The protein bar section at most stores can be so overwhelming! There are hundreds of choices so here are a few guidelines I follow when im shopping for mine…
1.) I like to be able to pronounce the majority of ingredients listed in my bar (same goes for my regular food items at the grocery store) Most of these items are overloaded with chemicals and artificial ingredients.
2.) Some of the protein bars are packed with sugar. I aim for a bar with more grams of protein than it has grams of sugar! I tend to pass on anything with more than 12 grams of sugar. (note if you are getting bar with raisins and fruit mixed in it the sugar is going to be higher)
3.) Keep the fat under 10 grams and aim for no more than 210 calories (unless you are replacing a meal with the bar then around 300 is fine)
4.) I always look for at least 4 grams of fiber (helps to keep you full)
I personally try to stay away from bars with “sugar alcohol” in them. They can can cause diarrhea, bloating, and weight gain if you eat too much of them.(Common names for sugar alcohols are sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol, lactitol, isomalt, maltitol, and hydrogenated starch hydrolysates (HSH).)
*Sugar alcohols are usually incompletely absorbed into the blood stream from the small intestines which generally results in a smaller change in blood glucose than “regular” sugar. This makes them popular among diabetics and people on low-carbohydrate diets. They make me have an upset stomach and dont taste the best to me so I steer clear. 
These definitely win the tastiest award! I love the power crunch bar! (it is higher in fat so I try to eat these in moderation. Its has 13 grams of fat but less than 5 grams of sugar)
Flavor and Fiber bars are my go to pick for traveling! They are super tasty and pack 12 grams of fiber!!!
These are the “best all around” bar. Im always impressed with Kashi. They fit all my nutritional guidelines and are tasty too!
The “no junk” bar is your best bet if you just want the necessities! If your looking for protein without all the added junk this is it!
Hope this was helpful for you ladies! xo
I like the gnu bars a lot! I usually get the yellow one…I think its banana nut. Thanks for the tips!
I love the flavor and fiber ones! Thanks for giving us the list of sugar alcohol, I would have had no clue.
I too try to find foods that I can pronounce all of the ingredients (it's pretty hard sometimes though). Thanks for the tips, I am definitely going to try the Flavor and Fiber bars.
Thanks for the tip!
I hate shopping for protein bars, so I just get the ones I know like Cliff Bars but they're not the best ones out there.
This was very helpful! I work out a lot and am always on the go and have wanted to do the protein bars but I am allergic to chocolate and it seems like all of the ones that have what I want, have chocolate in them (or loads of sugar)…I am going to find the "Jay Bar" or the Kashi bars -Thanks girl XX
i am definitely one of those people that line up cereal boxes, protein bars and compare ingredients. i, too, am not into a lot of sugar alcohols mostly for the bloating factor. i also try and pick the best fiber sources. all fiber is not created equal! (my masters is in nutrition so i lot to dissect ingredient labels)
this is a great post and i look forward to reading of Honeybee Health! especially since you always look amazing 🙂
I did not know any of this, I started working out a month ago and need any tips I can get. I have been having oatmeal for breakfast and green tea as a snack but this is better. Thank you I will try the Kashi bars I have seen them at my supermarket.
You are in such a good shape and look outstanding.
I would lik to change my lifestyle completly and exercise and eat right.
Could you please give me some advice, please!!!!!
Someone who loves your blog.
Thanks for the pointers! Have you tried the Perfect Food Bars from Whole Foods? They are so yummy! It's definitely a meal replacement because of the calorie intake. However they are very well balanced and gluten free. I'll try some of your picks next time I go to the store. Love it. Keep these posts coming!
This is all really good stuff to know! Thanks!
When I get home I will be checking my Luna bars lol
im not a fan of cereal bars i swear they make me more hungry xxx
Thank you for sharing!
Def need to try the Kashi bars!
@grace cliff bars are great because they are all natural ingredients but check the sugar content…they usually have over 20grams of sugar! @mariko i think i have seen those bars but have not tried them! ill give them a look next time im there!
Great post. I need to try your suggestions!I did a blog post today about what was in my purse and I keep a stash of protein bars & nuts in there.
Ye Yes Yes…this was very helpful Andee. I'll be sure to check out the Kashi bars.
Dhalia
AT THE PERFECT TIME… I WAS JUST ABOUT TO START USING THEM FOR SNACKS ..this is great input
so glad you girls loved the health related post! xo
Great post!
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Very helpful post, thanks!
those kashi bars are so yummy!!! i always have a stash in my house 😉
Hey Andee! I'm curious where you buy all these bars and if you know any healthy diabetic friendly bars?[:
I love the Kashi bars! I carry them in my purse a lot. Youre right several bars have so much sugar, I only get ones higher is sugar if I am going on a really long run. Great post!
Hi:) I love this post! Please keep the healthy posts coming. Are the ones to get Kashi Go Lean Crunch?? I've seen some Kashi full of sugar. If I send my husband to the store I have to give him exact names! lol
@petagirl yes def check the sugar content in each ….all kashi bars are no created equal 🙂
Would you maybe consider doing some kind of "my week in fitness"-type post that outlines how you usually work out? I would be really curious to see! And definitely keep HoneyBee Health going 🙂