Grab-and-go snack bars vary nutritionally

Consumer Reports evaluates popular protein, cereal, granola bars

If you're satisfying your hunger with a grab-and-go snack bar, Consumer Reports says choose wisely.

They evaluated two dozen snack bars in strawberry, chocolate and peanut butter flavors.

"It doesn't matter if it's called a protein bar, a cereal bar or granola bar, we did find big differences in nutrition," said Consumer Reports' Ellen Klosz.

There were big differences in taste, too, sometimes within the same brand.

For example, Clif Builders 20-gram Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar tasted like vitamins, chalky and gritty, according to testers. More than half of it's fat is saturated.

However, its sibling, the Clif Crunch Chocolate Chip Granola Bar, which costs much less, rated good for nutrition and tasted good.

Two Nature Valley bars were consistent for flavor. The Sweet and Salty Nut and the Crunchy Oats 'n Dark Chocolate rated very good for taste, but they were not the best for nutrition.

Consumer Reports' advice: check the labels before you grab and go.


About the Author:

Marilyn Moritz is an award-winning journalist dedicated to digging up information that can make people’s lives a little bit better. As KSAT’S 12 On Your Side Consumer reporter, she focuses on exposing scams and dangerous products and helping people save money.