The difference between most types of fiber bars is the company that makes them, as most fiber is nutritionally equivalent within the two broad types. There are bars that include other important supplemental elements as well, including protein, vitamins, and other features that may be popular among dieters and people who need additional fiber. One of the major differences between fiber bars is whether they include soluble or insoluble fiber, although many bars include both. Otherwise, the primary difference between fiber bars involves the other ingredients in the bars.
Fiber bars are manufactured in many different flavors and styles. Some are marketed as cereal bars, while others look more like candy bars and may be covered in chocolate. Choosing a flavor is often difficult because these bars do not always taste like the food they are meant to resemble. Different flavors of fiber bars commonly include chocolate, apple, and various nut varieties.
On the nutritional level, these snacks often differ in terms of what type of fiber is included as well as how much is in each bar. Some high fiber bars include nearly all the fiber a person needs for a day, while others are intended to function primarily as a supplement. These supplements often include both soluble and insoluble fiber, although special bars may focus on only one type of fiber. This is usually a result of the recommendations of a type of diet, with the bars marketed specifically to people on that diet.
There are many types of fiber bars designed to be eaten at a specific time, such as after a workout or at breakfast. Some are designed to be nutritionally complete enough to replace a meal for people who are dieting. Many are designed to fit either low carb or low calorie lifestyles, and it is sometimes possible to find supplements of this type that are appropriate for people with certain food sensitivities like gluten intolerance or nut allergies. Among the many brands of fiber bars, there are many versions that differ very slightly but fit certain needs perfectly.
Some snack bars with high fiber content include a variety of other important nutritional supplements as well, because some people do not like to think about their need for fiber. These might be sold as protein or nutritional bars, and may be designed for consumption after a workout. When choosing these bars, it is important to look at what else one will be eating when consuming the fiber, because this type of bar may be unhealthy to eat in large quantities.