What Makes a Good (and Healthy) Protein Bar?
Find out what makes a good protein bar and how you can tell if your favorite brand is healthy or not.
Protein bars have become a popular snack food in recent years. They are a great way to fuel your body, and they come in a variety of flavors and textures. Besides, they are often seen as a healthier alternative to candy bars and other sugary snacks. But not all protein bars are created equal. Some protein bars are loaded with unhealthy ingredients, while others are made with only the finest, healthiest ingredients. But with all of the different protein bars on the market, it can be hard to determine which ones are good for you and which ones aren’t.
So what makes a good and healthy protein bar? In this post, we will discuss the key factors to look for when choosing a protein bar, and we will recommend some of our favorite protein bars that fit the bill!
Key Takeaways
When looking for a good and healthy protein bar, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.
First, it is essential to check the ingredients list. A protein bar made with unhealthy ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, high-fructose corn syrup, or Trans fats, will not be good for you. Instead, look for protein bars that are made with only natural ingredients.
Second, it is important to check the nutritional information on the label. For example, a protein bar high in sugar and calories is not going to be good for you. Instead, look for protein bars with low sugar content and low calories.
Third, a protein bar should have at least 20g of protein and 10–25g of carbohydrates, with approximately 5g of sugar. The fat content should be around 5–10g per 60 grams, and the fiber content should be 6g or more per 100 grams.
Finally, it is crucial to taste the protein bar before purchasing it. Not all protein bars taste good, so it is essential to find one that you will enjoy eating.
When To Eat Protein Bars?
Protein bars are available to eat at any time, depending on your cravings, hunger, and energy requirements. For example, if you’re looking for a quick snack before or after a workout, a protein bar can help give you the energy you need. If you’re trying to bulk up or build muscle, eating a protein bar regularly can help you reach your goals. And if you’re just looking for something filling and satisfying to eat between meals, protein bars can help with that, too. No matter what your needs are, there’s a protein bar out there that can help you reach your goals.
They are generally used as:
• A quick breakfast when you are in a rush
• A quick snack at school or work
• Snacks for camping, hiking, skiing, cycling, and other activities
• A snack before or after a workout
• A snack or dessert after coffee
• A dietary snack for gaining and maintaining weight
Which Protein Bars Are Good And The Healthiest?
Protein bars, like other processed foods, have varying degrees of quality. Don’t be fooled by the high price and eye-catching packaging; these aren’t the most important features to consider when determining whether or not a protein bar is of high quality. The best protein bars generally have a high protein to calorie ratio, minimally processed sugars, and no artificial ingredients. However, with so many different protein bars on the market, it can be hard to determine which ones are actually worth your money. However, these five main criteria can help you choose a high-quality protein bar:
Protein Content
This is significant since you want your bar to have protein, right? According to EU standards, a bar must contain at least 12% of its overall energy value as protein to be labeled as a protein source and bear the label protein or protein bar. For a 50g bar, that would amount to just 6g of protein. The energy value of this macronutrient must make up at least 20% of the bar for a bar to be labeled high in protein. That would equal 10g of protein for a 50g bar. So even though a protein bar is marked as high in protein, it may not contain as much protein as you think.
So, if your recommended protein intake is 20g, you need to consume at least two bars to make up for the recommended amount intake.
The quantity of protein is one factor. On the other hand, the source of the protein and its amino acid profile are both essential. If you are not a vegan, the ideal option will be a bar made mostly of milk protein. Whey protein contains about 20% whey protein and 80% casein protein in milk.
Other great sources of protein places include seeds (such as hemp seeds), nuts (including almond nuts), egg whites, and antibiotic-free beef. Soy protein isolate should be avoided at all costs. It’s highly processed from soybeans and might cause headaches and digestive problems in some people.
Sugar Content
The best protein bars, without a doubt, contain no added sugars. Avoid anything that includes a lot of hidden sugar (for example, components you may not be aware of are sugar, such as maltol, caramel, barley malt, and evaporated cane juice). Because a protein bar should not have more than 5g of sugar, the sweet flavor must be provided differently. And in this situation, sweeteners are the ideal option.
