Energy bars are a convenient way to take in calories while you are competing or training, usually running or bicycling. They are meant to provide a large amount of calories (mostly carbohydrates) to working muscles in as little volume as possible.

So it’s much easier to carry an energy bar with you than normal food, which is not as calorie-dense. It also goes down faster. That’s really what it’s about – convenience. When training, you’re not eating food for enjoyment; you’re eating food for fuel. It’s more of an inconvenience than anything.

Energy bars should not be used as meal substitutes during a normal meal. They are no substitute for a healthy, well-balanced diet. (See: Energy Bars Aren’t Meant to Be Real Food.)

So when I review energy bars, I’m usually looking for high calories, plenty of carbohydrates, and more. I still favor more natural energy bars (few artificial ingredients and minimal processing,) but what I look for in an energy bar is not what I look for in normal health food.

Here are my energy bar reviews:

Energy bars.

Energy Bar Reviews

Tested: GU Energy Stroopwafel
GU enters the hot stroopwafel market with the GU Energy Stroopwafel. Gu says this is “a Dutch-style syrup waffle that acts like an energy gel, Read more.
Kashi Granola Bars – Are They Really Healthy?
Kashi bars sound healthy. But are Kashi granola bars healthy? Let’s look at their bars. Let’s answer the question today. (We have discussed Kashi cereals Read more.
Tested: Honey Stinger Organic Energy Waffles
This isn’t just any waffle. It’s a “Stroopwafel” like you find in the Netherlands, but it comes packaged like an energy bar. They have been Read more.
Tested: Omnibar
Very few energy bars contain just a handful of ingredients. Even fewer contain sweet potatoes. And fewer still contain beef and sweet potatoes. Needless to Read more.
Tested: Honey Stinger All Natural Sports Nutrition
While I readily consume highly-processed food substitutes while training and racing, I try to eat as naturally as possible under normal circumstances. Steel cut oats Read more.
Tested: Bonk Breaker Energy Bar
Bonking is never fun. It hurts, and it usually means your ride is over. Bonk Breaker Energy Bars, on the other hand, will keep you Read more.
Tested: Larabar Uber
If I see something that says Larabar on it, I’ve gotta get my hands on it! Such was the case when I noticed something new Read more.
Tested: Good Greens Bar
The Good Greens Bar. It sounds like a block of spinach and broccoli disguised as an energy bar, but (fortunately) that’s not the case at Read more.
Tested: PowerBar Performance Bar
After years of writing about the latest and greatest new offerings in the energy bar world, I'm taking the time to point out the energy Read more.
Tested: Doctor Will Bar
While there are plenty of health food bars on store shelves around the country, there are also harder-to-find bars that are even more interesting. Take Read more.
Tested: Raw Revolution Organic Live Food Bar
The trend toward organic and raw foods is fast underway, with many snack bars and health drinks offering these more natural versions. One bar that Read more.
Tested: PowerBar Energize Fruit Smoothie Bar
The good ole Powerbar Performance bar has been around since before I considered myself an endurance athlete. But they made a recent update - the Read more.