Top RD Picks: Protein Powders and Bars
The protein and supplement aisle shelves are lined with one bar, supplement and powder after another, and eye-catching marketing can leave you scratching your head. Although most adults get more protein than their body needs (0.4g/pound body weight) through food, sometimes shakes and bars make an easy, on-the-go snack or meal. To make the choice a little easier, we’ve narrowed down to a few of our favorites. It is important to note that protein powders are considered supplements and therefore, they are not regulated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or ingredient confirmation
WHEY PROTEIN POWDERS
Whey protein powders are made from milk and considered a “complete” protein as they contain all 9 essential amino acids.
TERA’S ORGANIC WHEY
Why we like it : Grass fed, made without growth hormones, and organic, Tera’s Whey leads the pack in taste and is sourced from Wisconsin dairy. The ingredient list is minimal, and each scoop boasts 20g protein and 110 calories. Plain, or flavored with fair trade dark chocolate or Madagascar bourbon vanilla, we found these to have a rich, natural flavor.
DESIGNER WHEY
Why we like it: This brand has several flavors, all with a creamy texture. Unlike some alternatives, Designer Whey lacks that sometimes typical “chalky” taste. One scoop provides about 110 calories with 20g of rBGH free whey protein and probiotics. They also have a ‘lite’ version with 10g of protein that makes a great addition to a meal or snack.
LEGION WHEY+
Why we like it: This grass-fed whey is made with milk from small, sustainable dairy farms in Ireland. At only 100 calories per scoop, this supplement packs 22g of protein with a minimal ingredient list. As an added perk, the company donates a percentage of all sales to a rotating charity.
PLANT-BASED PROTEIN POWDERS
Plant-based proteins tend to be deficient in some amino acids (except for soy!). As a friendly reminder, as long as you eat a varied diet from a mix of different protein sources, you’ll get all the amino acids you need!
VEGA PROTEIN MADE SIMPLE
Why we like it: With only a few ingredients, we like the simple label and lack of artificial sweetener in this vegan protein. With 15g of pea protein, it’s a great choice for anyone avoiding soy. We also LOVE that you can use it in baked goods in place of some of the flour for protein-packed goodies.
ORGAIN SIMPLE
Why we like it: With no preservatives, gums, or additives, this label reads clean. Orgain gets its 20g of protein from a blend of peas, nuts, and seeds, and is sweetened with natural sugar instead of artificial sweetener. Its vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, too.
OWYN
Why we like it: This plant protein is free of the ‘Top 8’ major allergens, so it’s safe for most food-allergic individuals. One scoop provides 20g of protein from a mix of pea, pumpkin and chia… so you’re also getting heart healthy omega-3s. OWYN is sweetened with sugar and monk fruit, and does not contain any sugar alcohols, so it is easily digested. Bonus: the OWYN formula contains some greens for an added nutritional kick.
PROTEIN IN A BAR
No time to shake, mix or blend? Grab a bar instead.
RXBAR
Why we like it: We got on the RXBAR bus as soon as we found them. These bars are made from just a few whole and simple ingredients with no added sugar and, as they say, no B.S! Most flavors are about 200 calories with 12g of protein. RXBAR has expanded its line to include instant oatmeal, nut butters, and mini bars which are all on our approved snack list.
PERFECT BAR
Why we like it: You won’t find this bar in a box on the shelf—it’s refrigerated! The Perfect Bar is considered a “whole food” bar made from nut butters, honey, and other goodies such as dried fruits and whole food powders (think: kale, flax, tomato). With whole, calorie-dense ingredients, these bars are higher in calories (more than 300) and have heart healthy fats, making them a good choice for breakfast on the go.
EPIC JERKY BARS
Why we like it: Who said bars have to be made of nuts, grains, and seeds? Not us! Epic is making some super clean, high protein jerky that will forever change the way you look at packaged meat snacks. They are low in calories, most under 150 per bar, and provide about 10g of protein. We love the Chicken Sriracha and Beef Sea Salt + Black Pepper varieties for a savory snack.
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