Bar (food)

This article is about processed food formed into a bar. For food served in a drinking establishment, see bar food.

A bar, also called a snack bar or a food bar, is a food made of processed ingredients formed into the shape of bar. Bars typically have a long shelf life and contain high energy ingredients. There are several popular types of bar, including confectionery bars, protein bars, energy bars, granola bars and fruit bars.^[1] They are one of the most popular forms of snack food. Typical ingredients in a bar are cereal grain, dehydrated fruits or vegetables, seeds, chocolate and dairy.^[2]

Types of bar

The majority of food bars are sweet, rather than savory.^[3][4] Different types of bar may be marketed for specific purposes, like replacing breakfast or providing protein, or may be marketed to specific demographics like women. Some bars are made to adhere to dietary restrictions like the paleolithic diet or the gluten-free diet.^[5]

A chocolate bar filled with wafers and caramel.

Chocolate bars

Main articles: Chocolate bar and Candy bar

The first chocolate bars were developed after Joseph Fry, John Cadbury, and Benjamin Cadbury developed a technique for producing solid chocolate.^[6] Combination bars, including additional ingredients such as nuts or dried fruit, were developed in the 1910s. One of the most successful was the Clark Bar, introduced in 1917.^[7] Chocolate bars became popular in the 20th-century as palatable and inexpensive high-energy snack items.^[8]

Energy bars

Main article: Energy bar

Energy bars, also called power bars, are typically high in sugar and carbohydrates to provide quick energy. The primary ingredient in energy bars is often corn syrup, fructose or dextrose. They may contain ingredients such as breakfast cereal, caramel or chocolate.^[9]

Food ration bars

Main article: Food ration bar

Food ration bars are commonly produced as field rations for armed services.^[10] Ration bars are more convenient and more nutritious than canned food.^[11] They vary in type between cereal-type bars and confectionery bars,^[12] and may include various freeze-dried and dehydrated ingredients, such as meat, fruits, vegetables, and grain.^[11]

Fruit bars

Fruit bars are made of compressed dried fruit. Common additives include vegetable oil, sweeteners, and binders such as wheat or oat flour.^[13]

Granola bar with nuts and dried fruit.

Granola bars

Main article: granola bar

Granola bars are made of granola, typically including oat flakes, vegetable fats or oils, and some type of sweetener. Many granola bars contain additional ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits, and seeds.^[4] They become popular in the 1960s as part of the counterculture Hippie movement.^[14]

Protein bars

Main article: Protein bar

Protein bars are commonly consumed by athletes due to their nutritional density and high protein content, which provides energy quickly and assists in growing and repairing connective tissues.^[15] Weightlifter Bob Hoffman marketed Hi-Proteen Honey Fudge bars in the 1950s. Space Food Sticks were marketed by Pillsbury in 1969, based on the ration bars provided to astronauts in the American Space Program.^[16] They were popularized among amateur fitness enthusiasts after the introduction of the PowerBar in 1986.^[17]