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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

Whenever I have days that are busy and hectic, finding time to go get lunch can be a little bit hard sometimes. Enter protein bars, which are basically a granola bar, but with an extra nutritional punch. If you pick the right ones, these little bars can be a whole meal on their own. Not to mention, they are super convenient, as they are prepackaged, small, and typically don’t need to be refrigerated. Below are a few of the pros of protein bars and some of the important things to look for when choosing a protein bar.

According to registered dietician Jillian Kubala, protein bars offer quite a few benefits. One of them is that they promote weight loss, as protein is a macronutrient that promotes fullness, helping you to eat less overall. Another benefit is that they improve your nutrient intake because, besides protein, these bars are also full of other nutrients and vitamins. Also, they are incredibly convenient and easy to use as a grab-and-go meal.

When you walk into a grocery store, there are so many different brands and kinds of protein bars to choose from, and of course, each one claims that it’s the best. But it truly comes down to your specific dietary needs and what you’re trying to achieve nutritionally. So, here are a few important things that Kubala says to consider when you’re trying to pick between them.

• Protein content – Most contain at least 10 grams of protein, and some contain more than 30 grams.
• Other nutrient content – Some protein bars also have other ingredients such as nuts, dried fruit, oats, or other grains. This adds extra nutrients such as fiber, fat, and vitamins. Depending on which ingredients are used will make the amount of these nutrients vary also.
• Sugar content – The sugar content in protein bars varies significantly. Some have added sugar, some have artificial sweeteners, some are sweetened with dried fruit, and others have none at all. Always check the sugar content, especially if you’re trying to stay away from too much sugar.

Keeping a box or two of protein bars in your pantry isn’t a bad idea. They are super convenient, packed with nutrition, and perfect for busy schedules. Just make sure that they aren’t full of added sugar and that they have the right amount of protein and nutrients that you need and you’ve got a perfect little meal or snack!

For more articles about healthy snacking, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!