Excessive-protein is the pattern of 2024, so naturally, everybody’s looking for simple hacks to extend protein consumption to hit their objectives. All over the 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 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 skilled 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 Finest Protein Bars?
In keeping with Mercer, there are two predominant issues to have 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 Tips for People recommends that added sugars make up lower than 10% of your complete every day energy,” says Mercer. “For instance, if you happen to eat 2,000 energy a day, that may be 50 grams of added sugar.” So, have a look at the grams of sugar and take into account the way it suits into your general day. (Professional tip: you’ll be able to simply observe your every day sugar consumption by logging meals, drinks, and snacks in MyFitnessPal!)
We consulted with Mercer and different MyFitnessPal registered dietitians to carry you a information to a number of better-for-you protein bars based mostly on dietary preferences and limitations. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a bar that’s excessive in fiber, low in carbs, or free from dairy, we’ve acquired you coated.
Whey Protein Bars
Constructed Bars and Assume! Bars
In case you’re on the lookout for a protein bar that packs a punch by way of protein content material, look no additional than Constructed Bars and Assume! Bars.
“Each bars supply nice macros at an reasonably priced value,” says dietitian Daisy Mercer.
Each bars ship a strong 17 to twenty grams of protein per serving and maintain added sugars to a minimal.
“Whey protein bars do are likely 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 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 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 food regimen, the Excellent Keto Bar is an efficient choice. “I like that the ingredient listing is minimal and makes use of components 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 need to maintain their carb consumption in verify.
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 the next 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 constructed from entire meals, with peanut butter being the primary supply of protein.
“It’s acquired 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 largely unsaturated fats, which is best 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 like so many issues about this bar,” says dietitian Katherine Basbaum. “It’s made with only a few components, 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)
In case you’re on the lookout for a soy-free choice, the RX Protein Bar in Chocolate Sea Salt is a superb selection. With solely 5 predominant components, 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 looking for a high-fiber choice, Aloha Protein Bars supply 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-Primarily based Protein Bar
IQ Bar (Peanut Butter Chip Taste)
It may be a problem to discover a good protein bar if you happen to 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 components listing.”
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 overview your burning questions on protein bars. Get dietitian-approved solutions under:
Are protein bars an excellent choice for meal substitute?
Whereas protein bars may be handy for on-the-go vitamin, 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 occasions to eat protein bars?
Some good occasions to eat a protein bar embrace after a exercise, as a mid-afternoon snack to curb starvation, or as a fast breakfast choice if you’re quick on time. Timing is dependent upon your particular person dietary wants and objectives.
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 objectives. Nevertheless, it’s necessary to decide on bars with low added sugars and to think about general calorie consumption.
Can I eat protein bars day-after-day?
Consuming protein bars every day can result in extreme consumption of processed components, added sugars, or unhealthy fat, relying on the bar. It’s finest to fluctuate your protein sources and embrace 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 comparable to rooster, fish, eggs, and beans are usually extra nutritious, providing a broader vary of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and different helpful compounds.
The put up The 9 Finest Protein Bars, In keeping with our Dietitians appeared first on MyFitnessPal Weblog.
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