What I look for in protein bars + ingredients to avoid

You’ve heard it everywhere—"eat more protein!" Protein helps build muscle, keeps you full, and supports longevity. So naturally, we grab protein bars. They’re quick, easy, and usually pack in anywhere from 10 - 20 grams of protein.

But here’s the deal: just because something has protein doesn’t mean it’s good for you.

I’ve fallen into the trap too. When I first started optimizing my glucose, I’d scan shelves for anything that hit my protein target. But what I didn’t realize then was that most of these bars come with baggage—like processed ingredients, artificial sweeteners, high glycemic carbs, and junk oils.

So today, I want to break this down:

• What to look for on the ingredient panel
• The carb-to-protein ratio that actually matters
• What protein bar I like
• How I think food marketing is taking advantage of the gym goers or everyday people who need to hit protein goals

Study mentioned