Six Protein Bars with Higher Sugar Content Than Candy Treats
In the world of fitness and nutrition, protein bars are a popular choice for a quick snack or meal replacement. However, some protein bars may not be as healthy as they seem, with high sugar content that can have negative effects on your health and fitness goals.
According to health experts, protein bars containing around 15 to 25 grams of added sugars per bar should be avoided. Examples of such bars include the Anabar Monster Cookie Crunch Protein Bar and The Perfect Bar Chocolate Brownie.
The Anabar Monster Cookie Crunch Protein Bar, for instance, has a whopping 21 grams of total sugar, with 20 grams coming from added sugars. The Perfect Bar Chocolate Brownie, on the other hand, contains 18 grams of total sugar, with 12 grams coming from added sugars like honey and cane sugar.
Terry Tateossian, an ISSA Nutritionist, considers the Berry Pomegranate Chia Clif Bar essentially dessert with a sprinkle of protein and fiber. The bar contains multiple forms of added sugar, including organic brown rice syrup, cane syrup, cane sugar, and dried fruits that act like candy in the bloodstream. According to Tateossian, these added sugars cause blood sugar spikes, which can lead to energy crashes, worsen cravings, and increase inflammation.
Bess Berger, RDN, rates the MET-Rx Big 100 Super Cookie Crunch protein bar as having too much sugar, with 25 grams of sugar per bar. The Gatorade Whey Protein Bar - Chocolate Chip, another high-sugar option, contains a staggering 29 grams of sugar.
Experts warn that these bars can be detrimental to health and fitness goals, as they cause blood sugar spikes and insulin rollercoasters, which can be harmful. Many bars hide added sugars under names like "brown rice syrup" or "agave nectar," making total sugar content misleadingly high.
Health professionals recommend avoiding protein bars with more than 10 grams of added sugar per serving, ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup and excess artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, and a high ratio of added sugar to protein.
For a healthier choice, bars containing less than 10 grams of added sugar, such as certain plant-based options with natural sweeteners used sparingly, are preferred.
In summary, avoid protein bars containing around 15 grams or more of added sugars per bar, particularly those like Anabar Monster Cookie Crunch and The Perfect Bar Chocolate Brownie, which combine high sugar with processed ingredients that can negatively impact blood sugar and digestion.
- Terry Tateossian, an ISSA Nutritionist, believes the Berry Pomegranate Chia Clif Bar is essentially a dessert with added protein and fiber, due to its multiple forms of added sugar.
- Bess Berger, RDN, considers the MET-Rx Big 100 Super Cookie Crunch protein bar to have too much sugar, with 25 grams of sugar per bar.
- Gatorade Whey Protein Bar - Chocolate Chip is another high-sugar option, containing a staggering 29 grams of sugar.
- Health professionals suggest avoiding protein bars with more than 10 grams of added sugar per serving, and avoiding ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup and excess artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols like sorbitol.
- For a healthier choice, bars containing less than 10 grams of added sugar, such as certain plant-based options with natural sweeteners used sparingly, are preferred.
- Examples of protein bars to avoid include the Anabar Monster Cookie Crunch Protein Bar, with 21 grams of total sugar, and The Perfect Bar Chocolate Brownie, with 18 grams of total sugar.
