EAT FIT/NOT FAT

Protein Bars

WRITER: TABATHA ARCARO-ORTIZ, M.S., R.D., L.D/N.

When choosing a protein bar, you have a lot of options and need to ask yourself a few questions. First, what is your intended purpose for eating a protein bar? Second, will others in your household be eating these protein bars, as well? Last, when will you be consuming the protein bar?

On a random stroll through Publix, I selected a few of the more popular brands of protein bars to take a closer look. At first glance, I thought to myself, if I were going to consume 250 calories, I would rather have a Snickers bar. Is there any benefit to choosing these as a treat or snack? While I am an active person, I am not a body builder. I consume plenty of protein through my diet, as do most Americans. What role would these serve in my diet?

It appears the majority of these bars are marketed to two kinds of people: 1) the very busy, on-the-go kind of person who has little time to stop for food and 2) the avid athlete who needs a jolt of calories and protein before, during, or after training. It is hard to generalize these bars not knowing the purpose they will serve you individually; however, there are always red flags we should pay attention to.

Be Aware The Power Bar

The Power Bar is categorized for “before,” “during,” and “after” training. They are advertised for athletes, which most folks are not. The Performance Energy Bar (chocolate peanut butter flavor) will run you:

240 calories

35 calories from fat

3.5g fat

1g saturated fat

0mg cholesterol

200mg sodium

44g carbohydrate

1g fiber

26g sugar

9g protein

While it is fortified with some vitamins and minerals, and it does not appear to have artificial flavorings or colorings, the very first ingredient is sugar. This bar seems to be high in sugar and low in fiber. In general, most people would not need this amount of calorie boost for their usual workouts.

Better L Rabar

A better choice is the Lärabar. While still in the higher calorie range — all bars tend to run around 200 calories each — they are made with no more than nine ingredients. The company prides itself on simple ingredients with unsweetened fruit, nuts, and spices. The cashew cookie flavor will cost you:

230 calories

110 calories from fat

13g fat

1.5g saturated fat

0mg cholesterol

5mg sodium

23g carbohydrate

3g fiber

18g sugar

6g protein

Best Clif Bar

The best one I stumbled upon at the store was the Luna bar, which is made by Clif Bar and Company. The Clif company makes a number of bars (as do the others above) and the Luna bar stuck out. I tried the caramel nut brownie, which was delicious. Most of the Clif products are organic. The Luna bar is 70 percent organic and designed with women in mind. It has your entire days’ worth of folic acid and is high in calcium and iron. This bar was:

180 calories

50 calories from fat

6g fat

3g saturated fat

0mg cholesterol

160mg sodium

26g carbohydrate

3g fiber

13g sugar

8g protein

Keep in mind, there are many other protein bar companies worthy of your time. When looking at them, remember your purpose for buying them and who is going to be eating them. Some companies have produced “mini bars” to respond to consumers’ desires to cut out extra calories and fat.