Overview
Protein bars can be a life saver when you’re on the go. But convenience is not always a good thing when it comes to what we eat; just look at the fast food industry. Some bars contain high amounts of fat, hydrogenated oils, artificial sweeteners and many other harmful ingredients, making them as unhealthy as a fast food meal.
When looking for a nutritious bar pay close attention to the ingredients; look for simplicity and ingredients you can pronounce. Here are a few good bars that were chosen for their wholesome ingredients, as well as their low fat and sugar content.
Organic Food Bar
Organic Food Raw Active Greens is an excellent protein bar. This “whole food” bar is high in fiber, low in sugar, sodium and fat. This bar contains over 400 mg phytonutrient-rich superfoods, it is 90% raw (making it alkaline forming) and it is suitable for vegans.
Calories – 300
Trans Fats – 0 g
Fiber – 7 g
Cholesterol – 0 mg
Sodium – 5 mg
Total Carbohydrate – 34 g
Sugars – 22 g
Protein – 12 g
Here are the amazing ingredients that go into this super bar:
Organic almond butter, organic date paste, organic premium, agave nectar, organic brown rice protein, organic bio dynamic (demeter) raisins, organic bio sprouts-flax, organic bio sprout-quinoa, organic wheat grass juice powder, organic barley grass juice powder, organic sesame seeds, organic spirulina, organic blueberries, organic raspberries, organic broccoli sprouts, organic beet juice, organic carrot juice and lots of love.
Greens Plus
Greens Plus (Whey Krisp) Bar is high in whey protein, low in fat and sugar; and the sodium (an essential nutrient) comes from sea vegetables. It is also alkaline-forming, rich in Omega 3 and suitable for vegetarians.
Calories – 220
Trans Fats – 0 g
Fiber – 2 g
Cholesterol – 0 mg
Sodium – 105 mg
Total Carbohydrate – 18 g
Sugars – 11 g
Protein – 16 g
Ingredients:
Whey protein krisps (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, tapioca starch, calcium carbonate) organic peanut butter, organic brown rice syrup, organic agave nectar, original Greens Plus powder (gmo-free soy lecithin, Hawaiian spirulina, organic apple fiber, organic barley grass, organic wheat grass, japanese chlorella, hydroponic soy sprouts, organic brown rice bran, sprouted barley malt, alfalfa grass, royal jelly, Montana bee pollen, acerola berry juice, natural vitamin E, licorice root, milk thistle seed extract, echinacea root extract, Siberian eleuthero root extract, astragalus root extract, licorice root extract, organic red beet juice, dunaliella salina algae, organic Nova Scotia Dulse, organic ginkgo biloba leaf extract, organic Japanese green tea extract, grape seed and skin extract, organic Swedish bilberry extract), vanilla extract, sea salt.
Fuco Protein Bar
Fuco Protein Bar (Chocolate with Macadamia Nuts) by Garden of Life is an excellent source of protein; including whey and brown rice protein. This bar contains brown seaweed fucoxanthin, a natural thermogenic (fat burner) that helps support a healthy metabolism and burn fat naturally. This bar is gluten free, making it suitable for individuals with celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities.
Calories – 210
Trans Fats – 0 g
Fiber – 7 g
Cholesterol – 5 mg
Sodium – 120 mg
Total Carbohydrate – 28 g
Sugars – 11 g
Protein – 14 g
Ingredients:
Organic pure wildflower honey, organic dark chocolate chunks (organic cane sugar, organic cocoa, organic cocoa butter, soy lecithin, organic vanilla), organic cocoa, vegetable glycerin, fiber blend (organic acacia, chia meal, chia seed), Garden of Life Rainforest cacao (macadamia nuts, cacao), natural cocoa extract, organic vanilla, sea salt, Garden of Life organic extra virgin coconut oil, FucoProtein Blend 15 g (milk protein, brown rice protein concentrate, organic whey protein concentrate, brown seaweed fucoxanthin concentrate (seaweed blend and palm oil).
ProBar
Cocoa Pistachio ProBar is an all-natural protein bar with a healthy balance of carbs, good fats and protein. This is a perfect meal replacement or pre/post workout bar. It is organic, 100 percent vegan and comes in many delicious flavors.
Calories – 400
Trans Fats – 0 g
Fiber – 7 g
Cholesterol – 0 mg
Sodium – 350 mg
Total Carbohydrate – 39 g
Sugars – 18 g
Protein – 12 g
Ingredients:
Organic peanuts (peanut butter & whole peanuts), organic brown rice syrup, organic oats, organic raw sunflower seeds, organic dates, organic raw coconut, unsweetened dark chocolate (cacao, cacao butter), roasted pistachios, raw organic flax seed, organic raisins, raw organic sesame seeds, organic rolled rye, raw cashews, raw almonds, organic barley malt syrup, raw organic cacao nibs, organic evaporated cane juice, organic soybean oil, organic expeller pressed canola oil, sea salt, organic crisp brown rice (organic brown rice flour, organic molasses, sea salt), corn flakes (milled corn, barley malt syrup), organic palm oil, oat bran, natural flavor, organic oat solids, hemp seed, apples, epazote leaf, organic cardamom seed, organic fennel seed, organic fenugreek seed, organic nutmeg.
Hammer Bars
Hammer Bars consist of natural, organic ingredients. They do not contain any preservatives, trans fats, additives, coatings, soy, peanuts, refined sugars or dairy. They are suitable for vegans and individuals with gluten sensitivities. This nutrition information is for the Almond Raisin flavor.
Calories – 220
Trans Fats – 0 g
Fiber – 4 g
Cholesterol – 0 mg
Sodium – 18 mg
Total Carbohydrate – 25 g
Sugars – 15 g
Protein – 10 g
Certified organic ingredients:
Organic almond butter, organic date paste, organic agave nectar, organic brown rice protein, organic bio sprouts™–flax, organic raisins, organic bio sprouts™–quinoa, organic sesame seeds.
About this Author
Lori Anderson Craze is a personal trainer, nutritional consultant and freelance writer in Orange County. She has been in the industry since 2001 and is working on her Bachelor of Science in nutrition from Clayton College. She has taken her love of fitness and shares what she learns in her writing.
