Protein Bars – A Healthy Snack or a Candy Bar?

Protein bars have for a long time been a dream come true for both gym fanatics and snack addicts. There is an endless range of interesting flavors, they suppress appetite, and the protein content assists in muscle growth, helping you to achieve your fitness objectives. Sometimes, the people we perceive as friends turn out to be enemies in disguise; A bright and welcoming package can cover up a hard, bitter chocolate bar that is so hard it could ruin your teeth and it will leave you feeling hungry again soon after you eat it.

What is the best way to determine which protein bars have a good taste and will be satisfying enough that you should buy them? Refer to this comprehensive guide to determine the characteristics to search for in a protein bar and the highest-rated protein bars on the market, according to qualified nutritionists and employees of Shape magazine.

What Is Protein and Why Is It Important?

Protein is a nutrient like fats and carbohydrates that are consumed in large amounts. Proteins are present in each cell of your body and are especially essential for constructing and mending tissues (like muscle). It’s essential to have a regular intake of protein since your body cannot store it, unlike carbs and fat. This way, you will guarantee your body is getting an adequate amount. Eating high-protein foods can help your body to burn fat and keep you feeling satisfied for a longer period of time.

Protein is widely sought after as a snack by many people due to its advantages, but there’s some discussion concerning the exact quantity of protein needed by the average individual. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends that Americans obtain 10-25% of the calories they consume in a day from protein. That leaves a pretty wide range, however. A different way to calculate how much protein you require is to use a calculator such as the one from the USDA (or just multiply your bodyweight in pounds by 0.36).

When Are Protein Bars a Good Option?

Protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, and beans are not typically suitable for consumption while on the move. If you’re looking for something nutritious to bring on the go, protein bars are an ideal choice. Gabriella Vetere, a registered dietitian and certified specialist in obesity and weight management, suggests that people needing a quick, protein-rich snack should keep protein bars in their handbag, particularly if they don’t eat enough of it. I believe that protein bars can be an excellent option for many people. Nevertheless, it is essential to keep in mind that they should be consumed as snacks rather than as a meal substitute. Vetere proposes that a plateful of lean protein, fruits, vegetables and high fiber starches should be at the heart of every meal. Santucci claims that protein bars are not filling enough due to the fact that they typically contain only approximately 200 calories and lack the full range of nutrients needed to classify it as a meal. She cautions that it is not wise to begin using protein bars to replace meals since you would miss out on all of the significant nutrients that come from actual, whole food–specifically, vegetables and fruits. If you are desperate, having a protein bar is a more suitable option than not having anything at all. Santucci states that if someone is short of time and does not have enough to make a meal, it is acceptable to take a “clean” protein bar instead of skipping a meal. Pam Pinto, who is the proprietor of Act Natural Health and Wellness, a store that focuses on health and nutrition consultation, remarks that many of her customers come in not knowing much about it. She mentioned that a major mistake about protein bars is believing that they are capable of taking the place of a meal. “Customers think they are doing something healthy. They are unaware that they are consuming something that is only a fancier version of a candy bar. Even if the components are natural food and include fiber, the fruit still has an energizing effect.

