When you’re out on a trail, participating in an intense workout, or navigating the challenges of a long-distance run, having the right fuel can make all the difference. Without the right food or fuel, you risk hitting the dreaded “wall” – that point where your body’s energy reserves are depleted, and performance begins to decline. This is where energy bars come into play.
In this article, we’ve tested and compiled the top 9 energy bars that excel in performance, taste, and nutritional benefits. We’ve evaluated them based on their ingredient quality, energy-boosting properties, flavor, and convenience, making sure to cover a variety of needs, from quick energy bursts to sustained endurance. Our goal is to help you find the best energy bar that best suits your needs, so you can continue pushing forward on your next adventure. Let’s explore with the National Park Shops team!
Best Quick: Honey Stinger Organic Waffle
- Unit Count: 16 bars
- Item Weight: 1.3 ounces per bar
- Ingredients: Organic honey, organic wheat flour, organic brown rice syrup, organic oats, and organic soy flour.
The Honey Stinger Organic Waffle stands out as one of the quickest and most delicious energy sources for those on the go. Its unique waffle-style design isn’t just fun but offers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, fat, and protein to fuel your activities. The organic honey used provides a natural, sustained energy release, while the light, airy texture is perfect for quick consumption during a break on the trail. With a range of flavors to choose from, these waffles are ideal for a mid-hike pick-me-up or an easy snack before your next race.
If you’re looking for an energy bar that combines convenience, taste, and nutrition, Honey Stinger Organic Waffle is an excellent choice. Its compact design makes it easy to pack, and with its organic ingredients, it’s a more natural option compared to other energy bars on the market.
Best Overall: Kate’s Real Food
- Unit Count: 12 bars
- Item Weight: 2.0 ounces per bar
- Ingredients: Organic oats, organic honey, organic peanut butter, organic chocolate chips, and organic coconut.
Kate’s Real Food bars offer the ultimate combination of taste and function. Known for their high-quality, organic ingredients, these energy bars provide a great mix of simple and complex carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They’re perfect for long endurance activities like hiking, biking, and running. What sets them apart is the rich, natural flavor and the way the ingredients work together to provide a slow, steady energy release, making them the best overall pick for any adventure.
Kate’s Real Food bars are packed with whole, recognizable ingredients that appeal to those who prefer clean, nutritious snacks. They’re perfect for anyone who needs quick energy but doesn’t want to sacrifice taste or health.
Best Fruit-Based: Larabar
- Unit Count: 16 bars
- Item Weight: 1.7 ounces per bar
- Ingredients: Dates, cashews, almonds, and natural fruit flavors.
For those who prefer a simple, fruit-based energy bar, Larabar is a top contender. The ingredients are straightforward, only a handful of whole food ingredients such as dates and nuts. These bars are naturally sweetened with fruit, making them an excellent option for anyone looking to cut out refined sugars while still getting an energy boost. Larabar’s minimalistic approach doesn’t skimp on taste or performance, and its portability makes it an easy snack for any adventure.
If you’re looking for a bar that offers clean fuel with no added preservatives or artificial ingredients, Larabar is your go-to option. Perfect for post-run recovery or as a healthy snack throughout the day, these fruit-based energy bars deliver the energy you need to keep going.
Greenbelly Meals Meal2Go
- Unit Count: 8 meals
- Item Weight: 4.0 ounces per bar
- Ingredients: Organic oats, organic coconut, organic peanut butter, and organic honey.
For those seeking a truly substantial snack, Greenbelly Meals Meal2Go bars transcend the traditional energy bar. These aren’t just quick-fix snacks, they are full meals designed to fuel you during your longest hikes, most grueling climbs, or toughest outdoor adventures. With a combination of organic oats, creamy peanut butter, honey, and the rich flavors of coconut and almonds, these bars provide a dense source of calories, ensuring that you get the energy you need for extended physical activities.
What makes Greenbelly Meals Meal2Go stand out is its high calorie content packed into a portable and easy-to-carry form. Each bar is carefully crafted to deliver over 650 calories, making it perfect for meal replacement during long days on the trail. Unlike traditional energy bars, which are typically lower in calories and meant for snacking between meals, Greenbelly bars are meant to be a complete meal in themselves. This makes them ideal for those who need a more substantial energy source without the hassle of carrying bulky foods.
Best for Climbing: Clif Chocolate Brownie Bar
- Unit Count: 12 bars
- Item Weight: 2.4 ounces per bar
- Ingredients: Organic rolled oats, organic soy protein isolate, organic chocolate chips, and organic sugar.
When you’re climbing, you need an energy bar that can keep up with your demanding physical activity. The Clif Chocolate Brownie Bar is designed for endurance and performance. Packed with a mix of protein, fiber, and natural sugars, this bar provides a steady source of energy to keep you focused and strong. The rich, brownie-like texture gives you the perfect combination of taste and function, making it an ideal snack for climbers or those needing quick energy during any outdoor activity.
If you’re a climber or someone who needs quick bursts of energy during high-intensity workouts, the Clif Chocolate Brownie Bar offers a great balance of ingredients for sustained performance.
