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The importance of protein bars cannot be stressed enough. A lot of people are unaware of the fact that they can lose weight if they follow a healthy protein diet.1Protein has become very important to us because it is an essential nutrient and the only one responsible for building muscle tissues. But most people who are not aware of the importance of protein bars do not eat it in proper proportion. And hence, there is an accumulation of fats in the body.2
In order to shed the excess pounds from the body, you need to take foods rich in protein. You can consult any dietician or nutritionist who will give you the right proportion of protein needed by your body in order to achieve your ideal weight. This way, you can lose weight without taking any kind of supplements. The importance of protein bars lies in the fact that you can make your own protein supplement which is healthy and yet effective at the same time. It is very easy to prepare these protein bars as they come in different flavors and they can easily be combined with any kind of recipe.
If you take a protein bar while on your diet, it will make it easier for you to feel fuller than usual because the natural sugar present in it helps you to feel full. Hence, this should be the primary step taken if you are looking forward to losing weight. However, it is not necessary for you to consume protein bars as a single meal. You can spread them evenly over the day if you want to lose weight and get the best results.
What Are Nature Valley Protein Bars?
What are Nature Valley protein bars? These are some of the most amazing bars on the market. The concept is simple, and very few people have tried it. They have created a delicious protein bar based on all-natural ingredients, including chocolate. They have special chocolate that has been processed and designed to taste absolutely great, and also to be full of protein, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.3
Nature Valley is a leading company that sells a variety of healthy and snack bars. Their protein bar has received rave reviews in the food world and many consumers have credited it with helping them to lose weight and feel great. The ingredients used in this type of bar are healthy and contain organic produce. This means that the food you are eating is free from chemicals and other unhealthy ingredients that are common in unhealthy foods. To ensure you get all of the protein you need to stay healthy, you will want to check out the ingredients in the Nature Valley protein bar.
You will never forget these products, because they taste great, and are loaded with high-quality protein, which you simply can not get any other way. The chocolate used in their products is derived from the cacao bean, which has been grown and processed to get the dark, rich color that you are sure to love.
If you want to get the most out of your diet, and if you want to feel great, there is no better way to do it than with these awesome products. By using them in the way that you would a normal bar, you will be getting the protein that you need without having to give up the chocolate that you love. These products are great for those who want to stay healthy while they are at the same time enjoying a delicious treat.
Are Nature Valley Protein Bars Healthy?
If you have been watching TV or reading magazines lately, then you may have noticed the surge of “compelling” advertisements that feature “natural” healthy protein bars from nature’s valley. You may have even spotted ads for “life-changing” weight loss products as well. If you’re on the fence about these products, and wondering are Nature Valley protein bars healthy?4
There are many reasons why these healthy protein bars from nature valley are not only healthy but absolutely delicious as well. While there are many different companies manufacturing healthy protein bars from nature’s valley, there is one that stands out above the rest – Nature Valley. This company is consistently producing some of the best-tasting, highest-quality protein bars in the world, period. They are also one of the most consistent manufacturers when it comes to shipping their products nationwide, as well as throughout the United States and Canada.
It doesn’t take long to try out some of the healthy protein bars from nature’s valley. Many consumers have reported that they are absolutely healthy and delicious, which makes it hard to believe that it took the company so long to produce them! Once you taste one of these healthy protein bars from nature’s valley, you will never go back to eating regular old boring chocolate again. Instead, you and your family will be able to enjoy a healthy protein bar for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack any time of the day.
What Are the Best Ingredients in Protein Bars?
When you look for nutrition facts and nutritional information in these protein bars, you may end up getting a lot of information about protein, but you will never find out which among these is the best and most effective source of protein for your body. If you want to know what are the best ingredients in protein bars then it is important that you should learn more about protein content in these products.
The best ingredients in protein bars are protein isolate, whey, hydrolyzed soy protein, casein, egg albumen, micro-filtered water, and nonfat dry milk.5Protein isolates are very popular for being one of the best ingredients in protein bars because they do not contain fats or lactose. Protein isolate is one of the best proteins to build muscle. Whey is also another good ingredient in protein bar ingredients because whey is a good source of amino acids that help the body recover faster after a workout.6
Protein supplements can help the body repair damaged tissues and build new ones. The best ingredients in protein bars are protein hydrolysates. These protein hydrolysates are very effective for protein synthesis. You can also look for whey protein isolate because this is the most natural form of protein that you can find.