Use These Tips to Choose a Healthy Protein Bar

Professionals concur that protein bars are an effective choice for those attempting to consume a healthy diet while in a hurry. Nevertheless, it is vital to figure out what to be aware of so as to make sure that your bar is providing you with nourishment that is beneficial, and not just a sugar buzz. No matter what kind of protein bar you pick, do not get overly ambitious with the expectations you have of it. A certified nutritionist named Akey stresses the importance of recognizing that prepared foods you buy can have processing involved, unless they are made at home. The point of this is to get a protein bar that has no unnecessary ingredients and is high in protein, low in sugar, and low in carbohydrates, though not lacking in fiber. To hunt down a better choice, Akey suggests starting with the pharmacy department in whatever shop you are in. She suggests that, as a guideline while shopping at a grocery store, it is better to opt for a protein bar that is found in the pharmacy section instead of one located in the cereal aisle. Frankly, when examining the cereals in the grocery store aisle, I don’t see any that I would choose over a candy bar. However, when you move to the pharmacy section, you have to be mindful of looking at the nutrition info and the ingredients listed on the label. Initially, verify that the bar you are looking at has a noteworthy portion of protein. Lindsey Mathews, the top nutritionist and instructor at IdealFit (a business specializing in female fitness and nutrition selling protein bars) suggested selecting a bar that has approximately 200 calories in addition to the same amount of carbohydrates and protein. She recommends examining the amount of protein in an item labelled as a protein bar. If the carbohydrates comprise twice the amount of protein, then the bar is essentially just a candy bar. Generally, it is best that the bar’s predominant nutrient is protein and that it provides the majority of the calories consumed. In order for that to occur, the snack must have roughly the same amount of protein as it does carbohydrates. According to a registered dietician Vetere, a bar containing approximately 12-20 grams of protein is typically an excellent selection. If you’re attempting to reduce your weight, it is recommended to select a bar with considerably fewer carbohydrates. She suggests that people looking to shed some pounds should go for a protein bar that contains a minimum amount of carbohydrates and more of its energy and nutrients should be coming from fat and protein. Pay careful attention to the amount of sugar in protein bars before consuming them. Dr. Vetere suggests that you should have less than 30 g of carbs, including sugars, per portion, and staying away from snack bars that are composed of processed sugar. She emphasizes not to utilize sources that are of high fructose corn syrup, brown rice syrup, or cane sugar. Selecting bars that are sweetened with fruit is the most desirable option.

The Best Protein Bars to Stock Up On Now

Best Protein Bar with Simple Ingredients: RXBARs

Despite being composed mainly of a few basic ingredients such as egg whites, nuts, and dates, RXBARs come in a variety of flavors, a quality that nutrition expert Wintana Kiros, R.D.N., L.D.N., highly recommends to those she works with. Every one of the top-ranked bars offers 12 grams of protein and 4 to 5 grams of fiber, helping maintain steady glucose levels and keeping you satiated for a longer period. Sample: Sample 1 Get a blended berry for a milkshake-style delight, the chocolate coconut for a trip to a Caribbean paradise, or the chocolate and peanut butter for a Reese’s-like experience.

Best Protein Bar for Grain-Free Snacking: Skout Protein Bars

If you are looking for something that is satisfying and homemade without having to do a lot of work, this option from Alex Caspero, M.A., R.D., a registered dietitian and plant-based chef, is perfect. She claims that if she were to prepare a bar, it would be a Skout bar. The protein bars come in the flavors of coconut, chocolate cherry, peanut butter, and salted chocolate. Without any refined sugar or grains, each serving has 10 grams of protein and 5-8 grams of fiber.

Best Protein Bar with a Classic Flavor: Bob’s Red Mill Peanut Butter, Honey & Oats Bob’s Bar

These protein bars contain six basic food items; peanuts, whole grain oats, and organic honey being a few of them. The product is aptly named as it includes only whole food ingredients. By choosing this snack, you will be receiving a mix of energizing carbs, plant proteins, and healthy fats, comments Mia Syn, a professional dietitian nutritionist located in Charleston, SC. You will get 8 grams of protein from plants and 3 grams of fiber with every snack at the bars.

Best Keto Protein Bar: IQBAR in Lemon Blueberry

The delectable combination of real blueberries and lemon enhance these protein bars, providing 12 grams of plant-based protein to fuel your muscles, 15 grams of fat to fill you up, and 8 grams of fiber to keep you satisfied. Syn states that all the bars have a minimal quantity of net carbs, amounting to three grams, thus making them suitable for a ketogenic diet. Furthermore, these supplements are designed with components which supply nourishment especially beneficial to the brain, including vital omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoid antioxidants, vitamin E, and choline.

