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Sunday 25 August 2013

Top 10 Energy Protein Bars


The on the run generation is always looking for places to slash time out of activities  like drinking coffee, reading news, cooking and most importantly eating. From the take away coffee cups to the sandwiches and Frankies we have a whole meal on the run. The nutrition is never enough for the three course meal can’t be packed down to grab-on meals. Here comes the supplements. These were made for athletes to keep up their energy levels but all of us are in a race day in day out, running to beat deadlines and be in ten places in ten minutes. This athletes energy secret soon became a part of everyday life of general population. Even if one is not so busy, one does wish to have some way to pump up the energy level . Lets take a look at the best options available.
Some crucial information about protein bars: It is called a protein bar in true term if there is at least 15 grams of proteins per bar. It is suggested to choose a bar which is low in carbs as it will better compliment your goal and not risk causing the insulin and blood level spikes. Check out the protein source as some brands use Gelatin to improve texture and as this is a form of protein it makes it to the protein content quotient. The better source would be hydrolyzed whey. The fat and carbohydrates content should be looked at as well otherwise the energy inducing bar may turn out to be a snooze feast.
With all this information let’s  cut to the chase and begin the list finally.
10. Oh yeah!
Oh Yeah!
45 g bar contains 190 calories, 13 g protein, 10 g fat, and 19 g carbohydrates 
This bar is number 10, the last in our list mainly because it falls short of the 15 grams protein bench mark. However the popularity and trend of this particular bar makes it hard to ignore. The problem here is the high sugar content with the presence of caramel and peanuts, and corn and syrup. The partially hydrogenated oil is a deal breaker in many cases. The taste of the bar makes it a favorite among kids. Even active people, athletes and the protein junkie do not favor this particular brand much as it hardly qualifies as a protein bar. However based on popularity the name crops up in top 10 always! The sweet treat is never forgotten.....



9. Balance bar Gold S’Mores
Balance bars Gold
200 calories, 7 grams fat(4 grams saturated), 23 grams carbohydrates, 14 grams sugar, 220 mg sodium, 3 grams fiber, 14 grams protein
The delicious name guarantees a delicious flavor among other things. This bar makes it to our list but barely as its classification in protein bar in the strictest of terms is controversial. However the dose of vitamin D makes it impossible to ignore. The campfire treat flavor is supported by the bones and muscles strengthening vitamins. The wide sale and acceptance makes it a number 9 in our list.The Balance bars are just as popular however the gold version has enhanced the packaging.
8.  Protein plus
Protein plus
85 grams bar contains 310 calories, 30 grams protein, 10 grams fat, and 33 grams carbohydrates
The availability of this variety in a creamy Peanut butter twist makes it look like a  health snack. However a bulky content of protein needs more flavor. The presence of hydrolyzed whey, egg whites and casein makes it a hardcore protein supplement. The only reason to put it at this rank is its chalky taste. The athletes swear by this so if the requirement is purely protein based and the taste doesn’t matter than this is the best pick. The high calorie also puts it on a frown list. So the choice is based on your requirements alone.

7. Smart For Life Green Tea Protein Bar

Smart For Life Green Tea Protein Bar
180 calories, 4 grams fat (2 grams saturated), 18 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams sugar, 160 mg sodium, 2 grams fiber, 18 grams protein
Green tea  is the trendsetter and this one is truly one of the most liked protein bar. Reason, you ask? Well let’s start with the contents, it has 18 grams of protein with 180 calories. The high protein content beats many other protein bars. The bonus point here is the added green tea extracts which keeps a tight watch on your waistline. The natural ingredients and organic source gluten free with no artificial flavors and a rice base fills you up easily giving you enough fuel to whiz past the chores at hand.
6. Pure Protein High Protein Bar
Pure protein high protein bar
180 calories per 20 grams of protein, and 0 trans fat per serving. 
Keeping the above conditions in mind the reviews of this particular bar is above average. With a calorie count of 18 per 20 grams of protein we have added benefit of 0 trans-fat per consumed bar.  We have to appreciate the fact that these bars are made from a point of view focusing on health and not compromising on the taste as well.
This protein bar is available in  strawberry shortcake , chocolate chip, peanut  marshmallow eclipse and also chocolate peanut butter. The consumer review says that the 20 grams protein with 1 gram sugar is a tough ratio to maintain and the softness is one factor which makes it an easy and happy meal when compared to others.
5. Nitro-Tech Hardcore Protein Bar 
Nitro-tech Hardcore Protein Bar
 An 80 grams bar contains 270 calories, 30 grams protein, 6 grams fat, and 31 g carbohydrates       
The whooping 30 grams of protein in a single bar makes you want to devour it even if it tastes bad! But this list has only the all-round players and this one is no exception. The texture is well received by consumers as a hardcore bar appears to be tough but this one is soft and gooey to some extent. The lesser rank is due to the marginal focus on taste buds and the high level of sugar alcohol. Nevertheless it is a favorite for body builders.
 4. Quest Bar
QuestBar
60 grams bar contains 210 calories, 20 grams protein, 10 grams fat, and 21 g carbohydrates 
One of the best quality protein bars in the market today, this 60 grams of energy has 20 grams of proteins. They are made from high quality of whey and milk proteins. The carbohydrates are mostly peanuts. The main content which makes it popular is the presence of oligosaccharides. Don’t worry, its not some complex lab product but a completely natural derivative from plant which is proved to reduce hunger and help in digestion. The natural bar is preferred by many for its specific nature.
3. 2:1 Protein bar ( oatmeal)
 2 1 Protein bar
74 grams bar contains 265 calories, 30 grams protein, 5 grams fat and 25 grams carbohydrates
The original version of this bar has taken now into consideration the need to put a check on carbohydrates content and hence we have a protein-to-net-card counter. The ratio stands to 7:1 here. The heavy dose of protein tastes delicious due to the faux chocolate coatings. The whooping nine flavors include  granola oatmeal and almond caramel crunch. The consumers peg it as delicious and that’s a good compliment for a health bar.
2. Supreme Protein Bars
Supreme Protein bar
43 g bar contains 190 calories, 30 g protein, 6 g fat and 38 g carbohydrates  
A weightlifter will vouch for this tiny powerhouse. The 43 grams pack packs a hefty punch with 30 gm proteins. The ingredient which makes it supreme is the best quality of premium flax seed oil. The whey is a perfect specimen and the chocolate coating is thick and delicious. It is available is seven different flavors how is that for each day of the week.  So get a box of this treat and treat yourself to a power packed day.
1. Detour ( original)
Detour(Original)
43 gram bar contains 170 calories, up to 32 gram protein, 7 gram fat, and 17 grams carbohydrates 
The palm kernel oil in the faux chocolate is one tiny flaw in this bar. However the high quality of ingredients and real peanut butter make it a finger licking snack. Some of the versions of this brand labelled as ‘original lean muscles’ has lower sugar and the oatmeal variety which take the protein count to 30 grams. The lean muscle variety  sometimes go up-to 32 grams
These stats makes the protein bar irresistible and also leads to some of our over enthusiastic friends to substitute it for a real actual meal. This is never good and may end up harming you instead. So keep them in your pocket just in case but never substitute it for a nutritious meal. They are supplements not the real deal. So munch on but with caution!

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