Excessive-protein is the development of 2024, so naturally, everybody’s looking for simple 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 instances 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 anticipated 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 knowledgeable opinion on how to decide on one which is smart for you. Learn on for her purchasing recommendation and picks.
What Is The Dietary Standards For The Greatest Protein Bars?
In line with Mercer, there are two foremost issues to take a look at when deciding on a bar. “Added sugar and, in fact, protein.” She likes to see at the very least 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 day by day energy,” says Mercer. “For instance, when you eat 2,000 energy a day, that will be 50 grams of added sugar.” So, take a look at the grams of sugar and contemplate the way it suits into your general day. (Professional tip: you’ll be able to simply monitor your day by 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 searching for a bar that’s excessive in fiber, low in carbs, or free from dairy, we’ve obtained you lined.
Whey Protein Bars
Constructed Bars and Assume! Bars
When you’re searching for a protein bar that packs a punch when it comes to protein content material, look no additional than Constructed Bars and Assume! Bars.
“Each bars provide nice macros at an inexpensive value,” says dietitian Daisy Mercer.
Each bars ship a strong 17 to twenty grams of protein per serving and preserve added sugars to a minimal.
“Whey protein bars do are inclined to have a little bit extra fats added, most likely to assist in taste, however nothing to fret an excessive amount of about. I additionally admire 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 Assume! 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 plan, the Excellent Keto Bar is an efficient choice. “I like that the ingredient checklist is minimal and makes use of substances we all know and perceive,” says Mercer. With 10 grams of protein and really low sugar content material, it’s a strong selection for individuals who wish to preserve their carb consumption in examine.
When choosing the proper 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 a better threat 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 strive. This bar is primarily made out of complete 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 larger in fats because of the peanut butter, Sullivan notes that “it’s largely 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 diet, 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 substances, provides 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and has low sodium and saturated fats content material.”
Whereas the bar does comprise 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)
When you’re searching for a soy-free choice, the RX Protein Bar in Chocolate Sea Salt is a wonderful selection. With solely 5 foremost substances, this all-natural bar offers 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 in search of a high-fiber choice, Aloha Protein Bars provide a considerable 10 grams of fiber together with 14 grams of protein.
“These bars comprise 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-Based mostly Protein Bar
IQ Bar (Peanut Butter Chip Taste)
It may be a problem to discover a good protein bar when you want 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 fairly simple substances checklist.”
Dietary content material per bar:
- Energy: 160
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fats: 10g
- Sugar: 1g
- Fiber: 9g
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Continuously Requested Questions
We requested registered dietitian Daisy Mercer to evaluate your burning questions on protein bars. Get dietitian-approved solutions under:
Are protein bars a great choice for meal alternative?
Whereas protein bars could be handy for on-the-go diet, they’re typically not full meal replacements due to their restricted nutrient content material in comparison with a balanced meal.
What are one of the best instances to eat protein bars?
Some good instances to eat a protein bar embody after a exercise, as a mid-afternoon snack to curb starvation, or as a fast breakfast choice if you’re quick on time. Timing relies on 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. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to decide on bars with low added sugars and to think about general calorie consumption.
Can I eat protein bars daily?
Consuming protein bars day by day can result in extreme consumption of processed substances, added sugars, or unhealthy fat, relying on the bar. It’s greatest to differ your protein sources and embody complete meals like lean meats, eggs, and legumes.
How do protein bars examine to whole-food protein sources?
Whereas protein bars provide comfort, complete meals protein sources akin to rooster, fish, eggs, and beans are usually extra nutritious, providing a broader vary of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and different useful compounds.
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