Grab any protein bar and take a look at the wrapper. What you’ll find is a variety of healthy claims from the best tasting protein bar to promises of healthy fats, high fiber and packed with protein. Some of these bars claim to provide you with energy and promote mass gains. Although most of these protein bars contain approximately 20 grams of protein, despite their healthy claims one thing is for sure, not all protein bars are created equal. You might be surprised what’s packed in your protein bar.
Depending on your goals you’ll want to keep your eye the caloric content, but that’s not all you should keep your eye on. Learn more about your protein bar and how to make a better choice with some simple tips. Below is a list of the top ten selling protein bars.
Top ten protein bars
- Oh Yeah!-By: ISS
- Eat Smart Bar-By: iSatori
- Quest Bar-By: Quest Nutrition
- Promax Bar-By: Promax
- Six Star Protein Bar-By: Six Star Muscle
- Oh Yeah! Victory Bars-By: ISS
- Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Bars-By: Doctor’s CarbRite Diet
- Power Crunch Bars-By: BioNutritional Research Group
- Bang Bars-By: VPX
- 100% Whey Crisp Bar-By: Optimum Nutriton
Let’s take a closer look at these top sellers.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size: 1 Bar
*The size of the bar and the flavor may change its macronutrient profile.
Oh Yeah! Almond Fudge Brownie
Calories 190
Calories from Fat 80
Total Fat 9g
Saturated Fat 3g
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Total Carbohydrate 18g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Sugars 4g
Sugar Alcohol 9g
Protein 14g
Eat Smart Bar Frosted Cinnamon Caramel Crunch
Calories 330
Calories from Fat 110
Total Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 5g
Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 33g
Dietary Fiber 5g
Sugars 15g
Sugar Alcohol 6g
Protein 27g
Quest Bar Apple Pie
Calories 170
Calories from Fat 45
Total Fat 5g
Saturated Fat 0g
Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 24g
Dietary Fiber 18g
Sugars 3g
Protein 20g
Promax Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Calories 290
Calories from Fat 60
Total Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 4g
Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 37g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 26g
Protein 20g
Six Star Protein Bar Chocolate Deluxe
Calories 190
Calories from Fat 50
Total Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 4g
Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 15g
Dietary Fiber 0g
Sugars 6g
Sugar Alcohol 7g
Protein 20g
Oh Yeah! Victory Bars Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Calories 200
Calories from Fat 55
Total Fat 6g
Saturated Fat 1.5
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Total Carbohydrate 28g
Dietary Fiber 20g
Sugars 8g
Protein 21g
Doctor’s CarbRite Diet Bars Blueberry Cheesecake
Calories 195
Calories from Fat 27
Total Fat 3g
Saturated Fat 2g
Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 23g
Dietary Fiber <1g
Sugars 0g
Sugar Alcohol 20g
Protein 21g
Power Crunch Bars Cookies & Creme
Calories 205
Calories from Fat 105
Total Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 5g
Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 10g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 5g
Protein 14g
Bang Bars German Chocolate
Calories 380
Calories from Fat 135
Total Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 3.5g
Trans Fat 0g*
Total Carbohydrate 31g
Dietary Fiber 8g
Sugars 6g
Protein 30g
100% Whey Crisp Bar Double Rich Chocolate
Calories 260
Calories from Fat 40
Total Fat 4.5g
Saturated Fat 2g
Trans Fat 0g
Total Carbohydrate 34g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 6g
Protein 25g
Do you know what is in your bar?
The one common denominator that these bars have in common is they all contain natural flavors and carry an allergen warning on their wrapper.
The following ingredients are contained in one or more of these top ten selling protein bars carrageenan, cellulose gel, corn syrup, dextrose, diacetyl tartaric acid ester, disodium phosphate, fractionated palm kernel oil, glycerine, glucose-fructose, glucose syrup, guar gum, gum Arabic, inulin, low DE (Dextrose equivalent), maltodextrin/dextrose equivalent, maltitol, mixed tocopherols, palm oil, polydextrose, sucralose, sugar alcohols, tapioca starch and xanthan gum.
Quick Tips
When looking for a protein bar, look for a short list of ingredients. Always remember the longer the list, the more processed the protein bar will be. Learn how to read a food label; click here.
Next, your goal should be the least processed of the protein bars. Check the label for sugar alcohols, high fructose corn syrups (HFCS) and trans fats. Aim to avoid these altogether or make sure they are near the end of the ingredient list.
Goals
Next, you will want to know your goals. What is the bar for, muscle building or weight loss? Keep an eye on those calories and select a bar that will help you reach your goals. If you are looking to build muscle and pack on the mass, choose a bar with a higher caloric content. On the other hand, if your goal is weight loss, choose a bar with fewer calories.
Now I know you are going to ask; ‘which is the best bar?’ I wish my list was longer, but from my standpoint, if you had to twist my arm, the only one I would personally select is the Quest Bar. I see it as the least of the offenders. But you have to decide for yourself what will work best for you.
Of course there are other options, a banana and some nuts can provide some healthy energy. Instead of purchasing protein bars you might want to consider making your own protein bars. Click here to make your own protein bars. You can also make protein muffins. Click here for protein muffins.
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