Protein bars are a popular snack or meal replacement choice, however with so many different brands each claiming to be “natural” and “healthy”, how do you know who to trust? Not to worry, we are here to help you navigate and provide key areas to focus on when choosing your protein bars.
Unfortunately, many of the protein bars that are available on major chain grocery store shelves are glorified candy bars packed with sugars, preservatives and other artificial ingredients. Checking the label is key when choosing your bar, the more whole foods and ingredients you are familiar with the better.
Primal Kitchen Dark Chocolate Almond
Primal’s bars contain 15g of protein and only 3g of sugar, and the ingredient list includes common whole foods such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, honey, dark chocolate, etc.
They also include 7.5g of bovine collagen from grass-fed Brazilian cows which may help increase muscle mass and improve bone and joint health. Bars are also paleo-friendly, made without gluten, grains, whey, and soy.
EPIC Chicken Sesame BBQ
While traditional jerky is made from cheap meats, lots of sugar, and nitrates from the curing process, EPIC is changing that stigma with their jerky-inspired meat bars.
This Epic bar has 12g of protein, only 120 calories and contains only 4g of sugar. Also made with high-quality lean chicken and other healthy whole foods like hemp seeds and antioxidant-rich garlic, onion, and ginger, EPIC has reimagined jerky.
Oatmega Chocolate Coconut Crisp
Oatmega’s bars have a lot going for them. This chocolatey one has 14g of whey protein from grass-fed cows and just 5g of sugar, plus added fish oil for an omega-3 boost. Their bars are also under 200 calories and provides 7g of fiber, adding digestive benefits.
One note of caution on whey protein: These bars contain both whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate.
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Both can upset digestion in some people, depending on your sensitivity. And the concentrated form has more lactose, so if you’re intolerant, this one isn’t for you.
GoMacro Macrobar Protein Paradise: Cashew Caramel
The Gomacro Macrobars contains 11g of vegetarian sprouted brown rice protein and organic pea protein, and are also vegan, gluten-free, macrobiotic and non-GMO. Cashews and flax seeds provide healthy fats and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. These bars do contain 10g of sugar and 260 calories.
Rise Bar Lemon Cashew
Rise protein bars are another favorite for everyday ingredients and fuel that lasts. With only four simple ingredients organic cashews, organic coconut nectar, pea protein, and organic lemon extract, these bars have 15g of protein and 12g of sugar in only 260 calories.
RX Bar
Another paleo-friendly protein bar made with a very short list of ingredients such as dates, fruit, nuts, and egg whites. No added sugars and 9 flavors available. They’re also gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free and soy-free. RX Bars contain 12g of protein and between 12-16g of sugar.
Dr. Kevin Kinney, board certified and licensed Chiropractic Physician featured on INSIDER.com, TheTodayShow.com & BlackDoctorsMatter.org. Connect with Dr. Kev at drkevinkinney.com or @DrDuval904
