Chocolate bar versus Energy bar

Today there are a plethora of energy bars out there- protein bars, snack bars, diet bars with claims that they are made for 'active people', 'women', etc. But are these bars even necessary, and more importantly as healthy as their advertising suggests?
Energy can mean different things to different people, or different things by the same person depending on the use of the word.
So, choose wisely. Here are a few tips:

1. Read labels. Steer clear of bars that are high in saturated fat, simple sugars, and caffeine or other stimulants.
2. Read ingredient lists and avoid bars made with hydrogenated oils.
3. Consider your level of activity and choose energy bars appropriately wit respect to the amount of calories they have.
4. Consider brands that are made with whole food such as hemp protein, whole grains, sprouts, nuts, seeds (My Vega, ReBar or Larabar).
5. Be sure to drink water to help with digestion.
6. Consider pairing them with a piece of fruit or low-fat dairy (milk or yogurt) or fortified soy beverage.