Review of sports bars (not just protein bars): what they are, who they are and what they are suitable for

The first appearance of sports bars dates back to 1983, and the idea of ​​their creation is attributed to marathon runner Brian Maxwell. His goal was to come up with a product that would be convenient to consume while running the race. The first bars could not be called tasty, since the emphasis was on energy value. They were created to provide quick energy, so they contained a lot of carbohydrates. Proteins and fats made up a small part of the product.

Over the years, sports bars have changed, but they still remain a quick, simple snack. Only today their composition has become more diverse, and they are used not only by professional athletes, but also by those who work out in the gym for themselves, simply maintain their figure or follow proper nutrition. Read more about what types of protein bars there are, how best to use them, as well as examples of the most popular options.

All types of sports bars: when and which ones are best to use

Main types of sports bars:

1. Protein with minimal or no sugar.
2. Carbohydrate-protein with a balanced content of proteins and carbohydrates.
3. Energy drinks with an increased amount of carbohydrates.
4. Low-carbohydrate, containing many times more protein than carbohydrates.
5. Bars with L-carnitine, guarana or other additives.

If we consider which protein bars are the best in composition, then we cannot choose only one type. It all depends on the goals that the athlete or those losing weight have set for themselves, as well as on their lifestyle, including the intensity of physical activity, and their body type. To find your “ideal” bar, it’s worth taking a closer look at all the types, their features and effect on the body.

We advise you to study: “How to eat protein bars: all the rules and secrets.”

How to choose a protein bar

Such products are primarily recommended for athletes who expend a lot of energy during exercise. To build muscle you need protein, which is contained in the snack. Before deciding which protein bar is best, you need to pay attention to the composition.

Compound

The main component in the composition is protein, which can be whey, milk and soy. The first two are the easiest to digest, and they are also the most effective in building muscles. However, if the athlete is a vegan, you can pay attention to plant sources of protein.

The bars should also contain carbohydrates and fats to compensate for wasted energy. Their quantity should be at least 10 g. Most of all it is in chocolate and waffle versions. The higher the percentage of carbohydrates, the higher the caloric content of sweets. The optimal parameter to avoid weight gain is about 200 kcal per 100 g.

The basis of any protein bar is, in addition to protein mixtures, chocolate icing, flavorings and sugar (or analogues). Those who want to lose weight should prefer natural substitutes - stevia extract, erythritol, sorbitol. Artificial ones include sucralose, aspartame, etc.

Benefit

For a product to be beneficial, it must be made from natural ingredients without artificial preservatives, colors or additives. To further strengthen the immune system and maintain overall health, it is important to enrich snacks with vitamins and minerals - ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, etc.

Taste

The same bar can be available in several flavors, which almost always affects the price. For those who do not like sweets, a snack containing orange zest, almonds, peanuts and hazelnuts, and dried apricots is suitable. Fans of more sugary flavors should pay attention to products with the addition of milk chocolate, strawberries, cherries, yogurt, etc. The main thing is that after eating it there is no feeling of a “chemical” composition.

The best gainers for gaining muscle mass

Protein

Protein bars are also called high-protein bars because the majority of them are protein. Many people often confuse the two concepts. Sports bars are a broader category, and protein bars are only one of the varieties of such a product. Due to their highest protein content, they are recommended for consumption by those who are actively seeking to build muscle mass. In such situations, the bar becomes both a replacement for regular sweets and a way to get additional protein.

Examples of manufacturers of delicious and nutritious protein bars:

1. MAXLER
2. Bombar,
3. Protein Rex.

Sugar-free bars are also included in the protein category, since they also have a high level of protein. Sugar is present, but very little, which is why the product is considered non-sugar-containing.

A prominent representative in the “Sugar Free” category are Bombbar bars. Sugar is present in them only in the chocolate glaze and only in small quantities, as evidenced by the low level of carbohydrates (only 5 g per 60 g). They are ideal for losing weight and professional athletes, including those preparing for competitions.

