Taste Testing ENERGY BARS! | Miranda in the Wild

Taste testing backpacking food is BACK by popular demand! This time, I'm tasting energy bars (as well gels and chews) to find the best energy bar for hiking and backpacking! This is far from the total selection of hiking snacks at your local REI or grocery store. I wanted to taste test as many different energy bar varieties and brands as possible for this test, so a grabbed what I thought was a representative sample of all the different types of energy bars, protein bars, and meal bars out there. I added a bonus tasting of energy gels and energy chews for fun! Do you have a favorite energy bar for hiking? Watch the whole video to see what I choose!
Note: I don't eat meat, dairy, or eggs, so we opted for plant-based bars for this test. Some of these bars contain honey.
SPOILER ALERT!
Category Winners -
Nut Butter Bars: JoJe in Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
www.rei.com/product/158985/jo...
Fruit and Seed Bars: Tahoe Trail Bar in Mango Coconut
www.rei.com/product/131041/ta...
Brownie and Cookie Bars: Heather's Choice Packaroon in Lemon Lavender
www.rei.com/product/160097/he...
Energy Gels: Muir Energy
www.rei.com/product/129543/mu...
Energy Chews: Skratch Labs Sport Chews in Raspberry
www.rei.com/product/137266/sk...
Shop my gear closet: www.rei.com/mirandas-gear
This episode was shot by Jonathan Houser and edited by Katie Van Fleet. Miranda in the Wild is produced for REI by Rainer Golden and Miranda Webster.
Follow Miranda on IG @MirandaGoesOutside: / mirandagoesoutside
Follow REI on IG: rei?hl=en​​​
Like REI on Facebook: / rei
Subscribe to REI on KZbin: / rei​​​
Like, Subscribe, Comment, and tune in every Sunday for more Miranda in the Wild!

[@richardkeenan3079]

REI Content with Miranda is seriously next level, nailing it! So many try but fall short, REI and Miranda totally nailing it! Not corny like most are, legit funny, educational at the same time, perfect so well done! Love these!

[@sophiergabriel3103]

I love how mango and coconut was the flavour of both her favourite and least favourite fruit and seed bar

[@rei]

It shows how different every bar can be 🤪

[@atomichabanero9101]

It was mango/coconut and the last choice was coconut/mango maybe she likes more mango lol

[@bonnieruggieri7340]

Love all the videos! How about trying different electrolyte tabs, liquid and powders next!?

[@rei]

Thanks for the love and the recommendation!

[@toxickittn7558]

Lmao the Dr Seuss thing cracked me uuppppp XD 😆

[@jamiebeth4553]

Yes. I aspire to be as innocent and full of wonder as Miranda ☺️

[@BillySBC]

Yeah especially when she says "Wow! I was on this shit!" at 10:08. %^)

[@tiffanyistall]

REI you have to hold on to Miranda like your life depends on it. She's the greatest

[@rei]

We love Miranda ❤️

[@Dat376]

I love the producers commentary in the background. Haha

[@darkrav3n_81]

I'm new to your channel and only watched about half a dozen videos so far and I gotta say, if you don't burp in all your vids, I'm gonna be very disappointed 🤣 I'm loving your happy ways and your enthusiasm. You're also very funny which is brilliant to watch. I'm learning a lot from you as a newbie backpacker.

[@rei]

We appreciate the love! Please let us know if you have any questions about backpacking 😀

[@ninaragonese703]

I’m a type 1 diabetic hiker and use energy gels for low blood sugars while hiking. GU has other flavors that are pretty decent!

[@rei]

We're happy you enjoy them! Happy trails ⛰️🥾

[@MikeWood]

When I was in my 30s and doing a lot of longer distance cycling, I used the gels a lot. I still keep a couple in my pack when hiking as they take up no room and can give a quick boost of caffeine and energy. One thing I take into consideration with the bars is how much one will melt in a pack if its hot. Opening a chocolate anything and finding it is now a sticky pudding isn't fun. :) Equally, in winter hiking, if it's rock solid it's no fun either.

