Walk through any grocery store and you’re bound to find protein bars. Protein bars are a convenient way to add carbs, protein, vitamins, and minerals to your diet. But, despite marketing lingo praising their nutritional value, not all protein bars are created equally. Some protein bars actually contain more sugar than a donut! One Dunkin’ donut has 13 grams of sugar while a Clif protein bar has 17 grams of sugar.
To learn more about the one protein bar ingredient that will only stall weight loss plans, we spoke with Trista Best, a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements. She said that added sugar is an unnecessary ingredient in protein bars that can be detrimental to health and weight loss. Find out more below!
Added Sugar
Protein bars are a very convenient option, whether you are looking for an on-the-go snack to hold you over between meals or a protein boost before your workout. But, many protein bars aren't actually a healthy option at all when you look at the nutrition label---specifically the sugar content.
"The one ingredient in protein bars that you should avoid is added sugar. Many protein bars on the market are marketed as healthy snacks or meal replacements, but they often contain high amounts of added sugar, which can be detrimental to health," Best explains. The popular KIND protein bars are on average 200 calories, 15 grams of fat, 12 grams of total sugar, and 8 grams of added sugar.
"Added sugars contribute to weight gain, inflammation, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Moreover, high sugar intake can also cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to hunger and cravings shortly after consumption," she adds. On a much smaller scale, you'll start to notice more breakouts, pimples, and duller-looking skin.
"When choosing a protein bar, it's important to read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully," Best says. "Look for bars that are low in added sugar and instead contain natural sweeteners like dates, honey, or maple syrup in small amounts. It's also a good idea to choose bars that are high in protein and fiber, and made with whole food ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and fruits." Nuts like almonds make a great addition to protein bars and can take inches off your waist.
So, now you know what to avoid and what to look for in protein bars. Health experts like Best recommend you carefully look at the nutrition label and ingredient list to avoid protein bars with excess sugar. Instead, opt for protein bars with ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruits that are high in fiber. Now that's a snack you can feel good about!
