An informal survey of seven families with school age children revealed the following results.
- All 7 families allowed their children to eat “bars” (a category we defined to include “milk and cereal bars”, “granola bars”, and “health/diet/protein bars”).
- Only 2 of the families gave their children health/diet/protein bars. The reasons both families gave was that these bars were “healthier”.
- 5 of the 7 families said they regularly bought only 1 flavor, and all 5 of those included chocolate in some form.
- All 7 families said they would allow their child to have one bar a day if the children so desired.
- 6 of the 7 families said they would NOT allow their child to have one chocolate bar a day if the children so desired.
- 2 of the 7 families said that they considered a peanut bar such as Payday to be a healthy alternative.
There is surprisingly little advertising for “bars” on television. The popularity of the bars seems to come from word of mouth or print advertisements directed at adults, touting the nutritional aspects.
The fact remains, however, that the bars are far less healthy than most adults believe.
What were your experiences with and feelings with bars as snacks and meal substitutes? Please share your thoughts below.