Protein bars are a super convenient way to consume protein and nutrients. I often have one in my bag in case I get hungry and there are no healthy options available. They are also great travel companions.
Beware though that all protein bars are not created equally. Many are loaded with sugar, sweeteners, soy, poor quality protein and processed or artificial ingredients. If you want to know which protein bars will add to your health and satiate your appetite, you are in luck! I have taken a look and and tried many of the protein bars that are on the market.
My Top 6 ( all of which are gluten and soy free).
Made from simple, non-GMO ingredients with protein from cage-free egg whites. No more than 6 ingredients, made without sugar, and packs 12 g of protein and 200 calories, 7 g of Fat. They also taste delicious with a soft chewy texture!
2. Nagi ( Vegan)
Organic high protein energy bars. Made in Canada, raw, certified organic, non-GMO, vegan, as well as gluten, soy, and dairy-free. Contains 180 calories with 7 g of fat and 13g of protein with an appealing taste and texture. Comes in variety of fruit and nut flavors.
3. Rx Bar
Pure egg white protein. 100% natural chocolate. The Chocolate Sea Salt is the top seller and a perfect balance between salty and sweet. There is a variety of flavors to suit any palate. Tastes decadent and good for you. Each bar has around 210 calories, 9 g of fat and 12g of protein.
4. Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bar
Stevia sweetened, non-GMO with collagen sourced from grass-fed cows and also contains MCT (medium chain triglyceride) oil. This bar boasts extra health benefits – supporting healthy skin, bones and brain function. Multiple flavors. The vanilla shortbread is most divine. A great dessert substitute. For 220 calories you get 14 g of fat and 13 g of protein.
5. Sproos Chocolate Almond Butter Collagen Bar
Canadian made, non-GMO, contains clean ingredients like hemp seeds, almonds, and 7 g of marine collagen from wild-caught North Atlantic fish. Each bar has 230 calories with 14 g of fat and 14 g of protein. Tasty with a nice soft texture.
I adore this line of organic, non-GMO bars. However, they are not readily available in Canada. If you come across them at a market in Canada (eg. Summerhill Market in Toronto) or are in the USA at a Whole Foods, grab a few of these. They are filled with whole and healthy ingredients and taste amazing. They have more calories than the other options, but mainly from the 20+ superfoods each bar contains. They have 18g of fat and 16 g of protein. My favorite flavours are “Fruit and Nut” and “Peanut Butter”.
Commonly available bars you should Avoid:
1. Quest Bars
Laundry list of additives and chemicals, including the artificial sweetener sucralose. The only whole food some of the bars contain are almonds. Steer clear!
2. Cliff Bars
A long list of artificial ingredients. Contains cane syrup, brown rice syrup and soy which can be detrimental to health. These bars are in every store but don’t be fooled by the marketting. If health is your goal, avoid these bars.
3. Simply Protein Bars
They may be high in protein, but many of their ingredients are artificial like soluble tapioca fiber, vegetable glycerin, and “natural” flavors. Stick with bars made from clean ingredients like those listed in My Top 6!
Last Words
I believe a high quality protein bar can be a regular part of a healthy diet. They are convenient and nutritious. However, just any protein bar will not cut it. Find the cleanest bars with real ingredients like the 6 I have listed above. Avoid others which contain long lists of ingredients; many of which artificial and unhealthy.
If you have other great recommendations for bars that are available in Canada, please do send them along, I would love to try them out and share the reccomendations! Email me: michelle@crossfitdefy.com
Until next time,
Dr. Michelle