About a month or so ago I decided that I had to eat a Nature Valley Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bar every day in order to function properly. I went out to Vons and bought, like, 80 packages of the stuff, and thus far my life has been so much the better for it.

And while it’s true that energy/nutrition bars shouldn’t take the place of a balanced meal full of fresh whole foods, there is indeed a time and a place for all that nutrient-packed convenience. Especially when you choose smart products like the ThisNext fave Larabars, most recently recommended by Paul (“I love the whole idea behind raw unprocessed food,” he says). Indeed, Larabars keep it simple, with each flavor containing no more than six ingredients (all of which you’ll mos def be able to pronounce upon reading the label, and all of which are 100 percent natural, certified kosher, non-GMO, vegan, and completely cholesterol-, gluten-, and dairy-free). “I picked these up at CostCo on a whim - and I couldn’t be happier,” says ItWasInevitable. “Ingredients for the apple pie bar: dates, almonds, apples, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon. That’s it! These are amazing and oh so good for you!”

Also sweet and simple, Oskri Organics Coconut Bars are a favorite for xdancer. These “sweet, crunchy, coconutty” delights are “delicious coconut/brown rice syrup and fruit and NOTHING ELSE,” explains xdancer, confessing, “I bought three boxes.”

For more of that natural-sugar goodness, bite into a Nature Valley Oats ‘n Honey Crunchy Granola Bars. “If you are a person on the go, this is a great little nosh to put in your bag or pocket,” says Shoshi, who offers this healthy-entertaining hint: “Simply crumble the bars up a little into a decorative bowl, throw in some pecans (optional). Quick, easy, and big on yummy!”

Another bar that’s big on yummy, ProBars are “super-tasty, whole-food energy bars that pack a wallop,” says gordon. What’s more, “Probars are great meal substitutes when on enduro rides or half-way up a long multi-pitch route when you want those extra calories. Unlike many bars, ProBars actually taste like real food and are not highly processed. I like the Original Blend flavor the best which is loaded w/ anti-inflammatory nuts.”

Brian Morel also turns to energy bars when riding, but opts for PowerBar Nut Naturals, which provide 10 grams protein, 3 grams fiber, and 16 vitamins and minerals. “I’m a salty-sweet kind of guy, so when I’m looking for some calories before, during, or after a training ride, PowerBar’s nut naturals really hit the spot!” says Brian.

And to get 100 percent of your daily vitamin C needs, 15 grams of protein, and a whole lots of B vitamins and minerals, turn to the soy-based, tropical-fruit-flavored ZonePerfect Nutrition Bars. “The perfect balance of protein, carb & fat to keep you in the Zone,” says kayzee. “When I’m in a rush, this is breakfast.”