If you work out or are trying to eat healthy, there's one snack that's commonly recommended as a good-for-you, nutritious option that can keep you full and feeling energized. But, one doctor in the UK is sounding the alarm, saying that this choice isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Dr. Franklin Joseph, a consultant physician in endocrinology, diabetes, and weight loss management at Dr. Frank's Weight Loss Clinic just dropped a bomb on the health world, claiming that protein bars are secretly sabotaging your healthy weight and nutrition goals. Here's what he and other experts are saying, and what you need to consider when choosing a snack to make sure it's the right choice.
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The Problem With Protein Bars
"People assume that because a product is labeled as 'high in protein,' it must be good for them,” Dr. Joseph told the UK's Daily Record earlier this week.
"The reality is that most protein bars are highly processed and packed with artificial sweeteners, syrups, and preservatives that can contribute to weight gain rather than weight loss."
He's not wrong. In the U.S., many protein bars marketed as healthy choices for those looking for a quick hit of protein are often sneaky calorie bombs full of unnatural, highly processed ingredients.
In fact, Dr. Joseph said that many brands of protein bars are worse for you than a chocolate bar in terms of their whopping sugar content—and eating them can cause your blood sugar to spike in ways that will only make you crave more food later on.
"Not all protein bars are bad, but most are ultra-processed junk with a protein label slapped on," he warned.
The Unhealthiest Protein Bars in the U.S.
Our sister site Eat This, Not That! ranked some of the worst offenders in the protein bar aisle.
Unlike their healthier competitors, these picks are remarkably heavy in added sugar, sugar alcohol, and saturated fat.
The #1 worst is Gatorade's Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bar, which has just about the max amount of sugar you should have in an entire day at 24 grams.
The #2 worst is 1st Phorm Level 1 S'mores Protein Bar, which contains 45% of your daily recommended intake of saturated fat.
Other options from popular brands like Think!, Pure, Quest, and Clif Bar also made the list.
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Healthier Options to Satisfy Your Hunger
Nutritionists still say that protein bars can be a good pick for athletes or those with a busy lifestyle if they have the right composition and ingredients.
In general, Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CEO of The NY Nutrition Group, says, "While protein bars can aid weight loss and muscle growth, they should not replace whole food sources." These include eggs, meat, fish, beans, nuts, seeds, and other options.
Moskovitz also suggests limiting protein bars to once per day and choosing ones low in sugar, sweeteners, and saturated fats. "Look for at least 5 grams of fiber, less than 5 grams of sugar, and [at least] 5 grams of protein."
If you're an athlete who's training hard, sports nutrition advisor Kyle Crowley at Protein Works suggests aiming to get 20 grams of protein from a bar, preferably made with whey and casein (although there are also plant sources like pea protein available, too).
Busy non-athletes looking for a quick and filling snack should opt for low-sugar, high-fiber bars, he says. "Focus on high-quality protein sources, and keep sugar levels low."
Now that you know which protein bars to avoid like the plague, you can make smarter eating choices that will keep your diet healthy and your appetite satisfied.
