While some people love their sweets, those who want to lose weight might prefer their protein bars. These bars are made of mostly protein and fiber with very little or no fat. They also contain fruits and nuts which are healthy, fiber-rich ingredients. So, if you want to burn fat while satisfying your sweet tooth, then these are the perfect food choices for you.
Here are five of the best protein bars available on the market today.
1. Quest Bars
If you’ve ever been to the supermarket, then you might have come across the Quest bars. These are bite-sized protein bars that were originally manufactured by General Mills. They are also available in many different flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, blueberry, and vanilla. Each bar is around 30 calories and 1.0 gram of fat. They are a great choice for those who want a healthier alternative to their regular candy bar.
Quest bars contain around 25% of the daily recommended value for several nutrients. They provide 40% of the recommended daily intake for vitamin C, iron, and zinc along with 20% of the daily recommended intake for calcium. The bar also has a decent amount of fiber so it will keep you full for a longer period of time.
The primary source of protein in these bars is whey, a byproduct of milk which is high in both quality and quantity. This is a perfect food source for those who are vegetarian or vegan because it has a decent amount of protein without the use of animal products.
2. Skinny Cow
The second product on our list is arguably the best vegan protein bar on the market today. The ingredients in these bars are nearly identical to those in the quest bars, so you’re getting an idea of what to expect here. The primary difference between these bars and the quest bars is in the form of the packaging. While the quest bars come in a classic plastic bag, the skinny cow bars are available in a cardboard box.
The box is not only sustainable and recyclable, but it’s also highly portable. If you’re taking the subway or bus to work or school, then you can bring your snacks with you in a container or purse. You won’t need to worry about overloading yourself because they don’t weigh a lot. Each bar is around 30 calories, and they contain around 1.5 grams of fat. The protein in these bars comes from pea protein, coconut, and hemp seeds. They also use brown rice and quinoa flours instead of refined white flour.
3. Go Lean Cuisine
The third product on our list is a line of healthy snacks and breakfast bars from Lean Cuisine. These bars are made with buckwheat flour, chia seeds, and nonfat milk. They are available in many different flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, orange, and walnut. Each bar is around 30 calories and has around 1.5 grams of fat. The primary difference between the lean cuisine and the other bars on this list is the inclusion of herbs and vegetables in their mixes. Those who want to lose weight might find this a healthier option because the ingredients are less processed than the usual choice for a candy bar.
The bars from Lean Cuisine are also egg-free which means they are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. This line of snacks and bars has around 22 grams of fiber per bar which makes them very filling and balanced nutrition-wise. The bars have a decent amount of calcium and vitamin D along with vitamin E and C. They have a decent amount of zinc, iron, and magnesium as well.
The inclusion of fruits and nuts in these bars provides a decent amount of antioxidants, which protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging.
4. Kind Bar
Our fourth product is the Kind Bar. These are vegan protein bars that are made with pea protein, soy protein, and tapioca starch. When it comes to the filling, these bars are made mostly of dates, figs, apricots, and cranberries along with chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds. Each bar is around 30 calories and has around 1.5 grams of fat,
The difference between the kind and the other bars on this list is that they don’t use any dairy products in their manufacturing process. Those who want to avoid milk products might prefer the dates, figs, and other dried fruits in the Kind bar. These bars are highly portable and can be stored in a desk drawer or in the glove compartment of a car. They don’t require refrigeration so you can keep them at room temperature which makes them ideal for those who want to snack on-the-go.
5. Clif Bar
Last but not least, we have the Clif Bar. These vegan protein bars are made with oat flour, sunflower seeds, and coconut. The main ingredients in the bar are dates, figs, and apricots along with chia seeds, flax seeds, and walnuts. Each bar has around 30 calories and 1.5 grams of fat. The source of protein in these bars is mainly plant-based and comes from soy, wheat, oat, and rice. The main difference between this bar and the other bars on this list is that it uses a type of fiber known as beta-glucan which is found in oats. This compound makes the bar more filling and helps with blood sugar levels.
Beta-glucan has been shown in studies to increase levels of good cholesterol while lowering bad cholesterol. Those who are overweight, diabetic, or have compromised immune systems might find this bar to be a better option than the other bars because of its inclusion of nutrients and fiber.
Include these bars in your diet and you’ll meet the requirements for several vitamins and minerals. They have around 15 grams of fiber per bar which keeps you full for a longer period of time as well. The dates, figs, and other dried fruits provide antioxidants which protect cells and fight off free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules which can lead to cell damage and premature aging. These bars are highly portable and can be stored in a desk drawer or the glove compartment of a car. They don’t require refrigeration so it’s easy to keep on hand for those who want to snack on the go.
Those who want to lose weight might find these bars to be a healthier option than their usual choice because the ingredients are less processed. If you’re looking to cut back on your carbon footprint, then these are the ideal snacks and breakfast bars for you.