What Isn't Very Good About Energy Bars?

Energy bars are dense sources of calories that provide fuel for your body. Although many people depend on these convenient snacks to get through a workout or a long afternoon at work, they do come with some disadvantages compared to nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, lean proteins and dairy products.

Sources of Calories

One negative aspect of energy bars is that a significant portion of their calories may come from unhealthy fats. For example, some varieties may be high in saturated fats from palm or coconut oil or contain trans fat from partially hydrogenated oils. Saturated fat and trans fats raise levels of bad LDL cholesterol in your blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. Bars may also be high in empty calories from added sugars, such as sugar, corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup.

Nutritional Content

Unlike nutrient-dense foods, energy bars are not natural sources of essential nutrients. Although some bars may be fortified with vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, it can be healthier to meet your nutritional needs from nutrient-dense foods, according to the Mayo Clinic. In addition, regular, unprocessed foods may provide additional beneficial components, such as certain phytonutrients, which are not found in these bars. Energy bars may provide dietary fiber, which may lower cholesterol levels. However, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center, this fiber may not be as effective when consumed via food bars as compared to natural sources, such as beans or fruit.

Glycemic Index

A potential disadvantage of using energy bars is that they may have a high glycemic index, over 60, which means that they lead to spikes in your blood sugar. This can make you feel energized quickly, but your blood sugar levels may soon drop, according to Iowa State University. Many energy bars are highly processed and high in sugars, so they are likely to be high-glycemic. However, some bars are low-glycemic for sustained energy. High-glycemic bars can be beneficial after a workout to speed up muscle recovery because your muscles are more receptive to fuel shortly after exercise.

Unhealthy Components

Because energy bars are highly processed, they can be unhealthy due to their high sodium content. A high-sodium diet may lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, according to the "2010 Dietary Guidelines" from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. If they contain cholesterol, their nutrition labels will state it. Another potential risk of energy bars is that they may contain unexpected allergens, such as milk, nut or soy components.