As I read the nutrition information on the back of Energy bars I see that they are similar to many candy bars. How come we need energy bars for triathlon? Can we just use candy bars? Is there anyone out there that does use candy bars for their calories during a race?
Candy bars, coke, chips, beef jerky, etc. are fair game on epic rides. All good sources of carbs, fat, protein, salt.
Having said that, you’d better be burning all those calories…
The difference between many candy bars & “energy” bars is marketing.
I use Snickers bars for longer races. Basically same thing as in Power Bars.
Peanuts and caramel are harder for my personal digestive tract than hardened puree like Power Bar.
A lot of the “energy” bars are just candy bars in disguise. Just take a look at the ingredients list in the Power Bar. High fructose corn syrup here we come!
Some of the bars (such as Clif) have MUCH healthier ingredients.
That said, I’m still not convinced that the nutrients in most energy bars are easily absorbed. Fresh whole foods are always better.
I think you just have to race with what works for you. I buy Cliff bars because they are mostly organic, vegan, don’t have a lot of the crap (high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, etc) that other bars have, don’t melt, and don’t give me any stomach issues. Lactose absolutely does not agree with me when training, so most candy bars wouldn’t do the trick. But if it works for you, that’s great. You can save some $$$$.
Jodi
I eat junk food all the time in training & races. I just stay away from any choccolate or ones with icing because they are melty and messy. Otherwise, they are much cheaper and yummier than the “sports” foods.
Agreed. Plus CLIF has their seasonal flavors out! Mmmmm, caramel apple cobbler…
Add some potassium and vitamins to a candy bar and you have an energy bar.
Add same thing to your kool aid and you have sports drink.
Candy bars, coke, chips, beef jerky, etc. are fair game on epic rides. All good sources of carbs, fat, protein, salt.
Nothing better than a cold coke and some salt and vinegar chips in the middle of a long ride.
Quote: “Peanuts and caramel are harder for my personal digestive tract than hardened puree like Power Bar.”
Man, that sucks. Is that during races or just in general? I love Snickers bars! However, I restrain and only use them during long races or really long training rides.
I am kinda the opposite. Some Power Bars seem to just sit in my gut and not move. No problem with Snickers.
Bakers Breakfast Cookies are good too. I love the seasonal pumpkin. I also have a case of CLif bars in my pantry.
I was gonna say the same, Clif is about the best. I eat a lot of Balance Bars and Zone Bars. The use a 40/30/30 approach. I don’t know of any candy bar that has much protein. Most of them are basically pure sugar. But in terms of calories they are basically similar. If you are trying to lose weight, there is no difference.
I started really liking Butterfingers. I had one in my special needs at IMFL JIC. 3 Musketeers were too sweet and made my stomach turn.
They are similar with regards to calories - but some of the candy bars are much higher in fat than some of the energy bars.
What about the (relatively) high fiber in Clif bar, does that cause any digestive problems? I’ve avoided them in favor of Clif Shot Bloks for that reason…
The fiber has never been a problem for me. My diet is so high in fiber, though, that a Cliff bar isn’t going to do me in. I think that you just have to do a bit of experimenting. For me, I need something in long training days that I can chew and tastes like food not just sugar. I get sick of the gels and blocks quickly. In addition, on really hot training days I usually just take gatorade endurance in my water bottles, and shots and blocks with gatorade is a very bad combination in my stomach. In short races, though, the bars are tough to get down because they do take a fair amount of chewing to get down.
Jodi
Salt & Vinegar chips hit the “sweet spot” every time. I feel so “dirty” eating them though… 
Candy bars, coke, chips, beef jerky, etc. are fair game on epic rides…
Just make sure that Coke is flat first. If you need some tips let me know.
Michael