Those that are low in saturated fat and sugars, with a decent amount of protein and fiber, can provide a nutritious, satisfying pick-me-up.

Eating protein in excess doesn’t appear to benefit the health of the average person, and doing so may be harmful in some cases. Low in protein and fibre and with the equivalent of 4 teaspoons of sugar, this isn’t a great option in energy terms.

This makes it quite a processed offering which may be harder for your body to break down and absorb. Many protein bars may be made from dates and dried fruit, nuts and seeds, and whole grains like oats or quinoa. Orange Cacao 42g, Cals – 180 At high levels, cocoa flavanols have been shown to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve cognition and possibly lower the risk of diabetes. But when your salad contains crispy chicken, bacon, cheddar and ranch dressing, you'd be better off eating a burger.

This can make it difficult to determine which one is best for you, as well as easy to choose one that may not be a good fit for your goals. Cals – 180 Note that some bars contain sugar alcohols such as maltitol or erythritol, to lower the sugar content. Choosing protein bars that have minimal to no added sugars is also recommended. While Trek bars have the advantage of containing oats which are a great source of slow-release complex carbohydrate, the range is sweetened with added cane sugar rather than using the sugar intrinsic to fruit or dried fruit, so they’re not as nutritious as they could be.

When examining ingredient labels, be aware that some protein bars use a proprietary blend of ingredients and don’t disclose any of its details on the packaging (2). Protein – 5g

See the latest news and share your comments with CNN Health on Facebook and Twitter. A Greek yogurt with no added sugar makes for a filling protein- and calcium-rich snack.

If you are vegetarian, peanut butter can be a convenient way to add protein and heart-healthy fats to your diet.

Some are high in calories and added sugar and use ingredients you may want to avoid. For example, a study in 14 resistance-trained men showed that a daily protein intake of over 1.5 grams per pound (3.3 grams per kg) of body weight for 6 months was not associated with any adverse health effects.

Sugars – 16g. Incorporate some healthy protein-rich foods into each meal and snack to help you feel fuller longer, fuel your workouts, and support an overall healthy lifestyle.

This is largely due to their varying ingredients. Cals – 145 Many protein bars are calorie dense, meaning they provide a significant number of calories in just one serving, making it easy to add calories without having to eat a lot of extra food.

In short, aim for a ratio of high protein and fibre to low sugar and you’ll be onto a winner. Many protein bars also contain high amounts of added sugar and use unhealthy sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup, which adds excess fructose to your diet and can increase your risk of fatty liver, obesity, and diabetes when consumed in high amounts (3, 4, 5). Protein – 4g Below is a list of benefits that you can get from adding protein bars to your fitness regimen. Orange Choc Chip Protein Booster 50g, Cals – 224 The higher the protein content of the bar, the longer it will keep you going, whether you’re planning a trip to the gym or have to stay late at work.

One review of 32 human studies found that eating more protein than the recommend dietary allowance (RDA) of 0.36 grams per pound (0.8 grams per kg) of body weight was associated with an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and bone, liver, and kidney disorders (12).

Protein is incredibly important for your health, weight loss, and body composition. If you’re eating protein bars solely for their protein, keep in mind that most people consume more protein than they need, so you may already be getting enough of this nutrient (11). Be selective across the range, as some Nature Valley bars contain half the protein and twice the sugar of this one. Finally, many protein bars are a good source of important vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, vitamin E, and B vitamins, helping you meet your daily needs for these micronutrients. Some contain egg whites, while others rely on nuts and seeds as a primary protein source.

In fact, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends that endurance athletes and strength-trained athletes consume 0.54–0.77 grams of protein per pound (1.2–1.7 grams per kg) of body weight (9).

Protein – 2g

In addition to checking for high quality ingredients, it may help to compare the unit price and determine which brands offer the greatest value. It can help you lose weight and gain muscle, while improving your overall…, Avoiding animal products doesn't have to mean missing out on a quick to-go protein shake or some extra fuel after your workout.

Palm kernel oil in yogurt and chocolate coatings will boost saturated fat.

Sugars – 14g. While it’s easy to grab a protein bar off the shelf whenever you’re hungry, there are certain instances in which they may be particularly beneficial.