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High-Protein /Low-Carb Bars. Thes have been all the rage. It always cracks me up to hear people talk and compare the “high” protein content of these bars, when you could eat 3 ounces of lean turkey breast or chicken for 24 grams of protein and much fewer calories. But then, it doesn’t taste like a candy bar either. Many of the “low carb” bars are not as low carb as the label states.

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned some bar makers to revamp their labels and include these ingredients since they contain sugar alcohols that are processed much like regular carbohydrates, but at slower rates. These bars can be helpful for vegetarians or athletes with higher protein needs. Most people can easily meet their protein needs by eating fish, soy, lean meats, beans and eggs. But occasionally, if you are on the run and can’t get to real food, it is better than nothing.

Meal Replacement Bars. This is the fastest growing category, with Slim Fast being joined with Kashi Go Lean, Luna, Balance, Zone, Special K’s Krave, among others. They are a convenient alternative for someone who would otherwise reach for a doughnut or Nabs. But with all the “complete nutrition” claims, they may have the vitamins but do not have the nutrient quality that whole foods can provide.

Diet Bars. Want to lose weight? You could choose grilled chicken on a salad with low-cal dressing and a piece of fruit. Or you could reach for the high-fructose corn syrup, yogurt-flavored coating, partially-defatted peanut flour and cocoa butter and other ingredients in a bar. On the other hand, it is portion control, very satisfying and a few vitamins. Keep in mind that there are 200 calories for most bars. If that satisfies you enough to avoid multiple snacking, you might be avoiding many more calories.

Cereal Bars/Granola Bars. First there were Pop-Tarts, then we had glorified Pop-Tarts with a few oats stuck on them. They are all high in sugar, some are high in fat and almost none of them have any fiber to speak of. With that said, who hasn’t flung them at their children on a rushed morning a time or two?

Again, it is better than nothing, but it is not a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk and never will be. Health Valley has the healthiest of these, but are harder to find and of course, more expensive. I keep them on hand for “those mornings,” but it is not the intended option.

All in all, don’t expect too much nutrition from these bars. They are expensive, souped-up, healthier candy bars that can, on occasion, fill in. Compare any of these bars to this one: 235 Calories, 29g protein, 15g carbs, 4g fiber and 6g fat. It’s a turkey sandwich on light whole wheat. I’m not ready for food pellets just yet.

Katherine Howdy Tate is a registered dietitian by trade, pretty good cook, busy mom of young boys and an avid runner. But don’t let this healthy stuff fool ya, she grew up with ham hocks in her butter beans and will, on occasion, indulge in a piece of fried chicken. An expert in nutrition and health, she delivers the goods on food with a little sass, because let’s face it, we have enough facts.

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