Finding a protein bar that’s not chock-full of sugar and empty calories can seem like a hard feat. The FAST facility managers were up for the challenge and are sharing their personal favorites. Take note the next time you’re in the market for a protein bar that tastes good and does the body good too!
Kyle Schneider, facility manager at Ahwatukee
His pick: Chef Robert Irvine’s FIT Crunch, Peanut Butter flavor
I like this bar as a quick go to meal/snack or after workout replacement due to the amount of protein and carbohydrates. What really draws me to this bar is my sweet tooth. I love sweets and this has a feel of eating a candy bar. A lot of protein bars on the market are very dry and chalky, but this bar has the best flavor I have found that definitely takes care of my sweetness cravings.
Kyle Decker, facility manager at Arrowhead
His pick: RX Bar, Pumpkin Spice flavor
I choose this bar because it falls into my belief system that we should be eating whole foods.
The bars are lower in protein value than most on the market but have very little to them, most have 6-8 ingredients. Every bar is non-GMO, soy free, dairy free, and no gluten.
Brandon Wood, facility manager at Litchfield Park
His pick: Met-RX BIG 100 Colossal, Peanut Butter Pretzel flavor
Personally I really love peanut butter, so the Peanut Butter Pretzel flavor is my go-to protein bar. The BIG 100 Colossal has 30 grams of protein in the bar, which comes in hand after a workout or a quick meal replacement if you’re in a hurry.
Nate Souza, facility manager at N. Central Phoenix
His pick: Quest Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor
This protein bar takes like chocolate chip cookie dough and is packed full of protein. No wonder its Quest’s best-selling flavor!
Shane Anderson, facility manager at N. Central Phoenix
His pick: Quest Bar, all flavors
On average, Quest bars are 3 grams of net carbs making it a good choice for just about anyone. Not to mention, there are endless flavor options to choose from.
Greg Stein, facility manager at N. Scottsdale
His pick: Kirkland Signature Protein Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor
They are extremely tasty while only containing 1g of sugar. It packs 21 grams of protein per bar and costs roughly a dollar a bar. They’re very similar to ‘Quest Bars’. As a trainer I eat a lot of protein bars and buying them in bulk allows me to always have them on hand.
Wade Haras, facility manager at Old Town Scottsdale
His pick: OhYeah!, Chocolate and Caramel flavor
The benefit to me of this bar is the ambiguous amount of flavor it provides. For chocolate lovers, I think it gives you enough of that satisfaction while delivering that sweet and salty caramel taste as well. As it may not be what some would consider “healthy” it provides “hard gainers” with lots of calories in the right ratios.
Travis Cummings, facility manager at S. Chandler
His pick: Tanka Bar, Jalapeño flavor
Typically, I don’t eat many protein bars unless I’m short on time or need something quick. This “no BS” kind of bar is good if you’re on the go or need a quick snack. It tastes great and is gluten free, nitrates-free, MSG-free and hormone free.
Glenn Steele, facility manager at S. Gilbert
His pick: Gatorade Whey Protein Bar, Chocolate Chip flavor
I’m not much on protein bars, but this option is one I’ll reach for when I’m in a rush. This protein bar fuels muscle recovery to help bring muscles back to life.
David Flanigan, facility manager at Surprise
His pick: Quest Bar, White Chocolate Raspberry
With 20g of protein, this bar offers high fiber and low sugar content making it an easy choice. Quest offers a variety of flavors, so it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Jonathan Castillo, facility manager at Tempe
His pick: Perfect Bar, Almond Coconut flavor
I reach for this protein bar because it’s one of the cleanest bars on the market. Non-GMO, no preservatives, no artificial sweetners (sweetened with honey), not to mention the taste is spot on!
Jeff Bloom, FAST Program Director
His pick: Quest Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Packed with 21g of protein, less than 1g of sugar and gluten free, it’s a great way to curb your sweet tooth. And if you haven’t tried popping it in the microwave for 15 seconds, make sure you do!
Have more questions on which protein bar is best for you? Contact the experts at FAST to schedule a free assessment. For more information and tips on nutrition, make sure to check us out on Pinterest.