Excessive-protein is the pattern of 2024, so naturally, everybody’s looking for straightforward hacks to extend protein consumption to hit their targets. In every single place you look, individuals are snacking on dried beef sticks and stocking up on protein powder. In 2024, MyFitnessPal customers logged protein powerhouse cottage cheese 35% extra occasions than they did in 2023.
And protein bars are getting renewed consideration, too. Gross sales topped $5 billion in 2023, and the protein bar market is predicted to develop 6.4% over the subsequent seven years.
However with so many choices in the marketplace, how have you learnt which protein bars are literally good for you? We requested registered dietitian Daisy Mercer for her professional opinion on how to decide on one which is smart for you. Learn on for her buying recommendation and picks.
What Is The Dietary Standards For The Greatest Protein Bars?
In keeping with Mercer, there are two foremost issues to take a look at when choosing a bar. “Added sugar and, in fact, protein.” She likes to see not less than 10 grams of protein per bar.
Sugar is a bit more nuanced. “The Dietary Pointers for Individuals recommends that added sugars make up lower than 10% of your whole each day energy,” says Mercer. “For instance, should you eat 2,000 energy a day, that might be 50 grams of added sugar.” So, take a look at the grams of sugar and think about the way it suits into your total day. (Professional tip: you’ll be able to simply monitor your each day sugar consumption by logging meals, drinks, and snacks in MyFitnessPal!)
We consulted with Mercer and different MyFitnessPal registered dietitians to convey you a information to a number of better-for-you protein bars primarily based on dietary preferences and limitations. Whether or not you’re in search of a bar that’s excessive in fiber, low in carbs, or free from dairy, we’ve obtained you coated.
Whey Protein Bars
Constructed Bars and Suppose! Bars
In case you’re in search of a protein bar that packs a punch when it comes to protein content material, look no additional than Constructed Bars and Suppose! Bars.
“Each bars supply nice macros at an inexpensive value,” says dietitian Daisy Mercer.
Each bars ship a strong 17 to twenty grams of protein per serving and hold added sugars to a minimal.
“Whey protein bars do are likely to have a little bit extra fats added, in all probability to help in taste, however nothing to fret an excessive amount of about. I additionally recognize that corn syrup isn’t utilized in these bars,” provides Mercer.
Dietary content material per Constructed Bar (varies by taste):
Energy: ~130-180
Protein: 17-20g
Carbs: 18-22g
Fats: 2-4g
Sugar: 3-5g
Fiber: 0-5g
Dietary content material per Suppose! Bar (varies by taste):
Energy: ~150-230
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 18-23g
Fats: 4-9g
Sugar: 0-3g
Fiber: 2-5g
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Low Carb Keto Protein Bar
Collagen Protein Bars
For these following a low-carb or ketogenic weight loss program, the Excellent Keto Bar is an effective choice. “I like that the ingredient checklist is minimal and makes use of elements we all know and perceive,” says Mercer. With 10 grams of protein and really low sugar content material, it’s a strong selection for many who wish to hold their carb consumption in test.
When selecting the best protein bar, Mercer reminds us to “keep aware of saturated fats in protein bars, as a rise in saturated fats has been related to elevated levels of cholesterol, and that’s related to the next danger for coronary heart illness,” says Mercer.
Dietary content material per bar:
Energy: ~230
Protein: 11g
Carbs: 12g (web carbs: 4)
Fats: 18g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 2g
Gluten-Free Protein Bar
Excellent Bar Peanut Butter
For these avoiding gluten, give the Excellent Bar Peanut Butter a attempt. This bar is primarily produced from entire meals, with peanut butter being the primary supply of protein.
“It’s obtained 17 grams of protein in a single bar, making it a balanced choice that gives each long-term and short-term vitality,” says dietitian Emily Sullivan.
Whereas it’s increased in fats because of the peanut butter, Sullivan notes that “it’s principally unsaturated fats, which is healthier for coronary heart well being in comparison with saturated fats.”
Dietary content material per bar:
Energy: 340
Protein: 17g
Carbs: 27g
Fats: 19g
Sugar: 19g
Fiber: 3g
Dairy-Free Protein Bar
RX Bar – Nut Butter and Oat (Blueberry Cashew Butter Taste)
For a dairy-free protein bar that doesn’t compromise on taste or vitamin, the RX Bar in Nut Butter and Oat is a standout. “I really like so many issues about this bar,” says dietitian Katherine Basbaum. “It’s made with only a few elements, gives 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and has low sodium and saturated fats content material.”
Whereas the bar does include some added sugars from honey and coconut sugar, Basbaum appreciates that it avoids extra processed sweeteners like excessive fructose corn syrup.
Dietary content material per bar:
Energy: 220
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 29g
Fats: 8g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 5g
Soy-Free Protein Bar
RX Protein Bar (Chocolate Sea Salt Taste)
In case you’re in search of a soy-free choice, the RX Protein Bar in Chocolate Sea Salt is a wonderful selection. With solely 5 foremost elements, this all-natural bar supplies 12 grams of protein sourced from egg whites. “It’s a hearty, chewy bar that works nice for a fast breakfast or high-protein snack,” says Basbaum.
The bar additionally delivers 5 grams of fiber and has no added sugars, making it a healthful and satisfying choice.
Dietary content material per bar:
Energy: 200
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 23g
Fats: 8g
Sugar: 14g
Fiber: 5g
Excessive Fiber Protein Bar
Aloha Protein Bars (Peanut Butter Cup Taste)
For these looking for a high-fiber choice, Aloha Protein Bars supply a considerable 10 grams of fiber together with 14 grams of protein.
“These bars include round 3 grams of saturated fats and 9 grams of unsaturated fats, offering each short-term and long-term vitality,” says Sullivan.
Dietary content material per bar:
Energy: 230
Protein: 14g
Carbs: 26g
Fats: 10g
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 10g
Plant-Primarily based Protein Bar
IQ Bar (Peanut Butter Chip Taste)
It may be a problem to discover a good protein bar should you choose plant-based meals. However this one suits the invoice. It delivers 12 grams of protein and solely 160 energy.
“I like its low sugar content material and comparatively excessive protein content material,” says dietitian Brookell White. “Plus, it has a reasonably simple elements checklist.”
Dietary content material per bar:
Energy: 160
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 12g
Fats: 10g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 9g
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Incessantly Requested Questions
We requested registered dietitian Daisy Mercer to assessment your burning questions on protein bars. Get dietitian-approved solutions beneath:
Are protein bars a very good choice for meal alternative?
Whereas protein bars may be handy for on-the-go vitamin, they’re usually not full meal replacements due to their restricted nutrient content material in comparison with a balanced meal.
What are one of the best occasions to eat protein bars?
Some good occasions to eat a protein bar embody after a exercise, as a mid-afternoon snack to curb starvation, or as a fast breakfast choice whenever you’re quick on time. Timing depends upon your particular person dietary wants and targets.
Can protein bars assist with weight reduction?
Protein bars can help weight reduction by offering a satisfying, lower-calorie snack that helps you meet your protein targets. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to decide on bars with low added sugars and to think about total calorie consumption.
Can I eat protein bars every single day?
Consuming protein bars each day can result in extreme consumption of processed elements, added sugars, or unhealthy fat, relying on the bar. It’s greatest to fluctuate your protein sources and embody entire meals like lean meats, eggs, and legumes.
How do protein bars evaluate to whole-food protein sources?
Whereas protein bars supply comfort, entire meals protein sources corresponding to hen, fish, eggs, and beans are usually extra nutritious, providing a broader vary of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and different useful compounds.
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