Low Carb Protein Bars

Diet and Nutrition
1

Ok, I’ve read what CT and others have written on the topic of low carb protein bars, i.e. that they are a waste of space. Basically the whole alcohol sugars/net carbs theory isn’t worth the packet the bars come in. In addition, many such bars are high in fat.

So I’m soon to be embarking on serious travel and I’m looking for something portable (so not tubs of whey), high in protein, low in carbs. I’ve sourced a bar that delivers 50g PRO (from whey), 7g FAT and 18g CHO (of which 12g is sugars). Does this sound like a decent compromise? Given I won’t be eating more than 1-2 per day for 10-12 days I’m thinking they are worth taking.

2

Since we know that all fats and all sugars are not created equal, it would depend on the sources of these ingredients.

Why not make your own? There have been quite a few good recipes posted here over the past several months.

3

[quote]HK24719 wrote:
Since we know that all fats and all sugars are not created equal, it would depend on the sources of these ingredients.

Why not make your own? There have been quite a few good recipes posted here over the past several months.[/quote]

I agree. JB has a few decent recipes in Precision Nutrition that I’ve made before, and they turn out pretty well. I’ve used them for traveling, no problem.

4

50g protein in one bar? That’s gonna taste like chinese drywall.

5

I would recommend making your own bars, it can be very fun :smiley:

If not, look at Zero Impact bars from VPX, although they are not necessarily low carb, they are pretty nice tasting (a bit dry), but the ingredient list looks like the lesser of two evils, as many of the fats/carbs/proteins come from some pretty nice sources. One of the only bars I know of with a fair bit of CLA in it.

6

I think I saw CT state that 20g is enough to get an insulin response, if that matters to you.

7

[quote]EasyRhino wrote:
50g protein in one bar? That’s gonna taste like chinese drywall.[/quote]

Trust me these things are divine (peanut flavour is anyway). The bar weighs 100g.

8

The common denominator with all these bars is glycerin and maltitol. Makers, including the Atkins brand, claim these are low impact carbs and don’t affect insulin levels as normal sugars. I know CT, and others, have stated there is some truth in this but for all intents and purposes it is a marketing scam.

I appreciate the Berardi recommendations, I think that is the best bet: the guy knows his nutrients!

9

I’ve never tried a MD bar, so I really can’t compare, but have tried a lot of other protein bars. I LOVE the MetRX protein bars… esp. choc/carmel, choc/choc, and choc/fudge.

10

I have to agree with CT’s comments on low carb protein bars. All they are is a candy bar wrapped in a way to make people feel better about the crap they’re eating.

I’ve only found one exception - the Quest protein bars.

They don’t have any sugar alcohols, sugar, corn syrups, etc.

They only have 4g of real carbs per bar (apparently they all come from nuts) and I really like the taste.

I always think real food is the best way to go as nothing else will ever come close but sometimes you need something convenient.

I’m in a cutting phase right now and I can’t always keep a Metabolic Drive shake around. I need something I can put in my pocket.

11

I second hydra on the VPX Zero Impact bars… not low carb but the ingredient list is excellent. No shit ingredients, you have to get used to the dry texture. I absolutely love the choc PB bars.

MD choc chip bars are good as well but considering ingredients I would go for the VPX (sorry Biotest :slight_smile:

12

Bumping an old thread.

Basically researched many of the protein bars out there in the market and many have sugar levels of 9g and above. Some can have sugar values of 2 to 3g but sugar alcohol values of 11g or above.

I’m looking to control blood sugar so I’m more critical on that criteria. I am of the opinion no such protein bar type supplement exists in the market today and the option to consider is making something equivalent at home.

Criteria

  1. Made in less than an hour.
  2. Keeps in the fridge for 2 days.
  3. Protein content between 25 to 30g, Sugar content 3 to 5g and below. I want to keep the carb content low as well - many of the recipes for protein bars (home made) tend to use oatmeal - personal preference but I want to avoid this.

I’m thinking home made almond butter mixed with whey protein powder plus (?? - I don’t know what other ingredients - grated coconut, various seeds, other nuts, eggs (?), almond flour (?) etc)? Any ideas? Thanks.

