Facts and myths about energy bars

In the middle of a long day, when your fuel reserves dip, the idea of a magic bar or elixir to restore your spirits and provide pep can seem pretty appealing. But do these products deliver? Don't buy the hype.

No! For a quick snack, you're much better off with a piece of fruit or a handful of trail mix — and so is your wallet. What'll it be for your afternoon snack — a juicy red apple or a candy bar? The makers of energy bars want you to believe you can have the best of both worlds: a healthy treat that tastes like candy or cookies. How well they please the palate is a matter of opinion.

• In terms of nutrition, however, most dietitians agree:  while energy bars are better belly fillers than bonbons, they're no replacement for fruit, nuts and other healthy snacks.
• Like candy, energy bars are a conveniently wrapped source of quick calories.
• However, many energy bars are packed with much more protein than the typical candy bar, so they do a better job of quieting a growling stomach. Chalk one up for energy bars.

Unlike candy bars, most energy bars are fortified with vitamins and minerals. That's a plus, too, though if you eat a balanced diet, you may not need these added nutrients (and taking a multivitamin is far cheaper).

• If you're trying to add soy to your diet, you can find energy bars that contain soy protein and probably taste better than tofu. On the other hand, some energy bars contain stuff your diet doesn't need, such as saturated and trans fat, high-fructose corn syrup and other ingredients that have been linked to health problems, including palm kernel oil, maldodextrin (a type of starch that often contains MSG) and acesulfame potassium (an artificial sweetener that some experts say has not been adequately studied).
• Keep in mind that energy is another word for "calories." If you're looking for a light snack, bars that contain 200 or 300 calories may bust your calorie budget for the day.
• However, if you're looking for a meal replacement, energy bars may fall short on calories — not to mention the vegetables and other foods a meal should contain.
• Counting carbs? Beware:  some bars top 40 grams!

Basically, energy bars will help quench your hunger and boost your short-term energy, but at a price. Not only are they much more expensive, but they are not much more effective than other snacks such as fruit and trail mix. As well, energy bars contain a lot of stuff you don't want to consume -- something that doesn't happen with natural snacks. Another great option would be to get your own trail mix and dried fruit and make your own healthy energy bars -- a cheaper and healthier way to get that extra boost of energy!