home - today's tip - mama

11.20.2009


Eyebrow: 
Energy Bars

Behind Bars

Submitted by alara on Fri, 11/20/2009 - 12:00am.
The Bite:
Feeling confined to the same ol' lunchbox snacks for kids? Break out - and try new great tasting, whole grain, organic energy bars made just for kids. You'll escape sugary, preservative-laden options and commit fewer eco-felonies.
The Benefits: 
  • These bars come in kid sizes - portions geared to smaller appetites - and are the right-size boost (in terms of calories) for that lap around the yard.
  • Our picks contain healthy ingredients and avoid the zero-nutrition refined sugars and flours used in conventional bars - not-so-nutritious stuff that belongs in the lockup.
  • You'll be supporting eco-brands, since organic bars are made with no pesticides. Plus Clif and Nature's Path donate 1% of sales to conservation orgs.
  • We and our kid testers tried every flavor for you. The verdict: great taste.
Wanna Try: 
Get these at national chains like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, and online.
  • Can Do Kid Bars - gluten-free protein bars made with soy and peanuts; in three flavors - we're stocking up on Cookies & Cream; two 85-calorie bars per package so you can save one for after the soccer game ($26/15 packs).
  • Clif Kid Organic ZBar - whole oat bar with 30% of kids' recommended daily calcium; Biter faves: Honey Graham and Chocolate Brownie ($14/18 bars).
  • JamFrakas - organic, crispy, brown rice bar with dried fruit, nuts, and honey from LaraBar; it had us at Banana Chocolate with cashews ($13/18 bars).
  • Organic Food Bar Kids - rich-tasting, moist, and not-too-sweet vegan bar with whole grains; in fruit and chocolate flavors ($11/10 bars).
  • Nature's Path EnviroKidz Organic Crispy Rice Bar - low-sodium, gluten- and nut-free bar; go for chocolate ($4/6 bars).

Timeout

Jack Whitehurst, 7, of Durham, NC, eats his fair share of energy bars and gives high marks to Can Do Kid Bars for their two-in-one package 'cuz he likes to eat one right away and save the second for later.

Bang For The Bite

If 10,000 Mama Biters choose an eco energy bar for their kid instead of the conventional kind, we'll keep 12 1/2 prison guards in refined flour and sugar outta kids' bellies.


 

All editorial suggestions in this tip are the result of testing and a preference for the tip topic. No advertiser has paid to have its company referenced in the tip. For more information, please read our Editorial Policy.