KIND Protein Bar
- Unit Count: 12 bars
- Item Weight: 1.8 ounces per bar
- Ingredients: Nuts (peanuts, almonds), soy protein isolate, honey, and natural flavoring.
KIND Protein Bars are a great choice for those looking to add protein into their diet without compromising on taste or texture. They are made with high-quality ingredients, including whole nuts, and are available in a variety of delicious flavors. These bars are a solid source of protein, making them a perfect post-workout snack or a great meal replacement on the go. With a low glycemic index, KIND Protein Bars also provide a steady energy release, keeping you full for longer.
With a solid nutritional profile and great flavors, KIND Protein Bars are an excellent choice for active individuals who need protein-packed energy bars that won’t weigh them down.
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
- Unit Count: 12 packets
- Item Weight: 1.0 ounce per packet
- Ingredients: Organic honey, organic tapioca syrup, organic natural fruit flavors, and sea salt.
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews are an excellent choice for individuals seeking a fast and effective energy source during physical activities that require frequent fueling. Made primarily with organic honey, these chews provide a natural, quick-release sugar that offers an immediate boost of energy without the sluggish feeling that can come from processed alternatives. The use of honey as the primary ingredient ensures that the energy is both sustained and easily digestible, making it ideal for endurance athletes who need a steady supply of energy during long workouts or outdoor excursions. Whether you’re hiking up a steep trail, running a marathon, or biking through challenging terrain, these chews are designed to be a lightweight and portable option that can be taken on the go without disrupting your activity.
In addition to their quick and effective energy-boosting properties, Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews also come in a variety of refreshing fruit flavors, offering a pleasant taste that can keep you motivated and energized during long sessions. The compact packaging ensures that they are easy to carry in your pocket or pack, allowing for convenient access whenever you need them most. These chews are perfect for those moments when you don’t have time for a full meal or bar but still need a quick, easily accessible source of energy. Whether you need a little pick-me-up during a race or a snack during an extended hike, Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews provide an efficient and tasty way to fuel your body while maintaining your focus on the activity at hand.
Best Budget: Justin’s Maple Almond Butter
- Unit Count: 10 packs
- Item Weight: 1.15 ounces per pack
- Ingredients: Organic almonds, organic maple syrup, organic palm fruit oil, and sea salt.
Justin’s Maple Almond Butter offers an affordable yet highly effective energy source that’s perfect for outdoor activities. These nut butter packs are loaded with healthy fats and protein, which help keep your energy levels up during long hikes or runs. The maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness while providing quick carbohydrates for immediate energy. This simple, no-fuss snack is an excellent budget-friendly option for those who want a tasty, nutritious snack on the go. For a simple, high-energy snack at an affordable price, Justin’s Maple Almond Butter is an excellent choice that provides long-lasting energy during strenuous activities.
That’s It Fruit Bar
- Unit Count: 12 bars
- Item Weight: 1.5 ounces per bar
- Ingredients: Apples, dates, and natural fruit flavoring.
That’s It Fruit Bar is a minimalist option for anyone who wants a natural, fruit-based energy source. Made with just two or three ingredients, these bars are perfect for those who need a clean and simple energy snack. With no added sugars or artificial flavors, That’s It bars deliver energy from real fruit, making them a great option for a quick, healthy snack during any physical activity. If you’re someone who prefers to stick to the basics when it comes to food, That’s It Fruit Bar offers an excellent option. It’s simple, clean, and highly effective for boosting energy.
How we choose
When selecting the best energy bars, the following factors were carefully considered:
Nutritional Content:
- The energy bars must provide a balanced mix of essential nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fats, and fiber.
- These nutrients are necessary for sustained energy release during physical activities.
Ingredient Quality:
- Preference was given to bars made with natural, organic, and minimally processed ingredients.
- Artificial additives and excessive sugars were avoided to ensure healthy, clean fuel.
Taste and Texture:
- A great energy bar should be enjoyable to eat, especially during long outdoor activities.
- Bars were chosen for their satisfying flavors (e.g., chocolate brownie, fruit-based) and textures that are both appealing and practical for on-the-go consumption.
Packaging and Portability:
- Energy bars should be easy to carry and store, with durable packaging that protects the bars from damage.
- They must be convenient for outdoor adventures, fitting easily into pockets or backpacks.
Price vs. Value:
We ensured that each bar offered excellent value for money, balancing quality ingredients and performance at a reasonable price point.
Real-World Testing:
- Bars were tested in real outdoor settings like hiking, running, climbing, and biking.
- We focused on how well each bar provided sustained energy and recovery during strenuous activities.
- Bars were evaluated for their ability to deliver both immediate energy and long-lasting performance.
Conclusion
Energy bars are an essential tool for anyone who engages in physical activities, whether it’s hiking, running, or climbing. Choosing the right bar can make a huge difference in how you perform and feel. From fruit-based snacks to protein-packed options, the energy bars we tested offer a variety of benefits to suit your needs. Whether you prioritize organic ingredients, high protein, or quick sugars, there’s a bar on this list that’s perfect for you. Pick one up and fuel your next adventure!
