Have you ever eaten a granola bar and wondered if you should be choosing a protein bar instead? Many people think protein bars are healthy just because they have the word “protein” in their name, but is that really true? According to Protein Predicament, “Protein bars might not immediately come to mind when you think of unhealthy foods, but some aren’t as beneficial as they seem. Many bars today contain large amounts of ultra-processed ingredients, artificial sweeteners, and added sugars, with the protein bar industry ballooning into a 4.5 billion dollar industry. You can’t believe everything you see.”
Differences between protein bars and granola bars:
Some bars are labeled as protein bars, but they also have carbohydrates and are meant to give you energy. Usually, people eat a protein bar about 30 minutes after working out because it benefits them after their workout, as opposed to eating a granola bar before their workout for energy.
How many people in the US will choose a protein bar over a regular granola bar?
According to Gomarco, over 44 million American citizens eat protein bars each year. Glanbia Nutritionals says that over 56% of U.S. consumers are trying to increase their protein intake. Innova Market Insights says nearly half of the US consumers purchased cereal and energy bars in the past year, surpassing the global average of 37%.
How do protein bars make people feel?
In my experience, it really depends on the brand. If I eat a cheap or low-quality bar, I feel sluggish. However, if I choose a quality brand like Kind or Cliff bars, I feel more energetic. Evan Quigley, Oakmont Regional High School Student, states, “After I take the protein bars, I feel fueled and ready for my workout.” Patrick Heffernan says, “They are a good post-gym/workout snack, and I try to get the Matrix cookies and cream because they have 32 grams of protein. I eat them after the gym or practice.” Now, if these were just plain granola bars, they would not give you this type of protein or energy for your day that you need.
Jennifer Groncki, Oakmont Regional High School health teacher, says to always read the ingredient list and not just assume a protein bar is healthy. Some bars have added ingredients that are not good for you, so it’s important to check the sugar content. It’s also good to look for bars that have vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Not all protein bars are healthy, and since they are processed foods, they should not replace a regular meal.
How many people who go to the gym eat protein bars?
According to Gomacro, about 44 million Americans eat protein bars each year. Many gym-goers choose protein bars because they are a quick and easy way to get protein, instead of eating chicken or other protein-heavy meals. Protein bars also come in a lot of flavors, and people often eat them after a workout, during the day for a snack, or have a protein shake instead.
Is a protein bar going to leave you feeling drowsy?
Protein bars can make you feel drowsy, according to Sharp Health Care: “Quick fix foods such as hastily eaten protein bars or caffeinated drinks only offer a temporary energy boost that quickly wears off and brings on fatigue.” Not all protein bars are good for you. Next time you have a protein bar, think about how it makes you feel, and don’t just eat it because it says ‘protein.’
Is it safe to eat more than one protein bar a day?
According to the Food Network, eating more than one protein bar a day can replace whole foods, which contain essential nutrients, whereas protein bars contain mainly isolated protein. Eating regular, unprocessed food every day is needed because it gives you the nutrients that protein bars do not give you. Good food does not make you feel drowsy, whereas protein bars do make you feel drowsy.
