Taste Tested: The Best Snack Bars For When You Need Some Energy

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The best energy bars if you’re craving fresh raspberries

Best Health says… I had the chance to test out Kashi Joi’s new healthy nut-based bars, and obviously, I had a favourite: Raspberry Dark Chocolate Hazelnut. With the bar containing fresh raspberries, chocolate, rich hazelnuts and a variety of other wholesome, plant-based ingredients, I was automatically sold. But what I loved most about the bar? How you’re able to visibly see every ingredient you are about to consume, which is not always the case with nut bars.

Kashi Joi Nut Bar in Raspberry Dark Chocolate Hazelnut, $2 per bar at mass retailers

Want to make your own bars instead? These energy-boosting banana chocolate quinoa bars will keep your energy going throughout the day.

photo credit: KIND

The best energy bars if you want to get your servings of fruit and veggies

Best Health says… If you love dried fruit, these may just become your new favourite on-the-go snack. Packed with four simple ingredients (fruits, veggies and/or chia), no added sugar, and an enormous amount of flavour, you’re bound to forget just how healthy it is. Plus, it’s chewy enough to actually enjoy the texture, but not gooey enough to stay stuck between your teeth.

Pressed by Kind in Pineapple Banana Kale Spinach, $2.30 at mass retailers

But if you’re snacking on fresh fruit, here’s the best way to get rid of pesticides.

photo credit: Simply Protein

The best energy bars if you enjoy a light snack

Best Health says… What I love most about protein bars is when they actually taste like the flavours they’re promoting. In this case, although there wasn’t an overpowering taste of peanut butter and chocolate, it was actually quite nice to indulge in more mild version of that signature flavour we all know so well.

So if you’re someone who tends to enjoy more of a lighter bar that tides you over and doesn’t leave your stomach feeling too heavy, this is perfect for you. (For a post-workout treat, try this chocolate peanut butter smoothie recipe.)

Simply Protein Bar in Peanut Butter Chocolate, $2.80 at mass retailers

photo credit: Clif Bar

The best energy bars if you find nut butters oh-so-satisfying

Best Health says… I’ve always been a fan of Clif Bar, but there’s something so much more satisfying about eating an energy bar that’s filled with a creamy nut butter filling. And although the brand recently introduced a couple of new flavours to their line, I have gravitated towards the Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter. (Think: a slice of your favourite banana bread jam-packed with a healthier version of Nutella and peanut butter.) Lately, I’ve been devouring this organic energy bar as a pre-workout treat or afternoon snack to keep me tied over and energized between meals.

Clif Nut Butter Filled Energy Bar in Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter, $2 per bar at mass retailers

Not a fan of nut butters? Here’s why this seed butter should be the butter of your choice.

photo credit: Kind

The best energy bars if mint is your go-to

Best Health says… Anything minty is a go-to when it comes to snacking in my books — but I’m also a real sucker for dark chocolate and almonds as well. What I didn’t fully enjoy about this bar? The mint flavour came across a little too strong, and at times it did stick to my teeth, but nonetheless, it’s super tasty and I love that the nuts are whole!

Kind Bar in Almond Mint & Dark Chocolate, $2 at mass retailers

These almond butter energy bites take about 15 minutes to make and there’s no baking involved.

photo credit: Taste of Nature

The best energy bars if you’re feeling nutty

Best Health says… Often I find bars that contain cranberries to be a little overpowering. But although cranberry may be this organic snack bar’s main attraction, it didn’t overwhelm my tastebuds. Instead, with it containing roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, almonds, and sunflower seeds, you actually experience more of a nuttiness and subtle hint of sweetness from the fruit. Craving more of a crunch in your snack? Check out these 9 healthy crispy picks.

Taste of Nature Organic Snack Bar in Cranberry, $2 at mass retailers

photo credit: MadeGood

The best energy bars if you’re into low-cal snacks

Best Health says… This vegan bar contains the same nutrients as a serving of veggies and clocks in at just 90 calories.

MadeGood Apple Cinnamon Granola Bar, $5 (pack of 6) at mass retailers

For a low-cal dessert, don’t miss out on our fave under 200 calorie summer treat.

photo credit: SunRype

The best energy bars if you’re gluten-free, vegan and have a nut allergy

Best Health says… A palate-pleasing bar that checks all the boxes.

SunRype Energy in Raspberry Chocolate, $2 at mass retailers

Feeling hangry? These homemade vegan energy bars are the perfect grab ‘n go snack.

photo credit: Kind

The best energy bars if you’re heading on a long trek

Best Health says… This crunchy treat has one serving of whole grains per two-bar pack, a.k.a. perfect fuel. (Plus, this super easy prune trail mix is your best bet for keeping your digestion on track.)

Kind Breakfast Bar in Almond Butter, $6 at mass retailers