Quick Bites: Protein Bar Reviews (Round 1)
January has been a bit of a blur. I can’t say I don’t know where the time is going… I know exactly where it is. I’ve got 10 million activities going on. But that’s how I like it, so I’m not complaining 🙂
That said, it’s a little tricky to stay on track with healthy eating, when there is barely time to stop and eat, much less prepare something. I’ve been snacking on protein bars in the afternoon, to carry me between lunch and dinner, since sometimes dinner is later than my stomach would prefer.
Let me start by saying I’m not generally a big fan of protein bars. I feel like most of them have too many calories, too many weird ingredients, and not enough protein and fiber. I’d much prefer a bowl of Greek yogurt and some fruit. Unfortunately, that doesn’t exactly travel well. Anyways, I’ve accepted that protein bars can be necessary, and even tasty. These are some of my favorites (and least favorites) that I’ve tried recently.
Kashi– Go Lean Crisp!
160 calories, 5g fiber, 8g protein. Less calories and a great taste. It’s the perfect bar to tide you over before dinner, but it won’t necessarily keep you full for hours. The cinnamon flavor was great, and it didn’t have that artificial flavor that some bars do.
Clif Builder’s Bar
270 calories, 4g fiber, 20g protein. This one packs in lots of protein, but also a lot of calories. Again, the ingredients list isn’t my favorite, but more importantly, I didn’t like the taste at all. It had that chalky protein powder taste. I won’t be getting this one again.
KIND Apple Cinnamon
180 calories, 5g fiber, 3g protein. I absolutely love the taste of KIND bars and the ingredients list is awesome. It’s less protein and fiber than some of the other bars, but I think the trade offs for ingredients and taste are totally worth it. It didn’t keep me full forever, but it did taste awesome. (And they have them at Starbucks, so that’s a bonus!)
I personally like the chalky taste so I enjoy Builders Bars but don’t like the high sugar content.
I love the taste of Think Thin BUT they have a LOT of sugar alcohol in them (fake sugar) that gives me a horrible stomach ache.
Best bar yet. The Simply Bar. Seriously…150 cals, 16g protein, no weird ingredients, amazing flavor. Downside is cost (with shipping about $2/bar).
Those are awesome stats! I definitely need to try those simply bars!
I really like builders bars! My favorite right now, that I almost buy exclusively at this point, are Quest protein bars. The line of all natural bars are the best: coconut cashew and cinnamon roll top the list.
I want to try kind bars. But I also Luke making my own 🙂
I love protein bars – I mean, I really like that protein bar taste. Ha! I try to stick with ones with natural ingredients and under 12 grams of sugar. My favorites are Lara Bars, Kind Bars, Cliff Bars, (I like Luna, but too much sugar). I also do Good Nature bars every now and then and I really like the Power Bar Protein Plus bars. I used to work at GNC and at these bars like a champ. My least faves: Zone bars, Balance Bars, any Met-RX bars (too much sugar, and sugar alcohol). Can’t wait to see what others you’ve tried!
You absolutely need to try OWL bars, they are brand new to the market out of Brattleborogh VT. They are just making their way to stores around New England, but can be ordered off their website (owlenergybar.com) by far the best out there I and many I know have tried! Take a chance with a new, small company! You won’t be disappointed.
Thanks for this overview, Liz. The Kashi one sounds delicious…mmm…cinnamon… I agree the calories are so high for what you get sometimes. For me on WW, they can be quite a few Points and don’t really do the job of filling me up. But as you say, they’re a good tool when you need something generally healthy.
I just got a few samples of The Simply Bar to review. Will let you know what I think!
Oh I’ve heard those are good! They’re a little pricey, if I remember, so definitely me know if they’re worth it!
If you can find Francine’s Finest bars THEY ARE AMAZING!!! My favourite protein bar EVER! 🙂
http://www.francinesfinestfoodproducts.com/
Ohh I’ve never heard of those but I’ll totally check them out!
I loove Luna Bars- they’re SO yum and rack in about 9g protein for less than 200 cals…decent!
I can’t remember what flavor Luna bar I tried, but I feel like I liked it… something with pretzel maybe?
I love the ThinkThin and Zone bars. I’m with you though – if I’m at home I’d rater make a scrambled egg wrap for the same amount of calories/protein, but it’s nice to bring a bar with me on days I’ll be gone and need a sensible snack!
I need to try the Zone bars! I’ve heard good things!