Does anyone include protein bars in their on/off season of contest?

I would definately say NO to using them while pre-contest dieting. There have been some other posts on this subject and most agree that protein bars are not the best and usually don't live up to what their labels nutritional value state.
But if it comes down to a Snickers or protein bar...I'd opt for the protein bar in a pinch.

I eat bars all the time

i read a terrifying article on protien bars. did you know the protien blend on most bars include bone, and wasted animal organs? the glyserol that is used to hold the bar together is also used to make soap. havent eaten a bar since!!!!

I eat them if I am at work or on the go b/c they come in very handy. I read labels and try to scrutinize as much as possible. As far as what is in them, I think that if we knew what was in everything we ate (clean or not) or what has happened to it from the farm to the store....we would not want to eat anything again! Think about the brown rice sitting in the box at a warehouse full of rats (I have a friend that works at a warehouse and has seen it all!)

Bars during pre-comp --- NO!

Bars in off-season --- YES!

I rarely eat them BUT when I am in a situation where I need protein/food and I have none or limited time/resources to get some I will eat one for convenience.

Tammy as far as that rumor on the Glycerol....it may well have a ploy by a supplement company marketing their bar that does not contain glycerol. BTW that bar is terrible and you rarely see it on the shelves anywhere.

Glycerol is produced from animal fats and vegetable oils by lipid transesterification.

Glycerol , glycerine is in many food products, hair and skincare, some toothpaste and mouthwash...to name a few !!!

forgot to mention Tammy that the collagen protein, also known as gelatin, in some bars was what they were saying was from the animal bones...but they say the same about good old Jello...