The best protein bars - ranking of the most popular

Protein bars have become quite popular recently. And if previously they could only be found in sports nutrition stores, now protein bars are increasingly appearing on the shelves of regular supermarkets. This is facilitated by the increased interest in a healthy lifestyle and in particular in proper nutrition (PN) in recent years. Those who have begun to adhere to proper nutrition standards try to follow recommendations for the amount of protein consumed, increasingly including protein-enriched foods in their diet: protein oatmeal, protein breakfast cereals, protein cookies, waffles and, of course, bars.

The best protein bars will be discussed in this rating.

How to choose a protein bar?

A protein bar is a filling, tasty and quick snack that you can always take with you. This is a real lifesaver when you don’t have time for a full meal, and you can’t skip it completely.

It will also help you eliminate sugar-containing sweets in order to lose weight without restrictions, and replenish protein deficiency. The main thing is not to overdo it: the daily protein requirement is 1 gram per kilogram of weight, and to gain muscle mass you need to consume 1.5-2 grams per kilogram of weight per day.

You should also not turn protein bars from a snack into the mainstay of your diet. Nutrition should be complete and balanced, and a bar is just a healthy alternative to a quick but high-calorie meal like fast food.

Our online store has an excellent selection of protein bars for every taste.

FAQ

How often can you eat protein bars?

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Protein bars can be consumed daily, but no more than 3 pieces per day. It is permissible to increase their amount only if you train intensively every day and your body requires a large amount of protein. Do not consume such treats in the evening if you do not want to gain excess weight.

Are protein bars suitable for children?

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There are no serious age restrictions on the use of such sports nutrition, and they can be given to a child from time to time from the age of three. But this is not necessary. The metabolic rate in children is already high, and protein nutrition can provoke an imbalance in the body. It is advisable for a child to consume protein bars only if he plays sports professionally.

Types of Protein Bars

Depending on the composition and purpose of their consumption, protein bars can be divided into 3 types: high-protein, high-carbohydrate and protein-carbohydrate.

High protein bars contain a lot of protein and a small amount of fat and carbohydrates. They are great for snacking during intense workouts and for supplementing your protein intake.

High carb bars have a predominant carbohydrate content. These bars are very high in calories, so they are suitable for intensive muscle building. They are usually based on muesli and fruit, which is why they contain a large amount of fiber, which has a beneficial effect on the intestines and digestion.

Protein-carbohydrate bars contain approximately equal amounts of protein and carbohydrates and are suitable for snacking while maintaining body weight.

How to choose a protein bar

Many manufacturers cheat and add sugar to protein bars, which turns them from a healthy snack into an ordinary “harmful” sweet. Therefore, the first thing you should pay attention to when buying a bar is whether it contains sugar.

Otherwise, it’s worth starting from your nutrition goals: gaining weight, maintaining it or losing weight.

● Weight gain

Since it is important to constantly maintain a high calorie diet for gaining weight, and carbohydrates are needed for this just like proteins, protein-carbohydrate bars are best suited. Their energy value on average is 200-300 kcal per 50-60 gram bar, and

the content of carbohydrates and proteins is approximately equal - 20-30 grams per bar.

●Weight loss

If you want to lose weight, then high protein bars that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates are the way to go. These bars contain about 150 kcal per 60 gram bar, with 20 grams of protein and only 3 carbohydrates.

●Weight maintenance

Often, bars are eaten not for muscle growth or weight loss, but simply as a healthy snack that is rich in nutrients and gives energy. For these purposes, the best bars are rich in fiber, which will create a feeling of fullness - protein-carbohydrate and high-carbohydrate.

What to look for when choosing a bar

Be sure to carefully study the composition, calorie content, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber and sweetener content on the packaging.

Compound

The fewer ingredients there are, the more natural the bar. According to all canons, the product with the highest content is written first in the composition. Moreover, the closer the ingredient is to the end, the lower its percentage.

Pay attention to what products make up the base of the bar. Does it contain fiber, vitamins, healthy fats, what is its glycemic index.

