Protein bar - how to choose

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi Jordan,
First I want to thank you for all the content you are providing.
I love your templates and podcasts, waiting every week for the new episode.

I know that you always says to buy supplements only from companies that follow GMP.

I’m consuming a protein bar once a week when I need extra protein though the day.
I found a product that is GMP but the list of ingredients is very long:

On the other hand there is a different bar that isn’t GMP but the ingredients list if very short, clear and looks natural

Which one do you think is a better option?

Thanks,
Or

2

I think both have the pluses and minuses, though if you’re eating one once a week, I don’t really think this matters at all.

The first one’s major issue is that at least some of the protein comes from gelatin (e.g. collagen) and that stuff is effectively useless as a protein source. The length of the ingredient list or perception of whether or not it is natural is not a factor at all IMO.

The second one looks better from a protein source standpoint, but it has quite a bit of Calories and added sugar.

If I had to pick one, I’d probably pick the second one. I usually eat Clif bars if I’m having a protein bar.

3

Hi Jordan,
Thank you for your reply, I will try Clif bar.

It’s interesting what you said about added sugar. I always considered added sugar as processed sugar (white) and not natural as honey etc…
Now that you’re saying it I’m thinking that maybe I eat too much sugar a day.
I’m bulking now so I’m trying to add calories.
I eat a big oat meal serving with 2 tablespoons of date honey.
Later on the day a yogurt with 3 teaspoons of honey and also eating few servings of fruits during the day.
Do you think it’s too much?
I’m trying to eat healthy and natural as much as possible.

Thanks,
Or

4

I forgot to mention that I eat raisins with the oat meal and eat dark chocolate 85% and maybe 2 dates during the day.

It’s not that I need that much sweets, I just found it as an easy way to bump my calories.

5

Pretty much any sugar added to food and beverages at some point before their consumption is an “added sugar” regardless if it’s honey, HFCS, dextrose, etc.

To bulk, I’d be looking to add only ~ 250 to 400 Calories, so you don’t need to go crazy here.

6

Hey Jordan,

To carry on this post, I’ve recently picked up some cheap protein bars from the supermarket as a quick pre workout snack. I’ve just checked the ingredients and it says:

“milk protein blend (calcium caseinate, whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate), humectant: glycerol, collagen hydrolysate”

Do you think I should avoid having these on a regular basis due to what you said above? The bars contain 190kcals, 22.5g protein and 0.8g sugar.

Thanks