Ancient Greek Energy Bars Were Much Different From Today's Versions

History

Ancient Greek Energy Bars Were Much Different From Today's Versions By Creshonda A. Smith Nov. 9, 2025 7:20 pm EST

Long before the era of protein powders and brightly wrapped supermarket snacks, the ancient Greeks had their own version of an energy bar , and they called it pasteli. It only requires two ingredients — honey and sesame seeds — which provide quick fuel from natural sugars and sustained energy from healthy fats and plant-based protein. The combination offered everything an active lifestyle demanded, whether that was giving soldiers the jolt they needed before battle or providing athletes with an energy boost. Its minimal ingredient list also made it easy to prepare, store, and transport without refrigeration.

Pastelis stuck around primarily because they w