Best Protein Bar for Travelers: KIND Protein Bars

It’s likely that your next rest stop, like a gas station or convenience mart, will have KIND bars on its shelves, regardless of which means of transportation you’re using – plane, train, or car. Munro pointed out that these items are generally available in many places, making them a conveniently accessible choice. It doesn’t matter which of the four options you pick – almond butter dark chocolate, double dark chocolate nut, crunchy peanut butter, or toasted caramel nut – you’ll get 12g of plant-based protein and between 5 and 6g of filling fiber.

Best Protein Bar for a Nostalgic Snack: Simply Protein Dark Chocolate Almond Snack Bars

Due to the soy protein and brown rice crisps, this protein bar has a flavor that is reminiscent of a chocolate Rice Krispies Treat, rather than simply a practical nutrient source. These snack bars are free of gluten and dairy and contain 12g of protein and 7g of fiber. Almonds, oats, and chicory root are the main ingredients – though those with delicate digestive systems may want to take particular note of the chicory root. Syn states that this is a sensible choice if you are in the market for a protein bar that has a crunchy texture created from brown rice crisps.

Best Protein Bar to Stock In the Fridge: Perfect Bar in Coconut Peanut Butter

Renee Cherry, a writer for Shape magazine, attests that the Perfect Bar certainly merits its name. She states that many people are drawn to the protein bars because they are composed entirely of recognizable ingredients, something that is uncommon for other protein bars. The coconut peanut butter blend, which provides 16 grams of protein, has a natural sweetness from honey instead of artificial sweeteners, meaning no aftertaste. Cherry explains that in addition to those two ingredients, there are 20 additional nutrient-rich components, such as alfalfa powder and flax seed oil. She states that, as the bar contains more fat than the majority of protein bars, she finds that it is especially filling. When I’m feeling famished and know I can’t get a proper meal right away, I grab a snack.

Best Protein Bar for Peanut Lovers: KIND Energy Bar in Peanut Butter

These KIND protein bars contain an impressive five different whole grains, including oats, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, and millet. This food item is beneficial because of its 10 grams of plant-based protein and 5 grams of fiber, making it an excellent source of both nutrients in a single bar. In addition, the soft bars contain both peanut butter and entire peanuts, making it certain that you’ll be in favor of the treat whether you are a fan of Creamy or Crunchy.

Best-Tasting Protein Bar: UNiTE Protein Bars

UNiTE’s protein bars have flavors that make me feel like I have gone to Mexico, or to my mother’s house, without ever leaving my home. The featured selections include Mexican hot chocolate, churro, and PB & jelly. The Mexican hot chocolate bar has a spiciness to it due to the chili flavor, which makes it that much more enjoyable, and the churro option has the same flavor as if it were freshly made. These gluten-free bars have lots of power-packed ingredients like nuts, whey protein, and hemp hearts which make them contain 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. So when I eat one of these bars I don’t get hunger pangs soon afterwards.

Best Affordable Protein Bar: Quest Protein Bar in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Cherry finds Quest’s protein bars to be the most popular granola and nutrition bar on Amazon due to their taste which is similar to a treat. She explains that when it comes to protein supplements, she sometimes desires something with more of a candy-like quality, and the chocolate chip cookie dough Quest Protein Bar meets that need. These treats have a pleasing chewiness, even more so if microwaved as directed. Plus, the ratio of chocolate chips to dough is pleasantly substantial.

Other Healthy Snacking Options

You don’t have to struggle to locate a protein bar that’s suitable for you. Making your own protein bar-influenced treats in the comfort of your home is surprisingly effortless. Cooking up your own snacks at home is excellent because you can be sure of what natural components are in them instead of the hidden sugars that are often found in store-bought products. She recommends combining nut butter with pumpkin or sunflower seeds, using cinnamon (potentially to elevate your metabolism), adding a top notch protein powder, and finishing off with oats and a handful of dark chocolate chips. Form the mixture into small spheres and store them in the refrigerator to get when you are running short on time. Snacks that are healthy and high in protein include hard-boiled eggs, peanuts, plain Greek yogurt, and hummus. No matter what snack you opt to eat—could be a protein bar or something different—make certain you are aware of what you are consuming. Having an understanding of how to properly nourish your body with protein can be beneficial and enable you to stay in top form physically and mentally.