Six Protein Bars Exceeding Sugar Content Compared to Common Candies
Protein Bars with High Sugar Content Pose Health Risks
A growing concern among nutritionists is the high sugar content in some popular protein bars, which could potentially lead to significant health risks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), added sugars should make up no more than 10% of daily calories, generally less than 50 grams (12 teaspoons) for adults. The AHA is even more stringent, suggesting women consume no more than 6 teaspoons (about 25 grams) of added sugar per day and men no more than 9 teaspoons (about 36 grams) daily.
However, many protein bars contain sugar amounts that exceed these recommendations. For instance, the MET-Rx Big 100 Super Cookie Crunch protein bar has 25 grams of sugar, while the Anabar Monster Cookie Crunch Protein Bar contains 21 grams of total sugar and 20 grams of added sugar. The Berry Pomegranate Chia Clif Bar, recommended by nutritionist Terry Tateossian as a protein bar to avoid, contains 21 grams of added sugar. Even the RXBAR Vanilla Almond Protein Bar, marketed as a "clean" option, has 16 grams of total sugar.
Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other metabolic issues, as stated by the CDC and AHA. Excessive sugar intake is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and research shows that high-sugar foods, including the Berry Pomegranate Chia Clif Bar, can cause blood sugar spikes.
Moreover, high sugar intake is associated with increased blood pressure and weight gain, both of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association advises reducing consumption of ultra-processed foods high in added sugars to improve cardiovascular and metabolic health.
In addition to high sugar content, some protein bars contain questionable ingredients. For example, the Perfect Bar Chocolate Brownie contains over 15 oils and dried ingredients, and the second ingredient in this bar is honey. Bess Berger, RDN, rates the MET-Rx Big 100 Super Cookie Crunch as a protein bar to avoid, and she considers Gatorade Whey Protein Bar - Chocolate Chip more of a dessert than a protein bar due to its high sugar content (29 grams).
In summary, consuming protein bars with high added sugar content regularly can contribute to serious chronic health conditions. It is important to stay within CDC and AHA sugar guidelines to reduce these risks. Nutritionists advise checking the nutritional facts before purchasing protein bars and opting for those with lower sugar content and fewer artificial ingredients.
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Added Sugars. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/sugars/index.html
[2] American Heart Association. (2021). Added Sugars. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/added-sugars
[3] American Heart Association. (2019). Sugar intake and cardiovascular disease. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/sugar-intake-and-cardiovascular-disease
[4] Malik, V. S., Popkin, B. M., & Hu, F. B. (2010). Sugar-sweetened beverages and risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis. The Journal of Pediatrics, 156(6), 948-954.
[5] American Heart Association. (2019). Ultra-processed foods. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/ultra-processed-foods
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, nutritionists advise avoiding protein bars with high added sugar content, as their consumption could potentially lead to weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other metabolic issues.
- It is important to adhere to the sugar guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Heart Association (AHA), as excessive sugar intake is linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and is associated with increased blood pressure and weight gain.
- A healthy lifestyle and diet should include a focus on clean and organic food-and-drink options, with nutritionists recommending checking the nutritional facts of protein bars before purchasing to find those with lower sugar content and fewer artificial ingredients.
- Keeping within the CDC and AHA sugar guidelines not only helps reduce the risks of chronic health conditions but also supports overall wellness and fitness.
- Consuming a healthy diet that embraces nutrition, organic food, and limited added sugars contributes significantly to a well-rounded health-and-wellness lifestyle.
