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Pure Protein bars are a popular protein bar that many people enjoy as a tasty and convenient snack or mini-meal. With 20g of protein and under 200 calories per bar, Pure Protein bars can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet. In this comprehensive review, we will take a close look at Pure Protein bars, their nutrition facts, flavors, pros and cons, and how they compare to other protein bars on the market.
An Overview of Pure Protein Bars
Pure Protein bars are made by the company Pure Protein, which specializes in protein supplements and snacks. Their protein bars come in a variety of flavors including chocolate peanut butter, chocolate deluxe, chocolate chip cookie dough, cinnamon roll, salted caramel, lemon cake, and more. The bars are designed to be high in protein but low in sugar, with only 1-2g of sugar per bar.
Pure Protein uses a blend of proteins in its bars, including whey, soy, and milk proteins. The combination of fast-digesting whey protein and slower-digesting soy and milk proteins provides both immediate and sustained release of amino acids to the body. This makes Pure Protein bars an optimal snack for post-workout recovery or sustained energy.
In addition to 20g of protein, Pure Protein bars contain varying amounts of fiber, depending on the flavor. They range from 5-10g of fiber per bar to support digestive and heart health. The bars are also enriched with 23 vitamins and minerals, making them more of a well-rounded snack compared to protein bars that contain only protein.
Nutrition Facts of Pure Protein Bars
The nutrition facts for Pure Protein bars vary slightly depending on flavor, but on average they contain around:
- Calories: 190-210
- Total fat: 5-9g
- Saturated fat: 2-3.5g
- Trans fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
- Sodium: 200-260mg
- Total carbs: 21-24g
- Dietary fiber: 5-10g
- Total sugars: 1-2g
- Added sugars: 0-1g
- Protein: 20g
The main things that stand out in the nutrition label are the high protein, low sugar, and decent fiber content. With 20g of protein, Pure Protein bars can help support muscle growth and recovery. The minimal added sugars mean you won’t get a blood sugar spike and crash. And the 5-10g of fiber aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.
For comparison, the average nutrition bar may contain 10-15g of protein, around 20g of sugar, and only 2-4g of fiber. So Pure Protein bars are superior if you’re looking for protein, not just empty calories and sugar.
The Best Flavors of Pure Protein Bars
With over a dozen flavors, Pure Protein offers a varied taste profile so there’s likely something for everyone.
Here are some of the best and most popular flavors:
Chocolate Peanut Butter – This classic flavor combination is a crowd-pleaser. The bar has a creamy peanut butter interior with a thick chocolatey coating. If you like Reese’s peanut butter cups, you’ll love this bar.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – For sweet tooth snackers, this bar tastes just like eating raw cookie dough, fudgy brownie batter, and chocolate chips all in one. The soft cookie dough bits pair nicely with the chewy brownie-like texture.
Cinnamon Roll – Immensely satisfying for morning snackers, this bar has the distinctive flavors of cinnamon and vanilla icing. It’s like eating a protein-packed mini cinnamon roll.
Salted Caramel – Savory and sweet fans will flip for the drizzled caramel and sprinkling of sea salt on this bar. The contrasting flavors give you the salty-sweet fix you crave.
Lemon Cake – This refreshing bar tastes like moist lemon cake with creamy frosting. Tart lemon flavor paired with the light fluffy texture makes it feel like you’re eating cake but with a fraction of the sugar.
No matter your taste preferences, there’s likely a Pure Protein bar you’ll love based on your favorite candy or dessert indulgence.
The Pros of Pure Protein Bars
Many benefits make Pure Protein one of the best protein bars on the market:
High Protein – With 20g of protein, Pure Protein bars can help build and maintain muscle, curb hunger, boost metabolism, and provide sustained energy. The blend of fast and slow proteins keeps you satiated too.
Low Sugar – Most flavors have only 1g of sugar. This makes them a smart snack for blood sugar regulation and avoiding energy crashes.
High Fiber – Several grams of dietary fiber per bar promotes digestive health and keeps you feeling fuller longer.
No Artificial Sweeteners – Pure Protein opts for natural sweeteners instead of artificial ones like aspartame or sucralose which some protein bars contain.
No Artificial Preservatives – You won’t find questionable preservatives or additives on the ingredient list. The bars stick to simple, recognizable ingredients.
Gluten-Free – All Pure Protein bars are gluten-free, making them accessible to anyone with dietary restrictions.
23 Added Vitamins & Minerals – In addition to macronutrients, the bars contain a hefty vitamin and mineral profile for better nutrient balance.
Decent Taste – While not as delicious as a candy bar, most Pure Protein flavors are pleasing for a protein bar. The flavors resemble what they are named after.
For anyone looking for a protein-packed snack that won’t wreck your diet, Pure Protein checks all the boxes.
