The Comprehensive Guide To Paleo Bars & Protein Shakes
Contents
- Paleo Bars and Protein Powders
- 10 Best Paleo Bars & Protein Shakes
- Different Types
- Oat-Based
- Nut-Based
- Seed-Based
- Fruit and Vegetable-Based
- Different Brands
- Julian Bakery
- RXBAR
- LARABAR
- Top 5 Paleo Protein Bars
- RXBAR Whole Food Protein Bar – Chocolate Sea Salt
- RXBAR Variety Pack
- LARABAR Gluten Free Paleo Protein Bars – Minis Variety Pack
- Exo Cricket Flour Protein Bar – Cocoa Nut
- Better Than Coffee Health Energy Bar
- The Best Of The Rest
- Simple Squares Organic Snack Bar
- TASTY Grass-Fed Beef Bars
- Paleo Sunbutter Protein Bar By Julian Bakery
- Pegan Protein Bar Gingersnap Cookie By Julian Bakery
- Caveman Foods Primal Performance Variety Pack
- Buying Guide
- Conclusion
- Sources
With so many different diets out there all claiming to be the answer to all your health problems, it’s hard to know where to turn and which one to choose.
The paleo diet is one that’s proving more and more popular and is currently right on trend. You definitely shouldn’t be choosing a diet simply because it’s trendy, but a lot of people seem convinced that paleo is the answer.
The paleo diet is a strict one. It focuses on foods that could be hunted or gathered, and it cuts out grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar.
The evidence is still thin. Harvard’s Nutrition Source says short trials show some weight loss, but there isn’t enough data to strongly recommend it, and cutting dairy and grains can leave gaps in calcium, vitamin D and fiber.
It’s a hugely popular diet, and more and more people are adopting it. Although there are no statistics about how many people follow a paleo diet, the explosion in sales of paleo cookbooks and products speaks for itself.
Paleo Bars and Protein Powders
To make things a little easier, there are plenty of protein powders for paleo and paleo protein bars to help you get all the nutrients you need.
Paleo bars and paleo protein shakes are great if you workout regularly or need to grab something to eat quickly if you’re always on the move.
However, although there are tons of paleo protein bars out there, there are also just as many no-paleo options, so you need to be careful.
Many paleo bars use egg whites, nuts, seeds or dried fruit.
The differences and variations between bars will be found in the ingredients, which in turn affects the nutritional outcome, so choosing wisely is important.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll clarify and simplify all things paleo.
We’ve reviewed the different types and brands available, finding you the best paleo protein bars out there.
10 Best Paleo Bars & Protein Shakes
Different Types
There are many variations on paleo protein bars and shakes.
Your choice will depend on personal preferences and taste, as each bar is different.
You might choose a lower-sugar, lower-calorie bar if you’re looking to slim down and still be able to snack. There are also higher-protein bars for gym-goers.
This brings us to the different types available.
Hopefully, the following explanation of your options will help you to narrow down your choices depending on the nutritional benefits or what your favorite flavors and ingredients are, as choosing the right paleo bar comes down to your needs.
Oat-Based
Oat-based bars are filling, but they aren’t paleo. Oats are a grain, and grains are off the menu on a strict paleo diet.
If you’re less strict, oats are a whole grain with fiber, vitamins and minerals. Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often contaminated with wheat, so people with celiac disease should choose certified gluten-free oats.
The soluble fiber in oats can help lower cholesterol and keep you feeling full.
Nut-Based
Nut-based bars offer a great protein boost, but be sure to be mindful of how much fat is in them.
For example, almonds are great if you’re avoiding dairy as they’re calcium-rich, ensuring you still get your bone-building minerals.
Carb content varies by nut. Macadamias, Brazil nuts and hazelnuts are among the lowest in carbs, while cashews have noticeably more.
Nuts also supply healthy fats, fiber and plant compounds, and eating them regularly is linked to better heart health.
Chestnuts are much lower in fat and calories than other nuts, though they’re higher in starch.
Just be sure that when selecting a nut -based paleo bar you choose one that’s prominent in the nut you wish to consume.
Seed-Based
Seed-based paleo bars are a great option and are currently in demand.
Seeds are packed with nutrients. The best seeds to include in your diet are hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds.
Hulled hemp seeds are roughly 30% protein by weight and contain all the essential amino acids.
