The Best Protein Bars

by Claire Huffman
Last Updated: 17/06/2020
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When you feel that your body battery is “low” but you have no time for preparing a healthy, nutritious meal, protein bars can be a great, convenient food choice.

Today, many people use protein bars in their every day diets because they an easy way to add protein to a hectic lifestyle. Apart from the fact that protein bars curb sudden food cravings and help you maintain lean muscles, they can also be a healthy alternative to unhealthy processed snacks.

Those who follow a regular workout plan and perform demanding physical activities like jogging or strength training may find protein bars effective to achieve satiety, using them as a post-workout meal or a meal on the go.

Most of the protein bars are full of balanced nutrients designed specifically for active people and sport practitioners. As a rich source of carbohydrates, proteins and fat, protein bars may fuel the body rapidly and help build muscle mass.

The market offers numerous protein bars with a variety of flavours, vitamins and minerals included, so here is a short insight in their nutritional value and traits.

Related post: The Best Protein Powders

Why Use Protein Bars?

Use protein bars before, during or after workouts as well as exhaustive activities, or in other words, when there’s a physical urge for the rapid intake of carbohydrates.

You may consume protein bars at any time of the day, even as a snack between meals. If you do a daily dose of training, you may consider some protein bars that seem “threatening” to you figure since sport protein bars may contain a high amount of carbs.

However, if you track your daily calorie intake, you can also have protein bars when you want to lose weight. Of course, in that case, you should primarily consider bars with low percentages of fat and carbs. But while losing fat, protein bars may be an ideal replacement for desserts.

If you are aiming to increase your muscle mass, you may add more protein to your diet by including protein bars. They can also be a breakfast option or sometimes replace a meal.

Many protein bars contain micronutrients and whole grains which makes them a good quick source of nutritive benefits. Calcium, iron, amaranth, and quinoa are just a few of the many valuable ingredients that may be offered in a single protein bar.

When you opt for a specific protein bar, or you doubt what to choose exactly, there are several things you should have in mind.

Firstly, you need to learn their content. Check the amount of protein per bar if you’re aiming toward increasing your daily protein intake. The source of protein is best concentrated in whey or dairy proteins. Then, check for the content of fat and carbs because some protein bars contain a higher percentage of these in order to enhance flavour. Also, check for any added vitamins, minerals, and other ingredients.

The average content of a bar is 3- 10 grams of fibre, 4- 10 grams of fat and 20- 30 grams of carbs.

Top 10 Protein Bars

1. QuestBar Protein Bar

QuestBar
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QuestBar is a chunk flavoured protein bar with custom chocolate chunks.

This supplement contains a double chocolate flavour with 20 grams of protein, 1g sugar and 14g fibre per bar.

It is gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly. It is one of the nutrition bars that are keto-friendly with no added sugar.

This is a bar for chocolate lovers who want to double their chocolate indulgence.

2. Optimum Nutrition Protein Crunch

Optimum
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Optimum Nutrition Protein Crunch is the best protein bar that is deliciously light and crispy.

This supplement comes in 3 delicious flavours, and it is described as a guilt-free-on-the- go snack. Make every day a cheat day!

The Optimum Nutrition Protein Crunch contains 20 grams of protein and 2-4g sugar.

3. Body Science High Protein Bar

The Body Science High Protein Bar is a low carb protein bar enriched with collagen.

It is one of the healthiest protein bars with a high source of protein. The collagen will rapidly recover your muscles pre, during or after a workout and also enhance protein synthesis.

4. Lenny and Larry’s The Complete Cookie

Lenny and Larry’s are fresh-baked protein cookies made of sustainable natural ingredients for a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Each cookie is a good source of protein as it contains 16 grams per cookie and 8 grams of dietary fibre. These cookies are Kosher and vegan, with no dairy and no eggs. A chocolate chip cookie in a healthy version!

Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookies are GMO-free and contain authorized ingredients. They are soy-free, cholesterol-free, and have no high fructose corn syrup. These bars have no trans fat, no artificial sweeteners, and no sugar alcohols.

5. Blue Dinosaur Protein Bar

Blue Dinosaur
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The Blue Dinosaur Protein Bar is one of the low- calorie protein bars that are healthy and nutritional but, at the same time, taste like chocolate fudge cookie dough or brownie.

It is packed with a solid amount of natural protein that benefits health on a large scale.

Each bar contains 25 g protein.

6. Aussie Bodies Lo Carb

Aussie Bodies Lo Carb is one of the best protein bars for weight loss.

It contains 0,7 g sugar, 1 g carbs, and 9 g protein and 4 grams of fibre.

It contains a rich chocolate flavour that will satisfy your sugar cravings and make you feel “full” pre, during or after exercise.

7. BSc Gluten Free Clean Bar

BSc is the cleanest bar that contains plant-based protein. The BSc Clean Bar doesn’t contain any scary chemicals.

BSc Clean Bar is a plant-based protein that supports a clean diet. The “clean-food” ingredients will provide you with 100% natural flavour that is high in antioxidants, rich in good fats, and completely vegan.