The Benefits of Protein Bars
Protein is the most important nutrient that a body needs for building muscle and maintaining an optimal physical condition. However, not everyone knows the benefits of protein found in protein bars. Although protein has many benefits and provides many nutrients to the body, it is also true that not everyone can easily digest protein. Because of this, the protein found in protein bars may not be suitable for some people. However, this should not stop you from trying these bars. Here are some of the benefits of protein found in protein bars.7
Many people do not know the benefits of protein found in protein bars because they are not aware of the various types of protein used to produce them. Most protein bars are made from whey or casein protein that comes from cows. You will also find protein found in protein bars in egg white, soy, nuts, cheese, chicken, and fish. If you are lactose intolerant, then protein bars are the best option for you to take as they contain small amounts of lactose which helps in the digestion of lactose.8
Aside from these sources, protein found in protein bars also comes from soybean which is commonly used as a source of protein in Asian countries. The benefits of protein found in protein bars may further increase if they are combined with carbohydrates.9 In fact, the benefits of protein bars are maximized when the carbohydrates are in the form of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are absorbed slowly in the intestines compared to simple carbohydrates. Therefore, they help improve the rate at which the nutrients are absorbed into the body system.
Another reason why proteins found in protein bars are of great benefit is that they are very easy to digest. When you take the right kind of protein bars, the rate at which your body breaks down the protein is faster compared to when you consume the same quantity of protein that is found in whole foods. This makes the benefits of protein bars all the more valuable for athletes and weightlifters to meet their protein needs. The faster the protein breakdown, the lesser amount of the protein that remains in the bloodstream.
If you are trying to shed some pounds, the protein found in protein bars can provide the extra energy and nutrients that you need. These bars are rich in amino acids which are needed to boost the rate of metabolism. As a matter of fact, protein has been known to have the highest absorption rate when it comes to burning fat. Therefore, the benefits of protein bars will definitely make you shed off some pounds as well as gain better health.
However, the benefits of protein bars are only one side of the coin. It should also be kept in mind that protein is not just food but it must also be taken in balanced proportions. When you eat too much protein, you may feel stuffed up and tired easily especially if you are not following a healthy diet. Thus, if you are looking to lose weight and gain great health, the benefits of protein bars can be really helpful in meeting both of these ends.
Image Credits
Nature Valley / 2021
The Grocer / 2021
Laura Schoher / Google Stock Images
Clip Art Logo / Google Stock Images
1 “High-Protein Diet for Weight Loss – WebMD.” 16 Nov. 2020, https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/high-protein-diet-weight-loss Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
2 “High-Protein Diets: Do They Work – WebMD.” https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-high-protein-diet Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
3 “Blueberry Nut Protein Bars – Nature Valley.” https://www.naturevalley.com/product/blueberry-nut-protein-bars/ Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
4 “Are Nature Valley Bars Healthy? 7 Things You Should Know.” https://www.iamgoingvegan.com/are-nature-valley-bars-healthy/ Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
5 “Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate: What’s The Difference?.” 7 Sep. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/whey-protein-isolate-vs-concentrate Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
6 “The Difference Between Protein from Isolates vs. Whole Food.” https://88acres.com/blogs/news/the-difference-between-protein-from-isolates-vs-whole-food Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
7 “Benefits of Protein – WebMD.” https://www.webmd.com/diet/benefits-protein Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
8 “10 Science-Backed Reasons to Eat More Protein – Healthline.” 8 Mar. 2019, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-to-eat-more-protein Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
9 “Why Is Protein Important In Your Diet? | Piedmont Healthcare.” https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/why-is-protein-important-in-your-diet Accessed 27 Sep. 2021.
