What About The Sugar Content
Did you know that some protein bars carry up to 30 grams of sugar? Clearly, these bars are a bad choice. And dont be fooled by sugar substitutes, either. Studies have shown that artificial sweeteners may also be at the root of weight gain.5Always look for protein bars that are sweetened with gut healthy alternative sweeteners, such as sugar alcohols, monk fruit sweetener, or stevia.
Nature Valley Coconut Almond Protein Chewy Bars
It may look like your favorite of high protein snacks, GORP in a bar, but what you’re really eating when you chomp down on this Nature Valley bar is more fillers than whole foods. It looks like roasted peanuts and coconut, but more of the protein and fat you see in the nutritionals is from soy protein isolate and palm oil than whole foods.
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.
What Is A Protein Bar
Those old enough to remember the 80s might recall when Power Bars were released, as one of Americas first commercially available protein bars.
These bars were marketed to athletes and designed to give you a big protein hit that would help with working out and building muscle.
Although the protein bars of today look and taste a lot different, at their core, theyre about providing people with a fast, convenient source of protein.
This could be for working out, hiking, snacking, or eating as a way to boost your daily protein intake, so theyre no longer just .
Protein bars contain a number of different ingredients, have individual purposes, and can be healthy or unhealthy.
The best way to find a protein bar that matches your needs is to think about why youre eating them, and develop an understanding of what the various ingredients mean and whether theyre good for you or not.
Best Overall: Rxbar Chocolate Sea Salt
If you want to feel like you’re eating a decadent salted brownie while meeting all your protein needs, you’ve met your match with an RXBAR. Dubbed a favorite by many of the experts we spoke to, Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, an NYC-based Registered Dietitian, particularly likes the simplicity of ingredients: “RXBAR does a nice job of making bars out of recognizable ingredients. They are very straightforward on their packaging and tell you that each bar contains dates, nuts, egg whites, and flavors. My personal favorite is the Chocolate Sea Salt, and I find that the 12 grams of protein really keeps me full.”
Steer Clear Of A Hidden Culprit: Sugar
I quickly realized that the majority of protein bars share one thing in common: extra sugar. Loads of it. This shocked me, considering protein bars are frequently touted as a health-friendly snack or post-workout bite. But high added sugar levels, and weird unnecessary ingredients, are hiding everywhereeven in the ones claiming to be good for you. Considering the American Heart Association suggests only 25g of added sugar for women per day, you can see how a single protein bar can use up that allotment fast.
For context, here are a few popular brands I tried, and the sugar counts in each:
- Bobos, Peanut Butter Filled13g
- ThinkThin, Chunky Peanut Butter21g
- PerfectBar, Blueberry Cashew18g
- PRO BAR, Chocolate SuperGreens16g
- Luna Protein, Chocolate Salted Caramel15g
- Clif Builders Protein, Crunchy Peanut Butter22g
- Clif Bar, Oatmeal Raisin20g
No bueno.
- Quest Bar, Blueberry Muffin2g
- HealthWarrior, Honey Almond10g
Keep in mind, if theres chocolate, cacao or fruit involved, the sugar count will be higher, and sometimes thats okay. For example, the cherry Larabar I love? 23g of sugar, but most of it comes from the dates and unsweetened cherries, which are natural sources. Also, notice how even within the same brandClif bars, for instancesugar counts can vary wildly.
In most cases, the longer the ingredient list is, the better chance that this product is not that good for you. Protein bars are not candy bars and their purpose is to fortify our nutrition with protein.
The Rundown: What To Avoid In Nutrition And Food Bars
#1. Highly Processed, Artificial Ingredients and Fillers
Just because it claims to be natural or has a picture of fruit, nuts or a mountain climber on it doesnt mean that its healthy. A lot of food bars contain highly processed ingredients that are difficult to digest and can even be toxic to the body. For example, Balance bars contain an artificial flavor-enhancer, calcium caseinate, which is known to cause migraines and cognitive issues.
In addition to the processing and artificial ingredients, some bars even have added vitamins and minerals. So why is adding vitamins and minerals NOT the healthy choice? The forms of vitamins and minerals that are added into bars are synthetic and therefore difficult to absorb. In some cases synthetic forms of vitamins can even be toxic, acting as a pro-oxidant, damaging your very cells. Now, this is not what we want from a snack best to get the vitamins and minerals from whole foods.
Finally, I dare you to find more than 3 ingredients in each of these bars that resembles something that you could pick off a tree, pull out of the ground, or forage. Ya, I thought so. Do you not think its an issue that their ingredients are composed of things that can only be synthesized in a lab?
#2. Sugar, Sugar, and more Sugar
#3. High Calories Meal Replacement, not Snack
#3. Hexane Extracted Soy
Homemade Protein Bars Only 5 Ingredients
Youll love the pure, nutritious, simple ingredients that go into these quality protein bars. All you need are:
- Whole Rolled Oats: whole oats provide a more robust texture than quick or instant oats.