[@rei]

Absolutely! Gels can definitely be a great alternative in those situations. Thanks for watching, Mike! 🙌

[@EATENG]

I learned the hard way with Snickers bars and backpacking in 90-100 degree weather.

[@rei]

The important thing is that you did learn from that experience. 😊 Have you found an alternative that works well for you since then? 😃

[@EATENG]

@@rei that was actually just 2 weeks ago! Watched this video to get some recs on alternatives lol. Thank you for the timely content! I now have several options to try out. 😁

[@rei]

Love it! We hope you find a new fave. 🙌😄

[@Felix-kd8tn]

I loved the Dr Seuss vibe!

[@rei]

We're happy to hear you enjoyed the video! 😊

[@AdrienneLawrence1]

Love it when she belches and cusses. So dang funny and real. Also, helpful. Thanks for trying those.

[@rei]

Thanks for watching, Adrienne. 😊 We're glad you found the video entertaining and helpful! 🙌

[@mikeghost7788]

I enjoyed this very much, the bantering from behind the camera was great. Lol. Rambo is a must see at least once in your life kiddo!! This actually helped me out quite a bit with some things I've been going over about chews and gels.

[@rei]

That's great, Mike! Thanks for letting us know. What are some of your top energy chew/gel picks?

[@Kat-oz3zy]

Recently tried those packaroons, and they are expensive but YUMMY.

[@rei]

We're glad you liked them! Which one would you try next?

[@_SonOfPear_]

I would like to formally petition for every outro to be a poem from now on. I thank you for your consideration, and I am looking forward to your response.

[@vanessatheangryopposum7926]

I sometimes bring gels with me on mountain bike rides because I like the instant energy. I find most gels to be disgusting, but Honey Stinger are actually pretty tasty. Their waffle thingies are good, too.

[@rei]

Gels are an awesome way to get quick energy! Happy riding 🚴‍♂️

[@Allofthemonkeys]

The waffles are great!

[@russelljackman1413]

My weekend is complete! Thank you, Miranda and Crew! You always bring a smile to my heart and great information to my brain! Big love to all! :)

[@rei]

Thanks for sharing the love, Russel! We're so happy your enjoying the content and finding it informative too! 🙌

[@chrismarshall4486]

I love watching your videos. You’re going to be so wired after all those energy chews. 😂

[@schulzbrianr]

Consecutive Miranda Videos without a burp: 0 (I was worried we’d go an entire video about eating without it, but that was a big one!)

[@melissarobinson9618]

It's great you did the energy gels section because they're not as common as the other snacks. (and don't apologize for the burp, it wouldn't be an honest food video without one, 😁👍)

[@rei]

Thanks for the love, Melissa! What are your favorite kinds of energy gels?

[@melissarobinson9618]

@@rei homemade recipes with a base of almond butter, agave syrup and sea salt are simple but go a long way (also adding in powdered electrolytes helps a lot)

[@rei]

Sounds delicious 😋

[@GetUpTheMountains]

@@rei The Honey Stinger line of gels. They don't taste gross at all, taste mostly of honey. I'd say they're they most prominently displayed in my local REI. I also like their chews as well.

[@rei]

Honey flavored gels sound amazing 😄

[@lichikawa]

LOL, burrrrp and I loved this video!! Oh and Nala too!! Anyhoo Miranda and crew, I love this bar: Power Crunch Original Peanut Butter Fudge. I usually get them from Trader Joe’s. But just noticed that I can purchase a box of 5 bars for $5.99 at Target!!

[@glendacrouch1877]

Absolutely love your humor & honesty!

[@rei]

Woohoo! Thanks for stopping by!

[@annareed2329]

I am a runner as well as a hiker and from the gel choices you had, I would agree that Muir is the best. It has the best texture.

