Protein Bars? What are your Faves? Ones to Avoid?

knowwhentoshutup
knowwhentoshutup Posts: 318 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I want to add a protein bar to my workout routine as I gear up to my first half marathon...Any recommendations?

I'd like to use it for my long 11 and 12 miles runs.

Thanks!
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Replies

  • knowwhentoshutup
    knowwhentoshutup Posts: 318 Member
    bump
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    Pure protein is the lowest cals for highest protein I've seen. The cliff builders bars are great too!
  • auuudriana
    auuudriana Posts: 18
    I love the Fortifx protein bars! They are like triple baked or something and have 30 grams of protein. There's 3 different kinds and they are all delicious. You can get them at GNC.
  • rowlandk
    rowlandk Posts: 146 Member
    I also like the Pure Protein. They have a decent price, high amount of protein and don't taste like cardboard. I like the peanut butter ones.
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    Quest bars are the only ones I'd consider eating on a regular basis, because they're not full of processed junk (relatively speaking)
  • jourelemode
    jourelemode Posts: 15
    sorry to be blunt, but those bars that were previously mentioned are trash :(

    clif for instance has palm kernel oil :(

    it uses soy protein for its main source of protein which is GMO :(

    the sugars they use are bad even though they are organic, still a bad source

    and pure protein bars are ultra trash...

    the only good protein bar out there is quest. search it and you'll understand.

    don't hate me for what i've said, get out there and try the quest bar, they are the best tasting and healthiest! the macro breakdown is top notch and the ingredients used are top quality.
  • rainbowbow
    rainbowbow Posts: 7,490 Member
    To call them trash isn't really fair. These quest bars, are they available online only? To they taste bad/gritty/chalky?
    sorry to be blunt, but those bars that were previously mentioned are trash :(

    clif for instance has palm kernel oil :(

    it uses soy protein for its main source of protein which is GMO :(

    the sugars they use are bad even though they are organic, still a bad source

    and pure protein bars are ultra trash...

    the only good protein bar out there is quest. search it and you'll understand.

    don't hate me for what i've said, get out there and try the quest bar, they are the best tasting and healthiest! the macro breakdown is top notch and the ingredients used are top quality.
  • WickedGarden
    WickedGarden Posts: 944 Member
    sorry to be blunt, but those bars that were previously mentioned are trash :(

    clif for instance has palm kernel oil :(

    it uses soy protein for its main source of protein which is GMO :(

    the sugars they use are bad even though they are organic, still a bad source

    and pure protein bars are ultra trash...

    the only good protein bar out there is quest. search it and you'll understand.

    don't hate me for what i've said, get out there and try the quest bar, they are the best tasting and healthiest! the macro breakdown is top notch and the ingredients used are top quality.

    just looked at the Quest bars...and the ones with sucralose are crap to me. I'd only get the ones with stevia.
  • WickedGarden
    WickedGarden Posts: 944 Member
    oh, just searched for the thread I had about protein bars, and someone suggested Rise Bars as well. they're pretty expensive, but minimally processed.
  • coopersmom2006
    coopersmom2006 Posts: 839
    I like the Clif builder bars in chocolate/peanut butter flavor. Kind bars pretty yummy too (nuts) but they don't have as much protein in them. Post run I like a glass of cold chocolate almond milk and a Clif bar. :)
  • coopersmom2006
    coopersmom2006 Posts: 839
    I want to add a protein bar to my workout routine as I gear up to my first half marathon...Any recommendations?

    I'd like to use it for my long 11 and 12 miles runs.

    Thanks!

    Are you eating it before your run, during or after? I don't suggest eating it during your run. I just did 15 miles for the first time on Saturday and ate Honey Stinger chews to give me some energy. They worked well! Can't imagine eating a big protein bar mid run.
  • gregpack
    gregpack Posts: 426 Member
    To call them trash isn't really fair. These quest bars, are they available online only? To they taste bad/gritty/chalky?

    The "vitamin shop" stores sell a couple of flavors. I buy them online But they are not cheap- $2 or so each.

    I just bought a sampler and have been pretty happy with the flavors I've tried so far.

