Energy Bar Slideshow

April 18, 2012

Calories: 260, Fat: 9g, Carb: 42g, Sugar: 23g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 6g
Although this fruity bar was a refreshing change from its chocolate and peanut-laden brethren, the texture let the tasters down. The added probiotics just couldn't make up for the dry, rubbery consistency.

Calories: 100, Fat: 4.5g, Carb: 13g, Sugar: 4g, Fiber: 4g, Protein: 4g
Make sure you have some floss handy after downing one of Health Warrior's energy bars. Although tasters enjoyed the balance of peanut butter and cocoa flavoring, they spent the next 20 minutes picking chia seeds out of their teeth.

Calories: 210, Fat: 7g, Carb: 23g, Sugar: 14g, Fiber: <1g, Protein: 14g
Tasters were uncertain about the “nut blast” flavor descriptor, but enthused about the bar’s candy taste. “Needs crunch,” one reviewer lamented tersely.

Calories: 190, Fat: 8g, Carb: 19g, Sugar: 12g, Fiber: 3g, Protein: 12g
Before biting into this snack, tasters had no idea that an energy bar could be both lusciously chewy and...chalky? "Fascinating, yet disappointing," one wrote. The nougat was also bland, failing to achieve a satisfying peanut or chocolate flavor.

Calories: 190, Fat: 5g, Carb: 27g, Sugar: 14g, Fiber: 6g, Protein: 12g
This reminded most tasters of a delicious, crunchy salted nut roll, though one confessed (somewhat dramatically) to feeling betrayed and assaulted by the mismatch of sweetness and peanuts.

Calories: 240, Fat: 4.5g, Carb: 44g, Sugar: 25g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 9g
Tasters liked the spice and thought the bar was a good replica of carrot cake without icing, but were puzzled by the conflicting textures and questioned the value of a world without cream cheese icing.

Calories: 170, Fat: 5g, Carb: 27g, Sugar: 13g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 8g
Tasters gushed over the combination of simple flavors (Chocolate and almonds? Yes, please!) and the crunchy, crispy texture. One comment about the "delightful lightness" of the crispy rice base received rousing affirmation from the other tasters.

Calories: 190, Fat: 12g, Carb: 20g, Sugar: 9g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 4g
This energy bar is about as straightforward as a kick in the mouth (a delicious one, mind you). The simplicity of 10 simple ingredients shines through after the barrage of soy and whey-protein laden bars. The tasters gave the balance of fruit, nuts and honey five stars.

Calories: 210, Fat: 8, Carb: 26g, Sugar: 15g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 13g
Arguably healthier than Clif, Snickers Marathon Energy was nonetheless cheerfully rated and described as crunchy, not too sweet and chocolate and nuts marries energy; this hit me in the spot reserved for tasty afterthoughts.

Calories: 200, Fat: 11, Carb: 26g, Sugar: 18g, Fiber: 2g, Protein: 9g
This crunchy delight was the clear winner. Tasters enthused, The sweet and salty taste sensations came at my mouth like gangbusters! And who could screw up peanuts and honey? Not Clif, apparently.

Calories: 130, Fat: 4.5, Carb: 17g, Sugar: 12g, Fiber: 3g, Protein: 4g
This bar served as a bready affront to all taste sensibilities and inspired reviewers to pen angry screeds on various holes it should be jammed into and/or buried. No amount of energy in the world is worth another bite of this hateful, berry monstrosity, one ranted, while another simply scrawled, Soft. Ugly. Offensive.