FAQs
What are ingredients in Nature Valley Protein Bar? ›
Roasted Peanuts, Soy Protein Isolate, Chicory Root Extract, Semisweet Chocolate Chips (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, natural flavor), Vegetable Oils (palm, palm kernel, canola, peanut), Sugar, Corn Syrup, Whey Protein Concentrate, Fructose, Peanut Butter (peanuts, salt), Cocoa, Vegetable Glycerin ...
Is Nature Valley protein bars healthy? ›Nature valley bars are a high source of protein. If we talk about the ingredients of bars, then they would have 20 grams of protein. These bars include peanut butter, dark chocolates, nuts, fruits, and oats. These ingredients are healthy and can provide your body's essential amino acids.
Are Nature Valley bars highly processed? ›Are Nature Valley products healthy? It depends. They wouldn't be my first choice (these are my favorite granola bars), and some of their ingredients are definitely highly processed, but most varieties are no worse than other commercial granola bars.
Do Nature Valley Protein bars have high fructose corn syrup? ›Made with hearty whole grain oats with no artificial flavors, artificial colors, or high fructose corn syrup. At Nature Valley, we believe that what you put in is what you get out.
Are Nature Valley bars good for your heart? ›Plant sterols, eaten twice a day with food for a 0.8 g daily total, may reduce heart disease risk in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Nature Valley Healthy Heart has 0.4 g per bar. A great tasting way to help lower your cholesterol. Two serving a day for a healthier heart.
Do Nature Valley bars have added sugar? ›...
Nutrition Facts.
| Nutrient Name | As Packaged |
|---|---|
| Dietary Fiber | 2g8% |
| Total Sugars | 11g |
| Incl. Added Sugars | 11g23% |
| Protein | 3g |
The Bottom Line. Protein bars often contain compounds called sugar alcohols, which are lower in calories than traditional sugars. Sugar alcohols are associated with multiple gastrointestinal side effects including abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.
Are Nature Valley bars good for diabetics? ›Best Carb Bar: Nature Valley Oats 'n Honey Crunchy Granola Bar. If your blood sugar is on the low side, these healthy granola bars will do the trick. 180 mg sodium, 29 g carb.
Is protein bar good for weight loss? ›Many people look to protein bars to help support their weight loss journey. Some research indicates that high protein diets support healthy weight loss to a greater extent than diets containing a standard amount of protein.
What company makes Nature Valley Protein bars? ›Nature Valley – Brands – Food we make - General Mills.
How much sugar is in a Nature Valley protein bar? ›
10 g of protein. Per Bar: 190 calories; 3.5 g sat fat (18% DV); 170 mg sodium (7% DV); 6 g sugars.
What is Nature Valley made out of? ›Real Ingredients
Nature Valley starts with the best ingredients, like whole grain oats and power-packed wholesome peanuts, almonds, and nut butters.
Carbs in General Mills Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar - Maple Brown Sugar. General Mills Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bar - Maple Brown Sugar (2 bar - each 0.75 OZ) contains 28.6g total carbs, 26g net carbs, 7g fat, 4.5g protein, and 191 calories.
Is Nature Valley High in protein? ›...
Nutrition Facts.
| Nutrient Name | Per 100g | Per 1 bar (40g) %** |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | 13.5 g | 5.4 g |
| Protein | 25.5 g | 10.2 g 20% |
| Salt | 0.97 g | 0.39 g 6% |
100% Whole grain oats. No preservatives. No artificial colours.
Is Nature Valley granola good for high blood pressure? ›Along with the protein, the heavy fiber content in granola makes you feel full longer, reducing the temptation to continue to snack between meals. It also contains ingredients like oats and flaxseed, which can help you keep your cholesterol and blood pressure in check.
What are the benefits of Nature Valley bars? ›These snack bars have enough dietary fiber to meet your daily needs, though, so you can use them as the main source of your dietary fiber. Nature Valley bars are also low in sodium and cholesterol, which makes them unique among packaged snacks.
Are Nature Valley Oats and Honey good for you? ›One serving of the Nature Valley Oats 'n Honey granola bars contains 29 grams of carbohydrates, 12 grams of sugar and 2 grams of fiber. Although the granola bars are a source of whole grains and fiber, they are not a very good source.
