Energy bars can be something of a cheat code for runners. When you’re pressed for time before a morning run, or if you prefer something more palatable than gels on the road or trail, an energy bar is the quickest and easiest way to power up. But with so many choices in the grocery store aisle, it can be daunting to choose the right bar.

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So we’re here to guide you. We enlisted the help of registered dietitian Amy Goodson, M.S., R.D. to break down all the nutrition information on energy bars, and loaned our taste buds to determine which are appetizing—and which are almost inedible.

Our Top 8 Energy Bars