Also: “Protein Bars Review: Why They're Better Than Regular Sweets.”

Recipe for making a protein bar at home[edit | edit code]

Homemade protein bars
A protein bar is a universal product that you can take with you anywhere and have a healthy snack. You can eat a nutritional bar after a workout, before dinner, you can leave it for dessert, or you can just eat it as a supplement during your lunch break. Store-bought protein bars do not please you with their composition, although it is much more convenient to buy a ready-made packaged product and not prepare anything yourself. In this section we will show how easy it is to prepare a high-quality and healthy product at home in a short period of time.

To do this you will need:

1.75 cups dry oatmeal;

1.5 cups peanut butter;

1 cup coconut cream;

5 scoops vanilla protein powder.

Stage 1:[edit | edit code]

Open the bag or jar of coconut cream. Make sure to drain the milk (clear liquid) and pour the cream into a large bowl.

Whisk until the mixture is smooth.

Stage 2:[edit | edit code]

Add vanilla flavored protein and stir until glossy.

Stage 3:[edit | edit code]

Add peanut butter and stir everything together with a spoon

Stage 4:[edit | edit code]

Add oatmeal and mix well.

At this point you can mix with your hands (it's good if you have disposable gloves)

Stage 5:[edit | edit code]

Even out the mass in the dish

Stage 6:[edit | edit code]

Refrigerate overnight (or at least 2 hours) and cut into 12-16 bars.

The bars are ready, bon appetit!

Carbohydrate-protein

A balanced content of KBZHU is useful for more quickly replenishing glycogen stores, which helps muscle tissue recover after exercise. It is after finishing physical activity that it is recommended to take carbohydrate-protein bars.

For example, Golden Bar from Maxler contains 18 g of carbohydrates and 19 g of protein. By consuming it after training or just for a snack, you can accelerate muscle growth and prevent catabolism (the process of destruction of muscle tissue that interferes with its growth). Some more examples of quality carbohydrate and protein bars:

1. Easy Body Protein Bar. It is characterized by a large amount of both proteins and carbohydrates. Per 100 g there are 30.1 and 31.5 g, respectively, and for the entire product (35 g) - 10.5 and 11 g. This composition makes the bar ideal for use after training. It maintains tone and ensures a good mood.
2. 30 Protein Rex Gym. The main advantage is the variety of flavors: “raspberry-yogurt”, “coconut”, “French dessert”, “peanut”, etc. The entire product weighing 60 g accounts for about 18 g of protein. The amount of carbohydrates depends on the flavors and is either 8 g or 15-16 g. This is convenient: if you follow a low-carb diet, you can eat a low-carb bar, and after a workout - a high-carbohydrate bar.

Best Protein Bars

Delicious and healthy bars with a maximum protein content of animal and plant origin.

1

ProteinRex Nuts “Nut-Coconut”

Vegan product for those with a sweet tooth
This nut dessert from a Russian manufacturer will be appreciated by vegans and people with lactose intolerance. The product is recommended for regular use by athletes, people with protein deficiency in the body or diabetes, as well as children, as it reduces cravings for sweets.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

• Made from plant protein;
• Pleasant taste;
• Eliminates the feeling of hunger;
• Saturates the body with protein;
• Does not provoke disturbances in intestinal function.

The product weighs 40 g and has an energy value of 170 kcal and contains 18 grams of easily digestible protein and prebiotics. The appearance of this delicacy will not leave even a sophisticated gourmet indifferent. The small bar is generously sprinkled with almonds and coconut flakes, thanks to which the bar is moderately sweet, despite the lack of sugar in its composition.

Coconut oils, cocoa and Himalayan pink salt in its composition saturate the body with PUFAs and other beneficial elements. Consuming 1-2 bars per day in combination with sports activities will promote muscle gain and weight loss.

