Chocolate Protein Bars | Easy Vegan No-Bake Recipe - Elavegan (2024)

FAQs

What to avoid when buying protein bars? ›

Avoid added sugars and artificial sweeteners, when possible. The amount of added sugar in a product will be displayed in grams. Artificial sweeteners are often not highlighted in the same way and may just be listed as one of the bar's ingredients. Try to choose protein bars with minimal processing.

The bottom line on protein bars

Is that protein bars aren't the perfect alternative to chocolate bars if you can have a protein shake with it, too. You can still consume either or whenever you like, just don't get bogged down in the fallacy that "protein bars are good, chocolate bars are bad."

They're Filled with Sweeteners

Most low sugar or zero sugar protein bars contain artificial sweeteners such as maltitol or Xylitol. Artificial Sweeteners taste a lot of sugar, but not don't cause the excessive rise in blood sugar levels that sugars do.

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

Protein bars usually contain artificial additives, preservatives, and flavourings. This is to improve taste and extend shelf life. These additives can potentially have adverse effects on health, including allergic reactions, gastrointestinal disturbances, and increased inflammation in the body (Eat This, 2023).

Finally, making your own bars can be significantly cheaper than buying the store-bought brands.

Alternate sources of protein

Beans and legumes: Beans and legumes are a rich source of fiber and B vitamins. They are also a great replacement for meat as a source of vegetarian protein. Soy: One cup of boiled soybeans (172 g) contains around 29 grams of protein.

Instead of a nutrition bar, Jackson says you can choose an alternative snack like a container of low-fat yogurt with high-fiber cereal sprinkled in it, or a fiber-rich bagel with a tomato and a small slice of low-fat Swiss cheese melted on it.

The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day.

Are protein bars better than eggs? ›

The Truth About Protein Shakes and Bars

They also are very often high in sugar, having as much as a soda or candy bar. And to top it off, when it comes to total protein count, protein bars and shakes often come in equal or even behind easy, popular foods like eggs and yogurt.

Protein bars that contain a significant amount of added sugars or high-glycemic carbohydrates can lead to a sharp increase in blood sugar levels. However, many protein bars are formulated with low-glycemic carbohydrates, fiber, and a balanced macronutrient profile, which can help mitigate the glycemic impact.

High fructose corn syrup, agave nectar and even fruit juice concentrate—all of these are sugar in various forms. Protein bars often contain more sugar than you might expect. This paradox arises from the desire to make the bars palatable while ensuring they have a longer shelf life.

Read the ingredient list and look for whole, natural foods like fruit, nuts and seeds. Avoid any ingredients that are chemically altered or highly processed. Many bars contain a high amount of synthetic fibers and sugar alcohols—which can cause digestive upset in many people.

Avoid any bars with palm oil or kernel oil (often included in bars coated with chocolate) Sugar. If sugar, sucrose or high fructose corn syrup is the main ingredient, don't buy it. Also avoid sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol and maltitol—they cause bloating and gas and have a laxative effect.