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.
Both can upset digestion in some people, depending on your sensitivity. And the concentrated form has more