I have to admit, I don't see the draw in energy bars. Personally, I'd rather have a handful of almonds or a piece of fruit if I want a healthful pick-me-up. But many people are fans -- evidenced by the sheer variety that have sprouted up on store shelves everywhere and the fact that Americans spend more than $1.8 billion on bars per year.

If you're a fan of energy bars, you want to be sure that what you're getting is healthful and not just a candy bar in disguise. Many of the energy bars are packaged in ways that make them appear healthful when they're really just high in sugar and calories.

Shape Magazine sampled 17 different energy bars and picked their top five based on taste and nutrition value. So look for these next time you want an energy bar. (Though I still think some natural foods would serve you much better.) As another option, try making your own energy bars.