Protein bars are a popular and healthy supplement that fit the lifestyle of many active people. While they’re a great substitute for sugary, fat-laden snacks, they’re also much more than just an alternative to a doughnut. Protein bars are tailored from a variety of ingredients to meet different needs. Let’s take a look at what you’re getting when you unwrap one.

Why Protein Bars?
When you’re shopping for a protein bar, it’s important to consider why you’re getting one. For dieters following a low-carb, high-protein diet, they’re an excellent low-carb alternative to the average snack. Atkins Advantage Bars or Worldwide Pure Protein Bars are great examples of low-carb, high-protein bars that’ll ward off hunger when you’re dieting.

Pre- and Post-Workout Nutrition

If you’re working your muscles hard, a protein bar is an excellent post-workout boost to your recovering muscles—or it can provide fuel for your muscles before you hit the weights. Bars like Promax Bars and Next Nutrition Designer Whey Detour Protein Bars supply lots of fast-acting protein for muscle building and recovery.

But you don’t have to fit either of these categories if you want to enjoy a protein bar. Most are packed with nutrients and vitamins and are low in fat and sugar. In short, they’re great, guilt-free energy sources for busy people on the go.

What’s in (and Not in) a Protein Bar?
No big surprise—protein is one of the major nutrients in a protein bar. But the source of the protein can make a difference. Whey, highly prized by athletes and bodybuilders for its quick protein release to the muscle, is the fundamental protein source in several popular bars, such as Greens Plus High Protein Food Bars and Designer Whey Detour Protein Bars.

While you’re eating smart, don’t blow your good intentions by packing in sugar while packing on the protein. Many popular protein bars, like Universal Nutrition Carbrite Diet Bars, are sugar-free. In fact, CarbRite Diet Bars don’t even contain artificial sweeteners. Even if you don’t eschew sugar altogether, check out the ingredients and keep the sugar content low.

If you’re trying to improve your diet, fat’s out. Most protein bars are excellent in this regard, since they’re low in fat and carbs. To be extra careful, pick a bar that steers away from trans fats, like the Atkins Advantage Bar.

Finally, there’s no reason to neglect your vitamin and mineral intake, and a well-formulated protein bar can help you out in this regard, too. Myoplex Lite Bars include 22 different vitamins and minerals—an excellent way to keep up on your vitamins and nutrients without even thinking about it.

Let’s Not Forget Taste
There’s no reason to have to choke down a dry, dusty bar when you’re getting your protein. Delicious flavors abound with today’s energy bars—just one example is Promax’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. So find a flavor that satisfies, toss a few in your gym bag or lunch sack, and keep your nutrition on track all day with protein bars.

—Ken Nail