Sooo many to choose from! How to choose the best protein bar

From the grocery store to the gas station, there isn't a shortage of protein bars to choose from when you're short on time, but long on hunger. Protein bars are great for when you're in a pinch and need calories or you know you're going to be in a place (or meeting) where you won't have access to food when you want it. 

With all of the options available, how do you choose a healthy bar that isn't just a glorified and more expensive candy bar?

Here's a quick guide of what to look for so that you choose the best bar for you. I have even listed some of my favorites. 
Full disclosure: I prefer real food at all times, so my list isn't extensive. But these are brands that I have tried and actually like the taste as well as the nutrition. Experiment and find a bar that works for you! 
 
Ingredients

• The lesser the better. The easier to pronounce the better
• Stay on the lookout for these ingredients you don’t want, they are mostly fillers: Xylitol, glycerine, malitol, carrageenan, soy protein & soy isolate protein, multiple sugars, high fructose corn syrup, fractionated palm kernel oil, artificial sweeteners, inulin, agave syrup, soy lecithin, brown rice syrup, “natural sugars”

Protein Amount

• Look for at least 15g of protein for the bar to be a true protein bar that can keep you satisfied for a couple of hours

Protein Sources

• Top sources include hydrolyzed whey, whey isolate, micellar casein, casein though these are dairy based
• Top vegan sources include pea + rice, hemp, chia, quinoa

Carbs

• Net carbs should be less than the amount of protein (unless being used as a post workout bar) around 6-8g if goal is weight loss
• Find net carbs by subtracting carb grams from fiber grams

Fiber

• Look for at least 6g of fiber

Sugar

• Look for lower amounts of sugar, 6-10g (more if this is a post workout bar
• Make sure the sugar sources are natural and don’t include artificial sweeteners (ex. Sucralose) or lots of sugar alcohol (ex. Xylitol) as much as you can. Some people have sensitivities to that cause bloating or upset stomach

Calories

• Aim for around 200-400 depending on if this is more for a snack or more meal replacement. Dropping less than 200 means that the bar will probably only last an hour or less depending on metabolism.

Sodium

• Aim for 100mg or less

 
Best bars that I've tried
Quest (more so their natural line. The regular line is sweetened with sucralose so don’t consume them heavily though I looove the taste!)
Rise Bar
Tracy Anderson (it almost pains me to type it, but they’re tasty!)
Vega
Pure Protein
NuGo
Probar
Oatmega
Rx bar
Jimmy's Protein Bar
Lenny & Larry Cookie

 What are your favorite go to bars?

If you're looking to maximize your weight loss efforts through nutrition without eating the same boring foods or blowing your budget, let's schedule a time to chat! 
I provide customized meal planning/nutrition coaching based on your lifestyle, food preferences and budget. You'll get easy to follow recipes to build a catalog of foods you love and a grocery list so that you know exactly what to purchase!
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