When I first started to improve the way I ate there really weren’t any good options for protein bars in the UK. They all seemed to be stuffed with tons of artificial sweeteners or to better resemble a chocolate bar than a healthy snack.
In the past few years the choice seems to have really improved in the UK so I thought I’d share some of my favourites.
As I’ve mentioned before my preference tends to be real food, but bars are great for convenience. I like to throw an ’emergency bar’ in my handbag for when I’m out and about.
Criteria
When looking for a snack I like to pick something which:
- doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners
- as far as possible is only contains real ingredients
- doesn’t contain gluten or lactose (those some contain whey)
- has a good ratio of protein/fibre to carbohydrate to make sure it keeps me going and I don’t get a sugar crash shortly after*
*I use a simple equation from Metabolic Effect to work out the ‘net carbs’. Carbohydrate – (Protein + Fibre) should be 10g or less per serving. So, if the bar contains 20g carbohydrate, 10 grams of protein and 5g of fibre this will give 5g ‘net carbs’
These are the bars I tend to use:
Summary:
+ Relatively low cost
+ Widely available in the UK
+ Reasonable protein:carb ratio in most of the bars
– Contains sugar
Good for…when you’re out and about without an alternative
Summary:
+ Range of interesting flavours
+ Sweet, tasty treat
+/- contains whey
– Not the highest in protein, nor the best ratio of card:protein
Good for…post exercise
Fori Bars (10% off with code TSOB10**)
Summary:
+ Amazing savoury flavours and paleo
+ Small UK business
– Can only buy mail order
Good for…a savoury paleo snack
Summary:
+ Widely available in the UK
+ Good range of flavours
– Some flavours have very low protein and comparatively high carb
– The crunch bars contain soy
Good for…when you’re out and about without an alternative
Summary:
+ Small UK business
+ Paleo & vegan
+ Reasonable protein:carb ratio
Good for…nutty, gooey yumminess
Summary:
+ Small UK business
+ Paleo
+ Reasonable protein:carb ratio in the protein bars
+/- Contains whey
Good for…a sweet paleo treat
Summary:
+ The whey free options are suitable for vegans
– Can be slightly grainy/dry
Good for...vegans
R Bars (20% off with code 20off**)
Summary:
+ Range of interesting flavours
+/- contains whey
+ Good ratio of protein:carb
– Not suitable for people with celiac disease
Good for…a sweet protein packed treat
Do you have any you think I am missing from my list?
**T&Cs apply, check direct with vendor
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