Three Energy Bars to Fuel The Summer

Pure Organic Bars

Pure Organic Bars

 

During the summer especially, when we’re all hiking, playing tennis, biking, and traveling by car or plane, a healthful snack is a must-have.

It has to be easy to pack. It has to refuel our tired bodies. And it has to taste good, of course.

These three energy bars do the trick.

Pure Organic bars don’t contain gluten, dairy, soy or GMOs. The Fruit and Nut Bars weigh in at 200 calories or less, and contain 5 to 6 grams of protein and 3 to 4 grams of fiber. They are barely sweet and have a dense, chewy, fruitcake-like texture. The Apple Cinnamon one is like a taste of apple pie, only a whole lot less sugary.

Pure’s Organic Ancient Grain Bars have more crunch, thanks to quinoa, amaranth, flax and hemp. These have 150 to 160 calories, and 5 grams of protein and about 9 grams of total fat. Again, these have only a whisper of sweetness. The Chocolate Chunk Nut Bar won’t ever pass for a brownie. But it has the earthy, slightly bitterness of cocoa that makes it a pleasant way to enjoy a little chocolate without verging into dessert territory.

The 1.23-ounce bars are $2.19 each and available on the PureBar Web site.

Yup, Patagonia makes energy bars, too.

Yup, Patagonia makes energy bars, too.

I confess I knew the name Patagonia only for its heavy-duty outdoor wear. Who knew it made energy bars, too?

Indeed, it’s new Organic Fruit + Almond Bars are quite delicious, reminding me of the flavor and texture of fruit leathers.

They come in three flavors: Mango + Almond, Inca Berry + Almond, and Apricot + Almond. All are under 130 calories, and made with dried fruit, roasted almonds, fruit juice, and chia seeds. They have 3g of total fat, 2g protein, about 22g carbohydrates (depending upon the flavor).

The fruit flavor really comes through intensely. The apricot one has a nice hit of natural tartness from the fruit, while the mango one tastes like the tropics.

A 12 pack of the 1.2-ounce bars is available on the Patagonia site for $24.30.

If you’re a fan of KIND bars, you’re sure to love the new Clif Organic Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Bars.

They’re similar in look, what with their craggy exterior of nuts, seeds, dried fruit and dark chocolate bits.

New Clif Organic Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Bars.

New Clif Organic Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Bars.

Available in four flavors, they’re gluten-free, 200 calories or less, low in sodium and have more fat grams (around 13, depending upon the flavor) than Pure or Patagonia because of the added chocolate.

But they also might be the most satisfying for those who want an energy bar that doesn’t taste like one. This is more like a granola bar meets a candy bar. And yes, it’s delicious, what with real chocolate chunks and a very crunchy texture.

The Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond is especially wonderful because who doesn’t love the combo of chocolate and cherries, right?

The 1.41-ounce bars are about $1.79 each, and available on the Clif Web site, as well as stores nationwide.

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