Whole food · Snacks
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a dense, chewy performance bar designed for sustained energy, blending a honey-nut-oat flavor profile with a significant protein boost. The texture is hearty and substantial, offering a satisfying mix of rolled oats and a soft, nougat-like base, all coated in a layer of milk chocolate. Nutritionally, it stands out for its high protein content (22.5g) and solid fiber (11g), making it more than just a sweet treat.
Calorie split: 24% protein · 58% carbs · 19% fat
↓ Full nutritionPeople love it for its classic, comforting combination of honey, peanut, and chocolate flavors that satisfy a sweet craving while feeling more functional than a candy bar. It's a go-to for athletes, hikers, and busy professionals needing a reliable, filling energy boost on the move.
The high sugar content (26g) can lead to a blood-sugar spike and subsequent crash, making it less ideal for those managing diabetes or seeking low-sugar options. It also contains common allergens like peanuts, milk, and soy, and may be too calorie-dense for sedentary individuals. To counteract, pair it with a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts to balance the sugar absorption, or use it as a planned pre/post-workout fuel where the carbs are utilized efficiently.
The 'Marathon' branding was originally used in the UK for what Americans know as a Snickers bar, highlighting its history as a substantial, energy-providing snack.
| Water | 9.5 g |
| Energy | 381 kcal |
| Energy | 1596 kj |
| Protein | 22.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 7.9 g |
| Ash | 5.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 55.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 11.0 g |
| Total Sugars | 26.3 g |
| Iron, Fe | 18.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 317 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 318 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 11.9 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.45 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 176 mg |
| Thiamin | 3.4 mg |
| Riboflavin | 3.8 mg |
| Niacin | 45.2 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 22.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 4.5 mg |
| Folate, total | 905 ug |
| Folic acid | 821 ug |
| Folate, food | 84.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 1480 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 10.9 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 4451 iu |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 30.5 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 181 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 4.5 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.5 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.05 g |
Estimated from Formulated bar, MARS SNACKFOOD US, SNICKERS MARATHON Energy Bar, all flavors — USDA does not publish this profile for Formulated bar.
| Tryptophan | 0.22 g |
| Threonine | 0.68 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.83 g |
| Leucine | 1.4 g |
| Lysine | 0.97 g |
| Methionine | 0.27 g |
| Cystine | 0.24 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.98 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.74 g |
| Valine | 0.90 g |
| Arginine | 1.7 g |
| Histidine | 0.48 g |
| Alanine | 0.76 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.2 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.8 g |
| Glycine | 0.88 g |
| Proline | 1.1 g |
| Serine | 0.97 g |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.00 g |
Is this a good post-workout snack?
Yes, it can be. The combination of fast-digesting carbs and a significant protein dose makes it effective for replenishing glycogen stores and aiding muscle recovery immediately after exercise.
How does it differ from a regular Snickers bar?
The Marathon bar is formulated for nutrition, containing roughly double the protein, more than triple the fiber, and significantly less fat than a standard Snickers, positioning it as a performance food rather than a candy.
Can I eat this as a meal replacement?
While it's calorie-dense and filling, it lacks the balanced micronutrient profile (like a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats) of a complete meal. It's best used as a substantial snack or part of a meal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.