[@heidih2887]

Gels.... bicyclists find them very handy and easy to get into the system without stomach upset, fit easy into jersey pockets. My favorite is Hammer Gel Huckleberry flavor. Trace electrolytes etc. and not a big sugar rush feeling. I wouldn't be likely to use them for hiking/backpacking either, unless part of a Search and Rescue team or backup/emergency energy source. But LOVE that Huckleberry gel when bicycling! :D

[@rei]

Sounds like a great way to stay energized while bicycling! Thanks for watching and sharing, Heidi. 😊❤️🚴

[@tduenchan]

No biggie but sometimes your tastebuds are altered by what you just ate previously. So if something you ate first was surprisingly sweet, it makes the next thing you try taste really not sweet and your tastebuds will focus on the other flavors behind it. I still love comparison tests. Someone I know was preparing to hike the AT and we spent a long while taste testing hiking snacks so she knew what to bring…but it was over 10 years ago so it is nice to see more current comparisons.

[@michellesharpe6159]

12:24. "this is gross why are we doing these?". You answered the question there 🤣🤣🤣

[@danacates8209]

Bobos lemon poppyseed is my favorite bar! So yummy! Also honey stinger raspberry lemonade chews are my kid’s favorite motivational snack while hiking.

[@peterwheiland4933]

As a trail runner, I use the cliff Bloks because 1) it's two servings per package, so I can have more if i feel i need it, and 2) The shape of the packaging is a lot easier for me to grab and eat the gummies one-handed while I run. I keep an emergency GU basically for when I bonk and need near-instant calories, but I don't know anyone that actually likes the texture of gels :D

[@nat.in.nature]

Yassss. Thanks for brightening up my day girl!

[@rei]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@arlenesolis024]

She is just fun 🤩. Thanks for helping me with the these products ..I’m like you chocolate is not my cup of tea for energy bars. Plus Nala was there and what a vlog without the burps ! Keep being you Miranda !

[@rei]

We hope Miranda inspired you to try some new energy bars 😄

[@seedmole]

I've been having fruit leather lately as a portable hiking snack and I absolutely love it. Oh and the chewable electrolyte things from Saltstick are great.

[@rei]

Fruit leathers are great hiking snacks!

[@sc20777]

I love the helper on the left with the moving ears lol

[@rei]

She's our favorite helper too! 🐕

[@michelebullock9867]

Educational and entertaining as Always. I always know you will Make me laugh. Thank you.

[@rei]

Glad you enjoyed it Michele!

[@HannahBMann]

Enjoyed both the content and production of this one very much. I can most definitely see this as a series. REI should sell the number 1’s as a bundle. Yummy.

[@rei]

Glad you enjoyed the video 🙂

[@Sundheden]

Considering your close proximity to the Pacific Crest Trail , I'd love to see Miranda do some trail magic, and checking out trough hiker gear! Maybe an interesting twist would be to have THEM cook you a meal, out of their pack! (While you generously compensate them with a proper cooked meal, as part of the magic ofc!)

[@rei]

That would be an interesting video!

[@AllenSchubert]

Fun video! And those gel things...I'm glad Miranda tried them so I don't have to! Whew!

[@rei]

We're glad you enjoyed the video 😄

[@davidschadlich4256]

I love gels and gummies for cycling. Also like the honey stinger stroopwafels.

[@CrossoverGenius]

There’s a version of the clif nut butter bar that is chocolate and is filled with peanut butter that is delicious. Tons of protein etc etc but mostly what i like is it tastes like a Reese’s lol.

[@rei]

We're here for a chocolatey peanut butter treat on the trail.

[@simonlynch4204]

For easy, fast suger boost while bike riding, I use a gotube full of maple syrup and salt. Cheap (like 4 times cheaper...), zero waste, and tasty!!!

[@wilsonayala6347]

I run more than bke, bu after trying tons of gels, gummies etc that all make me feel like shit, the maple and salt is exactly what iI do too. sometimes the all natural applesauce puches. But that came right back up last weekend too...

[@lalita3090]

Nice. Love skratch labs!

[@rei]

🙌 Do you have a favorite? 😀

[@user-kr7cx5sv4h]

I was waiting for the dog steal some bares piece on occasion))))

[@GSR978]

As a runner, I've tried many gels. Hammer are my least favorite. Honey Stingers is my new favorite, followed by Cliff. PowerGel used to have a tangerine flavor that was incredible, but they discontinued it. They have a tropical fruit flavor which I'm willing to try.

[@helenamos2621]

Honey Stinger is fantastic for running with!

