Are Pure Protein Bars Good for You? (Review & Advice)

Are you looking for a healthy post-workout option that is packed with protein? Consider protein bars, specifically Pure Protein. You’ll find Pure Protein bars at nearly every supermarket, Costco, Amazon, you name it. Full disclosure, I’ve been eating these things for years. And if it’s not already obvious, I’m a huge fan. Not only are Pure Protein bars pretty damn delicious (and not just delicious just for a protein bar – but an actual, good-tasting bar), but they’re also incredibly nutritious. Each bar has 20-22g of protein and is low in calories, which is the perfect amount for post-workout nutrition.

Whether you need something for a post-hike recovery, mid-day snack, or post-workout, Pure protein is a great choice and one of my go-to’s. So, let’s explore further to learn more about the benefits of Pure protein bars, and some common questions.

What Nutrients Are Found in Pure Protein Bars?

So typically, it’s going to vary slightly between the different flavors, but generally, this is what you can expect: (This is from the Cookies & Cream bar that I’m having now, see photo below for ingredients as well.)

Calories	200
Fat	6g
Cholesterol	<5mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrate	18g
Protein	20g
Calcium	130mg
Potassium	120mg

Well, for starters, these bars are low in calories and fat, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight. They also contain a decent amount of protein, which makes them an ideal post-workout snack to help with muscle recovery. Plus, they contain essential nutrients like calcium and potassium (although quite a low amount), which can help you stay healthy and energized.

However, if you’re looking for a keto or low-carb option – this isn’t it. Although 18 carbs are quite low, it’s not going to cut it if you’re following a very strict low-carb or keto diet. As a matter of fact, most protein bars have carbs, so you need to be very careful about the protein bars you buy if that’s what you’re looking for.

Lastly, Pure protein bars are non-GMO, contain no artificial sweeteners, and are gluten-free.

What Are The Different Flavors of Pure Protein Bars?

The real beauty of Pure Protein bars comes in the variety of flavors – and they all taste pretty good. Here’s a list of all their different flavors:

• Birthday Cake
• Chocolate Peanut Caramel
• Chocolate Salted Caramel
• Chewy Chocolate Chip
• Chocolate Deluxe (Best protein to calories ratio)
• Chocolate Peanut Butter (My personal favorite)
• Cookies and Cream Bar
• Lemon Cake

The Chocolate Peanut Butter bar is probably the most popular one because it’s so decadent and delicious; it really tastes like you’re eating something really bad for you (which is awesome.) But don’t forget about the Lemon Cake bar, which is a great option if you’re looking for a lighter, citrusy treat. If you’re REALLY watching calories and want as much bang for your buck as possible, the Chocolate Deluxe is the lowest calories of all (180 calories) while having the most protein as well (22g of protein).

Right now, I’m trying out Cookies & Cream – and to be honest, I don’t love it as much as the others. It’s still better than most other protein bars I’ve tried, but I think I’ll go back to the chocolate peanut butter and chocolate deluxe after this.

Are Pure Protein Bars Good Post-Workout Snacks?

Absolutely! Pure Protein bars are a great option if you’re looking for a convenient post-workout snack that won’t take away from your hard work at the gym or after a long hike. They’re packed with enough protein, which can help you refuel and rebuild your muscles after an intense workout.

Plus, speaking of the carbs again, they only have 18-22g of carbs, so it won’t spike your blood sugar if you’re trying to keep your carb intake low. With all that said, protein bars should not be the only food you’re eating post-workout. It’s important to have a balanced meal to get the nutrients you need in order to recover properly.

A protein bar should be seen as a supplement to a healthy meal, not an entire meal replacement. I typically have my protein bar after a workout and then eat my regularly scheduled dinner or lunch. So for a real-world example: I typically work out around 5:30 PM after work, have my protein bar around 6:30 when I’m done, and then eat my dinner at 8:00 to 9:00 PM.

Can Pure Protein Bars Help You Lose Weight?

So, first off, many people have this misconception that if they eat something labeled “high protein,” they’ll start magically losing weight. Sorry to sound cynical, but there is so much misinformation out there when it comes to dieting, so I wanted to make this distinction very clear.

Pure protein bars are not a magical way to lose weight, but they can be part of a balanced, healthy diet to help aid you in your weight-loss journey. Eating a protein bar (or anything high-protein) as a snack or meal replacement can help you feel fuller longer and provide the necessary nutrients and vitamins your body needs. Plus, they’re an easy and convenient way to get a healthy dose of protein when you’re short on time.

When shopping for protein bars, make sure to check the nutrition label and ingredients list. Many store-bought protein bars can be high in added sugars, fat, and calories, so choosing one that fits your dietary needs is important. There are many protein bars with 300 to 400 calories loaded with sugars, and those are the ones you want to stay away from if you’re trying to lose weight.

Losing weight comes down to a very simple formula – calories in vs. calories out. I won’t get too detailed here, but you can check out this guide to learn more about that. Essentially, instead of 2 McDoubles at Mcdonald’s for 800 calories, opt for a Pure Protein bar with only 200 calories. That’s how Pure protein bars can help you lose weight.

How Much Sodium Is in a Pure Protein Bar?

The sodium on the bar is around 180mg. It’s not terrible, but it’s also not that great. The thing about Protein bars is that they tend to have a lot of added sugar and other ingredients that can increase their sodium content. The key is to look for bars that have fewer additives if high sodium is something you’re trying to avoid.

Those that have more natural ingredients may have more sodium, but it will likely be more natural and not as processed. Additionally, the amount of sodium in a bar can vary depending on the brand and the type of bar. Some bars may have a higher sodium content than others. It is important to remember that too much sodium can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.

If you’re already reaching the recommended daily amount of sodium, you may want to opt for a bar with lower sodium content. Sodium isn’t all bad, though. If you’re out on a hike or exercising and losing a lot of water, sodium can actually be helpful.

How do Pure Protein Bars Compare to Quest Bars?

So there was a period of my life where I was all in on Quest Bars. I betrayed Pure Protein and decided to go for Quest Bars – mainly due to marketing and what I read online. I really tried to get into it, but the taste was just too off-putting to me.

So then I switched back to Pure Protein Bars. I found them to have a much better taste and texture than Quest Bars. Some people enjoy the taste and different flavors of quest bars, but I just couldn’t get past the texture of the bar. Pure protein spoiled me!

They both have roughly the same amount of calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Where Quest Bars shine, however, is in its dietary fiber content. Quest Bars contain nearly triple the amount of dietary fiber that Pure Protein does. For me, it wasn’t a game changer, but if you’re lacking in fiber, it may be a good option.

When it comes down to it, both bars can be considered a healthy snack option. However, if you’re looking for higher protein content, then Pure Protein Bars are likely the better option. Plus, they have a more enjoyable taste and texture than Quest Bars.

Conclusion

​​​​​​​Overall, Pure Protein bars are an excellent snack choice for both health-conscious individuals and those who are looking for a quick and easy snack. They are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and are available in a variety of flavors (although mainly chocolate based.)

They won’t make you magically lose weight, but they can be an excellent replacement for unhealthy alternatives. Whether it’s before or after a workout or just to get you through the day, these bars can provide you with the boost you need to stay energized, alert, and full.

I’ve been eating these for nearly ten years – and I don’t see myself stopping soon. So go ahead and get you some!