The 9 Best Protein Bars, According to our Dietitians Leave a comment

Excessive-protein is the development of 2024, so naturally, everybody’s looking for straightforward hacks to extend protein consumption to hit their targets.  In every single place you look, persons 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 grow 6.4% over the following seven years. 

However with so many choices in the marketplace, how are you aware 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 sensible for you. Learn on for her buying recommendation and picks. 

What Is The Dietary Standards For The Greatest Protein Bars?

In line with Mercer, there are two most important issues to take a look at when deciding on a bar. “Added sugar and, after all, 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 People recommends that added sugars make up lower than 10% of your complete day by day energy,” says Mercer. “For instance, should you eat 2,000 energy a day, that will be 50 grams of added sugar.” So, have a look at the grams of sugar and contemplate the way it matches into your general day. (Professional tip: you possibly can 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 carry you a information to a number of better-for-you protein bars primarily based 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 obtained you coated.

Whey Protein Bars

Built Bars and Think! Bars

For those who’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 Suppose! Bars. 

“Each bars provide nice macros at an inexpensive value,” says dietitian Daisy Mercer.

Each bars ship a stable 17 to twenty grams of protein per serving and hold added sugars to a minimal. 

“Whey protein bars do are inclined to have a little bit extra fats added, in all probability 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 Suppose! Bar (varies by taste):

• Energy: ~150-230
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 18-23g
• Fats: 4-9g
• Sugar: 0-3g
• Fiber: 2-5g

Low Carb Keto Protein Bar

Collagen Protein Bars

For these following a low-carb or ketogenic weight-reduction plan, the Good Keto Bar is an efficient possibility. “I like that the ingredient record 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 stable alternative 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 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

Perfect Bar Peanut Butter

For these avoiding gluten, give the Good Bar Peanut Butter a strive. This bar is primarily produced from 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 possibility that gives each long-term and short-term vitality,” says dietitian Emily Sullivan. 

Whereas it’s increased in fats as a result of 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 Flavor)

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 like so many issues about this bar,” says dietitian Katherine Basbaum. “It’s made with only a few components, 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 Flavor)

For those who’re on the lookout for a soy-free possibility, the RX Protein Bar in Chocolate Sea Salt is a superb alternative. With solely 5 most important 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 possibility.

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 Flavor)

For these looking for a high-fiber possibility, Aloha Protein Bars provide 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 Flavor)

It may be a problem to discover a good protein bar should you choose plant-based meals. However this one matches 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 easy components record.”  

Dietary content material per bar:

• Energy: 160
• Protein: 12g
• Carbs: 12g
• Fats: 10g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 9g

Regularly Requested Questions

We requested registered dietitian Daisy Mercer to assessment your burning questions on protein bars. Get dietitian-approved solutions under:

Are protein bars possibility for meal alternative?

Whereas protein bars may be handy for on-the-go diet, they’re usually not full meal replacements due to their restricted nutrient content material in comparison with a balanced meal. 

What are the very best instances to eat protein bars?

Some good instances to eat a protein bar embrace after a exercise, as a mid-afternoon snack to curb starvation, or as a fast breakfast possibility whenever 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. Nevertheless, it’s vital to decide on bars with low added sugars and to think about general calorie consumption.

Can I eat protein bars day by day?

Consuming protein bars day by day can result in extreme consumption of processed components, added sugars, or unhealthy fat, relying on the bar. It’s greatest to differ your protein sources and embrace 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 equivalent to rooster, fish, eggs, and beans are usually extra nutritious, providing a broader vary of nutritional vitamins, minerals, and different helpful compounds.

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