[@czarsean1]

With the girls, Gu makes one that's basically caffeinated chocolate pudding you might like. But as a runner, I eat them after 6mi when I don't want to stop but know I need sugar and caffeine to keep going. I like the Mango flavor.

[@rei]

Thanks for the advice! Sounds tasty 😋

[@Dat376]

This is most uncensored video than any other REi Miranda in the wild in terms of language. Haha. I dig it.

[@RobinT-treehugger]

I agree with you on the gels, yuck, but I do love the honey ones. And the Meal to Go bars are our favorite right now, especially the oatmeal choc chip and the blueberry superfruit one. You should check those out, lots of calories.

[@rei]

We appreciate the recommendations!

[@YarnJourneysMelanie]

Great video! Particularly because you like the ones I like. :) Gotta say, though, you picked the worst energy gel flavors to try. GU has some awesome flavors like toasted marshmallow, birthday cake and salted caramel that are really tasty.

[@rei]

Good to know! Thanks for stopping by, Melanie. 👍

[@Scorpionwitch]

I take a couple of the GU energy gels when I hike but I stick to chocolate, peanut butter, or the mocha flavors (or similar). The fruity flavored ones I don't care for. With a swig of water, they do pretty well at giving that little extra oomph plus if you find a flavor you like its kind of a mood thing too.

[@oldminer5387]

Great review Miranda. There are so many bars out their this give me a reference point. If I ate all that you did I would burp also.

[@rei]

Thanks for the love, Scott! We hope you find some tasty energy bars 😋

[@celiad14]

My go-to bars rn are Picky Bars!!! Thanks for some great alternatives though!

[@RickyHolton]

As a cyclist I’m a big fan of Picky Bars. I find so many solid energy bars are really claggy and stick in your mouth and make it harder to breathe between chewing. No such problem with Picky Bars.

[@beckyedmonds4078]

For gels I prefer the ones that are flavored like chocolate, vanilla, caramel, etc - easier to pretend it's pudding that way. Fruity is better saved for the chews, IMO

[@5luisno24]

Gracias por compartir

[@titanpreparedness]

Cant say ive tried any besides the clif bars but good to know theres a ton more out there for when i get bored

[@rei]

We hope you have an opportunity to branch out 😀

[@robinmichel9048]

Gu Salted Caramel energy gel. Texture and flavor are perfect. 😋

[@listofromantics]

One thing these taste tests only briefly address is cost and availability. If you're just grabbing a one-off "snack" / sweet treat while checking out at REI, that's one thing, but for day or multi-day trips, the cost of that "sweet treat" adds up REAL quick and since they're more of a speciality item, finding them at a local retailer or on short notice is gonna be hard; regardless, you're gonna be paying a premium (unless you're an investment banker, surgeon, or corporate lawyer with money to burn, then you do you, I guess). A lot of these bars are just dressed up, "healthier" candy bars. Meanwhile, gimme Clif bars all day every day. They've got good quality, decent calorie density, a TON of flavors, they're CHEAP (easily 2x to 3x's cheaper bar-to-bar), and Clif bars are sold EVERYWHERE and available all the time; no online ordering, no specialty natural food / organic grocery (with their price markups) or outdoor retailer required for purchase (Sorry, REI, I love you, but I'm not driving across town just to get food supplies for a day trip). You can get 12-count boxes of Clif bar products for the same cost as 3-5 of some of these other bars.

[@rei]

Thank you for reminding us about this very important factor when deciding on energy bars 🙂

[@btrswt35]

One of my biggest issues with some of these bars is the aftertaste. Same thing with anything that has caffeine in it, those typically have a bitter taste.

[@jt4513]

I'm experienced with energy gels and I'm around ppl who use them alot. And I can say I've never met someone who liked the taste. The key to using them is to drink them down with water asap. Then they're not too bad.

[@rei]

Thanks, JT! Do you have any recommendations for energy bars that taste good too?

[@jt4513]

@@rei imo there are a lot of good options for energy bars. But currently I'm enjoying using Bobo's bars -like the one in the video. They aren't too dry or heavy on the stomach which is nice.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

One of my absolutely favorite energy bars is the pro meal bar in the banana nut bread flavor.

