Bucknell Goes Into the Energy Bar Business

Students at Bucknell University are now able to purchase homemade-style energy bars as part of the University’s new Bucknell Nutrition Initiative Program (BNIP), which promotes and encourages nutrition awareness to the campus community. BNIP is a collaboration between Bucknell’s Division of Student Affairs, dining services provider Parkhurst Dining and University Dietitian and Sports Nutrition Specialist Tanya Williams.

“Energy bars are a convenient, portable snack or meal replacement for people who normally eat a healthy diet,” Williams says. “One of my goals is to work with Parkhurst, Bucknell’s food service provider, to identify students who are at risk and require specific nutrition requirements, whether it’s students with food allergies, eating disorders or just need a healthy energy boost before or after their workout sessions.”

Williams began developing the bars by testing several recipes with an emphasis on portion size and carbohydrate-to-protein ratio. With input from Parkhurst Pastry Chef Steven Benscoter and Baker Vern Weller, two pre-workout bars were created: an energy bar and almond honey bar. The team also developed a double peanut bar, a recovery bar that helps replenish the body.

The in-house bars are $2.25 and are available for purchase at select dining facilities at Bucknell. Students and faculty will soon participate in a contest to officially name the bars.