10 Best Powerbars for Sports & Running Reviewed
By Joe Jarvis
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Powerbars will deliver energy and performance on the go. There are so many different options, you will have no problem finding the right one. Whether you want to focus on protein, electrolytes, or long lasting carbs, there is a Powerbar option for you. And the best part, is that you will always find a great snack as well, that you don’t have to choke down.
10 Best Powerbars
1. Protein Snack Bar
Taste/ Palatability: This snack bar tastes more like a candy bar than a typical protein bar. It has a chocolate coating, and a sweet candy like inside. There are different flavors like peanut butter caramel and cookies and cream that give all the satisfaction of a candy bar, but with a little more nutrition.
Price/ Availability: Depending on how many you order at once, these are about the same price as a candy bar. The price also depends on the flavor, and certain flavors will not always be available immediately. So there is actually some variance in the price and availability depending on which flavor you want.
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Helps with hunger
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12 grams of protein
- Lots of Sugar
2. Protein Plus 20g
Taste/ Palatability: Flavor is definitely right with the Protein Plus bars. They are very sweet so you might feel like you are eating a candy bar. They go down easy, you might want more than one.
Price/ Availability: Shop around with the different flavors to find the best deal if you aren’t picky. There is a significant difference in price, but all are very reasonable. Some flavors may only be available for purchase in certain quantities.
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Packed with protein
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Calorie dense for aggressive exercise
- High sugar content Relatively high in fat
3. Protein Plus 30g
Taste/ Palatability: The chocolate brownie and salted caramel flavors are popular options for this bar. They are quite satisfying flavors that taste like candy, but still fill you up. Great option for when you are hungry, but need something packed with protein that is compatible with exercise.
Price/ Availability: These get a touch more expensive than some of the less nutrient dense options. That makes sense, you are paying for a lot more nutrition. The main flavors should always be easy to get, although you might have to compromise on the count.
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The most protein from
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Powerbar Can replace a meal if needed
- Not for easily upset stomachs
4. Harvest Energy
Taste/ Palatability: This is one of the better tasting bars, since it is geared more towards snacking than performance. You could enjoy this in the afternoon with coffee, or just before a workout for that extra boost of energy. Some people even use this as a low calorie meal substitute.
Price/ Availability: The harvest energy bars come in a variety of flavors that are generally readily available. The price is lower than other bars, as it seems you pay per gram of protein.
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Delicious taste
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Low calorie meal substitute
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- Not as much protein
5. Performance Energy
Taste/ Palatability: Filling with a great taste, the performance energy bars pack a big punch. There are delicious flavors like peanut butter caramel and milk chocolate. The best part is that there are no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Price/ Availability: You can buy these ones in packages of 24 which helps reduce the cost, but don’t expect to get them for cheap. But for how much nutrition they give you, you are pretty much getting whole meals for under two dollars.
- Complex carbs for long lasting energy
- No energy spikes and crashes
- High calorie
6. Power Gel
Taste/ Palatability: Not everyone loves a gel form, and some will find it hard to get down. You definitely want to chase it with water. But if you think it might be an issue, buy the chocolate kind and pretend it is pudding. Overall, these taste pretty good, it’s just the texture of the gel that would sketch some people out.
Price/ Availability: These are slightly less per packet than a powerbar energy bar, but the price is still somewhat dependent on the flavor. Chocolate seems to be popular and more expensive. So the availability shouldn’t be an issue, what matters is what is your spending budget with regards to a supplement.
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Easy to take with you
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Lots of energy in a small packet
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Replaces Electrolytes
- No protein
7. Energy Gel
Taste/ Palatability: They taste a little salty, and maybe not quite as yummy as the power gels, but they are designed for that long lasting energy. And with all the flavors to choose from, you should be able to find something you like.
Price/ Availability: This is pretty much the same deal as the other gels, they cost different based on the flavor, which reflects availability. They are a bit more expensive than the power gel in general, closer in price to a typical energy bar.
