Healthy, Nutritious Bars for Snacking, Sports, or Extra Protein
Energy bars are a convenient way to curb hunger when you’re short on time, working long hours, or prepping for a workout. At Avril, we offer a wide selection of energy bars made with healthy, nutritious ingredients. Here’s a roundup of local and Canadian products to put on your shopping list.
In general, it’s better to choose energy bars with short ingredient lists made with foods you recognize. Look for whole ingredients like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and whole grains. Avoid bars with unnecessary colourings, artificial flavours, or preservatives.
Sports bars
To choose the right sports bar, think about when you’re going to eat it. For active lifestyles and moderate, sustained exercise like hiking, a sports bar should contain enough protein to support muscle protein synthesis and post-workout recovery, carbohydrates for energy and to replenish muscle glycogen, and lipids (good-quality fats) for a more long-term source of energy.
For intense workouts lasting over an hour, a bar with simple carbohydrates can help maintain energy levels and delay fatigue. Carbohydrates are easier to digest than protein and fats, which you should try to avoid during exercise (based on individual tolerance). A sports bar with dried fruit—such as figs, dates, or apricots—can be especially beneficial for endurance sports like cycling or running.
Protein bars
Both a dietary supplement and a nutritious snack, protein bars are an easy way to increase your protein intake. They can help meet the nutritional needs of highly active people and make a satisfying snack for those who want a more balanced diet. A good protein bar contains over 10 g of protein per serving. A great protein bar also has added fibre and minimal added sugars.
Snack bars
Raw and soft-baked bars make a great on-the-go snack. Look for products made with whole grains, nuts, and dried fruit. For the best nutritional value, choose bars with at least 2 g of fibre and 4 g of protein to help you feel full, and no more than 10 g of sugar—but a little bit extra is fine, especially if it comes mostly from natural sources like dried fruit.
Thanks to nutritionist Marie-Ève Caplette for helping with this article.