    The Cinnamon roll quest bar heated a few seconds in the microwave is my favorite so far. It tastes like a snickerdoodle to me.
  • Ianultrarunner
    Ianultrarunner Posts: 184 Member
    I just found out Snickers makes a few good Protein Bars called Marathon Protein Bar.
    I tried the Chocolatey Nut Burst tonight and it was pretty darn tasty.
  • sun33082
    sun33082 Posts: 416 Member
    Quest bars are the only ones I'd consider eating on a regular basis, because they're not full of processed junk (relatively speaking)

    This^^ and they are very very low in sugar and net carbs.
  • theartichoke
    theartichoke Posts: 816 Member
    Bump
  • justbecause2014
    justbecause2014 Posts: 371 Member
    I like pure protein, just not the smores flavor, it tastes nothing like a smore and leaves a yucky after taste! Great for an after workout snack!
  • cellokitty91
    cellokitty91 Posts: 127 Member
    READ the WHOLE label! I wish I could remember which one it was but there is a protein bar that says in practically invisible print "excessive consumption of this causes excessive gas and sometimes has a laxative effect" or something like that. Try eating one right before watching a freaking play. My only suggestion.
  • trinitylyons01
    trinitylyons01 Posts: 126 Member
    There are a few Atkins bars that taste good to me. I like their Chocolate Caramel Nut Roll and their Cashew Trail Mix Bar. Yum!
  • sc1572
    sc1572 Posts: 2,309 Member
    PURE PROTEIN! :) Fav is the S'mores flavor!
  • shastacrystal
    shastacrystal Posts: 262
    Think Thin Chunky Peanut Butter flavor!
  • albinogorilla
    albinogorilla Posts: 1,056 Member
    I have been making my own lately, and prefer them..............posted this a while back, but here is the recipe and stats if you want to give it a shot.

    2 cups kashi go lean crunch berry crumble
    4 scoops body fortress vanilla
    4 tbs skippy peanut butter
    6tbs pb2 chocolate
    .5 cup 2% milk

    calories Carbs fat protein sugar fiber
    200 20 6 20 7 4 (each)

    mix all in bowl, will consistency of very thick cookie dough
    press into a 8x8 pan, pyrex
    (could just chill and cut probably)
    I bake at 350 for about 10-15 until edges brown
    cool.............cut into 8 bars
  • angng
    angng Posts: 137 Member
    I can only eat Luna bars because of the wheat. The Lemon one is okay.
  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    While not a true protein bar, Larabar fruit and nut bars are minimally processed and excellent for energy. Main ingredients are fruit and nuts. Diary-free, gluten-free, minimal salt, no added sugar (unless a flavor has chocolate). Most bars run about 200 calories.
  • Redbird99ky
    Redbird99ky Posts: 305 Member
    While I'm no protein bar guru, I like my Zone bars ... the double dark chocolate, dark chocolate almond, dark chocolate strawberry, and cookie dough are all my favorites.
  • cecejoy
    cecejoy Posts: 76 Member
    bump!
  • smilebhappy
    smilebhappy Posts: 811 Member
    I have been making my own lately, and prefer them..............posted this a while back, but here is the recipe and stats if you want to give it a shot.

    2 cups kashi go lean crunch berry crumble
    4 scoops body fortress vanilla
    4 tbs skippy peanut butter
    6tbs pb2 chocolate
    .5 cup 2% milk

    calories Carbs fat protein sugar fiber
    200 20 6 20 7 4 (each)

    mix all in bowl, will consistency of very thick cookie dough
    press into a 8x8 pan, pyrex
    (could just chill and cut probably)
    I bake at 350 for about 10-15 until edges brown
    cool.............cut into 8 bars

    thanks for sharing ;)
  • Carmandicus
    Carmandicus Posts: 6 Member
    If you're that concerned about GMO, or refined sugars, I think cheapest and most effective way to go about it is just to make your own with a food processor.

    This is my favorite recipe:
    http://www.tastebook.com/recipes/2376447-Power-Balls

    There are plenty of others circulating the internet that include protein powder (generally from modified soy beans), but getting your protein from raw nuts and seeds definitely has nutritional advantages.
  • badapdos
    badapdos Posts: 132
    They're not made as protein bars, but Clif bars have lots of protein and fiber in them, plus they're delicious!
  • izzydino
    izzydino Posts: 254 Member
    I like the balance bar: chocolate craze and the sweet and salty peanut are my favorites. I will have to check out the quest bar... :)
  • Nikiki
    Nikiki Posts: 993
    READ the WHOLE label! I wish I could remember which one it was but there is a protein bar that says in practically invisible print "excessive consumption of this causes excessive gas and sometimes has a laxative effect" or something like that. Try eating one right before watching a freaking play. My only suggestion.
    D

    Anything with malitol will cause gas and laxative effects, it a sugar alcohol Lors knows why is used in a lot of stuff, I had a bad reaction once and will never go back!!

    I like cliff bars and good greens bars which can be found at vitamin shop and online (chocolate coconut is the best!!) 190 cals, natural sweeteners and 12 grams of protein which is pretty good for such a low cal bar.

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