Buzz
Since men and women are biologically similar, their dietary needs are fundamentally alike. This begs the question: why do 'women-specific' nutrition bars exist? The explanation lies in a small dose of science and a heavy dose of marketing strategy.
Take iron, for instance—women require more of it than men. A blueberry Luna bar provides 30% of the daily iron requirement, whereas a larger Clif bar offers just 10%. (The percentages on labels are tailored to the group with the higher need, which, in this case, is women.) But does opting for 'men's' bars put you at risk of iron deficiency? Hardly. As Stephanie Grob Plante notes in Racked:
Brands craft specialized formulas to address the assumed demand for gender-specific nutrition, but they also cater to what they think women desire: guilt-free indulgence without the fear of weight gain.
. . .
‘They’re essentially cookies with added vitamins,’ explains Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition and food studies at New York University. ‘Individuals who consume a balanced diet of minimally processed foods, including fruits and vegetables, and meet their caloric needs, don’t need to focus on individual nutrients. A varied diet naturally provides what the body requires.’
The reverse is also true. Whitson Gordon, a contributor here, points out that ThinkThin bars are an excellent choice for those seeking a low-sugar, high-protein snack, even if they’re not aiming to shed pounds, despite the product’s marketing. It’s important to see the feminine packaging for what it truly is—a marketing tactic—and judge the product based on its ingredients and nutritional information.
Photo by theimpulsivebuy.
