Are pure protein bars healthy? What a nutritionist wants you to know
These bars are some of the most sold protein bars on Amazon and Costco. We asked a dietician if they are really good for you.
Additional Reporting by Kelsey Hampton, MS, RDN, LD, CSSD
Protein bars are a popular food forMeal replacements andPost-training snacks. While selecting food throughout its transformed or less transformed state is generally more ideal, convenience a protein offer is difficult to beat. Some of the most popular protein bars on the market arePure protein bars.
Marketed as aHigh protein, low carbable Option, it is not surprising why it is the bar to taste for many people looking for a fast and easy protein boost. But is it really a good option? Read more about what are the ingredients in pure protein bars, their nutritional information and that they are really so healthy as they look.
What is in a pure protein bar?
Pure protein bars obtain their protein from several different sources:
- Dairy, which includes the isolate of milk protein, whey protein isolate, lactoseum protein concentrate and casein (the exact combination depends on the bar)
- Isolate soy protein
- collagen, listed with hydrolyzed collagen or hydrolyzed gelatin
Although there is a small amount of sugar used in these bars (2 to 4 grams per bar), the majority of this comes from natural carbohydrates in different dairy products and the chocolate coating used in many bars. Other carbohydrates come from sugar spirits (more on this ingredient later).
The bars generally contain only a few grams of fat come from nut products used in certain bars (such as almond butter) andVarious oils, including palm core, canola and peanut.
In addition to the ingredients containing calories, these bars are also enriched with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, vitamin A, potassium and zinc, to name a few.
What is the nutrition of the pure protein protein?
On average, pure protein bars have the following nutritional information:
- Calories: 200, on average
- Protein: 20 grams
- Sugar: 2 to 4 grams
- Fiber: 1 to 7 grams
As a post-exercise meal recovery snack, the 20 grams of protein are adequate for many people, although individuals with higher calorie requirements, high training volumes and / or gain from Weight may require more protein.
The modest amount of total carbohydrates and minimal sugar is attractive. It is important to differentiate natural sugar, such as the one that occurs in dairy and fruit, for example and refined sugar that is strongly treated with little nutritional value. The minimum amount of refined sugar in these bars is definitely a point of sale.
The nutritional composition of this bar makes it a good option for a snack and even a meal, if it is extra food, such as fruit. However, the low fiber content in most bars is less than the ideal (most adults should get at least 25 grams per day) and, while the composition of carbohydrates, grease and protein is reasonable, these Bars contain common allergens, such as dairy and soy, so they would not be a good option for those who have sensitivities or allergies to these ingredients.
Are pure protein bars healthy?
"Healthy" is different for everyone. What works for a very active person may not be ideal for a more sedentary person. In this spirit, pure protein bars have attributes that we traditionally think as being healthy:
- good protein
- unclear
- wide variety of vitamins and minerals
Although they are positive characteristics in the bars, some components are aware of.
Alcohol sugar, like malitol, and theartificial sweeteer Sucralosis is used in all these bars. This is how manufacturers are able to create a soft tasting bar without sugar and associated calories.
Although it may seem positive, sweet spirits, in particular, are known toCausing digestive and symptoms likeblockerand gas (the bars even have a warning that indicates). Everyone can not feel that when consuming products containing sugar alcohols, but it should be noted that the population can notice this digestive discomfort.
Overall, it is a good bar option for those who are not sensitive to dairy alcohols, soy and / or sugar. I always encourage all the food to the extent possible; However, you can certainly use protein bars as part of a healthy and well rounded diet.
