The Cons: Why Theyre Not Always Great
Some protein bars are really high in calories and added sugar, so much so that theyre almost no different from a candy bar. Added sweeteners might make them taste great but can end up doing more harm than good.
And while some protein bars get their fats from whole-food ingredients like nuts and seeds, others use highly processed plant oils like palm, canola, peanut, or soybean oil.
We dont yet know a ton about the long-term effects of eating a high protein diet. Experts note that these diets are generally safe for otherwise healthy people, but more research is needed.
Lastly, while protein bars are convenient, theyre usually not cheap. Many protein bars are costly and may not be worth the money.
Basically, your specific nutritional needs and goals will determine if protein bars are a good addition to your diet.
Does Protein Keep You Awake At Night
It is common knowledge that protein helps in keeping the muscles toned and healthy, which means that if you do not consume adequate protein, then your body will not be able to maintain its smoothness and strength. This is why we always hear about people who are unable to sleep or not able to perform well at work due to the fact that they lack the necessary protein supplements in their diets.
The problem here is that they do not realize that protein is only one of the many things needed for their health. There is another important part of the equation that is often overlooked by people which would be the diet. This would mean that you should consume a proper diet that contains all the necessary nutrients.
It is easy to see how protein can keep you up and running but if you know how to feed your body with the right kinds of food, it will help you get better sleep at night while gaining muscle mass.5 You should also pay attention to your diet and make sure that you get a proper balance of all the nutrients your body needs to function properly. Once you find a good diet that works well for you, then you can rest assured knowing that your body is receiving the nutrients it requires for optimum health.
Image Credits
The Fulcrum / February 15, 2012
Health Joint / December 2017
1 Are Protein Bars Good for You? Healthline. Accessed 10 Mar. 2021.
2021.
The One You Should Try
If youre really looking for a redeeming protein bar that can help you power up after a hard workout, theres the RXBar. The blueberry variety is just 210 calories, has 1g of saturated fat, and no added sugars. Theyre a wholesome choice that you dont need to worry about ruining the rest of your daily intake.
Also Check: Chameleon Duo Pre Stained Protein Ladder
No Two Protein Bars Are The Same
Before anything else, itâs worth pointing out that all protein bars are created differently. Some are made with animal proteins while some are completely vegan. Some keep the ingredient count to a minimum, while some are loaded with nutrient-rich foods and additives.
These products heavily vary, but they have two things in common. First is that they contain protein, and the next is that they are celebrated as the perfect post-workout snack.
However, this leads to a popular question: is it okay to eat protein bars even if you didnât work out?
Best Protein Bars For Weight Loss: No Cow High Protein Bars
If youre looking for a protein bar to help along your weight loss journey, the No Cow High Protein Bars are a top pick. They contain 21 grams of protein and 17 grams of fiber per bar, yet theyre extremely low in sugar and net carbs. There are a wide range of flavors availableincluding Crunchy Peanut Butter, Blueberry Cobbler and Chocolate Chip Cookie Doughand theyre made with plant-based protein, making them suitable for vegans.
Reviewers love that the No Cow bars have more protein than other vegan snacks, and most agree the taste is good, though the texture can take a while to get used to. Just keep in mind that these bars do contain 5 grams of sugar alcohol.
via merchant
Don’t Miss: Protein Total Random Urine Low
Best Protein Bars For Muscle Gain: Fitcrunch Protein Bars
When youre focusing on building muscle, its important to eat high-protein foods, so stock up on FITCRUNCH Protein Bars. While they are quite pricey, these bars contain a whopping 30 grams of protein each, making it easier to meet your daily goals. Plus, they taste more like candy bars than traditional protein bars, sporting a six-layer design with a cakey core and crunchy peanuts, all dipped in chocolate: The peanut butter flavor is easily the best protein bar Ive ever had, writes one reviewer. Its not quite a candy bar, but its not far off either. The textures are so good, and the flavor is all there.
The FITCRUNCH Protein Bars contain 380 calories each, and youll want to keep in mind that they contain quite a bit of sugar alcohol16 grams per bar, to be precisewhich may cause a bit of upset if you have a sensitive stomach.
via merchant
How Homemade Gluten Free Protein Bars Came To Be
My kids play a lot of sports. That means that we’re often on the run, so they eat a lot of protein bars.
And of course, each kid has his or her own favorite variety of bar. But all those packaged protein bars have one thing in common: they’re crazy expensive.
This recipe for homemade protein bars started out as something I was just making for my family, and that was that. After much hesitation, I had finally purchased some Vega Essentials protein powder.
I mean, they even sell protein powder at CVS now! I could use a coupon! I was just playing around with it.
That’s the kind of experimenting I rarely get to do anymore, where I just throw a bit of this and a bit of that into a recipe. Very few notes, even fewer apologies.
