5 Macronutrient Targets for Selecting the Right Protein Bar

There’s so much hype about the consumption of protein in today’s fitness world. Almost everyone knows that it is a macronutrient essential in building muscle mass. It is typically sourced from meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products, but can also be produced from plant-based sources, such as certain vegetables, whole grains, legumes, seeds, and nuts.

Quite surprisingly, however, protein has also been turned into a bar. As a snack, the protein bar has become all the rage in the world of physical fitness. As a result, there are now various products available in the market that suit your needs, whether you’re trying to build more muscles or lose weight. However, it can be rather hard to figure if your chosen bar is right for your diet.

Fret not, as the trick here is to check its content to see if it’s a healthy option. When you are checking the label of a protein bar, here are five items to look out for when selecting the right snack: 

1. Protein 

What is this bar for in the first place if it contains less protein? As the name implies, the right snack must consist more of protein than anything else. As a rule of thumb, look for products with greater than five grams of protein in it. 

Of course, this depends on your fitness goal. For instance, opt for a 2:1 ratio of protein to carbs in a bar if you’re trying to lose fat. If you want to build muscle, on the other hand, go for the 1:2 ratio. Ultimately, this snack helps you stay fuller for as long as possible and helps develop your muscles in the long run.

2. Calories

High-calorie content is the biggest culprit of obesity and health-related diseases. This is what every fitness enthusiast, athlete, and even those who want to lose weight try to avoid. However, some aren’t successful at regulating their calorie intake daily. 

The best way to go is to eat protein bars for healthy snacking. However, be sure to check the calorie content. The right bar must contain 140-200 calories per bar for women and 170-300 calories per bar for men, so you don’t overdo its intake.

3. Sugar 

Know that sugar consists of undesirable ingredients, such as sucrose, corn syrup, and high-fructose corn syrup. Even artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols can have a downside to them as well. 

Seeing that sugars contribute to your calorie content, they will eventually add up to your weight. They also elevate your blood sugar level, cause bloating, and lead to abdominal discomfort. As a rule of thumb, aim for six to eight grams of sugar per bar. 

4. Fiber 

Remember that fiber is a healthy nutrient for your body, especially in aiding proper digestion. It also helps you stay full longer and regulates your blood sugar better. That’s why it’s best to opt for plant-based protein bars as they contain lots of fibers. When checking the label, be sure that it consists of more than six grams of fiber.

5. Fat

When it comes to fat, it is typically categorized into two parts, unsaturated and trans or saturated, with the former being a healthier option. Good fat usually comes from nut-based bars that help maintain your heart health. On the other hand, saturated fat leads to high cholesterol and other health-related diseases. This is why you must check the fat content on your snack and ensure it’s unsaturated.

So, there you have it! We’ve covered the five items to check when looking for a healthy protein bar—protein, calories, sugar, fiber, and fat. Keep in mind that the higher the protein content is, the better, and the same is true for fiber. However, be sure that the rest of those mentioned above are minimal in content. 

Are you on the lookout for the best protein bar that’s plant-based, delicious, and healthy? Then you’ve come to the right place, as we shed light on various protein bar products available in the market and help you make the right purchase decision. Browse through our content today to learn more!