Nutrition Facts For Sports Bars

Sports bars, also called "energy bars," "power bars," "protein bars" or "nutrition bars," were originally snacks made with high fructose corn syrup. The bars were used by athletes involved in taxing competition who could not get enough glucose to keep their muscles going. Today, sports bars are widely marketed to replace or enhance protein, carbohydrates and other nutrients and serve as snacks or quick energy for active people as well as athletes.

Claims

Sports bars claim to provide an energy boost, staying power for vigorous physical activity, a performance edge, muscle-building, fat-burning and extra brain power. Columbia University Health Systems points out that the carbs in the bars do deliver fuel to burn for energy but that sports bars will not compensate for low energy due to lack of sleep or the nutritional deficits from a poor diet. The College of the Canyons says that marketing for sports bars simply repeats the proven nutritional values of a well-balanced diet.

Protein

Sports bars that brand themselves as "protein bars" could contain up to 35 grams of protein, according to the University of California NetWellness Service. Harvard School of Public Health says that a 160-lb. adult needs only 64 grams of protein a day. Strength trainers can up their protein intake to help build muscle and a sports bar could supply extra protein, although eating lean and vegetable proteins at mealtime is healthier and cheaper. Sheri Barke, M.P.H., R.D., a nutritionist at the College of the Canyons, applauds the convenience of bars but emphasizes that most people, even athletes, can get all their daily protein from healthy foods.

Carbs

High-carbohydrate energy or sports bars can give you up to 45 grams of carbs to fuel a vigorous workout or endurance competition. The University of California NetWellness Service says that endurance athletes practicing or competing for more than an hour can use the carbohydrates from an energy bar -- or another carb source. But NetWellness cautions that high-carbohydrate supplements are not helpful for normal workouts.

Nutrients and Fiber

Sports bars may have added fiber but they are no substitute for the fiber, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and macronutrients you consume on a healthy diet. For most people, fruit, whole grain crackers, low-fat yogurt or raw vegetables like carrot sticks are a healthier energy boost option. What you will get from sports bars are calories and usually saturated fat. The bars contain anywhere from 200 calories to more than 400 calories and some may have 10 grams of fat or more. If you're watching your weight while you're working out, sports bars may not be your optimum choice.