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Sometimes everyone needs an energy boost, but coming across something that's healthy, satisfying and tastes good is difficult. Health bars often pack loads of nutritional value, but finding one that doesn't taste like cardboard is usually the problem. 

At Firefly, we have done a taste test to steer you in the right direction, and help you navigate the cluttered shelf that screams “protein!” and “more fiber!” 

We tested 11 bars— six chocolate and nut, and five fruit and nut—for taste, texture, and general goodness. Scroll to the bottom for our best and worst picks.

Luna Caramel Nut Brownie: 

TASTE: Mostly like chocolate. "It's definitely not bland," one tester said.

TEXTURE: “It has a sandy texture,” one tester noted.

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 2.5

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 180; Fat: 6 g; Protein: 8 g

RANDOM FACT: Luna Bars are created for and by women. Men can eat them, too, though!

SUMMING IT UP: Great chocolate replacement.

Bumble Bar Chocolate Crisp: 

TASTE: Definitely for sesame seed lovers. It "feels healthy," according to one tester.

TEXTURE: Seedy. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 1

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 200; Fat: 11 g; Protein: 5 g

RANDOM FACT: Gluten free, vegan and "ethically sourced," according to the wrapper.

SUMMING IT UP: Lightest, while maintaining good flavor— if you like sesame seeds.

Clif Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch

TASTE: Exactly like you'd expect: like chocolate chips and peanut butter.

TEXTURE: Somewhat dense. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 3.5

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 260; Fat: 6 g; Protein: 11 g

RANDOM FACT: All Clif and Luna bars are vegan and 70 percent organic.

SUMMING IT UP: Most substantial. 

Odwalla Chocolate Chip Peanut 

TASTE: "Has a weird tang," a tester said. A whole one would be difficult to eat.

TEXTURE: Dry, sort of cakey. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 4

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 230; Fat: 8 g; Protein: 7 g

RANDOM FACT: You can collect the wrappers to raise money for your favorite charity.

SUMMING IT UP: Proceed with caution, keep a glass of water nearby. 

Eddie's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

TASTE: A rave review from one tester: "I'd eat the whole thing and enjoy it!"

TEXTURE: Cakey. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: Water? Try milk!

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 234; Fat: 10 g; Protein: 8 g

RANDOM FACT: Locally made by a Richmond native, with ingredients you can pronounce.

SUMMING IT UP: A healthy dessert option. 

Kashi Go Lean Crunchy Chocolate Peanut

TASTE: Sweet and salty. Tastes like real peanuts. 

TEXTURE: "Lives up to it's name: crunchy," a tester said. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 2

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 180; Fat: 5 g; Protein: 9 g

RANDOM FACT: Find great, natural and healthy recipes on its website, www.kashi.com.

SUMMING IT UP: Best of both worlds: sweet and salty!

Oskri Muesli Almonds and Cranberries

TASTE: "Tastes healthy," one tester said. "It has only the stuff in it you would want." Somewhat bland, though. 

TEXTURE: A little tough. "Very hard to chew," testers said. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 1

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 160; Fat: 2.5 g; Protein: 4 g

RANDOM FACT: Oskri bars are gluten-free.

SUMMING IT UP: Great for the sweet toothless. 

Luna Toasted Nuts and Cranberry

TASTE: Subtly sweet. 

TEXTURE: Slightly crumbly. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 3

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 170; Fat: 4.5 g; Protein: 9 g

RANDOM FACT: Each Luna bar has a dedication from a real woman to other women.

SUMMING IT UP: Middle of the road.  

Glenny's Cranberry and Almond

TASTE: "Trail mix in a bar," a tester said. Very tasty and enjoyable to eat. 

TEXTURE: Chewy in a good way. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 1

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 190; Fat: 10 g; Protein: 5 g

RANDOM FACT: The website, www.glennys.com, offers diet and workout tips.

SUMMING IT UP: Most surprisingly good taste.  

Clif Black Cherry and Almond

TASTE: "It lacks actual almond and cherry pieces," one tester said. Good flavor otherwise. 

TEXTURE: Dense, slightly grainy. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 4.5

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 250; Fat: 5 g; Protein: 10 g

RANDOM FACT: This bar has 100 percent of the recommended Vitamins C and E intake.

SUMMING IT UP: More for function than pure enjoyment.  

Yogi Raw Fruit and Nut Bar

TASTE: Unpleasant, with a bitter aftertaste. One tester felt it got better with time. 

TEXTURE: Sticky. 

SIPS OF WATER NEEDED: 5

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: Cal: 200; Protein: 2 g

RANDOM FACT: The company mainly produces eco-friendly yoga gear.

SUMMING IT UP: Most unpleasant in taste and texture.  

Our picks:

Top two: Eddie's Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Glenny's Cranberry and Almond.

Bottom Two: Odwalla Chocolate Chip Peanut, Yogi Raw Fruit and Nuts