Taste Test - Granola Bars

While granola bars are traditionally known for their health value, many of today's most popular brands are quite the opposite.

In the August issue of Men's Fitness, editors tested six brands for their taste and health value in an effort to help consumers in their search for the best. Elizabeth Sanchez of Men's Fitness is here to explain what they found.

VIDEO AND TASTE RESULTS AFTER THE JUMP...

1) South Beach Living Sweet Nuts Creations150 Calories, 6g protein, 18g carbs, 7g fat, 3g fiber
Expert advice: "This is no dressed up candy bar. It's got peanuts and whole grain, plus bonuses like heart-healthy fat and extra protein to help you stay full longer"

2) Kashi TLC Honey Toasted 7 Grain
180 Calories, 6g protein, 25g carbs, 6g fat, 4g fiber
Expert advice: "The TLC has more calories than others but that's OK since it packs seven whole grains plus sesame seeds for even nutrients."

3) Quaker Chewy Low Fat Chocolate Chunk
90 Calories, 1g protein, 19g carbs 2g fat, 1g fiber
Expert advice: "Quaker's Chewy isn't actually healthier; it's just smaller. And the goodness of oats is crowded out by the long list of negatives like sugar and hydrogenated oils."

4) General Mills Nature Valley Roasted Almond
190 calories, 4g protein, 28g carbs, 7g fat, 2g fiberExpert advice: "You'd think a bar with whole grain oats listed as the first ingredient would shine, but this one has way, way too much sugar and barely any protein or fiber."

5) General Mills Fiber One Oats and Peanut Butter
150 calories, 3g protein, 28g carbs 4.5g fat, 9g fiber
Expert advice: "For a granola bar, 9 grams of fiber is pretty remarkable. A single bar will provide most people with about 25 percent of the fiber they need each day.

6) Quaker Simple Harvest Dark Chocolate Chunk
150 calories, 2g protein, 26g carbs, 4.5g fat, 2g fiber
Expert advice: "Yes it has oats, but Simple Harvest is no better than vending machine fare since it's filled with brown rice syrup, chocolate, honey and molasses."