Sunflower seeds add fiber, which helps you feel full if you’re trying to lose weight. They’re also calorie-dense, so watch portions.
Sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds provide minerals such as magnesium and zinc.
Chia seeds are rich in fiber and plant omega-3 fats.
Overall, seeds are a great thing to look for in the paleo protein bar you choose to give you more natural energy and come with their own health benefits.
Educate yourself on each seed and choose wisely.
Fruit and Vegetable-Based
Fruit and vegetable-based bars can be a handy snack while you stick to a strict diet regime.
They don’t replace whole fruits and vegetables, though, which you should eat plenty of every day.
However, be mindful of fruits you’re selecting as some can be high in sugars.
Those looking to shed a few pounds may want to steer clear of certain fruit-based paleo protein bars.
Fruit adds vitamins, minerals and natural sugars that provide energy with little fat.
These are the main base ingredients used for paleo protein bars.
Most bars will have a mixture of the different bases, so shop around until you find what you’re looking for.
Be sure to look for products that are high protein, high fiber, and low sugar!
Different Brands
Now you know what type of paleo bar you prefer, you can look at finding a reputable brand. This can make all the difference.
Looking for a brand that has experience with other paleo products will mean their ingredients have been carefully selected.
Another factor to consider is customer feedback and ratings. After all, these are personal testimonies from people who have used and reviewed the product.
Here are a couple that meet the mark.
Julian Bakery
If you hop on the web or pop down to your local health store you’ll be met with numerous products made by Julian Bakery.
This is a reputable brand who specialize in the dietary paleo industry.
Julian Bakery holds its own by focusing on everything paleo, and they offer one of the widest selections of bars.
Available to purchase in variety packs ranging from sweet treats to fruity favorites, and some of their products are even vegan or vegetarian.
Often receiving excellent customer feedback on Amazon, Julian Bakery certainly knows what they’re doing.
RXBAR
RXBAR rate their products so highly and also offer sample packs, and who doesn’t love a sample pack.
They’re upfront and direct about what goes into their protein bars. They state it front and center on their packaging.
Simplicity is their game, with short ingredient lists.
RXBAR believe that food should be consumed as nature intended it to be, and they’re sticking to their guns.
This is a no-nonsense brand. If you’re looking to make a clear and simple decision between bars then RXBAR come out on top!
LARABAR
LARABAR aim to create tasty, convenient snacks made from just a few, simple ingredients.
They also produce ‘The mini Larabars’ which are absolutely the perfect size to pop in your pocket if you’re out for the day or working.
This brand has received good feedback for the soft, chewy texture of its bars.
Most Larabars are fruit-and-nut bars, so they provide fiber and healthy fats but only modest protein, plus natural sugar from dates.
They come in a large variety of flavors, so you don’t get stuck or bored with just one.
These treats have stayed popular as on-the-go healthy indulgent snacks.
There are many more brands out there with great paleo protein bars. However, the ones listed offer some of the top products available on the market now.
That brings us on to our top paleo bar product picks.
Top 5 Paleo Protein Bars
There are lots of really good paleo energy protein bars to choose from. Our picks have been chosen based on customer ratings, feedback, and flavor profiles.
RXBAR Whole Food Protein Bar – Chocolate Sea Salt
Within the RXBAR family, there’s some stiff competition amongst the flavours, all of which are highly rated.
Enter the chocolate sea salt bar, an indulgent, luxurious snack.
Simplifying things by using minimal ingredients means you know exactly what you’re getting.
This is a winning combination amongst RXBAR fans!
The packaging highlights no added sugar, gluten, soy or dairy.
It has become a go-to bar for many fans.
RXBAR Variety Pack
It’s no surprise that RXBAR have made another appearance within our top picks with their successful variety pack protein bars.
Each RXBAR features a host of exclusive and powerful core ingredients, some of which are, egg whites, fruits and nuts, and finished up with 100% natural flavors.
This is a great place to start if you’re new to your paleo diet as it will give you the chance to try their numerous and impressive amount of flavors.
This pack includes Blueberry, Mint Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice, Coconut Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Coffee Chocolate, Chocolate Sea Salt and Apple Cinnamon, meaning you’re bound to find the right flavor for you.
Like the single flavor, these bars are marketed with no added sugar, gluten, soy or dairy. Flavors in the pack change, so check the current listing.