The product is a healthy snack, satisfying the feeling of hunger for 3-4 hours, while it does not provoke disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. With many advantages, the bar is also reasonably priced.

According to customer reviews, it has excellent taste and tangible benefits, being an excellent replacement for harmful fast food. Its only drawback is that its calorie content is higher than its analogues (174 kcal).

READ ALSO

15 Best Protein Shakes

2

SmartBar Protein Pro 45%

Maximum protein
The SmartBar bar impresses with its rich composition, amazing taste and record protein content - 45%.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

• Pleasant taste;
• High protein content;
• Prevents catabolism;
• High nutritional value.

The sports nutrition contains milk protein concentrate, hydrolyzed collagen, coconut oil and pear pieces. The bar has a homogeneous stretchy consistency, melts in the mouth and delights with excellent taste. Such a delicacy will definitely not cause weight gain. On the contrary, its inclusion in your diet if there is a carbohydrate deficiency will give you a slender silhouette.

Thanks to the glaze, multi-ingredient sports nutrition with pear flavor is very similar to a regular chocolate bar, but is significantly superior to it in terms of benefits. One serving of the treat contains 124 kcal and 19 grams of highly digestible protein.

The product is a healthy snack, an alternative to unhealthy desserts and a rich source of protein necessary for regular physical activity. Its presence in your daily diet will prevent catabolism, eliminate cravings for sweets, lower blood sugar levels and ensure an increase in lean muscle mass.

Thanks to all the listed properties, the bar is especially recommended for professional athletes. SmartBar Protein Pro 45% is also appreciated by ordinary lovers of healthy eating, praising it for its pleasant taste, unusual texture and long-lasting feeling of fullness.

3

Bite Cyber ​​Chocolate

Chocolate taste and healthy ingredients
Bite protein bar will energize you after a long workout, minimizing the risk of catabolism.

Find out the price

Reasons to buy:

• Low calorie content (98 kcal);
• Pleasant chocolate taste;
• Rich composition;
• Suitable for people with lactose intolerance;
• Rich source of protein.

The plant-based protein snack is a dense yet soft slab of dark chocolate flavor. The product, developed taking into account the needs of the body of a professional athlete, contains a large amount of protein, amino acids, vitamins and prebiotics. This combination promotes rapid growth of lean muscle mass, increased strength, endurance and energy charge.

Cyber ​​Bite combines pea protein isolate, corn fiber, vitamin E and levocranitin. The weight of the bar is 30 grams, and its nutritional value is only 98 kcal. With such a moderate calorie content, the product contains 30% protein and excludes sugar.

A product with a low glycemic index gives a long-lasting feeling of fullness, feeding muscles with building material. It does not provoke digestive disorders and provides an antioxidant, stimulating and fat-burning effect.

The Bite protein bar is a favorite of many nutritionists, who claim that it tastes even better than popular high-carb bars.

READ ALSO

12 Best L-Carnitines

4

Bombbar Slim + Vitamin C and L-carnitine

To increase lean mass,
the Pineapple-Cherry protein bar is a godsend for athletes, as well as for people who monitor the balance of their diet and fight excess weight.

Find out the price

Pros:

• Pleasant taste;
• Minimum calorie content (98 kcal per serving);
• Good composition;
• Saturates the body with protein;
• Stimulates metabolism and fat burning;
• Democratic price.

Minuses:

• Not suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

Bombbar Slim contains a duet of whey and milk protein concentrates. This combination eliminates protein deficiency in the body, promotes muscle mass growth and saturates the body with essential elements.

The compact, rectangular-shaped bar has a uniform texture and creamy color. Its composition is enriched with coconut oil, cocoa oil, fiber, pieces of cherry and pineapple. The weight of the product is 35 grams, and its energy value is only 98 kcal.

