A panel of registered dietitians evaluated 30 of the top-selling protein bars in America, scoring them on ingredient quality, sugar content, protein source, and overall nutritional value. Several popular brands scored poorly.
The top-ranked bar delivered 20 grams of whey protein with only 4 grams of sugar and no artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, or seed oils. It costs about $2.50 per bar when purchased in bulk.
The worst offenders disguised themselves as health foods while packing over 20 grams of added sugar and using low-quality soy protein isolate, earning what one dietitian called candy bar nutritional profiles.
