Protein bars are popular among bodybuilders and gym regulars because they provide a quick protein boost while simultaneously providing users with a sensible snack, either after a workout or at any point in the day. While protein bars are obviously high in protein, they also contain plenty of other nutrients, as well.
Protein Bar Basics
At one point in time, not too long ago, protein bars were virtually inedible. Today, protein bars not only give you the nutrition you need, but they taste pretty good, as well. According to BodyBuilding.com, protein bars come in all shapes and sizes; no matter what your nutritional goals are, there's a protein bar out there that fits your needs.
Protein Content
As the name suggests, protein is the main nutritional component of protein bars, with the average protein bar containing anywhere from 15 g to 30 g of protein. The protein found in protein bars is typically either soy protein or whey protein. Though many people believe whey protein is superior to soy protein in terms of building muscle, a study in 2004 at The Ohio State University shows that both types of protein were effective in helping users build muscle.
Calorie Content
Calorie content in protein bars varies from bar to bar. Generally, the more protein in a bar, the more calories that bar will contain. A high-calorie bar may be unappealing if you're trying to keep a lean figure, but those calories, along with the protein in the bar, can help you to put on muscle. If you think a bar has too many calories, see if that bar has a smaller serving size; well-known bars such as Tri-O-Plex and Detour offer large and small serving sizes to best meet your nutritional needs.
Carbohydrate Content
Most protein bars contain a moderate number of carbohydrates. In some cases, the overall carbohydrate count consists of just a small amount of sugar, with the other carbs comprising sugar alcohols and dietary fiber. Some companies even advertise their bars as being low-carb protein bars; however, none of the protein bars on the market has carbohydrate counts as low as the average whey protein powder.
Accuracy of Nutritional Facts
While protein bar manufacturers enjoy claiming that their bars taste great and have phenomenal nutritional value, the facts might not be as flattering. A study by ConsumerLab.com in 2008 claimed that, out of 30 bars studied, 18 of the bars did not meet their advertised nutritional facts. Of these bars with incorrect nutritional facts, the biggest offender was carbohydrate count; 50 percent of bars studied grossly under-reported their carbohydrate content. With good reason to mistrust the labels you see in stores and on the internet, you must use caution and a little common sense when evaluating your protein bar. If it tastes great and has great nutritional value, the bar might have more carbs than you thought.
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