Calorie content

Calorie content: if you need to gain weight/energy, then give preference to “heavy” bars; if you need to lose weight/take a snack for the evening - low-calorie.

Protein

The biggest pitfall of manufacturers is that on the label they indicate the protein content in large quantities, which many consider to be grams of protein. For example, if the package says 27, this means that one third of the bar is protein, and the other two are carbohydrates, fats or fiber. A standard bar weighs 50-60 grams, in which case the protein content in it is about 20 grams.

Additionally, if you have any dietary restrictions, such as not eating dairy products, then you need to look at the source of the protein. It can be dairy, egg or soy.

Carbohydrates

If you are losing weight or, conversely, gaining weight, then you are probably already accustomed to looking at the amount of carbohydrates on the package. But in addition to the quantity of carbohydrates, you need to look at their quality, and for this you need to look at the composition - high-calorie bars, which are difficult to classify as sports nutrition, usually contain corn or rice syrup, maltose, tapioca starch, maltodextrin and even sugar.

Cellulose

Fiber is not an essential part of a protein bar, but it has a positive effect on the health of the intestines and creates a feeling of fullness for a long time, since it takes longer to absorb protein. The bar may contain the following sources of fiber: isomalto-oligosaccharides, inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides and corn fiber.

Sweeteners

Various sweeteners are added as a substitute for sugar: sucralose, stevia and erythritol. All of them contain no calories, but have different glycemic indexes. For example, the GI of erythritol is 0, that is, it does not affect insulin levels, so even diabetics can eat bars and other sweets with erythritol.

Protein Joy from QNT

The main feature of Protein Joy protein bars is their very low sugar level. It is contained in the composition in the amount of 2.2 g. This is slightly more than in QuestBar, but also not so significant.

Another advantage of the product is the presence of collagen peptides. This is an easily digestible and highly active form of collagen, indispensable in the body's regenerative processes. This is why Protein Joj takes its place in the ranking of the best protein bars.

Another plus is the unusual flavors of the line: “cookies-cream”, “cookies-caramel”, “vanilla”. The average cost is 180 rubles.

Ingredients per 60 g serving:

• calorie content - 230 kcal;
• carbohydrates - 21.6 g;
• proteins - 22.8 g;
• fats - 9 g;
• sugar - 2.2 g.

Top 5 Low Calorie Protein Bars for Weight Loss

1st place: QuestBar

The source of protein in the bar is milk protein, so the product may not be suitable for you if you are vegan. In other cases, this is the best option in the store.

The low-carb bar contains fiber from corn fiber and is sweetened with the best sweeteners - erythritol, sucralose and stevia.

A wide variety of flavors is a dream for women and men who adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Raspberries with white chocolate, waffles with maple syrup, chocolate with hazelnuts are just a few combinations that can surprise and make you fall in love. After all, food for losing weight should not be boring and bland.

Pros: - high protein content; - low calorie content; — high-quality sweeteners; - good composition; - pleasant taste.

Cons: - high price. The cost of one bar is about 230 rubles

KBJU per bar: 180/21/5/5

2nd place: Zero Bar

Zero bar is a delicious high protein bar from the sports nutrition manufacturer BioTech USA from America. Protein sources include whey, milk and egg whites.

The bar contains fiber in the form of fructooligosaccharides. As a sweetener it contains maltitol, sucralose and stevia.

Pros: - high protein content; - contains fiber, which creates a feeling of fullness for a long time; - a small amount of carbohydrates, making the bar an excellent snack for those losing weight.

Cons: - frequent consumption of fructooligosaccharides can cause digestive problems; - Some protein bar flavors may be bitter.

KBJU per bar: 188/20/5/7.5

3rd place: BombBar

BombBar is one of the most popular sports nutrition manufacturers in Russia. The low-carb bar contains whey and milk proteins as protein, isomaltoligosaccharide (IMO) as fiber, and stevia as a sweetener. In addition, the bar is enriched with vitamin C.