Is peanut butter good for you to eat? ›Peanut butter is loaded with so many good, health-promoting nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium and vitamin B6. Research shows that people who regularly eat nuts and nut butter, including peanut butter, are less likely to develop heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Do Nature Valley bars have corn syrup? ›There are no artificial flavors, colors or high fructose corn syrup, and these snack bars pack an excellent source of whole grains with 20 grams per serving! It's a breakfast bar, an office snack or an on-the-go treat the whole family can enjoy.
How many teaspoons of sugar are in a Nature Valley bar? ›
Granola bars
One Nature Valley Crunchy Oats and Honey granola bar, for instance, has 12 g of sugar (3 teaspoons).
"Lots of protein bars and ladened with added sugars, making them really inflammatory," says Marissa Meshulam, MS, RD, CDN. Instead, Meshulam recommends reaching for fruit bars.
Can protein bars raise your cholesterol? ›Many protein bars have a high saturated fat content. The average American diet is already high in saturated fat, a nutrient that can increase your LDL (“bad” cholesterol) levels and increase the risk of developing heart disease.
Are protein bars considered junk food? ›It depends on the bar, but largely, no. Most protein bars, snack bars, and meal replacement bars are little more than candy bars with some extra additives. Sure their labels boast words like “thin,” “slim,” or “nutritious,” but when you read the ingredients, you see that they are anything but.
Do protein bars raise blood sugar? ›Eating a protein bar will not raise your blood sugar quickly enough because fiber, protein, and fat delay carbohydrate metabolism.
Can diabetics eat protein bars? ›Protein bars are a great snack option for people with diabetes due to the significant amount of protein they provide. Many store-bought protein bars are high in added sugar, so it's beneficial to make your own.
Is peanut butter good for diabetics? ›Peanut butter can definitely be part of a healthy diabetes diet plan. Always look for peanut butter that contains only peanuts and maybe some salt. Avoid peanut butter that includes added sugars and hydrogenated oils.
When should you eat protein bars? ›The best time to eat your protein bar is post workout. After your workout it will deliver protein to your muscles and help with muscle recovery and growth. It is generally recommended that if you are going more than 4 hours between meals, a protein bar is a great way to get a 'protein top up'.
Are protein bars good for belly fat loss? ›Not only are protein bars good for weight loss, but they are also great for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Protein filled recipes are a healthy choice for the long term, even after you've reached your weight loss goals, protein can help maintain your strength, muscle and body composition.
What nutrients are in Nature Valley bars? ›| Nutrient Name | Per 100g | Per 2 bars (42g) %** |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrate | 64.3 g | 27.0 g 10% |
| of which sugars | 26.8 g | 11.3 g 13% |
| Fibre | 6.4 g | 2.7 g |
| Protein | 8.7 g | 3.6 g 7% |
Is Nature Valley Made in USA? ›
Nature Valley is an American brand of bars, snacks and granola owned by General Mills.
How do protein bars have so little sugar? ›They're Filled with Sweeteners
Most low sugar or zero sugar protein bars contain artificial sweeteners such as maltitol or Xylitol. Artificial Sweeteners taste a lot of sugar, but not don't cause the excessive rise in blood sugar levels that sugars do.
...
Nature Valley Crunchy Oats 'n Honey Granola Bars.
| Total Fat 7g | 9% |
|---|---|
| Dietary Fiber 2g | 8% |
| Total Sugars 11g | |
| Added Sugars 11g | 23% |
| Protein 3g |
Maltitol, lactitol, and other sugar alcohols like erythritol, glycerol, sorbitol and xylitol are a common ingredient in nutrition bars because they add sweetness, but have fewer calories than sugar and less of an impact on blood sugar. They can also help to improve the texture of bars and help to retain moisture.
Does Nature Valley have pesticides? ›According to the complaint, tests from an independent laboratory found the amount of glyphosate in Nature Valley products was 0.45 parts per million. EPA standards allow for 30 parts per million in grains.
How do you eat a Nature Valley bar without making a mess? ›First, carefully tear away from the fold of the plastic wrapper, just half the way down. Separate the top to create further ease of access. Then, gently break off the top third of the the top bar, and slowly withdraw, letting the few stray crumbs fall down into the packaging. Double tap!