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Replaces electrolytes with extra salt
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Great for sustained workouts
- No protein
- Salty tasting
8. Performance Energy Blasts
Taste/ Palatability: They taste like gushers, remember those? Well maybe they taste a little better than gushers, but they have that same cool liquid center which bursts with flavor into your mouth. You will feel like a kid again. But these are easy to eat because they are full of fruity goodness.
Price/ Availability: These are on the upper end for price, like one of the more densely calorie packed energy bars. The availability depends largely on the number of gels you want to come in the package, so if you are flexible on size of package, you will always have plenty available.
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Delicious fruity snack
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Easy to bring with you
- High in Sugar
9. Reduced Sugar Protein Plus
Taste/ Palatability: This really depends on the person, but most people still think these are pretty tasty and palatable. If you don’t want the sugar, you will definitely be able to stomach the taste, since it is such a large reduction. Same goes with the gluten free aspect. For what you are getting, they are good.
Price/ Availability: These are actually the cheaper options. You will spend less on these most likely than anything else on the list. There is a drawback, and that is that flavors will be severely limited.
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Only 2g of sugar
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20g of protein
- Limited flavors
10. Clean Whey Gluten Free Protein
Taste/ Palatability: Only a few flavors, but they are all pretty exciting. The Clean Whey Protein Power Bars come in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies & Cream, White Fudge Raspberry. These should give you some delicious options so that you enjoy getting your protein.
Price/ Availability: These are the most expensive of all the bars, but they are worth the price is you want the clean protein that will treat your body better. Plus the delicious flavors make the price palatable as well. Should always be readily available.
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Low in sugar
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Gluten free
- Expensive
The Criteria used in choosing the best protein bars for sports and running.
Protein bars can turn out to be very good snacks if chosen wisely. Though they are not supposed to replace the whole food s you take on regular basis. The market is flooded with many variety protein bars that sports men and women can pick from. But then picking the right protein bar can be very challenging considering the many factors a person is supposed to take into consideration. For instance, we have low and high carbs bars, bars with low sugar and low fat, organic bars, bars with high protein, whole grain bars and also fortified bars, all these come in a variety of very tasty flavors. To make matters worse or more complicated when the bars are for specific sporting activities. Whether you want to focus on protein, electrolytes, or long lasting carbs, there is a Powerbar option for you. And the best part, is that you will always find a great snack as well, that you don’t have to choke down.
While picking out the best protein bars several factors were taken into consideration.
Consider the amount of Nutritional Ingredients.
The different protein bars have variety of ingredients used to make the whole protein bar. Some of these bars are usually manufactured with too much sugar which is not recommended if you are sedentary. While others are made using artificial sweeteners which can cause problems to ones gastrointestinal tract. If you consume too much sugar alcohols you can experience bloating.
The ingredients are very important as they must be in line with your fitness goal at all times. Some of the components are:
Carbohydrates: for a bar to have a balanced diet, carbohydrates must be present and in sufficient amount, though some protein bars tend to have very low levels of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates tend to fuel very demanding training, and can also hinder performance. For intense sporting activities, opt for a protein bar that has a minimum of 40 g of carbs. Protein bars with lower carbs are perfect as day snacks.
Fat: a small amount of fat in a protein bar helps in enhancing satisfaction. Though a higher content in fat means that the energy bar’s source of energy is the fat component. Check the contents of other ingredients to determine the source of fat, if its natural fat then its healthy. If the fat content goes more than the usual range of 1-2 g its best you opt for another supplement bar for energy.
The Energy gained from a Protein bar: the main reason they are called protein bars is because these energy bars provide fuel to the body in protein form. Get an energy bar that has a good amount of protein and will enable you to meet your daily protein needs. Though its good to always focus on the carbs rather than protein content when looking for an energy bar. Though lay more focus on the type of sporting activity you will be involved in so that they can be able to effectively facilitate your recover process after workout.
