The rage of protein bars kicked off with fitness aficionados striving to squeeze out every last bit of muscle mass they can make. Today however, they are quite popular with amateurs, fitness enthusiasts, the elderly trying to maintain muscle mass, and are even dubbed as the best diet foods by those aspiring to lose weight.
Protein bars for weight loss are making big waves these days since they are renowned for supplying high quality and absorbable protein that your body can use right away. You can even find vegan protein alternatives such as soy, pea protein or whey. All high-quality protein bars for weight loss pack more than a whopping 15 grams of protein per serving, which is like eating half a steak in one go! Since Protein is an extremely hunger-fighting nutrient, these protein bars are one of the best weight loss supplements since they curb appetite. Not only that, they help you lose weight fast without losing muscle mass. Another factor that has contributed to their popularity is their convenience and portability. These on-the-go snacks can fulfill half of your daily protein need in a jiffy.
Protein bars have evolved over the years. We see more creative flavors and textures coming out every day. The quality of protein has been upgraded and new ingredients are being added every day. However, when it comes to shopping for the best diet proteins, the supermarket isles are brimming over with brands all boasting the best ingredients. Some feature slim swimsuit models, some have brawny muscle clad men on the box pumping iron, while some are tailored to cater to the interest of health-conscious, organic, or vegan shoppers.
However, according to Jessica Janc, a certified sports nutritionist with the National Association of Sports Nutrition, the problem is that no two protein bars are created equal. Some protein bars may even be so sugar-laden that it’s better to treat them like delicious candy bars than best weight loss supplements. What you need to look for is a protein bar with the right building blocks; ideally, the amount of protein should be at least half of the bar’s carbohydrate content, with no more than 12 grams of fats and 7 grams of sugar.
Similarly, dieters should keep an eye on the fiber, protein, and sugar content in protein bars. If you are downing a protein bar as a snack, it should have less than 300 calories, while for an on-the-go meal replacement, the protein bar should have above 300 calories. Similarly, post workout recovery protein bars for athletes should constitute about 20 grams of protein.
Ingredients To Look Out For In The Best Proteins Bars For Weight Loss:
• High-grade protein sources: Look out for protein bars for weight loss that claim to source their protein from high-grade concentrates and isolates, as well as whole-food ingredients, such as anti-biotic free meat and nuts. In addition, seeds, egg-whites, grass-fed meats, nut butters, and nuts are some of the best sources of protein for a protein bar.
• Natural Sweeteners: When it comes to added sugar, check ingredients and choose options incorporating natural sources of sugar such as fruit sources and sugar cane.
• Whole-food ingredients: The best protein bars for weight loss are free from artificial ingredients and only use whole food or natural ingredients.
• Healthy Fats: Fats help your body absorb important nutrients and keep you feeling satiated for long. Look for protein bars that incorporate healthy fats from seeds and nuts instead of vegetable oils as binders.
• No Sugar Alcohols or isolated fiber: Sugar alcohols, such as xylitol, erythritol, and maltilol are touted as the best low-calorie way to sweeten protein bars, but dieticians advise against this ingredient since it can lead to gastrointestinal distress in the long run. Similarly say no to protein bars containing large amounts of synthetic fibers such as chicory root or soluble corn fiber.
Keeping these considerations in mind, we have scoured the markets looking for the best weight loss supplements that fit these criteria. Here are a few best diet proteins bars for weight loss recommended by our expert dietitians:
· Peanut Butter Protein Bars By Primal Kitchen
These Whole30-approved, paleo-friendly, dairy-free and gluten-free protein bars top our list for their scrumptious flavor and high nutrition content, especially when your aim is to eat clean on the go. With 9 g of proteins and only 2 grams of sugar, these bars are surely one of the best diet foods for all types of dieters. Caution: contains Peanuts, Eggs, Tree Nuts (Almond, Coconut).
Nutrition Facts per serving:
- Calories – 200
- Protein – 9 grams
- Fat – 16 grams
- Carbs – 9 grams
- Fiber – 1 gram
- Sugar – 2 grams
- Gluten, dairy, and soy free
- Keto friendly
What to love:
What we especially love about these protein bars for weight loss is the fact that they use only whole foods to infuse mouthwatering flavor, such as real spices, coconut oil, nuts, flaxseed, and eggs.
