Handy Snack or Hidden Sugar Bomb?
- Angela Evans
- Jun 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 10
Protein bars have exploded in popularity - you’ll find entire shelves dedicated to them in supermarkets, pharmacies, and health food stores. But are they the healthy snack they claim to be?
The tricky thing with protein bars is spotting which ones can be a healthy addition to your diet and which ones to avoid. Some are closer to a chocolate bar with a bit of protein sprinkled in.
What to Watch Out For:
Sugar content: Some bars have as much sugar as a regular chocolate bar. Always check the nutrition label and ideally, you want less than 5–8g of sugar per bar. Remember, 1 teaspoon of sugar = 4 grams.
Protein amount: Aim for at least 15–20g of protein per bar to make it a worthwhile snack.
Ingredient list: Fewer ingredients are usually better. Be cautious of bars loaded with syrups, artificial sweeteners, or unrecognisable ingredients.
Calories: Some bars are high in calories, making them better suited as a meal replacement rather than a snack.
When Protein Bars Might Be a Good Choice:
When you’re on the go and don’t have access to a proper meal. Try and pair them with some unsweetened Greek yoghurt or some fruit or veg if you can.
Post-exercise if you can’t get a real food source of protein straight away.
As a backup snack, but not something to rely on daily.
As a sweet treat instead of a chocolate bar.
Better Options:
If you have the time, a quick real-food snack like one of the following which will usually be more nutritious.
Boiled egg
Greek yoghurt with berries
Fruit
Tuna and wholegrain crackers
Cottage cheese with sliced cucumber or cherry tomatoes
Sliced apple with peanut butter
Hummus with veggie sticks (carrot, capsicum, cucumber)
Final Thoughts:
Protein bars can be a convenient option sometimes, but they’re not magic. Check the label carefully and think of them as a backup - not your everyday snack or a meal replacement.
Want help making better snack choices that suit your lifestyle?
Check out the post I did recently:
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