The Potential Cons of Pure Protein Bars
While Pure Protein bars excel in many areas, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
Texture – The bars have a firm, dry texture. People who prefer softer protein bars may find Pure Protein bars too dry or chalky. Chewing thoroughly helps mitigate any textural issues.
Limited Flavor Options – There are over a dozen flavors, however, some people think the variety could be expanded more for greater choice.
Contains Soy – The soy protein may be undesirable for some people. Make sure you aren’t allergic or intolerant before eating Pure Protein bars.
Higher in Fiber Than Some Bars – While fiber is beneficial, it may cause gas or bloating if your body isn’t adjusted to a higher fiber intake.
Higher in Sodium – To enhance flavor, Pure Protein bars contain 200-300mg sodium. This is low for a meal but high for a snack, so those restricting sodium should take note.
More Expensive Than Other Bars – Pure Protein isn’t the most budget-friendly option. The price reflects the quality ingredients though.
Mixed Reviews on Taste – Being plant-based, some flavors taste too bland or artificial for certain people’s palates depending on texture preferences and taste buds.
For some people, the pros may outweigh the cons with Pure Protein bars. But the cons are worth acknowledging before trying them.
Pure Protein Bars vs. Other Leading Brands
How do Pure Protein bars stack up against top competitors like Quest, Clif, KIND, and Think? Here’s a brief comparison:
Quest – Quest is exceptionally high in protein at 21g per bar and low in sugar, but not gluten-free. Quest has more flavor options but a firmer, drier texture.
KIND – KIND bars are also all-natural without artificial sweeteners, but only contain 5-10g protein. They’re higher in calories, sugar, and fiber than Pure Protein bars.
Think – Think bars have cleaner ingredient labels than Pure Protein but less protein at only 15g per bar. Think bars also contain more sugars. The texture is quite dry too.
Clif – Clif bars are all natural but drastically lower in protein at around 10g per bar. They’re higher in carbs and calories too. Clif has softer textures and more natural ingredient profiles.
Pure Protein – Pure Protein bars offer a balance of high protein, low sugar, and natural ingredients. They have a leg up in adding vitamins and minerals too. The taste is decent though not as tasty as candy bars.
When choosing the best protein bar, it depends on your priorities like texture, macros, or ingredients. For the combination of protein, fiber, and natural sweeteners, Pure Protein is hard to beat though.
Who Are Pure Protein Bars Best For?
Pure Protein bars are best suited for the following groups of people:
Athletes & Bodybuilders – The 20g protein and amino acid profile suits both pre and post-workout needs for muscle repair and growth.
Low Carb Dieters – With only 1-2g of sugar from natural sources, these bars can quell sweet cravings without excess carbs.
Meal Replacement – Thanks to ample protein, fiber, and nutrients, Pure Protein bars can sub for a meal in a pinch.
Busy People – The convenience and portability make Pure Protein bars ideal for busy, on-the-go lifestyles.
Vegetarians/Vegans – Since the protein source is plant-based, Pure Protein bars work for those avoiding meat and dairy.
Diabetics – The minimal sugar and carbs assist with glycemic control. But check with your doctor before incorporating any protein bars into your diet.
Pure Protein bars aren’t necessarily for people who dislike or can’t tolerate soy, gluten, fiber, or drier textures. Also, for those seeking all-natural or organic bars Pure Protein does contain some artificial flavors and preservatives, though not many.
Tips for Eating Pure Protein Bars
To make the most of Pure Protein bars:
Drink Water – Hydrate with water when eating to help digest the protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Chew Thoroughly – Chew each bite slowly and completely to improve texture and flavor.
Avoid Overheating – Don’t microwave Pure Protein bars, as it alters the texture negatively in the microwave.
Store Properly – To maintain freshness, store unopened bars in a cool dry place and open bars in the refrigerator.
Incorporate With Meals – Eat Pure Protein bars with balanced meals that contain healthy carbs and fats too, rather than solely protein.
Rotate Flavors – Switch up flavors regularly to prevent taste bud fatigue so you don’t get sick of any one flavor.
Mind Portions – Stick to one bar for a snack instead of overdoing portions to control calories and protein intake appropriately.
The Bottom Line
Pure Protein bars offer a superior macronutrient profile compared to traditional protein and nutrition bars. With ample protein, fiber, and nutrients coupled with low sugar, Pure Protein bars can help build muscle, satisfy cravings, provide energy, and keep you fuller longer.
The variety of flavors gives options for every palate. While the taste and texture aren’t as indulgent as candy bars, Pure Protein makes up for it with its commitment to quality nutrition. For those looking to get in shape, maintain muscle, control hunger, or eat cleaner on-the-go snacks, Pure Protein bars are a smart choice.
