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High-protein is the trend of 2024, so naturally, everyone’s trying to find easy hacks to increase protein intake to hit their goals. Everywhere you look, people are snacking on dried beef sticks and stocking up on protein powder. In 2024, MyFitnessPal users logged protein powerhouse cottage cheese 35% more times than they did in 2023.<\/p>\n
And protein bars are getting renewed attention, too. Sales topped $5 billion<\/a> in 2023, and the protein bar market is expected to grow 6.4%<\/a> over the next seven years. <\/p>\n But with so many options on the market, how do you know which protein bars are actually good for you? We asked registered dietitian Daisy Mercer for her expert opinion on how to choose one that makes sense for you. Read on for her shopping advice and picks. <\/p>\n According to Mercer, there are two main things to look at when selecting a bar. \u201cAdded sugar and, of course, protein.\u201d She likes to see at least 10 grams of protein per bar.<\/p>\n Sugar is a little more nuanced. \u201cThe Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that added sugars make up less than 10% of your total daily calories,\u201d says Mercer. \u201cFor example, if you eat 2,000 calories a day, that would be 50 grams of added sugar.\u201d So, look at the grams of sugar and consider how it fits into your overall day.\u00a0(Pro tip: you can easily track your daily sugar intake by logging meals, drinks, and snacks in MyFitnessPal<\/a>!)<\/p>\n We consulted with Mercer and other MyFitnessPal registered dietitians to bring you a guide to several better-for-you protein bars based on dietary preferences and limitations. Whether you’re looking for a bar that’s high in fiber, low in carbs, or free from dairy, we’ve got you covered.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a protein bar that packs a punch in terms of protein content, look no further than Built Bars and Think! Bars. <\/p>\n \u201cBoth bars offer great macros at an affordable price,\u201d says dietitian Daisy Mercer.<\/p>\n Both bars deliver a solid 17 to 20 grams of protein per serving and keep added sugars to a minimum. <\/p>\n \u201cWhey protein bars do tend to have a little more fat added, probably to aid in flavor, but nothing to worry too much about. I also appreciate that corn syrup isn\u2019t used in these bars,\u201d adds Mercer.<\/p>\n Nutritional content per Built Bar (varies by flavor):<\/strong><\/p>\n Nutritional content per Think! Bar (varies by flavor):<\/strong><\/p>\n You might also like For those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, the Perfect Keto Bar is a good option. \u201cI like that the ingredient list is minimal and uses ingredients we know and understand,\u201d says Mercer. With 10 grams of protein and very low sugar content, it\u2019s a solid choice for those who want to keep their carb intake in check.<\/p>\n When choosing the right protein bar, Mercer reminds us to \u201cstay mindful of saturated fat in protein bars, as an increase in saturated fat has been associated with increased cholesterol levels, and that\u2019s associated with a higher risk for heart disease,\u201d says Mercer.<\/p>\n Nutritional content per bar:<\/strong><\/p>\n For those avoiding gluten, give the Perfect Bar Peanut Butter a try. This bar is primarily made from whole foods, with peanut butter being the main source of protein. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s got 17 grams of protein in one bar, making it a balanced option that provides both long-term and short-term energy,\u201d says dietitian Emily Sullivan. <\/p>\n While it\u2019s higher in fat due to the peanut butter, Sullivan notes that \u201cit\u2019s mostly unsaturated fat, which is better for heart health compared to saturated fat.\u201d<\/p>\n Nutritional content per bar:<\/strong><\/p>\n For a dairy-free protein bar that doesn\u2019t compromise on flavor or nutrition, the RX Bar in Nut Butter and Oat is a standout. \u201cI love so many things about this bar,\u201d says dietitian Katherine Basbaum. \u201cIt\u2019s made with very few ingredients, offers 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and has low sodium and saturated fat content.\u201d<\/p>\n While the bar does contain some added sugars from honey and coconut sugar, Basbaum appreciates that it avoids more processed sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup.<\/p>\n Nutritional content per bar:<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a soy-free option, the RX Protein Bar in Chocolate Sea Salt is an excellent choice. With only five main ingredients, this all-natural bar provides 12 grams of protein sourced from egg whites. \u201cIt\u2019s a hearty, chewy bar that works great for a quick breakfast or high-protein snack,\u201d says Basbaum.