Some protein bars provide nutrition on the go. Some of them are more like glorified candy. Before you start adding them to your Holland and Barrett basket, study the back of their wrappers. Here's what you should be looking for...
Carbohydrates and Protein
Don't go much over 30 grams of carbs per bar, unless you plan to eat it immediately after a workout, when the main objective is to have a high carbohydrate intake.
Try and get as close to 20 grams of protein as possible. Muscle protein synthesis (production) increases with doses up to 20 grams, but teeters off thereafter.
Look at your protein to carbohydrate ratio. Ideally it will be a 2:1 or a 1:1 ratio of protein to carbohydrates. However, if you're trying to build muscle after a workout it should be 1:2 ratio of protein to carbs.
Fat
Believe it or not, you want your bar to have some fat in it.
Aim to keep saturated fat as low as possible. A healthy amount of dietary fat (anything less than 10grams in a bar) is good for your body, unless your consuming it straight after exercise, which is when you want close to no fat at all.
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1
Unknown
Bounce Energy Ball Peanut Protein Blast, 49g
Kcal: 210
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrate: 19g
Protein: 14g
Verdict: During a period of time in my life I practiaclly lived off these (yes, an expensive time of my life). Then I checked the calorie and sugar content and backed away. For something almost half the size of other protein bars, that's a lot! Luckily, it still tastes pretty delicious, so I'll just have them as a treat from now on.
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2
Unknown
Grenade Reload Chocolate Browning Bar, 70g
Kcal: 279
Fat: 9.9
Carbohydrate: 32.4g
Protein: 15.5g
Verdict: It literally crumbles apart when you bite into it, so if you're not a fan of crumbs, don't even go there. I found it to be quite tasteless. It's not offensive, but it isn't delicious either.
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3
Unknown
PHD Protein FlapJack, 75g
Kcal: 270
Fat: 6.6g
Carbohydrate: 37g
Protein: 19g
Verdict: This. Is. Delicious. It's pretty much like eating a spoonful of peanut butter and the level of protein is spot on.
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4
Unknown
Clif Bar Crunchy Peanut Butter, 68g
Kcal: 250
Fat: 6g
Carbohydrate: 41g
Protein: 11g
Verdict: Won't be trying this one again. Yes, it was tasty, like most peanut butter bars are, but anything that is that high in carbohydrates AND sugar should be!
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5
Unknown
Trek Cocoa Chaos Wholefoods Energy Bar, 55g
Kcal: 186
Fat: 3.5g
Carbohydrate: 27.3g
Protein: 10g
Verdict: There's the slightest hint of chocolate to it, so don't expect something similar to a Devil's cake melting in your mouth. It's not as high in calories as some protein bars, but in terms of carbohydrates and sugar, it's basically a dessert. Back away.
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6
Unknown
Pulsin Maple and Whey Crisp Protein Snack, 50g
Kcal: 204
Fat: 8.6g
Carbohydrate: 17.8g
Protein: 15.2g
Verdict: After my first bite I thought I was suffering a case of cotton mouth, so I made our Deputy Editor, Lotte try it. "It sort of tastes like ash", was her conclusion.
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7
Unknown
Pure Protein Chocloate Peanut Butter Bar, 50g
Kcal: 191
Fat: 7.7g
Carbohydrate: 14.5g
Protein: 19.9g
Verdict: "This was so chewy in between my teeth, I actually became quite concerned" is how our Culture Director, Lena put it. I agree. Waaaaay too chewy. Great amount of protein though, for a 50g bar.
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8
Unknown
Maxi promax per 100g
Kcal: 347
Fat: 10.1g
Carbohydrate: 27.4g
Protein: 36g
Verdict: This wasn't even on my list until our resident protein lover, Miette, described it to me. "It's amazing and tastes like Celebrations." I can't argue with that. The protein content is one of the highest, the sugar content is one of the lowest and it does taste a lot naughtier than it should.