Whether you’re finishing up a 6 mile run, or are looking for something tasty to satisfy a craving, these top bar brands are definitely worth a shot.
Below are seven go-to bars for college runners, according to the Georgetown University women’s cross country team.
7. Picky Bar
Picky Bars were carefully crafted by athletes for athletes; pro runners, Lauren Fleshman and Steph Rothstein Bruce and pro triathlete, Jesse Thomas came together to create a gluten, soy and dairy-free bar with a 4:1 carbohydrates to protein ratio. They are made with wholesome, local foods, with nuts and seeds, fruits, and spices being the staple ingredients
Picky Bars are the perfect size for a mid or post-workout snack, as they are jam-packed with nutrients and are easy to digest. I recommend going for “Ah, Fudge Nuts” or “Chai and Catch Me;” you won’t regret it.
6. GoMacro
GoMacro Bars are vegan, soy-free, USDA organic, raw, gluten-free, non-GMO… the list goes on. Their commitment to a wholesome and sustainable lifestyle aligns with the health needs of athletes and active people. And come on, their packaging is pretty aesthetically pleasing.
GoMacro Bar uses local and organic products to support fruit and vegetable farmers in small communities by providing a market. The company is also passionate about education and child development and donates computers and wilderness treks to students, as well as products to lunch programs.
5. Kind Bar
The Kind Bar slogan, “Ingredients you can see and pronounce,” says it all. Each bar is crafted with a flavorful blend of whole nuts, fruits, whole grains and spices with no artificial ingredients. To make the brand even more lovable, the mission of Kind Bar is to spread honesty, practice empathy, and promote healthier communities through its non-profit Kind Foundation.
Kind Bars are the perfect fuel for a workout, as the carbohydrate to protein ratio of 20 grams to 4 grams recharges glycogen stores to aid in faster muscle recovery.
The Almond & Coconut Bar is a 10 out of 10. Trust me.
4. Quest Bar
Quest Nutrition makes a plethora of products ranging from protein powder to protein pasta, and takes pride in its clean nutritional profile.
Quest Bars are guilt-free and protein-packed candy bars, no joke. With 18 flavors to choose from, each resembles a dessert favorite. Try Cookies & Cream if you’re craving Oreos, or Mint Chocolate Chip if Thin Mints are your favorite Girl Scout cookie (they should be).
3. Perfect Bar
Why are Perfect Bars perfect? They are gluten-free, use natural sweeteners like dates and honey, and are packed with 20 superfoods, including spinach and kale. Yes, you read that correctly. A family created Perfect Bar as a snack that is as natural as possible; they are so fresh that they must be kept in the refrigerator.
There are currently 12 delicious flavors of Perfect Bars, including my favorites: Dark Chocolate Almond, Blueberry Cashew, and Almond Coconut.
2. Clif Bar
Let’s be real, Clif is a classic. They are made with organic ingredients and aim to provide sustainable energy for all types of athletes. They are a great source of protein and come in a multitude of flavors and types.
I always have a Clif Bar in my bag for an easy post-run snack, my favorites are Cool Chocolate Mint classic Clif Bar, White Chocolate Macademia Nut Clif Crunch, and Coconut Almond Butter Nut Butter Filled.
1. RX Bar
RX Bars are the MVP whole food protein bars, hands down. If “healthy” was a flavor, RX Bar encompasses just that. The ingredient list could not get simpler: “3 Egg Whites, 6 Almonds, 4 Cashews, 2 Dates, No B.S.”.
With 12 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, and 26 grams of carbs in each palm-sized serving, RX Bars are the perfect post-workout on-the-go snack and are easily #1 on the list of top bar brands. They come in a small variety of flavors, but the must-tries are Chocolate Sea Salt, Maple Sea Salt, Pumpkin Spice, and Coconut Chocolate.
I asked my teammates which bars deserve to be on the list, and if you know anything about runners, we take our food very seriously. This list of top bar brands is the real deal, so make sure to keep your eyes open for these bars next time you’re at the grocery store.