They look like candy bars, have the texture of medium-density fiberboard and pack a protein punch that’ll keep you fully fueled for hours.

High-protein bars – also called energy bars and nutrition bars – are hot sellers among the busy and the body-conscious: As grab-and-go meals or snacks, the bars satisfy hunger and sustain energy levels without sabotaging the diet.

Troy Scott, 23, eats them a few times a week to boost his protein intake and energy, he says. Professional trainer Kate Black, 51, nibbles one every day for similar reasons.

The Zone diet bars are ranked very highly for their taste and convenience by many thousands of fans.