These are all promoted as “healthy” foods, but they must be kept out of the way, so preservatives are usually added. In addition, if they are not good, it is not easy to sell. “Most Granola cereal sticks, even those that are ‘healthier’ have high sugar and fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners,” Steiner said. “The protein bars are even more. When you’re healthy foods ‘When it looks like it’s the same as a candy bar, it’s not healthy food!”

For example, a peanut butter and jam energy bar like Larabar has 210 calories, 13% daily fat intake and 18 grams of sugar. A Gran Valley cereal stick from Nature Valley has 190 calories, 1 gram of fat and 11 grams of sugar. A PowerbarProtein energy bar with chocolate brownie has 330 cards and 21 grams of sugar, and for comparison, a snicker has only 215 cards and 20 grams of sugar. (The American Heart Association says that men should not eat more than 36 grams of added sugar a day, and women should not exceed 25 grams.)

Healthy eating method

Bottom line: Instead of buying protein bars on the shelf that don’t know how long it takes, it’s better to make protein bars with flour, protein powder, nut butter and milk at home. Granola cereal bars can also be easily made at home.