By using natural sweeteners like Stevia, and sugar-free chocolate, the best protein bars manage to create a delicious taste without any of the extra calories. Other natural sweeteners are pure maple syrup, coconut sugar, and erythritol. However, if you have a sensitivity that causes bloating, you should also stay away from sugar alcohols. In such circumstances, xylitol, mannitol, and erythritol should be avoided. It’s acceptable to consume sugar. Who doesn’t like sweets, right? However, don’t go overboard.
Carbohydrates Content
You should also pay attention to the proportion of carbohydrates and their sources. After all, do you want a protein bar that’s mostly sugar but lacks any complex carbohydrates to keep to satiated? Unfortunately, there aren’t any set rules about the amount of carbs a protein bar should contain.
Depending on the bar’s weight, it may contain different amounts of carbohydrates. Furthermore, it also depends on who it is meant for. For example, a protein bar for athletes who want to replenish their glycogen stores post-workout may have more carbs than one meant for those trying to lose weight. Similarly, if you’re on a low-carb or a keto diet, you’ll want to find a protein bar with fewer carbs. However, if we were to give a broad all-purpose recommendation, the carbs should be between 10 and 25 g per 60 grams.
In addition to the amount of carbohydrates, you should pay attention to their source. You should look for something that has complex carbohydrates like oats rather than simple carbohydrates like sugar. This is because complex carbs are slowly digested and metabolized, which means they won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Not to mention, they tend to be more filling than simple carbs.
Fiber content
Fiber is essential because it helps keep you feeling full, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and promotes regularity. However, protein bars that contain a lot of fiber are usually higher in calories, so if you’re watching your calorie intake, you may want to choose a bar with less fiber. The ideal protein bars will contain a balanced amount of fiber, ranging from 3 grams to 10 grams per bar. Consume protein bars with fiber content from fruits, vegetables, nuts, dates and oats. Avoid protein bars that contain synthetic fiber like xanthan gum or chicory root fiber, as these aren’t as beneficial to your health.
Fat Content
Protein bars can have a wide range of fat content, from 0 grams to over 20 grams per bar. The type of fat is also important to consider. Saturated fats should be avoided, while unsaturated fats (including Omega-3s) are healthy. The best protein bars will have moderate fat, ranging from 5 grams to 15 grams per bar. The best type of fat in protein bars should come from healthy sources such as cocoa beans, nuts, seeds, and oils.
What Else Can We Find In Protein Bars?
Protein bars typically contain vitamins, minerals, caffeine fillers, stabilizers, and flavorings. While some of these ingredients are essential, others can be less than ideal. These ingredients are included as they make the protein bars more palatable, increase their shelf-life, or boost their nutritional value. However, some of them may not be necessary, and they can even be harmful in some cases.
For example, many protein bars contain added sugars like high fructose corn syrup or sucralose to make them taste sweeter. These ingredients can offset any health benefits the protein bar may have. In addition, some protein bars contain unhealthy fats like palm oil or Trans fats, which can increase your risk of heart disease. Finally, some bars contain artificial sweeteners like sucralose or acesulfame potassium, which are linked to cancer.
Conclusion
There you have it, guys — A protein bar is the ideal snack for various events since it is both nutritious and delicious. It is great to fight off sudden hunger at work, during a long car ride, or before or after a workout. You can also use it as a meal replacement if you are trying to lose weight. Simply put, protein bars are one of the healthiest and most versatile snacks out there.
When looking for the perfect protein bar, it is important to find one that fits your specific dietary needs. Once you find the right protein bar, you’ll be able to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to stay active and healthy. So, before you buy a protein bar, read the ingredients and study the nutritional table carefully. This will help you find the perfect protein bar for your needs. We hope this article has provided helpful information about what makes a good and healthy protein bar. Please feel free to ask us in the comment section below if you have any questions.
