Protein bars come in all shapes and sizes and in many different flavors. While energy bars are higher in carbohydrates and fat, a protein bar focuses on providing the macronutrient that will help you pack on muscle after a workout. Many protein bars are simply candy bars disguised as health food, so always look at the nutritional content of any bar, especially the sugar and saturated fat content, before you make a purchase. Instead of relying on protein bars to replace meals, allow them to function as snacks to eat between meals or supplements to use after a workout.
Clif Builder's High Protein Energy Bar
If you are looking for an organic, whole-food approach to consuming a protein bar, start with the Clif Builder's High Protein Energy Bar. With six flavors ranging from peanut butter to cookies 'n cream, Clif Builder's bars provide flavor without sacrificing quality. The peanut butter version contains 20g of protein, 8g of fat and 30g of carbohydrates. The total calorie count is 270, with 4g of fiber and 23 vitamins added to the bar as well. Clif bars contain no hydrogenated oils or trans fats and soy protein isolate is the first ingredient listed.
EAS Myoplex Lite
If you are looking to consume an adequate amount of protein, but limit the overall calorie count of your protein bar, EAS Myoplex Lite is a good choice. At only 190 calories per bar, EAS Myoplex Lite is one of the least energy-dense bars on the market. In one bar, you will get 15g of protein, 26g of carbohydrates, 4.5g of fat, with 3 of those being saturated, and 11g of sugar. You can find EAS Myoplex Lite bars for around $2 per bar.
Pure Protein Bars
According to Bodybuildingforyou.com, Pure Protein Bars are great tasting and come in many different flavors. With that great taste comes solid nutrition. In the chewy chocolate chip 50g bar you will get 20g of protein, mostly in the form of whey protein. There are only 200 calories, 5g of fat with 3g saturated, and 18g of carbohydrates, with only 3g of sugar. Most of the carbohydrate content is found in the form of sugar alcohol. The only downside to this bar is the lack of fiber.
References
- Answer Fitness: What's the Best Tasting Protein Bar?; Matt. April 2008.
- Consumer Reports: Energy Bars. July 2007.
- Bodybuilding.com: Protein Bar Review: Value of Myoplex Lite, IsoFlex & NitroTech Hardcore Bars; Matt Canning.
- Bodybuildingforyour.com: Protein Bars and Nutrition Bars.
- PureProtein.net: Chewy Chocolate Chip Nutrition Label.
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