NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Keeping healthy snacks on hand is key for maximizing our energy and curbing cravings. And while fresh is best, it’s not always feasible, especially if we’re on the go. Protein bars are convenient and portable, making them an easy option for a snack or even a meal in a pinch. There’s been an explosion of new varieties on shelves, but you don’t want to grab just any bar.
Here’s a rundown of five current favorites; each is rich in protein with low or no added sugar. As for how taste and texture measure up – that’s 100 percent up to you.
5 Low-Sugar Protein Bars to Try
Bulletproof | gluten free, dairy free, collagen protein
- 190 calories, 12 grams fat, 12 grams carbs (4 grams net carbs), 8 grams fiber, 2 grams sugar (0 added sugar), 11 grams protein
- Protein source: hydrolyzed collagen
Think! | gluten free, high protein
- 230 calories, 9 grams fat, 24 grams carbs (11 grams net carbs), 0 fiber, 0 sugar, 20 grams protein
- Protein source: soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate
fit factor | gluten free, high protein
- 230 calories, 8 grams fat, 27 grams carbs (9 grams net carbs), 15 fiber, 4 grams sugar, 2 grams added sugar, 20 grams protein
- Protein source: whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate
No Cow | gluten free, dairy free, plant-based protein bar
- 190 calories, 4 grams fat, 25 grams carbs (4 grams net carbs), 16 grams fiber, 1 gram sugar, 0 added sugar, 22 grams protein
- Protein source: brown rice protein, pea protein
ALOHA | gluten free, dairy free, plant-based protein
- 230 calories, 11 grams fat, 24 grams carbs (14 grams net carbs), 10 grams fiber, 5 grams sugar (4 grams added sugar), 14 grams protein
- Protein source: brown rice protein, pumpkin seed protein
Protein bar | label-reading cheat sheet
- Protein: 20 grams of protein is equivalent to about 3 ounces of lean meat
- Sugar: Look for bars as close to zero added sugar as possible, and with more protein than sugar.
- Artificial sweeteners: Avoid artificial sweeteners like sucralose and acesulfame potassium
- Fiber: Less important, as many are “isolated” fibers without full benefits of real, whole-food fiber
FUELED Wellness + Nutrition is powered by evamor. Learn more at evamor.com .
Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD is a registered dietitian + nutrition journalist in New Orleans, and founder of Ochsner Eat Fit nonprofit restaurant initiative. Tune in to her podcast, FUELED | Wellness + Nutrition and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @MollyKimballRD. See more of Molly’s articles + TV segments at www.mollykimball.com , and sign up for Eat Fit Wellness Bites weekly newsletter here . To schedule a nutrition consult with Molly’s Lifestyle Nutrition team, email nutrition@ochsner.org
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