[@bikepackingslowly882]

I use Clif Shot gels all the time on rides. Citrus is my least favorite. Try Strawberry or Vanilla! Way better. Thx for the video!

[@rei]

We appreciate the advice!

[@joejust9269]

Almost made it without a burp🤣 and then🥴🤣🤣LMFA0 . Very informative thank you so much!

[@rei]

It wouldn't be a Miranda in the Wild video without a burp!

[@ellobo768]

Wasabi between bites. 🤪 Gotta try the 60 mg. THC gummies. A whole new trip.

[@jojebar8036]

We. Are. HONORED. Thanks for the (blind) love, Miranda!

[@CrashyMcSquirrel]

Caramel Macchiato GU is my personal favorite for gels. The flavor even kinda works with the texture which somehow makes it less unappealing.

[@rei]

It's like having a coffee shop on the side of a mountain!

[@heidib7026]

I like the caramel and the fudge ones.

[@jimmeek8621]

Right about the time this video dropped, Consumer Reports (Sept 2021) had a short article on snack bars. Their general guidelines were: 1) at least 3-5 g of protein; 2) check the ingredients list for "real foods" (fruit, nuts, etc.) preferably as the first listed ingredients (more real food, fewer/less processed ingredients). I was surprised to see that Clif Bars don't do very well on the "real food" measure.

[@BlackHawk2029]

Miranda, would be super entertaining to watch you try an outing with military surplus gear.

[@ashmaybe9634]

I don't think REI sell army surplus ;)

[@AstrumG2V]

I could slam Clif Shot raspberry flavour gels all day every day xD

[@djohnson6551]

Thunderbird bars are my favorite.

[@Zadok8611]

Surprised the Honey Stingers were not included.

[@mushieslushie]

I randomly purchased a Tahoe bar at a grocery store in Truckee while going through the check out line... they are my favorite bars now by far.

[@rei]

YAY! We're happy you found something that works for you 😀

[@erm4292]

so down to earth Miranda should do personal appearances at various stores across the country I would go and meet maybe get a signed picture.

[@lindsaygafford1184]

I just discovered Bobo's and I'm in love!

[@rei]

They're so good 🤤 You can find all of their products here; bit.ly/3AD11o1

[@bobnery]

I'm still laughing from, "Apple at ya" from IG

[@andydreadsbmx]

7:25 "fruits kinda make me farty..." lol

[@rei]

😂😂😂

[@wildsau1965]

YYYEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSS way to end it with your signature burp ...you are awsome

[@rei]

😅 Thanks for watching, and for the kudos!

[@wildsau1965]

@@rei you're awesome and I love the videos

[@cooziehiker]

wow, I like Probars so much, I hope your #1 and #2 picks are good for my taste as well Still a probar person but nice to have alternatives. Gummies - the honey stinger ones are the bomb you should try them !

[@rei]

We appreciate the advice! We hope you can try some new energy bars too.

[@stephenhelmbock6155]

It took me until the end of the brownie and cookie bar segment to realize the staff were ordering the packages by rank instead of just messing with Miranda for the reveal.

[@rei]

That could have been an interesting twist! We hope you enjoyed the video, Stephen. 😀

[@autumnwishes8364]

Fruity farts! Love it! I'm about to go on a hike in a few and I have the Cliff Nut butter bar you taste tested in my pack!

[@rei]

Amazing! Happy hiking ⛰️🥾

[@ellobo768]

Fruity farts keep you moving along. With the wind, of course.

[@slickflyguy]

I only eat Snickers and an M &M trail nut mix I make myself on the trail. Beats the taste of any of those bark tasting bars.

[@rei]

GORP holds a special place in many of our hearts: bit.ly/3Cwd4Us

[@maycatyuiop]

Haha missed a bleep there.

[@RainerGolden]

Whoop whoop!!!

[@rei]

🙌🙌🙌

[@suavefpv1247]

Miranda should be the CEO of REI!!!

[@chemistryflavored]

Ok more important question, what brand is that amazing hiking shirt??

[@PaigeWeso]

Yes! We need a link!