- Real Peanut Butter: we love chunky peanut butter, as it lends a bit of crunch to the bars.
- Whey Protein Powder: feel free to use your favorite flavor, though we highly recommend steering clear of artificial sugars, as those tend to have an unpalatable aftertaste. Our personal favorite is pure, unflavored 100% whey protein powder, which weve been using for years.
- Real Maple Syrup or Honey: it just feels better than sugar. Plus, maple or honey has the sticky texture needed to help bind the bars.
- Milk: we use regular cows milk, but feel free to use your milk of choice.
- Totally optional: add-ins! We love dried blueberries, chocolate chips, or even drizzled chocolate on top.
Tip: If youre planning to stash these bars in your gym bag, backpack, or lunch sack, we recommend skipping the drizzle on top. Theyll stay a lot neater that way and youll like us more.
- peanut butter mixture
Are Protein Bars Good For You: Nutrition
When it comes to how ‘good’ protein bars are for you, it depends on the brand of protein bar and what ingredients go into the bar. Most protein bars contain a good mix of ingredients that provide flavor and texture, such as nuts, seeds and dried fruit. They may also contain whole grains, such as oats. To bind these ingredients together, and improve the overall flavor, they may also contain sugar syrups, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, milk, eggs, or yogurt powder. Vegan brands may choose to use plant-based agents, such as soy or rice.
Given the variety of ingredients, its impossible to say whether every protein bar is good for you. But knowing standard nutritional information can help. According to the US Department of Agriculture , an average 63g protein bar will contain the following nutrition:
| Amount | |
| 5.04 mg | 1% |
Using this as a guide, we can see that our average protein bar is a great source of protein, fiber, and calcium. Its also a good source of carbohydrate and iron.
Its important to note that not all protein bar manufacturers show their ingredients on the packaging. Some use a blend of ingredients that are kept secret from their competitors, so it can be difficult to know exactly what youre taking into your body. Opting for protein bars that have a full list of ingredients will help you make a more informed choice.
Pure Protein Bars Nutrition Facts
Pure protein bars are tasty, but they also include crucial nutritional information. These tasty treats are often minimal in sugar, including only two to four grams per bar. The majority of Pure Protein Bars also include fats and sugars found in dairy products, and many bars are vitamin and mineral enhanced. When buying a protein bar, there are a few things to consider.
Between twenty-five and thirty grams of protein are found in a high-quality Pure Protein High Protein Bar. The bars will also contain vitamins and minerals, making them an excellent alternative for on-the-go travel! These bars should cost anything from $1 to $3 each. And while theyre a tasty snack, theyre not exactly a healthy choice for everyone, and theyre great for folks attempting to shed pounds.
With 20 grams of protein per bar, the Pure Protein High Protein Bar is a superb source of protein. Theyre also high in vitamins and minerals, and theyre a quick and easy way to satisfy hunger. Ensure that you read the label thoroughly. Milk and soy are found in most Pureprotein bars. If you have a severe allergic reaction to these substances, you should avoid them. The following are a few more things to think about:
Where Can I Purchase Pure Protein
If you havent joined up for the official website, you wont be able to buy Pure Protein goods online. The where to buy part may be found on the official website.
Once youve here, simply select the thing you wish to buy, and youll be presented with a list of stores that sell it, along with their prices. These items are also available on Amazon and other comparable websites.
Each product is priced differently, and the firm provides value-packs to assist you save money. Subscribers to the manufacturers recurring delivery program receive a 10% discount on all items.
Is It Possible To Gain Muscle Mass By Eating Pure Protein Bars
According to a 2018 study, eating a high-protein diet will help your muscles recover faster after a hard workout. Protein bars can help you achieve your long-term goals as well as your short-term goals . Calcium, potassium, vitamin B, fiber, and iron can all be found in protein bars, and they can also aid in developing muscular growth and even weight loss. Protein bars can also be used as a meal replacement or a post-workout snack.
How Pure Protein Bars Taste
Pure Protein Bars taste just like a chocolate bar but are made with only the good stuff. Pure Protein bars are great tasting and perfect for any occasion. They come in a few flavors, like peanut butter, chocolate chip cookie dough and brownie batter, but the peanut butter flavor is the most popular.
The brand is also committed to sustainability and transparency in production. The texture and the taste are what make Pure Protein Bars so great. They have no icky aftertaste or stinky smell like other bars can.
Pure Protein Bar for a snack or meal, these protein bars provide a lot of nutrition for your body without feeling too heavy at all. Pure Protein Bars are one of the best-tasting protein bars on the market!
Pure Protein Bars are a healthy option for people who have a sweet tooth. We want our bars to taste like candy but with no artificial sweeteners. That is why they use natural ingredients that you can feel good about eating. The most important thing about a protein bar is that it contains protein that can help satiate cravings and keep body fat at bay. But as with many other weight loss decisions, your diet should be based on a healthy balance of nutrients rather than just one or two products.