LARABAR Gluten Free Paleo Protein Bars – Minis Variety Pack
You can’t search the web for reputable paleo protein bars without seeing some of LARABARS products, and for good reason.
To begin with, the mini size is perfectly convenient as a convenient breakfast, on-the-go snack or as pre-or-post workout fuel.
With their sweet flavors, you can be sure that LARABAR only uses the stuff that’s absolutely necessary in their products.
Variety packs, are a good starting point when trying any new products. Within this variety pack there’s something for the fruit and nut lovers out there, including flavors such as Cherry Pie, Cashew Cookie and Apple Pie.
These bars are Gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, kosher, dairy-free.
Each bar has a short ingredient list.
LARABAR minis are a good way to try the brand, and their small size helps with portion control.
Exo Cricket Flour Protein Bar – Cocoa Nut
Exo Cricket Cocoa Nut bar is an unusual pick.
Don’t be put off by the ‘Cricket’ title. Insects were part of many traditional diets and are a good source of protein.
People with shellfish allergies should be cautious with cricket products, since they may cause similar reactions. Exo bars may also be hard to find now, so check availability.
This product is paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, soy-free, full of protein, all-natural, and made with only real food ingredients.
Better Than Coffee Health Energy Bar
With this product, you can really tap into natural energy. It blends maca and guarana. Guarana is a natural source of caffeine, so count it toward your daily caffeine, and the evidence for maca’s energy benefits is limited.
A combination of dark chocolate, coconut, and dark black coffee gives this product a different bittersweet taste, perhaps not for those looking for a super sweet treat.
Paleo-friendly and high in fiber, this is a great product to grab on your way to work, for those with a busy long day ahead, for students wanting exam food, or even for fitness fanatics.
The Best Of The Rest
Simple Squares Organic Snack Bar
The Simple Squares Organic Snack Bar is another great one to check out, having received a ton of great reviews and feedback.
Check the label for protein, sodium and sugar to see whether it fits your goals.
TASTY Grass-Fed Beef Bars
TASTY Grass-Fed Beef Bars are marketed as sugar-free, MSG-free, gluten-free and paleo-friendly. Meat bars are usually high in sodium, so check the label.
These high quality, junk free bars bring a uniquely different approach to paleo bars.
They’re made with 100% grass-fed beef, making them substantial and filling.
Paleo Sunbutter Protein Bar By Julian Bakery
The Paleo Sunbutter Protein Bar by Julian Bakery is a sunflower seed butter bar with a good amount of protein.
It can tide you over when you’re short on time, but a bar isn’t a balanced meal, so don’t rely on bars to replace meals regularly.
Pegan Protein Bar Gingersnap Cookie By Julian Bakery
The Pegan Protein Bar Gingersnap Cookie by Julian Bakery has to be mentioned, as being vegan and paleo-friendly this product is a great choice for strict specific diets.
Julian Bakery advises that this bar can get quite hard when cold so simply warm up and the bar will return to its soft, gooey state.
Caveman Foods Primal Performance Variety Pack
The flavors included within the Caveman Foods Primal Performance Variety Pack are Dark Chocolate Cherry Nut, Maple Nut, Wild Blueberry Nut, Almond Cashew, and Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut.
There’s a great range available.
These nut-based bars have been well rated and are marketed as paleo. Check the label for protein and sugar.
Buying Guide
Understanding which bars do what they claim can be difficult, with every brand claiming to make the healthiest paleo bar.
Products get reformulated or discontinued, so read the current ingredients and nutrition label before you buy.
When buying any paleo protein bar, be sure to view this simple food guide in order to establish whether they’re truly paleo-friendly.
Treat bars as occasional snacks and build most meals from whole foods. Cleveland Clinic notes that paleo eaters should plan for enough fiber and calcium.
Conclusion
After reviewing all the products mentioned, it must be said, it’s no wonder everyone is a bit confused about all things paleo.
Things can get muddled, and before you know it you’re being shown products that aren’t paleo at all.
With this comprehensive paleo guide, we wanted to get down to the facts.
Now, with all your new-found knowledge, you can go on to find the best paleo protein bars and best paleo protein powders out there for you.
Sources
- Paleo Diet 101: What You Can and Can’t Eat, Cleveland Clinic
- Diet Review: Paleo Diet for Weight Loss, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
