Sometimes I stare at the wall of protein bars at the store in amazement. There are so many options. Not all of them are gluten free, but the vastness of the selection is still astounding. My eyeballs scan for the gluten free label on each box. I prefer certified gluten free products as I know I can trust them to not make me sick. Yet, I’ll also look at brands without it and research their safety status on my phone while in the store.

I don’t stick to one brand of protein bar as I like to mix things up. After all, variety is the spice of life. In addition to an assured gluten free status I also find myself looking to the protein content of the bar, the amount of sugar, and the calorie content. If I know I am going for an intense hike, or other physical activity, I look for something higher in protein. If the bar is meant to replace a meal I am going to miss due to air travel, camping, or a long day hike then I search for something higher in calories. Sometimes I want something crunchy, and sometimes I want something softer. I’m usually looking for something that won’t be a mess to eat, and that will hold up well to the activity I plan to engage in.

This might sound like a lot of work, but in reality it isn’t once one familiarizes oneself with the selection before them. To do this, simply try out a few brands and see what works and what doesn’t. I’ve had some protein bars that left a terrible taste of protein powder in my mouth. Others have been sticky and didn’t travel well at all. Fear not though, as there are many delicious bars on the market.

Lately I’ve really enjoyed the thinkThin® crunch bars. The Coconut Chocolate Mixed Nut variety is my favorite. My first bite sent me straight to the bliss point food manufacturers are trying to create. I’ve not liked all the bars by thinkThin®. Some of them really do leave that powdery taste in the mouth, but the crunch bars don’t seem to have this problem.

Another favorite of mine, for mornings especially, are Rise bars. They’re made by the same company as the PranaBar and the Boomi Bar. The company states that the bars contain less than 5ppm of gluten, which is well below the proposed 20ppm national standard. They’re even certified gluten free. Rise bars are free from GMOs, preservatives, soy and peanuts. The Breakfast bars and Protein+ bars contain dairy. If you want to avoid dairy, try their Energy+ bars which are vegan and organic. I've tried both the breakfast bars, and the Energy+ bars. I especially enjoyed the Breakfast bar during an early morning hike out of Haleakalā crater.

Finally, I still find myself going back to an old standby regularly: Larabar. While they are not certified gluten free, I have never experienced gluten related symptoms after eating one of their bars. The company states that they use manufacturing practices to prevent cross-contamination. Most Larabars are dairy free. I love the simplicity of the components of Larabars. The company is proud to state that their bars never contain more than 9 ingredients. I also love their mini bars, which are half sized bars that fit well into a purse or pocket. Since I attend many events where I am not guaranteed a gluten free hors d'oeuvres or meal, I find these to be quite handy.

Protein, and whole food bars are a delicious way to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need to support yourself through the day. With the numerous brands and flavors available, why not consider branching out and trying something new?