Over the past years, there has been a rise in the popularity and diversity of nutrition bars sold in local markets. From energy bars to protein bars, and even bars specially made for women, people now have a plethora of options to choose from. Whether it’s for an easy snack on the go or a filling breakfast in the morning to carry out, the portable hassle-free nutrition bar that comes in a variety of sizes can be a quick and easy option for consumers.
Although the “nutrition” in nutrition bars makes these snacks seem nutritious, what people might not know is that all nutrition bars are not the same: the label on each nutrition bar should be carefully examined to understand what’s inside.
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Obviously, what sets a good nutrition bar apart from a bad one are its ingredients. In general, a nutrition bar with less than five grams of fat, three to five grams of fiber, and 15 or more grams of protein is a better option. You should also pay attention to the number of carbohydrates, specifically sugar and fiber. When checking the amount of sugar in a bar, less than eight grams is appropriate for a bar consumed as a snack, and a bar that acts as a meal replacement should contain the same amount of sugar and protein “gram for gram.” Moreover, a nutrition bar consumed in place of a meal should be between 200 and 300 calories. Dietitian Jessica Garay Redmond says that ten ingredients should be the cutoff for a good bar. Having more ingredients is not necessarily better.
Ultimately, by doing a quick check of the amounts of sugar, fiber, and protein in a nutrition bar, you can find the right bar for you, and make the nutrition bar actually nutritious!
Feature Image Source: Lily A.
