ZonePerfect Nutrition Snack Bars

Sometimes you just need a little something to sustain you until the next meal. Few things can fill that need as well as a protein bar. Tucking discreetly into a laptop bag or purse, protein bars are not only filling, but they can also ensure you get the extra protein you need as you head to the gym to build muscle. Some prefer a protein boost after a workout to enhance muscle recovery.

Whatever your use, there are certain factors to look for in a protein bar. Perhaps the first of those features is taste. While this can be subjective, there are some bars that specialize in giving you plenty of dessert-like options. If your mouth waters at the thought of a cookies and cream protein bar, consider looking for an option that offers those rather than the standard flavors like peanut butter or dark chocolate.

There have been multiple studies showing the benefits of protein before hitting the gym. One study found that 20 grams of whey protein before a workout improved anabolic response. If you’re looking for that type of benefit, you’ll find few protein bars have quite that level of protein. If you just want to stay full between meals, though, a bar with a lesser amount could do it.

As you’re looking at ingredients, it can be tempting to go for a bar that has the most nutrients. Aside from needing protein for your workout, though, you may not need an excessive amount of fiber or vitamins. Keep in mind you’re probably getting plenty of these nutrients in the other food you’re eating throughout the day.

Natural ingredients are a top priority for many consumers. It’s hard to find a protein bar that is completely natural, but you’ll find many that prioritize organic ingredients. If you have food aversions or allergies, there are bars that leave out gluten and soy. You’ll also find some protein bar manufacturers steer clear of GMOs in their ingredients.

• If you’re interested in protein bars, chances are health is a top priority. The Quest Nutrition Protein Bar is made from all-natural ingredients, including almonds, water, unsweetened chocolate and sea salt. However, you’ll find erythritol, a low-calorie sweetener that is a sugar alcohol, and sucralose, also known as Splenda, whose health effects have been questioned. Only some flavors of Quest’s bars contain sucralose, though, so you may just need to go with the less sweet flavors if sucralose is a concern for you.
• KIND Bars Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate is a plant-based vegan bar that is both tasty and healthy. However, you’ll find some isolates, extracts and synthetic ingredients in this bar, so read the nutrition label carefully before buying. The primary ingredients in the peanut butter and dark chocolate flavor are mixed nuts and dark chocolate, with the food additive soy lecithin coming in low on the list.
• If you’re concerned about genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, in your food, consider the CLIF BAR Energy Bar, made with no GMO ingredients. This energy bar is made with rolled oats, chocolate and rich grains. Although it isn’t 100 percent natural, CLIF tries to keep each bar as organic as possible, including non-GMO ingredients and 70 percent organic- and ethically-sourced items.
• For those concerned about sugar, the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar has no added sugar, although there is the aforementioned sucralose. The chocolate chip cookie dough Quest Nutrition Protein Bar has 1 gram of sugar, compared to 9 grams in the KIND Bars Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate, 2 to 3 grams in Pure Protein Bars and 21 grams in the CLIF BAR Energy Bar. In fact, the CLIF BAR Energy Bar has so much sugar, you may find it’s too sweet.
• If you have food allergens or aversions, you’ll be glad to know the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar, KIND Bars Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate and Pure Protein Bars are gluten-free. The Quest Nutrition Protein Bar is also soy-free.
• Of course, the top reason for choosing a protein bar is the protein itself. The Quest Nutrition Protein Bar and Pure Protein Bars have the most protein, at 21 grams each. With the CLIF BAR Energy Bar, you get 9 grams of protein, and KIND Bars Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate have 8 grams of protein per bar. The protein in the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar comes from whey and milk
• Fiber can also help with your overall health, especially when it comes to keeping you regular. The Quest Nutrition Protein Bar provides 14 grams of fiber, while KIND Bars Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate has only 3 grams. Pure Protein Bars have 2 grams of dietary fiber per bar and CLIF BAR Energy Bar has 4 grams.
• Although taste can be subjective, some generally excel more than others. If you like dessert-like flavors, you may want to choose the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar, which has plenty of decadent-sounding options like birthday cake, blueberry muffin and chocolate chip cookie dough. Although KIND Bars don’t have as many dessert flavors, the KIND Bars Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate, Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt and Double Dark Chocolate Nut Bar feature plenty of flavor. The CLIF BAR Energy Bar can be on the dry side, so you’ll want to keep a bottle of water nearby while you’re downing it.
• Hunger satisfaction is always an issue. KIND Bars Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate is on the small side, which means it may not fill you up. However, they try to compensate for this by being low glycemic, which means the bars take longer to digest, keeping you full longer. The CLIF BAR Energy Bar is very filling, keeping you going longer between meals.