Protein bars are a popular meal replacement and post-workout snack option. While eating food in its natural condition or with little processing is preferable, the convenience of a protein bar is hard to surpass. Pure Protein bars are among the most popular protein bars on the market.
It’s no surprise that this is the go-to bar for many individuals seeking for a quick and simple protein boost, given that it’s marketed as a high protein, low carb alternative. Is it, however, a viable option? Continue reading to find out more about the ingredients in Pure Protein bars, as well as their nutritional information and if they’re as nutritious as they appear.
What’s In A Pure Protein Bar?
Pure Protein bars get their protein from several different sources:
Dairy protein, which includes milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and casein (the exact combination depends on the bar). Soy protein isolate, collagen, listed as hydrolyzed collagen or hydrolyzed gelatin.
While these bars include a tiny amount of sugar (2 to 4 grams per bar), the majority of the sugar comes from carbohydrates found naturally in dairy products and the chocolate coating found on many of the bars. Sugar alcohols provide additional carbohydrates (more on this ingredient later).
The nut products included in some bars (such as almond butter) and different oils, such as palm kernel, canola, and peanut, provide only a few grams of fat to the bars.
These bars are enriched with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin A, potassium, and zinc, to mention a few, in addition to the calorie-containing components.
What Is The Nutritional Value Of The Pure Protein Bar?
Pure Protein Bars offer the following nutritional information on average:
- Calories: 190 kcals
- Protein: 18 grams
- Carbs: 20 grams
- Sugar: 2 to 4 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
For many people, 18 grams of protein is sufficient as a meal replacement or post-exercise recovery snack, however those with greater calorie demands, high training volumes, and/or trying to gain weight may require more protein.
The low total carbohydrate content and low sugar content are attractive. It’s critical to distinguish between naturally occurring sugar, such as that found in dairy and fruit, and refined sugar, which is heavily processed and has little nutritional value. The fact that these bars contain very little processed sugar is a major selling factor.
This bar’s nutritional profile makes it a suitable choice for a snack or even a meal when coupled with other foods, such as fruit. However, most of the bars have low fiber content (most adults should get at least 25 grams per day), and while the carb, fat, and protein composition is reasonable, these bars contain common allergens like dairy and soy, so they would not be a good choice for those with sensitivities or allergies to these ingredients.
What Is The Best Time To Eat Pure Protein Bars?
Pure Protein Bars are a great pre- or post-workout snack. About an hour before a workout, eat a protein bar to get carbohydrates and protein for energy and lean muscle assistance. After your workout, reward yourself to refuel your energy and aid muscle healing.
Are Pure Protein Bars Healthy?
Everyone’s definition of “healthy” is different. What works for someone who is really active may not be appropriate for someone who is more sedentary. With that in mind, Pure Protein bars do have some health benefits that we associate with them:
Minimal sugar, high protein, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. While these are all great aspects of the bars, there are a few things to keep in mind.
All of these bars include sugar alcohols such malitol and the artificial sweetener Sucralose. This is how producers may create a sweet-tasting bar without the sugar and calories that come with it.
While this may appear to be a good thing, sugar alcohols, in particular, have been linked to digestive issues such as bloating and gas (the bars even have a warning stating this). Although not everyone may suffer stomach pain after ingesting sugar alcohol-containing goods, it is worth mentioning for those who do.
Overall, for people who aren’t allergic to dairy, soy, or sugar alcohols, this is an excellent bar choice. I usually recommend eating entire foods whenever feasible, but protein bars may absolutely be part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Pure Protein Bar
Pros
- Minimal sugar
- High protein
Cons
- Artificial sweetener
- Allergic to dairy