Convenient And Quick Energy Boost
If youre flagging after a gym workout or just need a mid-afternoon pick up, a protein bar can help to give you extra energy, quickly. Although you can get the same effect from a healthy snack, it may not be as portable and easy to eat on the go as a protein bar.
How To Make Protein Bars At Home
Are you looking for healthy protein bars made at home? If yes, continue reading this recipe of Blueberry Protein Bars. These protein bars made at home are gluten-free, require no baking and are naturally sweetened.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of almond butter
- 1 + ½ cup of pure rolled oats
- ½ cup of dried blueberries
- ½ cup of pistachios
- cup of ground flaxseeds
- cup of honey or pure maple syrup
- ¼ cup of unsweetened apple sauce
- ¼ cup of sunflower seeds
- ¾ cup of whole almonds
Directions:
- Get a baking pan and cover it with baking paper, so that the baking paper hangs over the edges.
- Mix all the ingredients mentioned above in a bowl.
- Add honey, maple syrup or applesauce if you want to add some sweet taste to the protein bar.
- Add almond butter which will help mix the ingredients.
- Pour the mixed mass of ingredients into the baking pan by pressing down firmly with hands. Distribute the ingredients evenly as much as possible.
- Put it in a freezer for about 1 hour.
- Remove the baking pan from the freezer. Lift up the baking paper and gently peel the paper away. Slice the mass into bars. You should get about 16 protein bars in total.
- Keep the bars in a sealed bag in the freezer and consume them whenever you want a healthy and quick snack or meal.
What’s In A Pure Protein Bar
Pure Protein bars get their protein from several different sources:
- dairy protein, which includes milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and casein
- soy protein isolate
- collagen, listed as hydrolyzed collagen or hydrolyzed gelatin
While there is a small amount of sugar used in these bars , the majority of this comes from the carbs naturally occurring in the various dairy products and the chocolate coating used in many of the bars. Other carbs are from sugar alcohols .
The bars generally contain only a few grams of fat that comes from the nut products used in some bars , and various oils, including palm kernel, canola, and peanut.
In addition to the calorie-containing ingredients, these bars are also fortified with vitamins and minerals, like calcium, vitamin A, potassium, and zinc, to name a few.
Can Pure Protein Drinks Be Considered Meal Replacement Shakes
Pure Protein drinks arent meant to take the place of a full meal. Theyre frequently consumed in between meals to assist meet your bodys demand for high-quality protein in a tasty form. These beverages can also be combined with other foods to help round out a meal and boost protein value. Pure Protein beverages are also low in fat and may be a fantastic complement to a balanced diet. The 30g and 35g protein drinks have less than 10 grams of carbs, making them ideal for anybody watching their carb consumption.
Protein Bars: Drawbacks And Considerations
Although protein bars can be a quick and effective snack to boost your energy levels and protein intake, its always better to meet your nutritional needs through a healthy balanced diet, using unprocessed, unrefined ingredients. Its worth bearing in mind the following points, if youre thinking of adding protein bars to your diet or increasing what you already eat.
Bibliography
Jäger, R., Kerksick, C. M., Campbell, B. I., Cribb, P. J., Wells, S. D., Skwiat, T. M., Purpura, M., Ziegenfuss, T. N., Ferrando, A. A., Arent, S. M., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Stout, J. R., Arciero, P. J., Ormsbee, M. J., Taylor, L. W., Wilborn, C. D., Kalman, D. S., Kreider, R. B., Willoughby, D. S., Hoffman, J. R., Antonio, J. . International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 14, 20.
Park, D., Lee, H. J., & Son, S. M. . Effects of Low-Calorie Diet Including High Protein-Low Carbohydrate Protein Bar on Weight Loss and Serum Lipid Indicators in Overweight Women according to Dietary Compliance. Korean Journal of Community Nutrition. The Korean Society of Community Nutrition.
Pure Protein Bar Ingredients
If youre looking for a low carb protein bar thats also low in fat, Pure Protein have some of the best protein bars on the market.
With just 5 g of fat per bar, the calories are kept low without sacrificing the protein that helps strengthen and rebuild muscles after intense workouts.
The protein blend is mostly isolates, which ensures youre getting closer to 90% pure protein content, compared to 80% with concentrates. But to help keep the price low, the milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate have been combined with whey protein concentrate.
Unlike the MET-rX Big 100 and thinkThins, Pure Protein Bars contain no casein. This means you can expect the protein to digest more quickly.
Casein protein is a slow digesting protein thats better for taking before going to bed, to help boost muscle recovery and prevent muscle breakdown while you go without meals for an extended period of time. Most people that use casein choose a casein protein powder instead of bars or RTDs.
The only real downside is the low level of dietary fiber. Although 2 grams is average for protein bars, some, like MusclePharm Combat Crunch and MuscleTech Mission1 have significantly more.
Whats in Pure Protein Bars?
| Ingredient |
|---|
Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate
Each Pure Protein Bar also contains milk, soy, peanut and tree nut ingredients.