The Energy Bar Index

The Eagle Performance Index score is a transparent formula. Each bar starts at a baseline of 45 points and earns additional points through 6 scientifically substantiated parameters: carbohydrate density (+8), sugar type (+6), allergen-free label (+6), fruit % (+5), caffeine density for BOOST (+8), and sodium for ENDURANCE (+8). Penalties deduct points for too much fat, unsuitable portion size (≥60g), and unsubstantiated claims. Maximum score: 100. The full formula is available on the methodology page.

The baseline of 45 is a calibrated starting point, not an arbitrary number. A product that meets the minimum expectations of a sports energy bar automatically receives 45 points. Points are earned through quality markers (carb density, sugar type, fruit pulp) and can be deducted by penalties (fat, portion). A product can also fall below 45 if penalties outweigh bonuses. This keeps the scoring system realistic and discriminating.

Yes. Eagle is scored using the exact same rules as all other brands. No bonus points. No hidden weightings. No filters. Every data point is public, the scoring formula is public, the sources are clickable. If a competitor beats Eagle on all parameters, that competitor will be at the top. The complete dataset is verifiable via Wayback Machine snapshots per product, and corrections are handled within 5 business days.

STANDARD is the basic category: sports energy bars without added caffeine, scored on carb density, sugar type, and clean label. For efforts lasting 30 to 90 minutes.

BOOST is for critical moments: energy bars with added caffeine (50mg+ per serving). Primary weighting: caffeine density per gram of product. For the last 30 km, interval training, or late race finishes.

ENDURANCE is for efforts longer than 90 minutes in warm conditions: bars with extra sodium and nitrate. Launch Q4 2026.

Eagle BOOST delivers 2.0 mg of caffeine per gram of product (50mg in 25g). This is top-tier density in its class. Eagle shares this 2.0 mg/g concentration with 4Endurance Jelly Bar+ Caffeine, but Eagle pairs it with a 50% fruit pulp base with a vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free label. The rest of the market is lower: Clif Coffee delivers 65mg in 68g (0.96 mg/g), most others between 1.0 and 1.5 mg/g.

Eagle STANDARD delivers 80g of carbohydrates per 100g of product. This is the top carbohydrate density in the verified dataset of sports energy bars on the Belgian market. Maurten 160 achieves ~72.7g/100g via hydrogel technology. Eagle achieves 80g/100g via fruit pulp without syrup, hydrogenated fats, or maltodextrin tricks. Higher carbohydrate density means more fuel per gram, thus less stomach filling during exercise.

Eagle STANDARD and Eagle BOOST claim all three labels and are verifiable on the packaging. A limited number of competitors have 1 or 2 of these claims; complete clean labels with all three simultaneously are rare in the segment. The full list of products with clean labels per category is in the detailed table at the top of this page, sortable by the "Allergens" column.

Maurten receives a penalty of -1.5 points for the hydrogel claim. Reason: two independent peer-reviewed RCTs show no performance advantage of hydrogel over regular CHO. See McCubbin 2020 (IJSNEM) and Baur 2019 (EJAP). The marketing claim is on the packaging, but the scientific evidence is absent. We deduct points for that.

Eagle BOOST contains 50mg of caffeine per 25g bar. Not recommended for children, pregnant women, and caffeine-sensitive individuals. For healthy adult athletes, the EFSA guideline is a maximum of 200mg caffeine at once and a maximum of 400mg per day. 50mg is a controlled dose: sufficient for performance effect (Spriet 2014), low enough to avoid GI complaints and jitters.

Full revalidation is done annually (once a year). Interim corrections are only implemented for: a reported error in product data, a new product launch that affects the top 5, or a significant recipe change of an existing product. Every change is documented in the release notes of the methodology page. The current version is v4.

Send an email to info@eaglenutrition.be with the subject "Correction Performance Index" and the source (manufacturer link or photo of current packaging). We review every report and confirm within 5 business days whether a correction will be implemented. Eagle adheres to a transparent correction policy: a reported and confirmed error will be publicly rectified in the next update.

Match the category to your use case: STANDARD for efforts of 30 to 90 minutes on a ride, run, or training. BOOST for the last third of a race or a high-intensity interval where you need a mental boost. ENDURANCE for ultra-distance, hike tours, brevets, and competitions in the heat (launch Q4 2026). Always test in training conditions before using it on race day — gut tolerance varies by individual.