You don't necessarily have to buy the sports bars, there's plenty of normal food that will work just as well and is a lot less money. Many people like fig newtons along the way. I used to stick dried fruit in my pocket on my long runs (peaches, apricots, pineapple) and suck/chew them as I went along. I liked it because they were light, not messy, small. I suppose you could do the same with the 100% fruit fruit leathers like they sell at TJ's. Costco sells the Kashi bars which work out to about .50 each and they would be convenient. As far as drinks go, many people make their own with watered down juice, a little salt. I don't know if this is what you were looking for, but I hope it helps.

You'll have to experiment to find what works best for you as there are a multitude of nutrition options and opinions.

I race upto the half-marathon distance and don't "eat", per se, during any run (race or training). However, during 10 milers and the half, I'll have a Powerbar GEL diluted in water so I can sip it over the course of a mile or 2 or 3. I've tried Cliff Shot Blocks and found them to be better than SportBeans but prefer not to be chewing.

For 5k, 8k and 10k races I don't eat or drink. I'll maybe drink something during a 10k if it's real hot or just splash water on my head/neck.

For sports drinks, I stay away from Gatorade while running (causes side cramps) and use either Accelerade powder or CytoMax powder in water. Both work well. I have not tried the premixed / bottled variety.

Before a race, I'll have a Cliff Bar or a banana along with coffee and water. Depends on the distance. I've tried oatmeal - that works fine.

After a race I'll drink whatever sports drink is handed out if I feel I need it. I'll eat a bagel or banana or yoghurt smoothie if they have them.

Speaking of bad, I like to take along a couple good sized pieces of beef jerky. The 'energy' in it is not the most appropriate but I like the salt and pepper taste and the way it triggers the saliva in a dry mouth. The taste both during and after consumption is far superior to the typical gel. Since it is probably entirely unnecessary to consume any food during most runs, I like the jerky for the salt. Since there in nearly zero chance of me actually winning a race (or even threatening), I prefer to forgo the whole gooey gel thing.

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gotta run...