Healthy or Not? Nature Valley Protein Bars

Cdoug99

So, I'm starting dieting. I'm trying to pick healthy snacks. I mean, compared to McDonalds fries its gotta be a better choice right. I'm not a body builder or super health buff, just trying to shed pounds.

So, is this a good snack or a candy bar in disguize. They try and be so tricky these days with marketing.

Calories 190
from fat 110
Fat 12g
Sat Fat 3.5g
Sodium 170g
FIBER 5g
PROTEIN 10g
SUGAR 6 g.

alviar26

I went to a nutritionist a couple weeks ago and she actually suggested these as a great snack. She said that if I follow the diabetic eating plan (watching carbs) that the weight should 'fall off'. (we shall see!) For my height, weight, etc. I should have max, 45g carbs at meals and 15-30g at snacks, so these fall in the 15g Carbs at snack plus have protein.

Goal_Driven

I've started looking at these too, haven't tried them yet though but I will soon

adkmountainguy

For something claiming to be a protein bar, they're kinda light on actual protein content. For a comparable, take a look at quest bars. Comparable on calories (160-200) depending on the flavor, and 20g protein.

Masq

I'm sure they aren't the most healthy thing you can eat.... they are still processed. However, I don't think they are the worst either. Personally, I love them and think it's great they have 10g of protein.

lasmit4477

You also need to look at the ingredients when taking in account as something being "healthy".

Chief_Rocka

Almost certainly better than french fries, but whether or not something is healthy should be considered in the context of your overall diet.

wildhehr2

Not the best, but not the worst, and certainly more budget friendly than many. I buy these all the time for my kids, as the dr suggested it (of note--my kids aren't trying to lose weight--between all their activities, the dr suggested this to help them keep the weight on that they've got so they can grow). I eat them as well, and like them because they do kinda have a candy bar flavor to them. Some days, it's what I need.

Kelly_Runs_NC

Try Zone Perfect bars. Much better nutritional stats.

Yukongil

a lot of fat for a snack bar. Make your own.

Cdoug99

Well, they taste incredibly good, that's what made me doubt. I tried a Cliff bar once...and eww yuck. I'd rather not eat.

Cdoug99

Do quest bars or zone bars taste anything like cliff bars? The ingredients in this bar are:peanuts, soy protein isolate, chicory root extract, sugar, vegetable oil, whey protein concentrate, high maltose corn sryup, cocoa, fructose, peanut butter,...............

opaquewhite

Check out fooducate.com, it has great insight into whats good and bad, and can even suggest better alternatives! I have the app on my phone as well, and I go nuts with it when food shopping! You can just scan the barcode and it gives you the info right there.

EvanKeel

Healthy is a bit of a relative term. Based on what you've presented it seems like a perfectly fine snack as far as *I'm* concerned. It's got 190 calories, which is an ok amount for a snack, imo. For that 190 calories you're getting 10g,of protein which isn't shabby given the amount of fat, both of which should help one feel sated.

The "quality" of ingredients, at least for something like this, is something I'd rather not tackle as it usually just ends up being a can of worms for people who like over think questions like this.

Cdoug99

Thanks for the Fooducate.com I just put it on my phone!

kels67camaro

I LOVE the quest protein bars!!!!!! A tranier at my gym who does body compititons recommened them. They have great flavors (apple pie, brownie, coconut cashew, pbj, etc) and some of them are even better when you heat them up in the microwave!

Chief_Rocka

Do quest bars or zone bars taste anything like cliff bars? The ingredients in this bar are:peanuts, soy protein isolate, chicory root extract, sugar, vegetable oil, whey protein concentrate, high maltose corn sryup, cocoa, fructose, peanut butter,...............

I don't think I've ever had a cliff bar, but I'm a big fan of quest bars. They're probably the least processed bar out there.

jennaworksout

I was told if sugar is within the first three ingredients, no good...

Graelwyn75

Do quest bars or zone bars taste anything like cliff bars? The ingredients in this bar are:peanuts, soy protein isolate, chicory root extract, sugar, vegetable oil, whey protein concentrate, high maltose corn sryup, cocoa, fructose, peanut butter,...............

With sugar, high maltose corn syrup AND fructose, I would say a candy bar is actually probably healthier, lol.

PhilyPhresh

You also need to look at the ingredients when taking in account as something being "healthy".

:drinker: I was just about to say that exact thing!

AddieOverhaul

I love the apple crisp one. Mmmm. I find they satisy my sweet craving and are better than eating a chocolate bar!

newcs

I tend to stay away from granola/protein bars. If I need a protein boost, I mix Syntha 6 (vanilla ice cream flavor) with coconut milk. I just find that the calories are too high to make it worth it and that's most likely due to sugar content. For 190 calories I could have that protein bar or I could have 2 wasa crackers, a wedge of Laughing Cow Light Swiss and a pear. I'd rather the wasa, laughing cow & pear. I also tend to shy away from things like that that are so heavily processed.

EvanKeel

Do quest bars or zone bars taste anything like cliff bars? The ingredients in this bar are:peanuts, soy protein isolate, chicory root extract, sugar, vegetable oil, whey protein concentrate, high maltose corn sryup, cocoa, fructose, peanut butter,...............

With sugar, high maltose corn syrup AND fructose, I would say a candy bar is actually probably healthier, lol.

Seems a little superficial.

EDIT: for example, a kit kat bar has 20g of sugars (this has 6) and has no fiber (this has 5g) with 3g of protein (this has 10g).

coolraul07

I'm sure they aren't the most healthy thing you can eat.... they are still processed. However, I don't think they are the worst either. Personally, I love them and think it's great they have 10g of protein.

Personal opinion:
I prefer natural food sources for my macros whenever possible. However, those bars are part of my strategy to get a quck boost of protein at an economical price. I also have protein powder but I use that less often. I also use FiberOne bars and clear/tasteless fiber powder when I need to fill in a fiber gap as well.

CasablancasTX

Processed junk. High maltose corn syrup is very closely related to high fructose corn syrup, so I would avoid it. That stuff is used in Fiber One bars too.

lizziebeth1028

I eat them, they're very tasty! There are protein bars out there that have more protein in them but I find I don't like their taste or what they do to my digestive system :sick:

The most important thing to me when choosing snacks is - does it fit into my overall calorie goal? does it fit into my macros? and of course does it taste good!!

jennaworksout

Processed junk. High maltose corn syrup is very closely related to high fructose corn syrup, so I would avoid it. That stuff is used in Fiber One bars too.

AGREED ^^^^ , pretty much all granola bars are junk

robin820

the dark chocolate peanut butter ones are fabulous! great source of protein with a healthy diet.

AmberJo1984

These have been a lifesaver for me. I love them... and, they are full of protein which keep me going longer than other snacks... which means lower calories overall. :happy:

lizziebeth1028

Yes it's true, it's a highly processed bar so if you're trying to 'eat clean' it may not be the way to go for you. For all others - I find it's a better choice than a candy bar because of the calorie count is a lot less.

BogQueen1

You have to watch that chicory root stuff as well. It's a cheap fiber source that the first few times you eat it, it kind of makes your body do a 'dafuq is this?'

I like the fiber one oats and peanut butter bars, but that's only because they are sweet. I have no illusions about them being a health food, and 10g of protein, well, in the world of protein bars, that's low.