Protein Bars or Powders/Shakes?
Assuming you already know about the benefits of proteins in your diet, we’ll cut to the chase. Which is better, protein bars or powders?
For the sake of this article, we’re going to be talking strictly about whey based products, which is the main source of protein in most Protein bars or powders! In that sense, both bars and powders are very similar. They deliver a high amount of good quality protein in a relatively convenient package.
Protein Powders
- Versatile - Protein powders are versatile. You can use them for shakes - pair them with milk or other ingredients to make them tastier and control the macros to suit your requirements. You can even use protein powder in cooking or baking.
- Superior Macros - Depending on your goal, it’s arguable that powder have better macros. A typical 30-50g serving of protein powder will contain between 20-25g of protein, the rest made up with carbs, very small amount of fat and various other vitamins and minerals. Most protein bars contain a whole lot more fat, making them more calorie heavy.
- More Efficient Digestion (Possibly!) - There is some debate to whether proteins in liquid form are digested more quickly than whole foods - if it’s true it could make protein shakes are more efficient post-workout snack.
Protein Bars/Flapjacks/Brownies
- Make you feel fuller - The act of chewing has a significant impact on how full we feel - something
- Super Convenient - While a quick protein shake is hardly difficult to make, there’s nothing more convenient than a protein bar. Pop one in your bag on the way to the gym and you’ve got a pleasant post workout treat.
- Healthy Treat - Protein bars can make for a healthier treat than a normal chocolate bar, depending on the product at least. If you choose something like the Oatein Low Carb High Protein bar you get the best of both worlds - deliciously sweet or chocolate-y flavour and a solid hit of protein.
When it comes down to it neither choice is wrong and the choice you make will be largely dependent on your requirements at a given moment.
Our Recommendations: Bars and Flapjacks
Oatein Low Sugar, High Protein Bars
Oatein Low Sugar, High Protein Bars
Our favourite protein bar: The Oatein Low Sugar, High Protein bar. While each of the 5 flavours tastes delicious, unlike many protein bars, Oatein have nailed the texture. Beautifully soft, the Low Sugar High Protein bar melt's in your mouth with a authentically convincing mouthfeel. Each bar contains only 2g of impact carbs and 20g of protein!
Buy NowPhD Smart Jack
PhD Smart Jack
Real fruit, real chocolate or real peanuts. The heart of any good flapjack is real wholesome ingredients, and PhD Smart Jack have got it right. With 15g of protein in each flapjack and a good balance of carbs (carbs aren't bad people!) the Smart Jack contains solid macros to compliment it's delicious taste.
Buy NowOur Recommendations: Protein Powders
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
ON Gold Standard Whey
There's a reason Gold Standard Whey is one of the best selling supplements in the world. It's some of the best out there. A host of delicious flavours, a smooth, creamy texture and a reasonable price makes it a spot on product for any athlete
Buy NowBest Protein Powders
Boditronics ISO Express
If you're looking to heavily control the macros in your diet or if you're sensitive (or even intolerant) to lactose, a whey isolate could be the perfect solution. With nearly zero fat or carbs, ISO Express is pure whey protein. While Boditronics tubs might look a bit unassuming, they've done everything else right. The taste, texture and macros are spot on!
Buy Now