Choosing the Best Low Sugar Protein Bars
Protein bars make for quick, portable snacks to fuel your active lifestyle. However, many contain added sugars that can sabotage healthy eating goals. Identifying better-for-you options with little added sugar delivers nutrition without unwanted calories.
Understanding Added vs Natural Sugars
Pay attention to where a protein bar’s sugar content comes from. Naturally occurring sugars from foods like fruit or dairy provide essential nutrients. But sugars added for flavor, texture, or shelf life equate empty calories.
Setting a Sugar Standard
When evaluating protein bars:
- Seek 5g added sugar or less per serving
- Maximum 10g total sugar from all sources
- Avoid sugar substitutes like sucralose
Other Nutrition Considerations
In addition to lower sugar, make sure bars offer:
- At least 10g protein
- 5g fiber or more
- Limited saturated fat and sodium
The Best Low Sugar Protein Bar Options
These delicious protein bars check the boxes for lower sugar plus overall nutrition.
Perfect Bar
With tasty flavors like Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Almond, Perfect Bars deliver 20g protein and 10g fiber. Just 5g total sugar comes from fruit and honey in flavors like Blueberry Oat and Pumpkin Spice Caramel.
ThinkThin High Protein Bars
At just 1g sugar and 20g protein, ThinkThin satisfies sweet and protein cravings. Enjoy creamy milk chocolate or lemon delight flavors sweetened with thaumatin, a natural protein-based sweetener.
GoMacro MacroBar
MacroBars feature nutrient-dense superfood ingredients like chia, quinoa, and almonds. With 11-12g protein and 3g sugar from fruit or brown rice syrup, flavors like Cookie Dough and Salted Caramel satisfy without guilt.
RXBAR
Simple, wholesome ingredients like egg whites, nuts, and dates give RXBARs their 12g protein and 5g fiber. Just 5g added sugar comes from fruit purees and maple syrup in tasty flavors like Chocolate Sea Salt and Mixed Berry.
NuGo Slim Protein Bars
A sweet treat at just 150 calories, NuGo Slim bars offer 15g protein thanks to their protein-packed crisp rice, pea, and soy base. Only 2g sugar comes from chocolate or other natural flavors.
Grenade Carb Killa
Indulge in Grenade Carb Killa bars with 20g protein in decadent flavors like Cookie Dough and White Chocolate Salted Peanut. Less than 5g total sugar satisfies your sweet tooth.
Tips for Picking the Healthiest Bars
Keep these pointers in mind while browsing nutrition labels to identify low sugar bars that also nourish your body:
Avoid Sugar Alcohols
Ingredients like sorbitol, xylitol, and mannitol may have fewer carbs and calories than sugar, but cause unpleasant GI side effects like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
No Artificial Sweeteners
Say no to bars with calorie-free, highly processed sugar substitutes like aspartame, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium, which offer no nutrition.
Select Minimal Ingredients
Simpler bars with ingredients you recognize fuel performance better than those with preservatives and stabilizers. Watch for bars with "crumble" or "crisp" bases.
Calculate Net Carbs
Fiber content makes a difference for blood sugar control. Subtract grams of fiber from total carbs for net carbs.
Consider Allergen-Friendly Bars
If dairy or gluten are issues, now more brands offer dairy-free, vegan, or gluten-free bars with clarity about shared equipment.
10 Deliciously Low Sugar Protein Bars to Try
NuGo Dark Chocolate Pretzel
Crunchy toasted pretzels covered in antioxidant-rich dark chocolate make this gluten-free bar a salty-sweet treat with 11g protein and just 5g total sugar.
No Cow Lemon Blueberry
No Cow bars use plant proteins like pea and rice for their 22g protein and just 1g sugar. Enjoy their refreshing Lemon Blueberry and other fruity low sugar flavors.
OHi Protein Bar
These highly nutritious bars feature gently dehydrated superfruits plus pea protein for 20g protein per serving. Just 2g sugar in tasty choices like Tart Cherry Pistachio and Banana Vanilla Sunflower.
Pure Protein S’mores Bar
Covered in a rich chocolatey coating with mini marshmallows, this 20g protein bar convinces your sweet tooth it’s an indulgence. But it’s under 5g total sugar from milk chocolate.
ONE Protein Maple Glazed Donut
Maple flavor and sprinkles on top make this bar seem naughty, but with just 1g sugar and 20g protein thanks to yellow pea isolate. A satisfying anytime treat under 150 calories.
Orgain Organic Protein Bar
USDA certified organic ingredients like chia seeds, coconut oil, erthyritol and brown rice syrup give these bars 12g plant-based protein and just 6g total sugar in chunky peanut butter chocolate and other flavors.
Clif Bar White Chocolate Macadamia
An energy bar classic for athletes and adventurers. Features 9g protein and 21g carbs, including 5g sugar mainly from dried cane syrup and milk chocolate chunks studded with nuts.
PowerBar ProteinPlus Reduced Sugar
Enjoy 20g high quality milk and whey protein with soluble corn fiber for sweetness instead of added sugar. Just 2g sugars make chocolate peanut butter, cookies & cream and other flavors an excellent choice.
PROBAR Meal Peanut Butter Chocolate
Non-GMO whole foods like oats, peanut butter, and rich chocolate provide plant-based protein, fiber, healthy fats plus bone-building minerals and antioxidants. Just 6g total sugar in these hearty, wholesome bars.
FitJoy Protein Bar
FitJoy bars feature 20g protein from nutrient-packed superfoods like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dried goji berries. Wholesome dates provide 5g sugar to fuel your goals in flavors like Blueberry Almond and Lemon Coconut.
With so many protein rich, low sugar options now available, you can feel good fueling your active lifestyle with a nutritious snack.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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