13

[quote]XanderBuilt wrote:
Bumping an old thread.

Basically researched many of the protein bars out there in the market and many have sugar levels of 9g and above. Some can have sugar values of 2 to 3g but sugar alcohol values of 11g or above.

I’m looking to control blood sugar so I’m more critical on that criteria. I am of the opinion no such protein bar type supplement exists in the market today and the option to consider is making something equivalent at home.

Criteria

  1. Made in less than an hour.
  2. Keeps in the fridge for 2 days.
  3. Protein content between 25 to 30g, Sugar content 3 to 5g and below. I want to keep the carb content low as well - many of the recipes for protein bars (home made) tend to use oatmeal - personal preference but I want to avoid this.

I’m thinking home made almond butter mixed with whey protein powder plus (?? - I don’t know what other ingredients - grated coconut, various seeds, other nuts, eggs (?), almond flour (?) etc)? Any ideas? Thanks.[/quote]

No suggestions, but I would love to see a tried and true protein bar recipe as well.

14

I’m sure Chris Shugart has some good recipes for protein bars.

Xander: I got your email. I will email later today, tonight, or tomorrow.

15

[quote]XanderBuilt wrote:
Bumping an old thread.

Basically researched many of the protein bars out there in the market and many have sugar levels of 9g and above. Some can have sugar values of 2 to 3g but sugar alcohol values of 11g or above.

I’m looking to control blood sugar so I’m more critical on that criteria. I am of the opinion no such protein bar type supplement exists in the market today and the option to consider is making something equivalent at home.

Criteria

  1. Made in less than an hour.
  2. Keeps in the fridge for 2 days.
  3. Protein content between 25 to 30g, Sugar content 3 to 5g and below. I want to keep the carb content low as well - many of the recipes for protein bars (home made) tend to use oatmeal - personal preference but I want to avoid this.

I’m thinking home made almond butter mixed with whey protein powder plus (?? - I don’t know what other ingredients - grated coconut, various seeds, other nuts, eggs (?), almond flour (?) etc)? Any ideas? Thanks.[/quote]

Here’s one that I prepared just the other day for post-contest:
*notes I added non-sweetened applesauce, the bars turned out okay–however after being thawed they are still sticky as hell! Make sure you have wax paper available and store them air tight after you freeze them.

NO BAKE PROTEIN BARS:
5 tbsp natural peanut butter (chunky or smooth)
1/2 cup dry oat meal or whole grain hot cereal (uncooked)
1/2 cup oat flour (double the dry oats if you do not have oat flour)
6 scoops chocolate whey protein (approximately 132 grams worth of low-carb protein powder)
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 tablespoons flax seeds (optional)
1 cup non-fat dry milk
1/2 cup water (depending on what type of protein you use, you may need to add more)
Modifications: Use vanilla protein and replace ~1/4 cup of the oatflour with a variety of nuts, seeds, or dried berries.
PREPARATION:

Spray an 8x8 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Combine dry ingredients in a medium size bowl and mix well. Add peanut butter and mix - the mixture will be crumbly and dry. Add water & vanilla. Sponsored Links

Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, everything until a dough forms. The dough will be sticky. Spread dough into pan using a clean wooden spoon or spatula that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Refrigerate a few hours (or freeze for an hour) and cut into 9 squares. Wrap bars individually (use sandwich bags or plastic wrap) or store in covered container between sheets of wax paper. Keep refrigerated.
Nutritional Information Per Serving:

197 calories, 21 g protein, 7.2 g fat (8% saturated), 13.7 g carbohydrate, 1.6 g fiber

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17

[quote]Stronghold wrote:
.[/quote]

I’ll just go ahead and throw one of those in my book bag. “Hey teach, you mind if I gnaw on this steak during lecture?”

18

Google “You Bar.” It’s a company allows you to choose the ingredients to put in your protein bar, giving you nutritional info for the bar as you add stuff to it. I’ve never tried it, so let me know how they are if you end up ordering a box for yourself.

19

Quest bars.

20

If what you want protein with little to no carbs, why not go with beef jerky? Light weight and tastes great.