Candy Bars Versus Energy Bars:
We Test the Contenders

By Joanne Eglash with Pam Granata

I confess: when I was a student at UCLA, I started a walking program not in the interest of improved fitness, better health, or an appreciation of the outdoors. I just wanted to lose the “freshmen 15.” Since I lived in the same dorm with the football players, those excess pounds turned out to be more like the “freshwoman 25.” Endless rounds of free ice cream sundaes…plates piled high with macaroni and cheese…incessant infusions of pizza to fuel the late-night studying…let’s just say that when I reached the point where my favorite jeans refused to zip, I invested in a good pair of sneakers.

Gradually, however, I started to enjoy walking – getting outside, using my body, swinging along. I continue to walk for exercise today, and occasionally I overdo it. Although I love candy bars (will any health food ever truly taste as delicious as a Three Musketeers bar?), I try to “eat right.” This led me onto the path of…energy bars. Would they taste as yummy as my favorite candy bar?

Energy Bar Contender #1: the PaleyBar
Vitaly Paley, chef and co-owner of Paley’s Place Bistro and Bar in Portland, OR, invented an unusual bar called the PaleyBar. Derived from organic fruits and ingredients grown in the Pacific Northwest, the PaleyBar comes in four flavors: FruityNut Evolution, Paley’s Comet, Liquid Sunshine, and Jam’n’ Peanuts. Calories range from 180 to 230, and they are dairy and wheat free.

But what about the taste? I persuaded some friendly fellow walkers to sample the bars with me. “Not bad,” said Adrian. I bit tentatively into a Jam’n’Peanuts. I thought it was quite tasty. Try it on your own taste buds. To learn more, visit www.paleybar.com.

Energy Bar Contender #2: the LaraBar
Developed by Lara Merriken, founder of Denver-based Humm Foods, LaraBars are unique in the simplicity of their ingredient lists, which range from two to six ingredients, all natural. Flavors include Apple Pie, Chocolate Coconut Chew, Ginger Snap, and Cocoa Mole. Calories typically are around 200 per bar. As for the taste, I lured some more guinea pigs my way.

“Oh yummy!’ said Evelyn, closing her eyes in bliss as she sampled the Ginger Snap bar.

“I love this, are you sure it’s good for me?” asked Jennifer, gobbling up a Cherry Pie bar. I took a bite from a banana-flavored bar — and regretted having given some away. Almost as good as a Three Musketeers bar!Learn more by visiting www.larabar.com.

Energy Food Contender #3: Nola Nuggitz
I found Nola Nuggitz at our local farmers market. They offer seven varieties and come in a cellophane bag so you can pack what you need on your walk or hike. Each bag is two servings with calories around 170 per serving. All of the ingredients are impressive beginning with grains from Bob's Red Mill oats, various nuts, Barbados molasses, raw agave syrup, and much more.

While out on a hike with a few friends I decided to hand out my samples of “Trail Blazing Trail Mix.” Everyone thought I had prepared it that morning. All commented on the freshness and how sweet and crunchy the Nuggitz were. We ate the whole bag! To date, in addition to the Trail Blazing Mix, Nola Nuggitz offers, Tree Lite ‘Da Flax-Soy-Cranberriez, Tree Lite ‘Da Cran Hazel-Nuttz, Killer Bee Super Ginseng, Choc-o-Lious Lover’s Mix, Carob Boo 4-U-2, and Nola-o-Nola. This family-owned business, SuperNatural-Natural Foods Inc., has two primary goals: (1) to (literally) change the way the world says: gra ‘NOLA’ ™; (2) to “sow our oats in every neighbor-HOOD in America.” Learn more by visiting www.nola4u.com.

Energy Cookie # 4: Arico Cookie Bars
Arico’s inspiration comes from Angela Ichwan's nine-year-old niece, Ella, who lives gluten/casein free. Gluten-free foods are scarce, and the tastes of available products in the market leave little to be desired. With that in mind I set out to test these cookie bars on walkers/hikers.

So once again I found a captive audience of walkers training for a local relay. I offered a small sampling of the four flavors: Almond Cranberry, Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate, and Chocolate Chip. Although one would think that chocolate would be the favorite among a group of ravenous women that was not the case. The Almond Cranberry was the favorite with the group and with 150 calories Sophia commented, “These cookies are just the right size for a snack while walking and it's a cookie.”

With all of the food allergies suffered by children and adults these cookies are not only yummy but you can feel good about the ingredients. Visit www.aricofoods.com for more information.