Training & Nutrition - difference between power bars and granola bars?

whats the difference between these 2 types of bars? do cliff/power/luna bars really make much difference? seems like one powerbar costs about the same as half a box of a decent brand of granola bars, and the granola bars seem to be made up of good stuff.
is there a major difference between the 2 that justifies the price?

It's depends on how you're riding and personal preferences as to whether the price is justified.

There is a difference, PBs have protein, are fortified with some vitamins, and given that are still relatively easy to digest. They're also difficult to unwrap while riding, and you will choke to death if you try to eat one while the least bit out of breath.

I use PowerBars, etc., on longer rides. I eat other stuff for the first 2 or 3 hours, then, when I feel like my body could use more than just calories I start mixing in the PowerBars/whatever.

In looking at the Cliff and Luna bars their lables read like a Snickers Bar with some added stuff (I suspect crushed up vitamins) It really does depend how you ride, but I stay away from "energy bars" and eat less processed foods when I'm on a long ride. They are all too sweet for my taste. Heck, eat a chewable flinstone and a sixpack of dolly madison crusty coconut donuts and you have the same thing, IMO

ehenz

Granola bars are not as likely to pull out your dental work.

Originally posted by SamDaBikinMan
Granola bars are not as likely to pull out your dental work.

:D :D

Yes indeed, I went on a backpacking trip in the upstate NY and lost a front cap to a powerbar. I spent the rest of the two weeks having to listen to "you got a pretty mouth for a city boy" jokes.

In looking at the Cliff and Luna bars their lables read like a Snickers Bar with some added stuff (

One of the outdoor magazines did an evaluation many years ago of the most common sport bars and the nutrient content of Snickers was comparable to the sport bars. Cliff bars were rated the best in regards to taste, value and nutrition.

Power Bars include:
Caffeine 15-25 mg per bar!
Simple carbohydrates 40-45%
Complex Carbohydrates 50-55%
Fats 8 –13%

The granola bar I have in front of me is 108 calories and contains :
Caffeine o%
Simple carbohydrates 6.4 g.
Complex Carbohydrates 15 g.
Fats 4.7 g.
Protien 2 g.

I know it is hard to compare the two, it seems the Power bars are using sugar and caffeine for their “power”. They should add some speed for some extra power!

If you like to bake, there are a few “power bar” recipes available

I thought this article was quite informative. Somestimes energy bars and the like get a misnomer, or false advertising. It basically comes down how fast and convenient do you want your food.

http://www.cspinet.org/nah/12_00/barexam.html

Thanks Shannon, good article

Awesome article. I prefer granola bars on my rides. Like the articla says, I only bring them when my ride is over an hour. My typical ride is usually only 30 minutes for my work commute or over 1.5 when out just to ride. I usually eat one every 30 minutes. I know I heard on OLN that Lance eats one Power Bar every hour.

Yep, but Lance must consume up to 7000 calories per day!

I was going to be a smart arse and tell the difference is in the spelling, but decided against it. Oh wait, "sorry".

L8R

Grandma's Cookies - two for about 60 cents.

I can second Grandma's cookies.

I also find Panda Bars (http://www.goodnessdirect.co.uk/cgi-local/detail/627506.html)work well. They come in raspberry, strawberry, and licorice for about .59USD each at the health food store.

Dan