Ingestion of nutrition bars high in protein or carbohydrate does not impact 24-h energy intakes in healthy young adults

Sales of nutrition bars increased almost 10-fold to $1.7 billion over the past decade yet few studies have examined the impact of bar ingestion on dietary parameters. In this crossover trial, 24-h energy intakes were assessed in free-living college students ingesting a high-protein (HP, 280 kcal) or a high-carbohydrate (HC, 260 kcal) nutrition bar upon waking. Fifty-four students entered the trial, and 37 participants completed the three test days. Daily energy intakes ranged from 1752 ± 99 kcal for the non-intervention day to 1846 ± 75 and 1891 ± 110 kcal for the days the HP and HC bars were consumed respectively (p = 0.591). However, for individuals who reported high levels of physically activity (n = 11), daily energy intakes increased significantly compared to the control day for the HC bar day (+45%; p = 0.030) and HP bar day (+22%; p = 0.038). Macro- and micro-nutrient intakes differed significantly across test days in the total sample mirroring the nutrient profile of the specific bars. These data suggest that young adults adjust caloric intakes appropriately following the ingestion of energy-dense nutrition bars over a 24-h period. Moreover, nutrition bars may represent a unique opportunity to favorably influence nutrient status of young adults.

► Energy-dense nutrition bars are a rapidly growing consumer market.
► We examined nutrition bar ingestion and 24-h energy intakes in college students.
► We show that students effectively compensate for the energy in the nutrition bars.
► Nutrition bars can be formulated to effectively address specific nutrient concerns.