Read Also: Things To Add To Protein Shake
How To Use Protein Supplements Safely
Dietary supplements such as protein bars should be consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, and not used as a substitute for whole food.
Nutritionist Kerry Torrens explains, Protein supplements, such as bars, are highly processed and lack the micronutrients and other beneficial nutrients of whole, natural food. We should all aim to achieve our protein requirements from a well-balanced diet, but for short-term use or in certain circumstances, protein supplementation may be considered.’
Although protein bars may have healthier credentials than a chocolate bar, it’s important to remember that they are a concentrated source of energy and can be high in sugar, carbohydrates and fats. Consider your individual health and fitness goals, your personal dietary requirements and your reason for including protein bars in your diet when deciding which product to buy and how often to eat them.
Discover how to eat a balanced diet and the best protein sources, including options for vegetarians and vegans.
What To Look For In A Protein Bar
If you’re going to include protein bars in your dieteither as a regular between-meal snack, as a grab-and-go option when you don’t have time for a full meal, or as a part of a weight-loss or weight-gain strategyreading and understanding the ingredients labels on the different types of bars is key to choosing the healthiest options for you. Here are some general guidelines to consider:
Read Also: How Much Protein Per Pound
Don’t Just Leave Out An Ingredient
There are lots of ways to customize these protein bars to your family’s tastes and nutritional needs. There’s no chemical reaction happening, since these bars are no-bake, so the mixture must have a certain texture right out of the food processor.
We want the bars to hold together well, so you’ll need ingredients that provide structure, and ingredients that bind the bars together. Plus, you need a protein powder, since these are protein bars after all!
The Nutritional Criteria For The Best Protein Bars
Not just any protein bar landed a spot on our list of best protein bars. We compiled a list of over 100 protein bars so we could compare their nutrition and ingredient information. With the help of dietitians, we came up with specifical nutritional and ingredient criteria we had to follow to select the best protein bars:
- 8 grams protein minimum: To qualify as a “protein bar,” each bar had to have no less than 8 grams of protein. Hillary Cecere, RDN of Eat Clean Bro, a meal delivery service, recommends aiming for 15-20 grams of protein if you’re looking to gain muscle and 7-12 grams of protein for a satiating snack.
- 13 grams sugar maximum: The best protein bars have no more than 13 grams of sugar.
- 3 grams fiber minimum: When it comes to fiber, Fine recommends opting for a protein bar with 3 or more grams per bar or serving. “However, caution with those boasting more than 10 grams of fiber as these are likely loaded with isolated fibers that can cause stomach discomfort,” says Fine.
Also Check: Orgain Organic Protein Plant-based Powder
Can A Protein Bar Replace A Meal
While eating balanced meals with protein, fat and carbs is the easiest way to see whats on your plate, a protein bar can replace a meal if needed. As long as protein bars have close to the recommended 25 to 30 grams of protein that healthy adults are advised to consume three times a day, they can suffice as a meal replacement. Still, be wary of protein bars high in carbs or added sugar, since regularly consuming high levels of carbs can raise your blood pressure over time. If your protein bar has less than 25 grams of protein, you may want to consider adding a second small protein source to your meal, such as greek yogurt or a boiled egg, to reach the recommended amount.
Is It Okay To Eat Protein Bars Daily
Eating a protein bar, or even multiple protein bars, per day can be completely safe. This is particularly true for minimally processed products.
This is only true if youre getting enough nutrients in your diet. If you often consume protein bars instead of meals, you could easily end up deficient in key nutrients.
Read Also: What Has Alot Of Protein
Is It Bad To Eat A Protein Bar Everyday
Protein bars are a popular and convenient way to add more protein to your diet: They’re a great source of vitamins and nutrients and can easily be eaten on the go. But are they actually good for your health?
Most protein bars contain dried fruit, dates, nuts and seeds, whole grains, and other sources of protein like yogurt powder and egg whites. They also tend to be around 150 to 200 calories each and contain 10 to 20 grams of protein. Protein bars can be a good source of calcium, potassium, vitamin B, fiber, and iron. They can also help you gain muscle mass and can even promote weight loss. In addition, protein bars can be a good meal replacement or post-workout snack. Sounds good, right? Maybe not.
Since the nutritional composition of protein bars varies across different flavors and brands, it’s a good idea to check the list of ingredients before you make any purchases: some protein bars are so high in calories and added sugar or even high-fructose corn syrup that they might as well be in the candy aisle. This can potentially increase your risk of diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity when consumed in excess! Additionally, while the fat in some protein bars often comes from whole nuts and seeds, others use highly processed plant oils, like palm, canola, peanut, or soybean oil.
According To Your Objective
Why/How are you planning to add protein bars in your routine? As a source of protein or a pre/post-workout snack?
- As a Source of Protein: In case you are having it as a source of protein, you must go for a bar that has at least 10 to 20 grams of protein.
