What are the best protein bars?
Many protein bars are less healthy and protein-rich than you think. So which bar do you choose? We give you 8 handy tips to watch out for!
Protein bars, also known as energy bars, have a healthy image. They seem like the ideal high-protein snacks for athletes and busy lives filled with work, family, and social commitments. Unfortunately, most protein bars are not healthy and lack sufficient protein. How can you choose the best protein bar from the available options? Here are the 11 most important points to consider!
Protein Bar Criteria
Focus on the label of the protein bar. A good protein bar contains high-quality ingredients, plenty of protein, and no artificial additives. Here are all the important points to look out for:
1. High Protein Content from Quality Sources
Many protein bars offer relatively little protein compared to their calorie count, often only 8-10 grams per 50-60 grams of bar. These bars also often contain cheap protein sources like soy or highly processed whey protein, which frequently causes digestive issues.
In vegan bars, the protein is often limited to a single source, such as peas or rice, resulting in an incomplete amino acid profile.
The NoordCode Collagen Protein Bar contains 19-20 grams of protein per bar. It offers a combination of high-quality plant-based proteins from rice and peas, along with collagen. The collagen is derived from halal-certified bone broth made from 100% grass-fed European cattle. As always, the collagen is minimally processed: the bone broth is slowly simmered and carefully dehydrated into a rich source of amino acids. The plant-based proteins are processed only with steam into a fine powder, without additives.
2. Free from Refined Sugars and Sweeteners
To make protein bars tasty, refined sugars or artificial sweeteners are often added, such as maltitol, aspartame, sucralose, or acesulfame-K. Artificial sweeteners are low-calorie but negatively impact gut health and can reinforce sugar cravings. Sugars cause blood sugar fluctuations, which can lead to fatigue. Keto bars often use sugar alcohols like erythritol. While these ensure a low sugar content, they often cause bloating and gas. The widely used sweetener stevia gives many people a bitter aftertaste.
NoordCode consciously chooses nutrient-rich flavour enhancers like honey and date syrup, avoiding stevia and sugar alcohols. The Bulgarian acacia honey used is single-origin and known for its high concentration of antioxidants. The date syrup is unrefined, retaining its nutrients.
3. Made with Healthy Fats
Most protein bars contain not only sugar but also cheap fats, such as peanuts and seed oils. Peanuts enhance flavour and texture but are a common allergen and are often used for their low cost. Seed oils, such as sunflower, soy, and rapeseed oil, are frequently used to improve texture, and shelf life, and reduce costs. They keep the bar moist and prevent fatty ingredients like nuts and chocolate from separating or going rancid. However, refined seed oils have a drawback: they are highly processed and rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation if consumed excessively.
Fortunately, there are also healthy natural fats that improve texture, add flavour, and provide extra nutritional value.
That's why the NoordCode Collagen Protein Bar contains only healthy fats from organic hazelnuts, cashews, and coconut oil. These ingredients make for a more nutritious, unprocessed protein bar.
4. Grain-Free
Many protein bars contain grains like oats, which provide quick energy but also have a high glycemic index. This causes a short energy spike followed by a rapid dip, making them less suitable as a stable energy source. NoordCode consciously chooses a grain-free protein bar.
5. Fibers: Benefits and Side Effects
Fibers like inulin are often added to protein bars to improve flavour and texture. A small amount can benefit digestion, but higher concentrations (above 8 grams) may cause digestive discomfort. This is often the case with ketogenic and low-carb bars.
The NoordCode Collagen Protein Bar, on the other hand, contains a subtle amount of natural, organic fibres that are easily digestible and gut-friendly.
6. Free from Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers in protein bars help ingredients bind and are often derived from processed sunflower or soy oil. NoordCode uses the natural binding power of its ingredients, making additional binders unnecessary.
7. Free from Cheap Fillers
Most protein bars contain fillers like tapioca starch, corn starch, polydextrose, and maltodextrin. These improve texture, increase volume, and reduce costs but have no nutritional value.
Instead, NoordCode uses dates and nuts, which are nutritious. Dates bind ingredients with their sticky texture and are rich in fibre, antioxidants, and natural sugars. Nuts add healthy fats.
8. Free from Cheap Humectants
Humectants keep protein bars soft and prevent drying out. Glycerol (glycerin) is a common ingredient used to retain moisture and add slight sweetness without many calories. This processed ingredient is synthetically made from animal fats or vegetable oils. Other frequently used humectants are syrups, like glucose syrup and rice syrup. They bind ingredients and improve texture by adding extra moisture.
Honey is an unrefined alternative. It retains moisture and adds a rich flavour and extra sweetness. Inulin, a soluble fibre, also retains moisture and softens the bar. NoordCode uses both ingredients to prevent the protein bar from drying out.
9. Free from Flavorings
Many protein bars contain flavourings that contribute little to nutritional value and are often not of natural origin. The flavour of the NoordCode Collagen Protein Bar comes exclusively from unprocessed ingredients such as organic Bourbon vanilla and non-alkalized cocoa.
10. Free from Preservatives
Producers often add preservatives to extend shelf life. These ingredients are labelled potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, or citric acid. NoordCode avoids these artificial additives and works only with organic ingredients, keeping the bar pure and healthy. The shelf life is ensured by measuring water activity (aW), indicating how much free water is available for bacterial growth. Keeping this value within the correct parameters keeps the bar safe and fresh.
11. Organic Quality
Many bars are not organic, meaning they may contain ingredients sprayed with pesticides, genetically modified, or even irradiated to kill bacteria and extend shelf life. The NoordCode Collagen Protein Bar is certified organic, and free from pesticides, irradiation, and GMO ingredients. This guarantees a high-quality, nutritious protein-rich snack.
NoordCode: The Best Protein Bars
Developing a high-protein bar with unprocessed ingredients and a moderate amount of carbohydrates was a challenge! It took us a year and a half of research, formulation, tasting, and reformulation. Now, the NoordCode Collagen Protein Bar is here: the first protein bar that meets all criteria and also tastes delicious.
Try the NoordCode Collagen Protein Bars in two delightful flavours: Hazelnut Cacao and Vanilla Cashew (available from February 2025). Both bars have a fine bite without being tough. Thanks to the combination of proteins, fibres, and fats, they provide long-lasting satiety. The result is a bar that is not only tasty and nutritious but also easily digestible and responsible.
