Although many food bars are healthy snacks, some are basically junk food. We’ve shopped around Amazon’s invisible shelves to find the best protein bars on the market. At our discretion, we look at the ingredient list and overall calories, protein, fiber and sugar.
What to look for in a protein bar?
The obvious thing would be to look at the maximum amount of protein they include, but it is important to keep an eye on calories and grams of sugar. The healthiest bars are in a calorie range of 150 to 250, the sweet spot for a snack. The ingredient list mainly includes whole foods like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fruits. Avoid protein bars that have a long list of ingredients, indicating that it is a highly processed food.
The best bars also include at least seven grams of protein (about the same amount in a hard-boiled egg), at least three grams of fiber, and less than 13 grams of sugar per serving, mostly from real foods, with no added sugars like honey, sweeteners or syrups.
The best protein bars (totally healthy)
nu3
High-quality protein bars are ideal as a sweet reward after training. Nu3 bars contain 20 grams of protein, with whey protein as the main source. In addition, they have a low percentage of sugars (0.85 grams per bar) and a controlled portion of carbohydrates (16%), thanks to the fact that they only use natural sweeteners.
- Energy: 671.5 kJ / 160.37 kcal
- Fat: 3’4g
- of which saturated fatty acids: 2.65 g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Sugar: 0.85g
- Protein: 20 g
- Fibers: 3.95g
- Salt: 0.18g
- Creatine: 1.5g
Zing Bars
Zing is flawed that none of its sugars come from natural sources (tapioca syrup and agave syrup contribute nine grams). However, with seven grams of fiber and ten grams of protein for less than 200 calories, it is a healthy option for active people. The Zing bar is also high in iron and provides 20% of the recommended daily value. You will absorb more iron from this bar if you combine it with a good source of vitamin C such as an orange or a handful of strawberries. People with irritable bowel syndrome should proceed with caution, as they contain prebiotic fiber to increase fiber content.
Kind Nut & Spice
KIND bars are relatively easy to find in airports, pharmacies, or supplement stores, and have a good overall nutrient profile. Some are richer in sugar than others, so always check the Nutrition Facts label first; Madagascar vanilla is one of its best, with just four grams of sugar and seven grams of protein per 210 calories. On the downside, the ingredients in this bar are not as simple as many other protein bars. It contains three types of added sugar, inulin (which can cause gastrointestinal problems in people with irritable bowel syndrome) and soy lecithin, an additive.
RXBAR
If you’re looking for a clean ingredient list, look no further. All three ingredients are real foods: dates, egg whites, and peanuts. You read it right, there is no added sugar. RXBAR bar is a good source of magnesium, which helps maintain muscle function, and it is also a good source of potassium, which can lower blood pressure by counteracting the adverse effects of sodium. Egg whites are a great source of protein and less processed than some of the commonly added protein powders. Since egg whites have fewer calories than egg yolks, they provide protein and keep total calories low.
Paleo Bull
Paleobull bars are a natural source of energy; without vegetable oils, without added sugars, without cereals or gluten, without lactose and without preservatives or artificial colors. Due to its high nutritional value and good absorption, it is an excellent supplement for before or after practicing any physical activity, such as CrossFit, yoga, trekking or long distance running.
They are made only from real foods, selected one by one for their quality. Dehydrated fruit without vegetable oils or added fructose is used.
Quest Nutrition
Although Quest Protein Bars are high in protein and low in sugar, they contain high-intensity sweeteners and polyols , and their first ingredient is never a complete food. We’re still not exactly sure how artificial sweeteners affect our minds and bodies in the long term, and polyols can cause gastrointestinal upset when consumed in excess (or if you have a sensitive stomach).
Some studies have shown that consuming artificial sweeteners may not help with weight loss, it could promote weight gain and alter our food preferences. Its extremely sweet taste can reduce our body’s ability to estimate how many calories we are consuming.
If you’re comfortable with artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, then they’re a solid choice for a low-sugar, high-protein option.
