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Published on 5/17/08
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Increased energy! Improved mood! A slimmer figure! These are just some of the claims we’ve spotted on the dozens of new nutrition bars lining supermarket and drugstore shelves. We checked the yum factor and energy-boosting effects in a blind taste test. Then we asked an expert—Pam Aye Simon, an R.D. in Arlington Heights—to decode those impressive labels.
Bumble Bar Chai with Almonds
CLAIM
“Made from only certified-organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, ethically sourced ingredients…the purest form of energy.” (210 calories, 13 grams of fat, 6 grams of protein)
REALITY
“It was kind of hard to eat it all. I got sick of it halfway through but continued on. I felt the same after I finished.”—Mike Novak, associate art director
TASTE
“It was sweet at first but had a very bitter aftertaste that stayed in my mouth. Elch. It tasted like health food.”—Kate Lowery, circulation partnership coordinator
DIETITIAN SAYS
“This would be for people who have a gluten allergy. But ethically sourced—what does that mean?”
GET IT
Whole Foods throughout Chicago, $1.69 for one, $25.35 for a box of 15
Think Thin Brownie Crunch
CLAIM
“Its sugar-free, high-protein ingredients…help you look good and feel great.” (240 calories, 7 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein)
REALITY
“Initially, I felt full and thirsty. Later, I felt full, which wasn’t a bad thing and was probably the point.”—Carly Mulliken, office assistant
TASTE
“The taste is horrible. It’s overly sweet, funkatrocious and artificial.”—Cheryl Magiera, production manager
DIETITIAN SAYS
“There’s nothing in it that’s going to make you thinner.”
GET IT
Trader Joe’s throughout Chicago, $1.69 for one, $27.04 for a box of 16
Prana Bar Cinnamon Apple
CLAIM
“A magical harmony of fruits, nuts and spices…to lift your vitality and sustain energy.” (200 calories, 14 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein)
REALITY
“I don’t have any euphoria from this. It needs opium.”—T.C. O’Rourke, newsstand sales manager
TASTE
“Fruity and nutty, but not too sweet.”—Steve Heisler, Comedy and Time In editor
DIETITIAN SAYS
“It’s like eating nuts and a piece of fruit. The amount of fat is high, but it’s a good kind of fat.”
GET IT
Whole Foods throughout Chicago, $1.29 for one, $47.76 for a box of 24
WINNER Larabar Pecan Pie
CLAIM
“Increase your health, vitality and longevity.” (230 calories, 12 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein)
REALITY
“The burst of energy only lasted for a few minutes.”—Garin Pirnia, intern
TASTE
“It tastes like…food.”—Ruth Welte, associate features editor
DIETITIAN SAYS
“There are only certain types of enzymes that we need. This doesn’t make logical or scientific sense…But it’s certainly not bad for you.”
GET IT
The Vitamin Shoppe, 2747 N Clark St at Diversey Pkwy, $1.69 for one, $24.95 for a box of 16
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