Protein bars are great for snacking on the go. Pick one up, post-workout, to help maintain and grow your muscles or pop one in your backpack for an energy boost while you are out hiking.
Super convenient, protein bars can be eaten as a snack in between meals to keep you going, or pre or post workout, to help get the best out of your training.
With so many different types of protein bar available, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the one for you so we have pulled together this review of our favourite protein bars to help you out.
The most popular varieties of protein are whey and casein, both of which are dairy products as they come from milk during the cheese-making process.
These are not suitable for vegans and so vegan protein bars must be made with plant-based protein sources such as legumes and seeds or pea and algae.
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It can sometimes be a little challenging for vegans to get sufficient protein in their diets, since a lot of protein sources come from meat, fish or dairy products.
Therefore, if you are finding it difficult to get enough protein, it is important that you supplement this - and a protein bar is a great way to do this.
These vegan protein balls are high in both protein and fibre and contain less than 160 calories.
They are all natural and have a delicious squidgy nut butter centre. Perfect for a sweet protein-packed treat.
As well as being vegan, the Trek Protein Flapjack bars are gluten free and wheat free.
They are packed full of both protein and fibre and are perfect for taking on the go with you.
They have a really unique and satisfying taste and some flavours have a tropical twist, thanks to the addition of coconut.
Best diet protein bars
When you replace carbohydrate and fat intake with protein,
this will help you stay feeling satisfied and fuller for longer and stop you from consuming extra calories through unhealthy snacking or overeating at mealtimes.
PhD Diet Whey Bar is an excellent option if you are following a nutrition plan.
They contain 20g of protein in each bar, while staying under 200 calories, with less than 2g of sugar.
This tasty bar has a great texture and is available in no less than five different flavours, so there is one to suit everyone.
This high protein bar contains 20g of protein and is perfect for anyone looking to up their protein intake.
They are a great alternative to chocolate bars and snacks, thanks to their delicious taste. However, they are low in sugar, with just 2g in each bar.
They are ideal for snacking on once you have finished your workout.
Best protein bars for muscle gain
Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscles as it contains amino acids which are the building blocks that the body uses for muscle growth.
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Protein bars are one of the most popular supplements available for muscle building.
Absolutely full of protein with 50g per bar, this is the perfect snack for serious athletes and bodybuilders.
It is easy to digest, without causing gastric discomfort, thanks to a low proportion of polyols, which are low calorie sweeteners.
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This one of the best protein bars for men and women looking to build muscle.
Best flapjack protein bars
Protein bars often come in the form of flapjack. The primary ingredient of flapjack is oats which are themselves, nutritional. They are a complex carbohydrate and a great source of fibre.
This soft protein flapjack is covered in chocolate for an appetising treat.
Each flapjack contains 17g of protein to help support your muscles. And this bar is available in three different flavours, so you can take your pick.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to protein bars and the right bar for you will depend on what your own particular fitness and diet goals are, as well as your lifestyle.
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Last Updated: 8th January 2021
Sources:
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https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/nutrition/best-vegan-protein-shakes-powder-2020/#:~:text=The%20best%20vegan%20protein%20powders%20are%20composed%20of%20a%20variety,rice%20to%20hemp%20and%20algae.
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https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/body-building-sports-supplements-facts/#:~:text=Building%20muscle%20through%20protein,blocks%20used%20for%20muscle%20growth.
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https://caloriecontrol.org/polyols-qa/