Mostly found in health food stores and at health clubs, the wonder bars were transformed during the past few years. Sales of the bars to nutritionally minded consumers skyrocketed. Some of the bars, such as Slim-Fast, claim to help buyers lose weight. Some claim to supplement regular meals with an energy boost. Others, such as Balance and Kids Plex Jr., are advertised as meal replacements because they contain a high amount of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Experts disagree on the usefulness of the bars.
Some people don't like to eat breakfast and, for them, the Balance Bar is a good substitute. Those are the main ingredients in Kids Plex Jr. PowerBar is regarded as the first nationally successful energy bar. Specialty bicycle, track and health-food stores began selling the bars in 1986. Now you can buy them at the gas station.