Fibers: they are provide fullness like fats. Though should be taken in low amounts so that to avoid cases of bloating due to gas. Bars with high amount of fiber, ought to be tested to make sure you can tolerate them.
The Type of Sporting Activity:
Different sporting activities will require different sporting protein bars. It’s very important to pick a protein bar that matches your sporting activities. Before beginning any training session or competition, athletes need to be fully energized and hydrated. When both those needs are met, muscles are ready to work. Not only sporting activity, other protein bars may act like meal replacements during sporting activities.
Mid and/ or Long Run
When going for long or medium runs, you will need an energy bar that is easily digestible and will not be able to cause massive fluctuations in the sugar level in your blood. Opt for a bar that is honey based. Honey, has sugar components: glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose and the trisaccharides. Fructose and glucose in honey are usually in their simplified form hence the body can utilize them very fast. Sucrose on the other hand is a compound of fructose and glucose. Unlike the normal table sugar, natural honey contains small amounts of iron, calcium and B vitamins. Sodium and calcium help prevent one from having cramps.
Energy Bars as Lunch Replacement
You can take the bar as a meal replacement but make sure it has high-calorie, protein and extra fiber. Containing 350 calories upto 500 calories, a minimum of 9 gs in protein, and definitely high-fiber inform of carbohydrates (seeds, dried fruits or whole oats). Look for availability of healthy fats in the bar, as they will assist in absorbing vitamins effectively and keeping you satisfied. . For more protein intake and extra additional nutrients you can take the bar with some yogurt. Can be used for all sporting acclivities. You can consume your protein bars round the clock 24/7 to offer the needed energy. Carry a bottle of water during your workout to make sure you are constantly hydrated. The bars act as a good option when your training starts early and you can not have the pre-workout meal.
Immunity Boost after Running
The more advanced and intense your training exercise will turn out to be, the more antioxidants you will need to take in order to hasten your recovery and make sure you have full recovery. Antioxidants help in protecting the body’s immune system. For instance dried fruits and nuts are the best foo types that will be rich in antioxidants; while cherries contain phytochemicals, this help in protecting against heart diseases, and reduce chances of inflammation.
Pain Relief after Long Runs
When you run for about 15 miles then your body will be in dire need of ibuprofen, but then you can reach out for a cup of caffeine as an option. Caffeine has the ability to reduces pain that are caused during exercise sessions. Its best to get n energy bar that has caffeine after you finish your marathon race.
Post workout Energy Recovery
Athletes will need a recovery snack that is rich in nutrients but does not have enough time to get the ideal or perfect whole meal serving, go grab a bar that is carb-rich. The bar should have moderate amounts of fiber and protein. Containing 350 to 500 calories, a minimum of 9 gs in protein, and definitely high-fiber inform of carbohydrates (seeds, dried fruits or whole oats). Look for availability of healthy fats in the bar, as they will assist in absorbing vitamins effectively and keeping you satisfied. . For more protein intake and extra additional nutrients you can take the bar with some yogurt. Great for all sporting activities that most athletes take part in. After a long run, the nutrients can effectively help in improving the recovery of the muscles and also curb hunger. In order to achieve a full recovery benefit,make sure that you eat the bar within a time span of 20 minutes after your run. But if your training sessions tend to be long or hard then accompany the energy bar with a very light meal full of carbs that are whole gran and protein. Take the meal after 2 hours of eating the bar.
Are energy bars appropriate for Weight Control
Energy bars are able to help athletes who want to some extra weight and mass, since they are sources of nutrients especially calories. These bars some have around 230 calories while some close to 300 calories. If you add them into your usual diet and meals, may be even as after meals snacks then you will be able to increase the total calorie intake hence be able to gain weight. The interesting thing is that they can also assist you shed off the extra weight by acting as your meal replacements to your high calories snacks or meals. The body needs to consume an additional 3500 calories in a meal in order for it to gain just 1 lb. and vice versa for those who want to loose weight , cut down 3500 calories intake to shed of 1 lb.