What’s in Clean Bar? It is a protein bar with low sugar. It contains plant proteins, dates, cocoa, coconut, chia seeds, and Vitamin E. These components are pure, simple, wholesome and clean.

Another of its advantages is the fact that it contains a blend of three vegan-friendly plant proteins and healthy fats. These healthy ingredients provide energy to your body and enhance cell activity and absorption of ket vitamins.

BSC Plant Protein contains no GMO, dairy, gluten, sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavours, and colours. This protein bar will support your wellness goals while keeping you full and indulged in tasty flavours.

8. Carman’s Protein Bar

Carman's
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Carman’s Salted Gourmet Protein Bar will satisfy your hunger and suppress any sugar cravings that might occur pre, during or after workouts.

This protein bar contains 10g of protein, and it is one of the protein bars with low sugar. It is gluten-free and contains no artificial colours or flavours.

Carman’s Protein Bar is a blend of sweet and salty flavours deriving from roasted nuts and seeds combined with creamy nut butter. A tasty yet healthy snack on-the-go!

9. Musashi High Protein Low Carb

Musashi
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Musashi High Protein Low Carb is a protein bar that contains a good source of protein, and it is, therefore, a convenient alternative to the wide variety of sugary snacks on the market.

This protein bar may be consumed pre, during or after a workout, or at any time of the day when you may find yourself engaged in an intensive activity.

Musashi High Protein Low Carb tastes like a confectionery chocolate bar but with added benefits.

Musashi High Protein Low Carb Cookies and Cream Bar contain 45 grams of protein and about 3g of carbs.

As one of the high protein bars on the market, this bar provides a powerful protein kick after your gym session, as it is high in protein and low in carbs. Consider using it as a quick pick-me-up snack during the day.

10. Snickers Protein

Snickers
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Snickers Protein is a protein bar that brings the full deliciousness of a snickers bar though with fewer calories and with a greater amount of added protein.

This bar contains peanuts, caramel, and chocolate coating that are the regular components of the original Snickers bar but this time enhanced with 18 grams of protein.

In addition, Snickers Protein is supported by a rich complex of milk and whey protein with only 200 calories which makes it a perfect choice if you are on a diet or thinking about starting one.

Snickers Protein is one of the low-calorie protein bars that have a wide array of protein sources that promote muscle build-up and recovery.

Benefits

If you are trying to put on weight or muscle or to enhance performance in the gym, it is ideal to opt for a protein bar that contains 20- 30 grams of protein in a bar and use it as a pre or post-workout snack.

Many protein bars contain micronutrients such as calcium, vitamin B and iron. They are a simple snack that comes in different flavours so you will probably easily find your favourite flavour.

These snacks are also a practical eating option for a busy lifestyle since they may replace a meal while still providing high-quality ingredients.

Protein bars will prevent you from binging food after a long break between meals. Some of these dietary snacks contain a solid amount of fibre that promotes the proper functioning of the digestive system.

For many people, protein bars are great support while losing weight. The high amount of protein suppresses the appetite and prevents overeating.

On the other hand, certain protein bars may be helpful for gaining weight.

Many bars contain 250- 350 calories per bar and may be used as a convenient way to add extra calories to your diet.

If you want to replace some of your meals during the day, some of these bars may be a good choice if you go for one that contains whole foods and natural sweeteners.

In addition, if increasing muscle mass is your goal, protein bars may help you achieve it.

Protein enhances the growth of muscle mass and physical stamina.

Side Effects

You will find a variety of protein bars on the market nowadays. Some of them may be a bit pricey, so try to save up by buying wholesale packages.

Although there are no specific limits when it comes to consuming protein bars, it is recommendable to have 1- 2 per day, considering that 70% of achieving your goal depends on diet.

Some protein bars may contain a high amount of sugar and up to 350 calories per bar. Also, they might be packed with fillers and artificial sweeteners such as sucralose, erythritol, and aspartame. Try to avoid buying products that contain these elements [1].

Finally, remember that you can always find simple, practical recipes for homemade protein bars or opt for the aforementioned protein bars on the market as healthy, nutritious options.

The Bottom Line

Protein is one of the key ingredients for healthy bodily functions and lean muscle figure. Healthy protein bars are a quick, convenient snack to keep up with a calorie-controlled diet but still feel energized and healthy during workouts or any daily activity.

Protein bars have never been declared as harmful to health. When compared to regular sweets and desserts, they are considered as snacks that contain a significantly lower amount of sugar and fat that proves them better.

Health experts advise to mind our protein intake and occasionally add some extra protein in order to enhance our muscle wellbeing. However, we should always mind the amount of sugar and carbohydrates in order not to boost weight gain.

Also, make sure you choose a well-rounder protein bar with healthy food elements such as whole foods and top quality multivitamins.

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About the author

Claire is a fitness enthusiast with a flair for writing. She is dedicated to promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle underpinned by long-term solutions. After being physically competitive, Claire put on significant weight during her university years. She made a decision to get fit again and is now helping thousands of individuals achieve their fitness goals. View All Posts

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