- Pre-Sleep Dessert: If you are seeking a pre-sleep dessert, choose a protein bar that has no or very less sugar.
- Pre/Post-Play Snack: If it is going to be your pre/post-play snack, try to consume the bars with fruits in it to make sure the body is getting enough natural sugar content.
- Pre/Post-Workout Snack: In case you want a pre/post-workout snack, go for a bar with about 30 grams of carbohydrates and between 3 and 5 grams of fibre.
Read Also: High Protein Low Sugar Snacks
Are Protein Bars Good For You Why Are They So Popular
One of the main reasons people turn to protein bars is for their high protein content. Protein is an essential nutrient that is necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue, and it can also help you feel full and satisfied after eating. Many protein bars provide between 10-20 grams of protein per bar, which can be a great option for people who are looking to increase their protein intake.
Are Protein Bars Good For You Facts And A Healthy Recipe
Getting enough protein in your diet is essential for optimal health, but are protein bars good for you? We give you the facts and a tasty protein bar recipe!
Protein bars are an easy source of energy and can be a great time saver in our busy lives. However, when deciding if protein bars are good for you, there are several things to consider other than the protein content itself. There are many positives. For example, many bars contain essential vitamins and minerals to help meet your daily needs. Many are full of macronutrients, carbohydrates and fats. Some even help you get your daily calcium, iron, vitamin E, B vitamins and magnesium.
Nutritional profiles can vary significantly between brands, so depending on your needs, read the ingredients. Some protein bars have lots of sugar or use unhealthy artificial sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup, which can reduce metabolic health.
What kind of protein do protein bars use?
The protein used varies from bar to bar or brand to brand. Some contain dairy proteins such as casein and whey, while others use eggs or yogurt powder. Vegan protein bars contain plant-based proteins from soy, peas or rice. Often these bars also include seeds and nuts to boost protein content.
Unfortunately, many protein bars rely on highly processed ingredients like whey or soy protein isolates. If you prefer to eat mostly whole, unprocessed foods, then you may wish to choose bars with more natural ingredients.
Also Check: Best Chocolate Protein Shake Recipe
If You Wonder Which Protein Bars Are Not Good For You Here Are The 7 Worst Protein Bars:
Even though these low-sugar protein bars meet the same low-sugar, high-protein requirements as our best protein bars, they don’t meet other important nutritional marks.
The following worst protein bars landed a spot on our list of bars to avoid for numerous reasons:
- They contain more than 10 grams of sugar alcohol, which can have laxative-like effects.
- The protein is from highly-processed sources rather than whole foods.
- The higher fat content is from inflammatory vegetable oils rather than healthy fats like nuts and seeds.
- They contain artificial flavors and/or sweeteners.
The Most Suitable Time Of The Day To Eat Protein Bars
The best time of the day to eat protein bars can really be anytime during the day. Eating a small amount of protein every day will not hurt you, and will actually help you lose weight, gain muscle and kick hunger cravings. You should eat a serving size for each meal you have in the morning, at night, and as needed throughout the day.
The reason why you should eat protein bars at any time of the day is that they will increase your metabolism, and provide countless other benefits.2 When you burn calories by eating protein, the body can use those calories to burn fat and other unwanted substances. This makes it a great snack for people who need the energy to stay on task and even work longer hours, all while consuming foods that are good for your body. Protein bars do not contain any sugar or carbohydrates, so they do not contribute to the weight gain that you might experience if you ate a lot of high-calorie foods. It is important to note that you should not eat more than you need and that you should drink plenty of water to flush out the extra calories.
Recommended Reading: Best Protein For Dogs With Allergies
The Advantages Of Eating Protein Bars
Protein is an essential macronutrient that supports several structures in your body. You can find protein in numerous sources including eggs, meat, fish and nuts. However, many people rely on protein supplements to get their recommended daily amount. The protein bar is just one option that has several dietary and lifestyle benefits.
Are Protein Bars Healthy What Should I Look For
One easy way to decipher whats really inside your protein bar is to take a look at the ingredients on the reverse of the wrapper. In an ideal world, the majority of ingredients will be natural and, secondly, youll be able to recognise them. Think whey protein, nuts, seeds, milk, pea protein , soy and egg, for starters. A lot of protein bars, especially in vegan products, contain high amounts of fibre, helping support a healthy gut.
However, some protein bars pack a surprisingly high sugar content, which can be delivered in a synthetic form of sugar or sweeteners, such as polydextrose or maltitol. When youre looking for protein bars its important to consider the amount of saturated fats in each bar. Bars which contain more than 5g per 100g is considered high in saturated fats, explains Jenna Hope, , MSc, BSc . Additionally, whilst these bars are a convenient source of protein, many of them are made using artificial and highly processed ingredients.
Read Also: What Is The Normal Amount Of Protein In Urine