Fortification
Energy bars that are fortified can be very useful to athletes and runners who want to meet certain mineral needs or vitamin. The disadvantage of eating these type bars always is they tend to contribute in excessive consumption of nutrients. This combination of eating of fortified bars can lead to the body being over supplemented. That is why when taking these type of supplements it best to make sure your diet is entailed of a wide variety of whole foods.
Other Factors To Consider
Price.
PowerBars are high-calorie sports supplements to eat before, during or after workouts. The Powerbars have different prices and therefore one should be very cautious when looking at the different prices of the PowerBars before purchasing one.
Flavor & Taste.
The power bar has a variety of flavors a person can pick from.
- Peanut Butter
- Chocolate peanut butter.
- Milk Chocolate
- Vanilla Crisp
- Apple Cinnamon
Other flavors that are not available are: cookies & cream, banana, wild berry, and caramel cookie.
Tips on how to use the PowerBar energy bars :
PowerBar bars meet the demands of athletes competing at the highest levels of exercise intensity and duration.
- Use these bars as part of a high-carbohydrate meal 2–4 hrs before you start exercise.
- Consume a bar as a high-carb snack 30–60 mins before your exercise.
- Consume 1–2 bars each hour during your workout exercise that lasts for over 1 hour. Athletes in team sports often eat bars during quarter and half-time breaks to recharge energy levels. Triathletes and cyclists pack these bars in their jersey pockets and take bites during downhill or flat stretches.
- Feel free to use these bars interchangeably with other PowerBar products for more variety.
FAQ
Q. Do all Power Bars contain vitamins and minerals?
A. Yes, they sure do!The different protein bars have different ingredients that are used. It’s very important to consider the different amounts of ingredients used in making the total composition of the protein bar. Some of these bars are usually manufactured with too much sugar which is not recommended if you are sedentary. While others are made using artificial sweeteners which can cause problems to ones gastrointestinal tract. If you consume too much sugar alcohols you can experience bloating.
The ingredients are very important as they must be in line with your fitness goal at all times. Some of the components are:
Carbohydrates: for a bar to have a balanced diet, carbohydrates must be present and in sufficient amount, though some protein bars tend to have very low levels of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates tend to fuel very demanding training, and can also hinder performance. For intense sporting activities, opt for a protein bar that has a minimum of 40 g of carbs. Protein bars with lower carbs are perfect as day snacks.
Fat: a small amount of fat in a protein bar helps in enhancing satisfaction. Though a higher content in fat means that the energy bar’s source of energy is the fat component. Check the contents of other ingredients to determine the source of fat, if its natural fat then its healthy. If the fat content goes more than the usual range of 1-2 g its best you opt for another supplement bar for energy.
It varies slightly by flavor so check the wrapper or the nutrition facts listed on each flavors product page.
Q. What is Fortification?
A. Energy bars that are fortified can be very useful to athletes and runners who want to meet certain mineral needs or vitamin. The disadvantage of eating these type bars always is they tend to contribute in excessive consumption of nutrients. This combination of eating of fortified bars can lead to the body being over supplemented. That is why when taking these type of supplements it best to make sure your diet is entailed of a wide variety of whole foods.
Q. Why use energy bars fro PowerBars?
A. Powerbars will deliver energy and performance on the go. There are so many different options, you will have no problem finding the right one. Whether you want to focus on protein, electrolytes, or long lasting carbs, there is a Powerbar option for you. And the best part, is that you will always find a great snack as well, that you don’t have to choke down.
Q. How do i use energy bars?
A. PowerBar bars meet the demands of athletes competing at the highest levels of exercise intensity and duration.
- Use these bars as part of a high-carbohydrate meal 2–4 hrs before you start exercise.
- Consume a bar as a high-carb snack 30–60 mins before your exercise.
- Consume 1–2 bars each hour during your workout exercise that lasts for over 1 hour. Athletes in team sports often eat bars during quarter and half-time breaks to recharge energy levels. Triathletes and cyclists pack these bars in their jersey pockets and take bites during downhill or flat stretches.
