Protein bars are at their peak today. A few years ago, they were used only by professional athletes or actively exercising people who want to lose weight and gain muscle mass. But today they are rapidly gaining popularity as a light snack, as an alternative to fast food, chips and chocolate. In order to understand how the use of protein bars affects the body, and to choose the most optimal product in terms of price and quality, the editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared a rating and a brief overview of the most popular and safe protein bars for health.
Content
The benefits and harms of protein bars for the human body
Protein bars are designed to make up for the lack of protein in the human body. First of all, athletes, people who devote a lot of time to training or physical labor suffer from a deficiency of this essential substance.
Key Benefits of Protein Bars:
- Promote the production of additional protein in the body;
- Helps to build the necessary muscle mass;
- Maintain the energy balance of the body;
- Increase endurance and ability to exercise and physical work;
- Promotes rapid muscle recovery after exercise;
- Many manufacturers include substances useful for the body in the composition of protein bars: fiber, vitamins and trace elements;
- Their use in the daily diet is important for people who are overweight, as they reduce hunger;
- If necessary, they can replace food intake;
- No preparation required, the product is completely ready for use;
- It takes up little space in the bag, it is convenient to take with you, especially if you cannot have a full meal.
Disadvantages:
- A large number of calories;
- This product is contraindicated for people with chronic kidney disease, as it increases the amount of protein in the body, which the internal organs are not always able to handle;
- Continuous consumption of bars can significantly increase blood sugar, which can negatively affect the activity of the cardiovascular system.
Protein bar varieties depending on the composition
- High-protein ones contain more than half of the protein needed during intense exercise. The content of carbohydrates in such products is extremely small, so they can be eaten without fear by those who are afraid of gaining weight.
- High-carbohydrate - the basis of such foods is carbohydrates. These bars are high in calories and are suitable for use during periods of intense muscle building. Do not forget that the composition contains a sufficient amount of sugar, the excess of which negatively affects the condition of the heart, immune system, teeth and skin.
- Protein-carbohydrate contains approximately equal amounts of proteins and carbohydrates.
- Protein bars based on cereals and fruits. They are especially suitable for those looking for a slim figure.Due to their high fiber and low calorie content, cereal bars are a great option for a light snack.
How to choose the best quality product? Main selection criteria
- For those who want to lose weight, the best option for a healthy snack would be a high-protein or cereal-fruit bar, since due to the high content of protein or fiber, the body is quickly saturated, provided that there are relatively few calories and carbohydrates in such foods. And it's better to forget about bars with a high content of carbohydrates, since they are too nutritious and high in calories.
- For professional athletes, high-carb bars are a good choice to improve their workout performance. They contribute to the rapid saturation of the body, improve endurance and strength, and contribute to the flow of energy.
- For everyone who is on a strict diet, you must first find out the calorie content of this or that bar. Many of them contain about 300-500 calories, which can easily replace a full meal, and it is better not to use such bars as a snack.
- The most common mistakes customers make when choosing a given product is that they do not pay attention to the composition of the protein bar. Therefore, it is better to study it well before buying.
- Most manufacturers use crystalline fructose for a sweet taste. This substance is considered healthier than regular sugar, but it is also not worth using in large quantities due to the negative effects on the liver and kidneys.
- A good product, without fail contains at least 10 vitamins and trace elements to maintain vitality and replenish energy balance.
- Cereal bars should be made from natural raw materials: oats, rice, wheat, etc. You should not buy products that contain gelatinous fiber or carob.
- One of the most harmful ingredients that can be found in the composition is palm oil. It is often added to confectionery products to improve the taste of the product, but constant use can lead to the development of diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- The content of additives, dyes and preservatives should be kept to a minimum. Particular attention should be paid to supplements marked "E". They can harm human health.
- Product price is a very important criterion. A good quality protein bar cannot be very cheap due to the cost of production. However, it is worth remembering that the most popular brands often overcharge unreasonably.
- Flavoring variety. Good proven manufacturers have the opportunity to present on the market a wide range of products in accordance with the needs of buyers.
Basic rules for eating protein bars
The main thing that any lover of protein bars should remember is that this product, with all its useful and nutritional properties, cannot replace a complete healthy diet. According to sports medicine experts, the optimal number of protein bars per day is 1, and the maximum is 2. Eating more daily can lead to serious health problems.
There are several opinions on when to eat protein bars:
- Immediately before training;
- Immediately after training;
- Divide the daily allowance in half, use the first half before training, and the second immediately after it;
- About 45-6 minutes before the start of a workout is the most common opinion among professional trainers.
Top Quality High Protein Protein Bars
QuestBar
High-protein protein bars from a well-known brand that have managed to establish themselves in the international and Russian markets. Made entirely from natural ingredients, based on milk and whey proteins, they contain useful vitamin and mineral complexes. Average price for a bar weighing 60g. - 250 rubles.
Advantages:
- Time-tested manufacturer;
- Safe and high quality composition;
- Natural and environmentally friendly ingredients;
- The presence of fiber, which has a positive effect on the digestive system;
- It can be either a healthy snack or a substitute for a full meal;
- The composition contains vitamins and minerals;
- Does not contain sugar, which is replaced by natural sweeteners;
- A wide range of various flavors.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
Main characteristics:
| Name | QuestBar |
|---|---|
| Weight, gr. | 60 |
| Calorie content per 100 gr., Kcal. | 300 |
| The amount of proteins in 100 gr., Gr. | 35 |
| The amount of carbohydrates per 100 gr., Gr. | 8 |
Muscle Pharm Combat Church
This brand has appeared on the sports nutrition market relatively recently, but has already gained recognition and attention from regular customers. The protein bar from this manufacturer, due to its high protein and carbohydrate content, is ideal for professional athletes during the period of muscle building. The average cost of a package weighing 63 grams is 150 rubles.
