Clear As...A Protein Bar?

Hello, and I hope the beginning of the week finds you well! It’s Vanessa writing today. If you’ve ever felt confused in the grocery aisle, you’re not alone – and this week Karen will be talking to you about some of the common language you might see on food packaging as well as how to use that language when making your purchasing decisions.

If I had to choose a specific food about which I get the most questions during a one-on-one consult, protein bars would at least be in the top 3.   They’re everywhere, right? And they’re often promoted as not just as a substitute for a meal when you’re the go, but also as something you should be eating if you are pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Like somehow you’re doing nutrition wrong if you’re NOT eating protein bars on the reg. This recent essay does a really nice job in providing some clarity as well as helping consumers tell the difference between marketing claims and helpful nutrition tips. It also gives you some label guidelines to look for.

I highly suggest that you read the whole piece, but basically if you want a summary:

• Protein bars are often ultra-processed items that are high in sugar and salt, no matter the protein claims on the front of the package.
• Most Americans are not deficient in protein.
• More protein than you need doesn’t make you healthier, stronger, or accomplish other goals more quickly.
• If you do choose a protein bar, look for one that is <200 calories, <5 grams each of sugar and fat, and at least 15-20 grams of protein.

This all being said though, if you just really love a particular protein bar: please don’t feel like you absolutely need to stop. If your intention behind eating it is general desire and that is a form of self-care for you, that’s just fine. If, though, you are expecting a specific fitness outcome: know that it’s very difficult to tie a specific outcome solely to a specific food or meal – especially when it may be a candy bar in disguise.