I have always used energy bars as energy bars - while I am riding so I get enough in me not to bonk; I also have used gels, etc. I used to have some preferences, but you have to realize the only energy bars early on were power bars. The other bars came on the market after that.

An exception to the while riding, or exercising, is right before I exercise, if I have not had enough to eat or there has been a long time between my meal and an exercise session; or right after my exercise session. Usually, I will only eat about a 1/2 bar then just to get me by if I cannot eat something else right away to replenish my stores.

I don't think I've ever had a Lara bar. I'll eat any exercise bar when I need one for exercising.