Advantages:
- A large portion of protein and amino acids promotes rapid muscle recovery after intense physical exertion;
- The high carbohydrate content provides additional energy to the tissues;
- Natural and safe composition;
- No chemical additives of dubious quality;
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals;
- Has a beneficial effect on the activity of the digestive tract;
- Relieves hunger for a long time;
- Gluten Free;
- Pleasant taste.
Disadvantages:
- The product contains soy protein.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Muscle Pharm Combat Crunch |
|---|---|
| Weight, gr | 63 |
| Calorie content per 100 gr., Kcal. | 210 |
| The amount of proteins in 100 gr., Gr. | 20 |
| The amount of carbohydrates per 100 gr., Gr. | 25 |
BombBar
Protein bars from a domestic brand have recently become more and more popular due to the large amount of protein and the presence of many essential vitamins and minerals in the composition. Dietary fiber promotes fast satiety and proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Available in peanut, coconut, strawberry, chocolate, lemon cake flavors. Average cost for a bar weighing 60 grams: about 100 rubles.
Advantages:
- The very high protein content helps to recover quickly during intense physical activity and promotes quick satiety;
- Low carbohydrate content is suitable for those wishing to lose excess weight;
- The composition contains vitamin C;
- Does not contain sugar, natural ingredients are used as a sweetener;
- Wide range of flavors;
- Acceptable price.
Disadvantages:
- In production, isomaltoligosaccharide is used, which is not fully absorbed by the body;
- Relatively high calorie content.
Main characteristics:
| Name | BombBar |
|---|---|
| Weight, gr | 60 |
| Calorie content per 100 gr., Kcal. | 249 |
| The amount of proteins in 100 gr., Gr. | 33.2 |
| The amount of carbohydrates per 100 gr., Gr. | 5 |
Protein Crisp Bar
A great option for a healthy snack. It has a mild, pleasant taste. The main difference in its taste is its crispy texture. Available in only one peanut butter flavor. Average price for a bar weighing 59 grams: about 120 rubles.
Advantages:
- High protein content;
- Enriched with useful microelements: iron, potassium, calcium;
- Nice crunchy taste;
- Convenient to take with you as a snack;
- Promotes fast satiety;
- Relatively low cost.
Disadvantages:
- The composition contains palm oil;
- A very small assortment of flavors, limited to one name.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Protein Crisp Bar |
|---|---|
| Weight, gr | 59 |
| Calorie content per 100 gr., Kcal. | 240 |
| The amount of proteins in 100 gr., Gr. | 20 |
| The amount of carbohydrates per 100 gr., Gr. | 24 |
Prime kraft, PimeBar
A product from a famous brand of professional sports nutrition with a chocolate flavor. The nutritional properties of the product are due to its high protein content and high calorie content. The price varies from 500 to 630 rubles for a bar weighing 40 grams.
Advantages:
- High percentage of protein;
- A small amount of calories allows you to use it without fear of getting better, not only in the morning, but also in the evening;
- Good nutritional properties;
- Light, unobtrusive taste without sugary notes;
- In exceptional cases, it can replace a full meal.
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- Does not differ in a variety of tastes;
- According to customer reviews, it has a dry consistency, it is better to use it with liquid.
Main characteristics:
| Name | Prime kraft, PimeBar |
|---|---|
| Weight, gr | 40 |
| Calorie content per 100 gr., Kcal. | 370 |
| The amount of proteins in 100 gr., Gr. | 21 |
| The amount of carbohydrates per 100 gr., Gr. | 48 |
How to make DIY protein bars at home?
Eating protein bars on a daily basis is quite expensive. But if your finances are poor, you can use simple recipes for making homemade cereal bars.
- Oatmeal bars.
For their preparation, you need to take 100 gr. rolled oats, 25 gr. almonds, 25 gr. pine nuts or other nuts, 25 gr. raisins, 25 gr. dried apricots, 50 gr. any dried berries (strawberries, blueberries, red currants, cranberries), 30 gr. honey. To make hard almonds soft, they are first thrown into boiling water for 5 minutes, after which they are dried and peeled. Dried fruits are washed and crushed. The honey must be warmed up. Then all the ingredients are mixed and cooked in a special baking dish in the oven for half an hour and at a temperature of at least 150 degrees.
The finished product, after it has cooled down, can be cut into pieces of the desired size and shape. If desired, the volume of the product can be increased by increasing the ingredients by 2 or 3 times.
- Dried apricot and prune bars.
Take 100 gr. dried apricots and prunes. Add 50 gr. peanuts, raisins, walnuts and dried berries, 2 tablespoons of flax seeds and sesame seeds. In order for dried fruits to become soft, they must first be soaked in warm water. Grind dried fruits and nuts separately with a knife or blender, then combine and mix into one mass, which must then be cut and rolled into several portions. Add flaxseed to each serving and refrigerate.
In this article, we talked about the main features and types of protein bars, presented an overview of the most popular and high-quality products. If you have experience with any of the above products, please share your opinion in the comments.
