Optimum Nutrition Protein Diet Bars
Most protein bars are similar in the number of calories, and fairly close in the protein, carbohydrate, and fat contents. Most protein bars are designed for flavor, which requires high carbohydrates content, which also increases the caloric content, as well. Since sugar adds the sweetness to chocolate and other flavors, the sugar content is often elevated, also. This can lead to a bar that has plenty of protein, but often offset by loads of carbohydrates, which can be a problem for the dieter. Optimum Nutrition has solved that problem.
Buy Optimum Protein Bars
Optimum Nutrition’s Protein Bars come in a diet formula. They are lower in carbohydrates, calories, and fat than many other protein bars. They are actually advertised as a diet bar. The manufacturer calls them a “Mini-Meal.” They are sugar free and high in protein. The bar (a 50 gram bar) comes in 4 flavors; chocolate mint, fudge truffle, peanut butter, and toasted coconut.
Optimum Protein Diet Bars (15 bars)
Regular Price: $23.85
On Sale: $18.49
Buy Optimum Protein Diet Bars-Use the link to buy at a lower price than other stores.
Optimum Protein Diet Bars Review
Optimum Nutrition Protein Diet Bars contain 180 calories, 2.5 to 4 grams of fat, around 19 grams of carbs (from sugar alcohols), and 20 grams of protein (from soy and whey.) The sugar free claim comes from the use of sugar alcohols (maltitol), glycerine, and sucralose. Since these carbohydrates have little to no calories the caloric content stays low. This bar has become popular for bodybuilders starting their cutting cycle, or dieters needing a mid-morning, or late afternoon snack before hitting the gym.
As protein bars go, these are low in calories. The taste is okay. The consistency is soft, but not as smooth as some. It is a great bar to carry along for a quick blast of protein. It does not contain any weight loss ingredients, so it will not boost metabolism or activate fat burning processes. It also does not contain a complete array of vitamins and minerals, making it a poor choice for complete meal replacement. It could easily serve as a between meal snack, or post workout protein source.
Protein diet bars are fairly new to the market. In the past, diet bars have been simply bars with low calories that could be eaten in place of a meal. The content often mirrored that of a regular meal, with more carbohydrates, and often sugar, than needed. This bar offers a convenient way to get extra protein without loading up on carbohydrates or fat. The lack of supporting vitamins and minerals makes it less than optimal as a meal replacement.
Optimum Report Card:
- Taste: B
- Consistency: A-
- Protein Content: (versus carbs and fat) A
- Calorie Content: A
- Cost: A-
Overall, this bar is a good tool for getting extra protein on the go, especially if overall caloric intake is limited or carbohydrate, and sugar, intake is controlled. It is worth a taste test, who knows, you might find a new favorite.