Washington Post: We analyzed hundreds of protein bars - Here are the healthiest options

Here’s what you should avoid when choosing protein bars — and better ingredients and brands to seek out.

This article was originally published by The Washington Post. The full article is available here: Are protein bars actually healthy? Try these expert-recommended brands - The Washington Post

Are protein bars actually healthy?

They’re marketed as nutritious snacks that can give you a boost of protein, vitamins and fiber when you’re on the go. But there are many protein bars on the market, and they’re not all the same.

Some protein bars are made from whole-food ingredients such as nuts, fruits, oats and seeds. Others contain so much sugar, fat and artificial additives that they can seem like glorified candy bars, said Julia Zumpano, a registered dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition.

Some top-selling protein bars contain emulsifiers and synthetic preservatives — such as polysorbate, carboxymethyl cellulose, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and sodium benzoate — that have been linked to gut inflammation and various health problems. At the same time, plenty of protein bars are laden with artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes such as erythritol, sucralose and acesulfame potassium that have been associated with a heightened risk of heart disease.

To help you find the healthiest options, we analyzed hundreds of protein bars and interviewed dietitians and nutrition experts. They said that whenever possible, you should always prioritize getting your protein from real food, such as plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, nuts and sliced turkey.

But it’s fine to have a protein bar several times a week for convenience, said Zumpano, especially if the alternative is junk food. “I would rather someone choose a protein bar over a bag of chips from a vending machine,” she added.

Here’s what you should avoid when choosing protein bars — and better ingredients and brands to seek out... Continue reading the full article: Are protein bars actually healthy? Try these expert-recommended brands - The Washington Post.

The healthiest protein bars

Aloha protein bars

These bars are relatively low in sugar, high in fiber and have a good amount of protein. Most of the bars have 14 grams of protein and in some cases as much as 10 grams of fiber. That’s roughly a third of the recommended daily fiber intake for adults. The bars are made with mostly simple ingredients, such as almonds, rolled oats, brown rice protein, cashew butter and chocolate chips.

“The ingredients are awesome, and the bars are plant-based,” Stephens said. They’re available in at least 21 flavors, including almond butter cup, blueberry, chocolate caramel pecan, and chocolate chip cookie dough.

See which other protein bars received top honors....