BombBar pleases sporty girls and guys with a wide range of flavors: apple cinnamon, pistachio ice cream, tiramisu, raspberry cheesecake, lemon pie - these are just a few original combinations from their extensive flavor palette.

Pros: - high protein content helps you quickly and easily reach your daily requirement; - low calorie content makes it easy to fit a snack into your diet; — a huge number of flavors will not get boring, and you will definitely find your favorite one; — thanks to the high fiber content, the bar will leave you feeling full for a long time.

Cons: - stevia in large quantities can create a laxative effect.

KBJU per bar: 131/20/4/4

4th place: VASCO XBAR

The protein-carbohydrate bar contains a high amount of protein, as well as other natural ingredients, while being very low in calories. The protein is contained in the form of a mixture of whey and milk protein. A protein bar contains a minimal amount of calories. Fiber is found in the form of corn fibers, which have a good effect on digestion and create a feeling of fullness for a long time.

The bar is great for athletes as a healthy and healthy snack before or after training. The dessert is available in 4 flavors: pistachio, chocolate, brownie, butter cookies.

Pros: - high protein content helps to reach the daily requirement; - low calorie content makes it easy to fit a snack into your diet; — high-quality sweeteners; — natural composition; — thanks to the high fiber content, the bar creates a feeling of fullness for a long time; - pleasant unsweetened taste.

Cons: - Many users find the bars too hard.

KBJU per bar: 137.8/21.2/3.4/5.6

5th place: ProteinRex GYM

ProteinRex GYM is a line of low-carb protein bars in a variety of flavors with 33% protein content. In their composition, the role of protein is played by a mixture of whey protein and milk protein concentrate.

The bar contains fiber from corn fiber, almond flour and isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO). Contains erythritol and stevia extract as a sweetener.

In addition, natural ingredients are added to each bar: coconut flakes, berries or fruits, which makes the taste of the bar natural and rich.

Pros: - high protein content helps you quickly and easily reach your daily requirement; high protein content helps you reach your daily requirement; - low calorie content makes it easy to fit a snack into your diet; — high-quality sweeteners; — natural composition; — thanks to the high fiber content, the bar creates a feeling of fullness for a long time; - pleasant taste.

Cons: - stevia in large quantities can create a laxative effect.

KBJU per bar: 190/20/7/5

comparison table

The table summarizes the main parameters of the products discussed above.

Top 3 Protein Bars for Gaining Muscle Mass

1st place: Muscle Pharm Combat Crunch

Combat Crunch is great for gaining muscle, as the bar has approximately equal protein and carbohydrate content. Whey from milk protein is added to the bar as protein, and maltide is used for a higher content of simple carbohydrates. The source of fiber is isomaltoligosaccharide (IMO).

Thanks to a unique baking technology, all the beneficial properties of the ingredients are preserved in the bar, while the crust becomes crispy and the content remains soft. For many, this combination resembles a Snickers bar.

Pros: - high protein content will allow you to quickly gain muscle mass; — simple carbohydrates quickly saturate you with energy and help restore strength after a workout; — the original taste has already been loved by many sweet tooths.

Cons: - high price. The cost of one bar is from 160 rubles; — some people find the bar too sweet.

KBJU per bar: 210/20/28/7

2nd place: BSN Protein Crisp

BSN is one of the world's most famous sports nutrition brands, and their Protein Crisp protein bar became a bestseller as soon as it was released. As a source of protein, the composition contains whey isolate and whey and milk concentrate, the carbohydrate base consists of tapioca starch and maltose syrup. Isomaltoligosaccharide (IMO) provides high fiber content.

The bar has a mild taste and crunchy texture, but it comes in only two varieties: birthday cake and chocolate crunch.

Pros: - high protein content will allow you to quickly gain muscle mass; — simple carbohydrates quickly saturate you with energy and help restore strength after a workout; — original taste, pleasant crispy texture; - average price. The cost of one bar is about 120 rubles; — the bar is enriched with iron, potassium and calcium.

Cons: - Some people find the bar too sweet.

KBJU per bar: 230/20/23/7