How much sodium is in Nature Valley bars? ›Per 2 Bars: 190 calories; 1 g sat fat (4% DV); 140 mg sodium (6% DV); 11 g total sugars.
Do Nature Valley bars have potassium? ›...
Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars Variety Pack.
| Total Fat 7g | 9% |
|---|---|
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 150mg | 7% |
| Potassium 0mg | 0% |
Nature Valley bars are not keto compatible, are likely to have a severe impact on ketosis, and we recommend avoiding entirely. Instead, try Stoka Bars, our favorite low-carb, high fat, sweet and crunchy snack bars with no hidden carbs or added sugar!
What has the highest natural protein? ›- Chicken breast. Chicken is one of the most commonly consumed high protein foods. ...
- Turkey breast. Turkey is a low fat source of protein. ...
- Egg whites. ...
- Dried fish. ...
- Shrimp. ...
- Tuna. ...
- Halibut. ...
- Tilapia.
What is the richest source of natural protein? ›
- Lean Beef. 22 grams protein (3-ounce serving) of 93% lean ground beef. ...
- Chicken. 27 grams protein (3-ounce serving) of skinless chicken breast. ...
- Salmon. 19 grams protein (3-ounce serving) ...
- Eggs. 6 grams protein (1 large egg) ...
- Peanut Butter. 7 grams protein (2 tablespoons) ...
- Pasta. ...
- Cottage Cheese. ...
- Lentils.
- Cottage cheese. ...
- Beef. ...
- Greek yogurt. ...
- Sardines. ...
- Whey protein. ...
- Poultry (chicken, turkey, etc) ...
- Nuts. ...
- Quinoa. Another plant-based protein, but unlike nuts this one is a complete protein, meaning it has all the essential amino acids.
In 2014, General Mills landed in court over the “natural-ness” of its Nature Valley granola bars. Although there was no wrongdoing, the company agreed not to use the “100% natural” label on bars that include ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin or other highly processed ingredients.
Are Nature Valley bars recalled? ›General Mills Inc. has initiated a nationwide recall of four flavors of Nature Valley brand protein and nut bars because of possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes of sunflower kernels provided by SunOpta Inc.
What are Nature Valley bars made of? ›WHOLE GRAIN OATS, SUGAR, CANOLA OIL, RICE FLOUR, HONEY, SALT, BROWN SUGAR SYRUP, BAKING SODA, SOY LECITHIN, NATURAL FLAVOR.
How much sugar is in a Nature Valley Protein Bar? ›10 g of protein. Per Bar: 190 calories; 3.5 g sat fat (18% DV); 170 mg sodium (7% DV); 6 g sugars.
What are the benefits of eating Nature Valley bars? ›These snack bars have enough dietary fiber to meet your daily needs, though, so you can use them as the main source of your dietary fiber. Nature Valley bars are also low in sodium and cholesterol, which makes them unique among packaged snacks.
What company owns Nature Valley? ›Nature Valley – Brands – Food we make - General Mills.
Do protein bars have too much sugar? ›Many protein bars also contain high amounts of added sugar and use unhealthy sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup, which adds excess fructose to your diet and can increase your risk of fatty liver, obesity, and diabetes when consumed in high amounts ( 3 , 4 , 5 ).
Do Nature Valley protein bars make you gassy? ›The Bottom Line. Protein bars often contain compounds called sugar alcohols, which are lower in calories than traditional sugars. Sugar alcohols are associated with multiple gastrointestinal side effects including abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.
What is the healthiest Nature Valley granola bars? ›
The Best Healthy Granola Bar: Nature Valley XL Protein Bar
This is plenty to keep you powered up for the day ahead (or maybe just get you through that afternoon slump). Of course, this bar also tasted great. It had a strong peanut butter flavor and just enough chocolate—but not so much that it turned into a candy bar.
No artificial flavors. Naturally flavored. Per Bar: 190 calories; 3.5 g sat fat (17% DV); 160 mg sodium (7% DV); 7 g total sugars.