. When it comes to choosing which bar to aim for, simplicity is key. The shorter the ingredient list, the better, and the same goes for what’s on the list — bonus points if you can recognize and pronounce every word.

The closer each ingredient is to the way it was in nature, the more nutrients remain intact, and consequently, the more healthy fats and carbohydrates your body can use in your workout. The more processed it is, the less good stuff it contains, meaning most of what you’re eating is just factory-made filler stuff. It’s like filling your gas tank with dirt — sure, the tank will be full, but how far will your car really go?

Here’s a quick real-life example: Kellogg’s Special K Strawberry Protein Meal Bar contains more than 50 ingredients, including high fructose corn syrup and “strawberry-flavored fruit.” (Uh, what?) LARABAR’s Peanut Butter Cookie flavor from their new ALT line of protein bars contains only six ingredients.

Both bars contain 10 grams of protein.

Tough choice, huh?