Favorite Nutrition Bars and Larabar Giveaway

The two questions I get asked most frequently about food revolve around my favorite nutrition bars and protein powders. I'll save protein powder for another day because it deserves its own post. For now, let's hit the bars.

I should start off by saying that protein and nutrition bars are a highly personal thing and that what is right for me might not be what suits your needs and dietary restrictions. I've done my best to highlight a variety of different bars that are designed for different purposes. It should also be noted that contrary what I thought in college, protein and nutrition bars do not make a suitable 'real food' meal on a regular basis. They do a great job at filling in the holes on a busy day, during exercise, as a snack or while traveling. However, it's my belief that eating bars should never take the place of salads, smoothies, fruit, whole grains and other wholesome ingredients.

#1: Larabar
Nutritional highlights (banana bread flavor): 13% DV of potassium, 5 g fiber, 6 g protein

Why I love them: These are by far my favorite bar of the bunch. I first discovered them in college and was drawn to them because of their short ingredient list, which is rare for a bar. The banana bread variety only contains three ingredients: dates, almonds and bananas. Doesn't get more transparent than that!

Favorite Flavors: Banana Bread, Cashew Cookie, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Coconut Cream Pie, Peanut Butter Cookie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

#2: Cliff Bar 
Nutritional highlights: 10 g protein, 23 vitamins and minerals, high in fiber, vegan, 70% organic

Why I love them: I'm a big fan of the protein in Cliff Bars, and while the ingredient list is longer than that of a Lara Bar, I can pronounce everything in them. They are a great choice for before or after a tough workout because they provide a big boost of carb-filled energy. They come in a large variety of flavors, all of which taste delicious.

Favorite Flavors: Carrot Cake, Crunchy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Peanut

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#3: thinkThin Crunch Bars

Nutritional highlights: 10 g protein, 3-4 g protein, gluten-free, good source of fiber

Why I love them: Unlike many nut-based bars, these babies contain 70% less sugar than traditional varieties, which I appreciate. They also have plenty of protein to keep me full throughout the afternoon and come in around 200 calories each, a reasonable calorie count for my afternoon snack. I guess it goes without saying that these taste great. They really do.

Favorite flavors: thinkThin Mixed Nuts Crunch Bar and thinkThin Chocolate Dipped Mixed Nuts

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Giveaway time! The amazing people at Larabar sent over some samples for me to try and a set of Larabar flavors for you to try, too! Flavors include Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Coconut Cream Pie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.


To enter, leave a comment below telling me what protein/nutrition bars are your favorites by Wednesday, June 9 at 10 p.m. I'll announce a winner on Thursday!


Madison