The bar has a moderately sweet taste, being an excellent alternative to the usual high-carbohydrate desserts. Its inclusion in the diet will provide the body with 10.5 grams of protein, allowing you to give up sweets and adjust your silhouette. The composition of the bar is supplemented with vitamin C and L-carnitine, which increase immunity, stimulate metabolism, fat burning and provide an antioxidant effect.

Slim+ will be especially appreciated by the fair sex. According to reviews, it has the most pleasant taste among all the products in the Bombbar line of bars, satisfying hunger for a long time and reducing cravings for sweet and high-calorie foods. The product is sold individually and in packs of 30 bars.

5

SiS Proteine ​​Bar “Chocolate and Mint”

Large and satisfying
A healthy treat from the SiS brand based on milk and soy protein, as well as casein, will saturate the body with protein and pamper you with the exquisite taste of chocolate with mint.

Find out the price

Pros:

• Heavy weight;
• High protein content (25 g);
• Unusual taste;
• Contains several types of protein;
• Fat burning effect.

Minuses:

• High price (about 300 rubles per piece);
• Contains gluten.

The bar has a non-standard weight of 55 grams, which will help satisfy hunger even for a man with an excellent appetite. The product with a dark glaze melts in the mouth, goes well with any drink and does not provoke any discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract. By regularly consuming such nutrition, you will rebuild your body, adapting it to high physical activity and new sports records.

The composition of SiS Proteine ​​Bar is enriched with L-carnitine and green tea extract. This duet, combined with high physical activity, improves metabolism, stimulates fat burning, and has an antioxidant and immunomodulatory effect. 20 grams of high-quality protein in the bar prevents the breakdown of muscle mass, forming sculpted muscles.

The energy value of the product is about 200 kcal, and it eliminates the feeling of hunger for 4 or more hours. This post-workout snack is appreciated by athletes and people who want to lose weight. Among its advantages, they indicate excellent taste, effectiveness in satisfying hunger and building an athletic physique.

Energy

During intense exercise, the athlete needs more carbohydrates - up to 80 g per hour. Almost none of the conventional products can provide such a dose. For example, 100 g of banana contains only 20 g of carbohydrates. In energy bars their volume can reach 75 g per 100 g.

A striking example is Enerjack from QNT, which contains 53 g of carbohydrates per 100 g. Like other energy bars, it has the following effects:

• increases performance;
• maintains high blood glucose levels;
• quickly satisfies hunger;
• replenishes energy, helping to delay the onset of fatigue.

Given these properties, this product is recommended for use before and during intense training. Bars with guarana have a similar effect, which gives vivacity and energy. It has a pronounced tonic effect, since this tropical berry contains a lot of caffeine and tannins. The latter provide a gentler effect on the body than regular coffee.

We advise you to study in more detail: “Top 5 protein bars.”

Low carb

Next in the review of bars are low-carb ones. They contain a sufficient amount of protein, but they are distinguished from protein ones by a minimal level of carbohydrates, which is effective when following a low-carbohydrate diet and trying to achieve weight loss, including cutting.

A good example of such bars is Bombbar Natural Bar. Per 60 g it contains only 5 g of carbohydrates and 20 g of proteins, i.e. 30%, which allows the product to be classified as high-protein. Depending on the taste, such a bar may contain even less carbohydrates - about 3-4 g per 60 g. If you need to lose weight or “define” muscles, such a bar will be an ideal way to snack.

With L-carnitine

Bars with L-carnitine solve several problems at once:

• help muscles recover after training;
• replenish lost energy reserves;
• promote weight loss.

Weight loss is possible due to L-carnitine, a non-essential amino acid that has a significant effect on metabolic processes. It is good for weight loss. This effect is due to the ability of L-carnitine to accelerate fat burning, which is associated with the transport of lipids (fats) to the mitochondria (energy sources) in cells, where they are processed and then broken down to release energy. L-carnitine is the most popular fat-burning supplement today, which is also included in the bars.

Don't miss interesting news and events in the telegram channel: https://tlgg.ru/fitbarnews