- Feel free to use these bars interchangeably with other PowerBar products for more variety.
Q. Why are Energy bars perfect for post workout energy recovery?
A. PowerBar bar have moderate amounts of fiber and protein. Containing 350 to 500 calories, a minimum of 9 gs in protein, and definitely high-fiber inform of carbohydrates (seeds, dried fruits or whole oats). Look for availability of healthy fats in the bar, as they will assist in absorbing vitamins effectively and keeping you satisfied. . For more protein intake and extra additional nutrients you can take the bar with some yogurt. Great for all sporting activities that most athletes take part in. After a long run, the nutrients can effectively help in improving the recovery of the muscles and also curb hunger. In order to achieve a full recovery benefit,make sure that you eat the bar within a time span of 20 minutes after your run. But if your training sessions tend to be long or hard then accompany the energy bar with a light meal full of carbs that are whole gran and protein. Take the meal after 2 hours of eating the bar
Q. Are energy bars appropriate for Weight Control
A. Energy bars are able to help athletes who want to some extra weight and mass, since they are sources of nutrients especially calories. These bars some have around 230 calories while some close to 300 calories. If you add them into your usual diet and meals, may be even as after meals snacks then you will be able to increase the total calorie intake hence be able to gain weight. The interesting thing is that they can also assist you shed off the extra weight by acting as your meal replacements to your high calories snacks or meals. The body needs to consume an additional 3500 calories in a meal in order for it to gain just 1 lb. and vice versa for those who want to loose weight , cut down 3500 calories intake to shed of 1 lb.
Q. Are all PowerBar bar flavors created equal?
A. All PowerBar bar flavors have comparable ingredients and nutritional content for the U.S. market. Internationally, products vary slightly to conform to country-specific regulations.
Q. Is the PowerBar bar approved for diabetics?
A. PowerBar bars are used successfully by many diabetics. These bars provide 3 carbohydrate exchanges and 1 lean-protein exchange as defined by the American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetes Association. As with any food item, it is important to review the carbohydrate content so you can factor this into how you manage your diabetes. Check with your health care professional for more information.
Q. Why do PowerBar bars freeze?
A. Because PowerBar bars contain 1.5–4g of fat and have a water base, you may find that the bars freeze in colder weather. To retain its soft texture, keep your PowerBar Performance Energy bar close to your body by keeping it in an inside pocket, or warm it prior to eating.
Q. Does PowerBar bar provide electrolytes?
A. Each PowerBar Performance bar contains 200 mg of sodium which is a key electrolyte when the body is sweating during workout sessions. Loss of sodium from sweating is caused when the muscles in the body cramp, happens to some athletes. Potassium (105 mg per bar) and calcium (250 mg per bar), are also found in PowerBar Performance bar. These electrolytes are also lost in sweat, but to a much lesser extent than sodium.
Conclusion
There are different options for different workouts, moods, and days. You don’t always want to eat the same thing, and your body won’t always need the same nutrients. So grab a variety, and go with whatever feels right for that particular workout.
Here are some sources we used while conducting our research:
Sources
- , How to Choose the Right Energy Bar, Fitness Website,
- , REVIEW: PowerBar ProteinPlus 20g Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar, , Nutrition Review Website, ,
- , Tested: PowerBar Performance Bar, , Fitness Website, ,
- , PowerBar Natural Energy Bar, , Consumer Website,,
- , Review: PowerBar Performance Energy Chocolate Peanut Butter Wafer Bar,, Food Website, ,
- , [Review] The Energy Bar Power Rankings — The 52 Best Energy Bars Ripped Open And Ranked,, Fitness Website, ,
- , Are Power Bars Good for You? , Fitness Website,
- , The Best Sugar-Free Protein Bars, Fitness Website,
- , [Review] PowerBar Energy Gel Blasts (Raspberry), Food Website,
- , The Best Protein Bars, Fitness Website,
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