· WonderSlim High Protein Meal Replacement Bars: Fudge Graham
If you’re looking for a crunchy, mildly sweet snack that’s different in texture from traditional protein bars, Wonderslim’s Fudge Graham protein bars will leave you satisfied and provide a solid dose of nutrition your body needs to gain muscle mass and lose weight. Containing a whopping 15 grams of protein and only 160 calories per serving, these delectable treats will take you down the memory lane to your favorite campfire treat. WonderSlim has eliminated all the unnecessary sugar, carbs, and calories to create a meal replacement bar that fits the bill for any weight loss program.
Nutrition facts per serving:
- Protein – 15 grams
- High Fiber – 5 grams
- 160 Calories
- Fat – 5 grams
- Enriched with 17 Vitamins and Minerals
- Aspartame Free
- Trans Fat Free
- Cholesterol – 0 mg
What to love:
These single-serving meal replacement bars deliver 17 important vitamins and minerals and a healthy 5 grams of fiber in each serving, helping you feel fuller for long.
· Chocorite Sugar Free Protein Bar, Cookies N Cream
If you can’t live without cream filled chocolate cookies, you can’t expect to lose those unsolicited pounds. But what if we tell you that you can eat them all you like and still shed weight? Satiate your sweet tooth and control your cravings with these chewy 100 calorie marvels from Chocorite. Each low-carb, mouth-watering protein bar is packed with 11 grams of filling fiber and 10 grams of quality protein to keep you feeling satiated for long, without the need to add the harmless digestive strain of gluten, maltitol, or sugars. Experience heaven in each bite and keep hunger at bay with these amazing cookies and cream snack bars.
Nutrition Facts per serving:
- Protein – 10 grams
- Carb – 1g
- Calories – 100
- Fiber – 11 grams
- Zero Glycemic Impact Sweeteners
- Sugar Free
- Contains No Maltitol
- Gluten Free
- Cholesterol Free
- No Trans Fats
What to love:
A smooth cookies and cream protein layer with rich caramel and soy crisps enveloped in a rich chocolate coating makes it highly filling to the core.
· RiseBar Lemon Cashew High Protein Bar
These protein bars incorporate only the most wholesome ingredients. They are the epitome of “clean foods”, incorporating only four ingredients: 15 grams of pea protein, lemon extract, coconut nectar, and cashews per bar. The best part is that these bars are prepared in small batches to ensure the highest quality and taste. Each bar constitutes non-GMO and all-natural ingredients that guarantee an experience of a lifetime. These proteins bars are perfect for when you need a meal replacement, afternoon snack, recovery after a workout, or a pre-workout energy boost. shortbreads!
Nutrition Facts per serving:
- Protein – 15 grams
- Non-GMO and no preservatives
- Vegan, soy free, Gluten free
- Kosher
- No Artificial sweetener/ sugar alcohols
- Great source of minerals, vitamins, potassium, fiber, and protein
What to love:
Prepared using the pure pea protein isolate, this product is easy on the digestive system, vegan, and Paleo-friendly. With a boost of plant-based protein, creamy cashews, coconut nectar, and lemons, it will remind you of your favorite lemon
· ProtiDiet Breakfast Bar Banana Bread
Enrich your mornings with the savory and rich taste of freshly baked banana bread, brimming over with a touch of chocolate goodness. Start your day the sunny side up with ProtiDiet’s Banana Bread Breakfast, packed with 10% of your Daily Value of Iron, 5 grams of healthy fiber, and 15 grams of energizing protein.
Nutrition Facts per serving:
- Protein – 15 grams
- Carb – 3g Net Carbs
- Fiber – 5 grams per bar
- Sugar – 1 gram
- Each bar provides 10% of your Daily Value of Iron and 8% of your Daily Value of Calcium per bar
- Trans Fat Free
What to love:
Each low-carb breakfast protein bar for weight loss packs tons of nutrition and great taste for just 150 calories. What a great way to start your day!
· Maple Glazed Doughnuts By One
Each of these delightful treats incorporate a whopping 20 grams of protein and only about a gram of sugar. And with the heart-warming flavor of maple glazed doughnut, who could resist biting into one of these guilt-free snacks? With a hefty dose of the muscle-building macronutrient, its best eaten after a tough workout to reinvigorate and revive. Hands down, it is one of the best weight loss supplements we have across on the markets!
Nutrition Facts per serving:
- Protein – 20 grams
- Sugar – 1 gram
- Gluten free
- Fat – 8 grams
- Carbohydrates – 24 grams
- Fiber – 9 grams
What to love:
These low-calorie, high protein bars for weight loss are sweetened with Stevia, so they don’t spike your blood sugar levels, but give you all the joy of savoring the taste of the Vermont woods when you get out on your hike.