[@rei]

That's a great question! Here's what Miranda had to say, "It’s the North Face Pacific Shirt! An absolute fave of mine. www.rei.com/product/185827/the-north-face-pacific-shirt-womens".

[@JessicaFernholz]

So far I've found that Huma chia gels have the least offensive texture but nothing beats Jelly Belly sports beans :)

[@rei]

Jelly Belly sports beans are a popular choice!

[@miguelcardozo620]

PEEEERRRRFECT TIMING!!!!

[@JakeHabermansYouTube]

For those that do eat dairy, Think Bars have 20 ish grams of protein and 25 ish grams of carbs. I eat them to supplement protein intake on my 24 hour shifts and usually have one in my daily bag. Plus they're tasty but drink with water.

[@rei]

Great info! Thanks for watching and sharing. 😄

[@lindseyrockatansky7186]

I have just found Miranda, love her. You should watch Rambo, it's really good.

[@Allofthemonkeys]

I like the clif chocolate and peanut butter nut butter bar

[@rei]

Great choice 😋

[@jasrod68]

I love your outfits! It would be cool if you added links to what you wear 😁😊

[@jamesmontavon850]

I looove the heather's choice packerooons!! They are really high in fat, which means they're calorie dense, and they have flavors that aren't like all the other bars you eat on trail

[@rei]

So cool! What's your favorite flavor?

[@victoriabalderas6077]

Looks like you should have plenty of energy after this video 😄👍

[@UrDoinItWrong]

MORE ENERGY GEL TASTE TESTS FOR MIRANDA PLEASE!!! :D

[@rei]

Thanks for the feedback! We're glad you enjoyed the content. 😄

[@montananerd8244]

Me just hanging out here, somehow hoping that commenting on last week's vid like a 5 year old on a road trip will make today's appear faster... Hey, REI, it's Sunday!!!! Is it ready yet? When's it coming? Is it ready yet? Are you uploading now? How about now? 😉

[@AdventureOtaku]

Proof that Miranda is an REI employee. She is wearing a Garmin Instinct. The semi (non-official) watch of REI employees everywhere.

[@ThisIsFiftyWithLil]

One: I really like that top. Two: I wanna be like Miranda when I grow up.* * I'm 57.

[@rei]

We love this comment! 😂🥰 Thanks so much for watching. Be sure to stay tuned for more amazing content from Miranda! ❤️

[@ThisIsFiftyWithLil]

@@rei Oh, I will. My family's relocation to Vermont sees us relying on Miranda's tips. My husband’s already there and already lost a piece from fly-fishing pole and slipped waist-deep into water destroying a phone... so, he's living it up while the rest of us wait with anticipation for the day we say goodbye to Texas. It's been years, but I can't wait to go camping again sometime soon. Do they make stuff in xxl now... 30 years will do that to a couple. In the meantime, sending the hubs a box of Miranda's picks from this video.

[@rei]

You're in good hands with Miranda's expertise, that's for sure! If you need any help picking out gear, we've got you covered. 😊 Feel free to stop by your nearest REI location, or do your shopping online at rei.com. We've been working hard to expand our line of plus size products too! 🙌 Whatever adventure life takes you on next, we wish you nothing but happy trails. 🌲❤️⛰️

[@kaylariggs8865]

I want to see the post video Miranda energy 🤣

[@rei]

That would be quite the post-credit scene 🏃‍♀️🤸‍♀️

[@SillySocial]

Were you amped up big time with energy after the experiment?

[@vanessatovar3895]

omg love that shirt!!! what brand is it?!?!?

[@rei]

Thanks, Vanessa! It's The North Face, Pacific shirt. We have a just few more in-stock here: bit.ly/39xMAp6

[@andrewpaterson4672]

Miranda almost made it through a video without farting or burping, but alas no. I like the caffeinated chocolate GUs, esp on a long run/bike ride. not so much hiking.

[@calmperson101]

It is hilarious no one is talking about the switch-a-roos they did... :P but they derped with the editing on the wrong item that wasn't tasted upon... lol oh well... Keep up the great Job Everyone!!!

[@andrewbergspage]

I miss the Pemmican MealPack bar.