Energy bars are a quintessential item in any adventurer’s backpack, whether you’re embarking on a weekend hike or a long thru-hike. They serve as a robust and adaptable snack, perfect as a quick meal replacement or a convenient bite while on the move. For hikers, energy bars are more than just snacks; they’re a dietary cornerstone and sometimes, surprisingly, one of the healthiest food choices during demanding treks.
Fortunately, the hiking community’s vocal preferences have driven energy bar evolution. Today’s market boasts a wide array of tasty and diet-specific bars to satisfy diverse needs. Many brands likely spring to mind, and you probably already have a go-to flavor – perhaps a Blueberry Crisp Clif Bar?
However, my energy bar loyalty shifted when I discovered Kate’s Real Food Bars variety pack. The enticing flavor selection made a strong first impression. To truly assess their worth, I tested them on weekend excursions and used them as fuel during marathon training. Here’s my detailed breakdown.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Fueling Your Body Right
Lemon Coconut Bar Nutritional Breakdown:
Calories: 300
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Total Carbs: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 14g (12g added)
Protein: 6g
Weight: 62g (2.2 oz)
Nutritional values slightly differ across flavors, but the Lemon Coconut bar serves as a representative example.
Key nutritional aspects to consider: Kate’s bars offer a calorie count comparable to leading brands, if not slightly higher. However, their caloric density truly sets them apart. Weighing in at 2.2 oz (62g), they pack more calories per ounce than many competitors. To illustrate, a Blueberry Crisp Clif Bar contains 250 calories in 68g. The calorie-to-gram ratios are: Kate’s Real Food: 4.83 cal/g versus Clif Bar: 3.67 cal/g. While caloric density might seem minor to some, for those mindful of pack weight and energy efficiency, this difference is significant.
With 30g of carbohydrates per Lemon Coconut bar, it’s an excellent source of quick energy to kickstart your day or replenish glycogen stores when energy levels dip. The Lemon Coconut flavor does contain more added sugar than some other varieties, but its delicious sweetness is a definite perk for those with a sweet tooth.
For an even greater carbohydrate boost, the Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond bar packs a substantial 40g of carbs! Overall, I was highly impressed with the nutritional profile of Kate’s Real Food bars. Much like my preferred trail foods, they provide a satisfying and sustained energy release without compromising on taste.
Taste and Texture: A Delightful Food Bar Experience
Let’s face it, taste is paramount when choosing an energy bar. A bar might be nutritionally perfect, but if it’s unpalatable, it’s unlikely to become a trail staple, especially on extended trips. Fortunately, Kate’s bars truly excel in the flavor department.
The first thing that struck me was the texture. Unlike many processed bars, Kate’s bars have a distinct oat-like texture, feeling more like pressed oats than a blended concoction. Despite their caloric density, they maintain a surprisingly fluffy consistency. This translates to a soft, flavorful, and light bar that doesn’t require copious amounts of water to swallow. In fact, they’re quite mouthwatering.
Another standout feature of Kate’s Real Food Bars is their use of whole fruit, not just fragmented pieces. This might seem like a minor detail, but I appreciate finding whole cranberries in their Oatmeal Cranberry and Almond bar. It adds a delightful burst of texture and flavor variation with each bite.
In short, these bars are flavor champions.
The Bottom Line: Your Go-To Food and Bar for Adventure
When I initially received my Kate’s Real Food variety pack, I had no preconceived notions. However, they have consistently exceeded my expectations. They are light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor. Furthermore, their non-crunchy nature makes them resilient enough to endure days of bouncing around in a backpack without crumbling.
The Kate’s Real Food product line offers an impressive range, from nutty and savory to fruity options, ensuring there’s a bar for every palate. If you’re seeking to diversify your trail energy bar selection, KRF bars hit all the right notes. I particularly recommend the Lemon Coconut and the Oatmeal Cranberry Almond flavors. Give them a try and share your thoughts!
Kate’s Real Food Combo Pack
SHOP
About the Author: I’m Connor Chapdelaine, also known as Jackrabbit to close friends. I am a biologist passionate about running, backpacking, and outdoor activities. I completed a NOBO thru-hike of the AT last year, summiting Katahdin in August, and I’m embarking on a NOBO PCT thru-hike this spring. For more adventures, follow my blog at thetrek.co/author/connor-chapdelaine or find hiker-trash updates on Instagram: ChapOnTheTrail.