<\/p>\n The bar also delivers 5 grams of fiber and has no added sugars, making it a wholesome and satisfying option.<\/p>\n Nutritional content per bar:<\/strong><\/p>\n For those seeking a high-fiber option, Aloha Protein Bars offer a substantial 10 grams of fiber along with 14 grams of protein. <\/p>\n \u201cThese bars contain around 3 grams of saturated fat and 9 grams of unsaturated fat, providing both short-term and long-term energy,\u201d says Sullivan.<\/p>\n Nutritional content per bar:<\/strong><\/p>\n It can be a challenge to find a good protein bar if you prefer plant-based foods. But this one fits the bill. It delivers 12 grams of protein and only 160 calories. <\/p>\n \u201cI like its low sugar content and relatively high protein content,\u201d says dietitian Brookell White. \u201cPlus, it has a pretty straightforward ingredients list.\u201d <\/p>\n Nutritional content per bar:<\/strong><\/p>\n You might also like: We asked registered dietitian Daisy Mercer to review your burning questions about protein bars. Get dietitian-approved answers below:<\/p>\n While protein bars can be convenient for on-the-go nutrition, they are generally not full meal replacements because of their limited nutrient content compared to a balanced meal. <\/p>\n Some good times to eat a protein bar include after a workout, as a mid-afternoon snack to curb hunger, or as a quick breakfast option when you’re short on time. Timing depends on your individual nutritional needs and goals.<\/p>\n Protein bars can support weight loss by providing a satisfying, lower-calorie snack that helps you meet your protein goals. However, it’s important to choose bars with low added sugars and to consider overall calorie intake.<\/p>\n Consuming protein bars daily can lead to excessive intake of processed ingredients, added sugars, or unhealthy fats, depending on the bar. It’s best to vary your protein sources and include whole foods like lean meats, eggs, and legumes.<\/p>\n While protein bars offer convenience, whole food protein sources such as chicken, fish, eggs, and beans are typically more nutritious, offering a broader range of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds.<\/p>\n The post The 9 Best Protein Bars, According to our Dietitians<\/a> appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" With so many options on the market, how do you know which protein bars are actually good for you? Our dietitians have a few suggestions.What Is The Nutritional Criteria For The Best Protein Bars?<\/h2>\n
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Whey Protein Bars<\/h2>\n
Built Bars<\/strong><\/a> and Think! Bars<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n
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When is Eating High-Protein Actually Eating Too Much Protein? ><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLow Carb Keto Protein Bar<\/h2>\n
Collagen Protein Bars<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Gluten-Free Protein Bar<\/h2>\n
Perfect Bar Peanut Butter<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Dairy-Free Protein Bar<\/h2>\n
RX Bar – Nut Butter and Oat (Blueberry Cashew Butter Flavor)<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Soy-Free Protein Bar<\/h2>\n
RX Protein Bar (Chocolate Sea Salt Flavor)<\/a><\/h3>\n
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High Fiber Protein Bar<\/h2>\n
Aloha Protein Bars (Peanut Butter Cup Flavor)<\/a><\/h3>\n
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Plant-Based Protein Bar<\/h2>\n
IQ Bar (Peanut Butter Chip Flavor)<\/a><\/h3>\n
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High-Protein Cottage Cheese Queso Recipe ><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nFrequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n
Are protein bars a good option for meal replacement?<\/h3>\n
What are the best times to eat protein bars?<\/h3>\n
Can protein bars help with weight loss?<\/h3>\n
Can I eat protein bars every day?<\/h3>\n
How do protein bars compare to whole-food protein sources?<\/h3>\n
\nThe post The 9 Best Protein Bars, According to our Dietitians appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23677,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":""},"categories":[20,1,21,22,19],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23675"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23675"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23675\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23678,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23675\/revisions\/23678"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23677"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23675"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23675"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}