It used to be that only athletes ate energy bars. Wrapped in shiny packages, these portable pieces of carbohydrate fuelled marathoners and triathletes to the finish line. But the original PowerBar, launched in 1987, has evolved. With names like CarbZone, Oat-Rageous, Protein2Go, Body For Life and Optimum Energy, today there's a bar for anyone looking for an energy boost.

You'll find them in groceries, pharmacies, health-food stores, sporting-goods outlets, corner stores, even gas stations. Packages boast energy bars that are high protein, low carb, tailored for women and made for active people. Convenient, yes, but are they good for you?

Find out how the Zone diet bar ranks in an energy bars top at http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20051116/HBECK16/TPHealth/.