Protein bars: Quick and convenient, but what's really in them?

October 08, 2025 at 11:01 AM EDT

(BPT) - If you often grab whatever protein bar is handy at the grocery store and regret it later, you are not alone. You want a quick solution to help fuel your busy day, running from the gym to pick up kids at school or powering through a working lunch, only to endure a chalky, gritty bar that leaves you feeling bloated or sluggish.

For many people, eating a protein bar feels more like a chore than a treat. They always sound good, but finding options that truly taste delicious - and are made with quality ingredients - is not easy. But do protein bars require you to trade flavor for function? The dietitians at Linear Bar think you can have both if you know what to look for when choosing your next protein bar.

A Linear bar in the foreground with a woman in boxing gloves working out in the background

What's the sugar content?

The craving for something sweet may hit you, especially during that afternoon slump, but too much sugar can lead to an energy spike, followed by a drop that leaves you feeling exhausted. Sugar can be sneaky; your "healthy" protein bar might contain a lot more sugar than you think.

"The ingredients on the product label are listed in order of quantity, so the ingredient used most appears first, followed by those used in smaller amounts," said Samantha MacLeod, MS, RDN. "Keep an eye out for sugar as one of the first ingredients on the label or sugar in other forms such as high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, dextrose, brown rice syrup or fruit juice concentrate," she continued.

Instead of artificial sweeteners that can lead to the fake-sugar aftertaste found in so many protein bars, Linear Bar uses organic cane sugar and organic purified stevia extract, a natural sugar alternative, for that just-sweet-enough decadence. Together with real organic dark chocolate, caramel and peanut butter, you'll experience a rich, indulgent flavor and texture that reminds you of your favorite candy bar - but without all that sugar.

It's not just about the protein (well, it mostly is)

The best protein bars offer a great-tasting combination of nutrients designed to satisfy hunger and provide vital nutrients your body needs. High-quality protein, healthy fats and dietary fiber are three nutrients to pay close attention to when choosing snack bars.

Man sitting on a bench in a locker room pulling a Linear bar out of his gym bag

Linear Bar's protein (20 grams) comes from a unique powerhouse blend of organic whey, pea and chickpea protein. This blend of easily absorbed, complete proteins supports muscle repair and recovery. On top of that, each bar is packed with 12 grams of satisfying dietary fiber, meeting nearly half of the daily recommended amount of fiber for adults, according to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

"Protein alone doesn't give your body everything it needs to perform optimally," said MacLeod. "Fiber is one of those unsung heroes of the nutrition world, helping to support digestion, control blood sugar, and keep you feeling full longer, and most people don't get enough."

What's the deal with seed oils?

Many consumers are actively trying to limit seed oils in their diets. Consuming too much seed oil, like canola and safflower oil, can cause an imbalance in omega-6 fatty acids, which may increase inflammation. This can be challenging, especially when it comes to packaged foods like protein bars. Many protein bars contain unnecessary additives, like highly processed seed oils, that are less healthy and cause an unpleasant mouthfeel.

By contrast, Linear Bar contains fats derived from organic oils found in ingredients like organic coconut oil, organic cocoa butter and organic peanut butter.

"The thoughtful selection of fats used in the Linear Bar recipe aligns with growing consumer demand for cleaner, more natural ingredient profiles," MacLeod said. "And gives Linear Bars their signature chewy nougat-like texture and clean taste."

Taste the difference

If you are looking for a protein bar that's delicious and clean, choose a bar that was made in a kitchen, not a lab. Linear Bar's Original flavor is the perfect combination of peanut butter, caramel and real dark chocolate that truly tastes like a candy bar - and you can feel good knowing that it's made with 100% organic, high-quality ingredients and nothing artificial.

Linear bar in a wrapped leaning against a stack of Linear bar unwrapped.

"Linear Bar proves you can get elite performance and crave-worthy flavor that you'll feel good about after eating," said MacLeod.

You deserve a protein bar that tastes so good you want to eat it. Visit LinearBar.com to learn more.

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Protein bars: Quick and convenient, but what's really in them?

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