Hard workouts are far from enough to build your muscles quickly. You must pay attention to intake essential nutritions. Protein is on the top of the list.
However, you do not have time to search for what foods are high-protein, let alone prepare meals every day. No worries, Nogii introduce you to some best protein bar for muscle gain products so that you can charge enough protein for your body – on the go and with some bites.
Believe it or not, scroll down for more information.
Are protein bars good for muscle building?
Such small bar works, for real?
Yes, protein bars are excellent for muscle building! Actually, it is the whey protein in the bars that completes the work.
For your information, whey is a by-product separated from cheese-making materials. It is often carefully processed and dried to become the main ingredients for a protein bar and other products.
The protein in whey, as known as amino acids, is leucine, which is proved to promote muscle building. Moreover, whey protein helps improve the immunity system and treat asthma, high cholesterol, and even cancer.
Whey protein accounts for the majority of the best protein bar for muscle gain. It is easily digested, but honestly, it is not very delicious. In addition, you need more nutrition, vitamins, and minerals. Thus, manufacturers often combine whey protein with other flavors, fruits, and nuts, etc.
Best Protein Bars for Muscle Gain
Think! Berries & Crème – Best Taste for Muscle Gain
Girls will love this Think! High Protein Bar at the very first sign. When you give it a go, you will even be more crazy about its taste. That you eat for your muscle does not mean you have to stand with boring flavor.
Treat your tongue with a flood of strawberries, sweet cream, and real pieces of raspberry. All ingredients are well-quality. They are GMO- and Gluten-free. Hence, you can expect the taste is premium and way-delicious!
Even better, there are various flavors for your choice: brownie crunch; chocolate fudge; chunky peanut butter, etc.
Nutrition facts out of 60g serving size:
Calories | Protein | Total Sugar | Total Carb | Total Fat | Fiber |
240 | 20g | 1g | 25g | 8g | 0g |
As a plus. Think! High Protein Bars have less sugar and calories than many other high-protein bars (which also provide 20g of protein per serving.)
However, there is no fiber within these bars. This is a big shortage! Besides protein, you need also to intake more nutritions, vitamins, and minerals.
Pros:
- Premium taste
- High protein
- Low sugar and fat
Cons:
- Expensive
- No fiber content
We know how much you have to invest in muscle gain purposes. Hence, think carefully if it is really necessary to have a bar that is high-protein and tasty at the same time. If yes, then pick these Think! bars.
Quest Nutrition Ultimate Variety Pack – Best Flavor-rich Bar
We bet you will never get enough of these Quest Nutrition Protein Bars.
Buy one and you get 12 different flavors of blueberry, chocolate, S’mores, cookies, and more. Thus, you can try new tastes from Monday to Sunday.
Take the must-try Chocolate Brownie, for example. It combines perfectly between strong cocoa, natural sweet taste, along with chewy and stiff texture. Even better, it is filled with protein and gluten-free carbs. Other bars are also delicious and nutrient-loaded.
Nutrition facts out of 60g serving size:
Calories | Protein | Total Sugar | Total Carb | Total Fat | Fiber |
180-210 | 20-21 g | <1g | 21-24g | 6-8g | 15g |
As can be seen, protein accounts for 20 to 21g out of 60g serving. Moreover, the fiber content is rich while the amount of sugar and calories is less than many other protein bars for muscle gain.
However, they are twice more expensive than those bars. Some people might not able to afford those bars as a daily diet.
Pros:
- Rich in flavors
- Loaded-protein
- Balance among ingredients
- Low sugar and fat
Cons:
- Expensive
Expensive but worth! A bite of Quest Nutrition bar will get rid of your rush of sweet, and charge your body with full protein and energy before a harsh workout.
Clif Builder Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor – Best Budget Bar
You might have eaten Cliff Builders before. They have changed their package, the delighting taste and nutrition values stay the same. More excitingly, they become cheaper.
Despite its unexpectedly low price, this Clif Builder Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor bar does not taste like a stone. In contrast, this is worth our recommendation.
Being even a bit larger than other high-protein bars, the Clif Builders are far cheaper. Excitingly, they provide the same amount of protein for your muscle-gain exercises. To be specific, 20g of protein per serving.
Nutrition facts out of 68g serving size:
Calories | Protein | Total Sugar | Total Carb | Total Fat | Fiber |
280 | 20g | 21g | 29g | 10g | 2g |
For your note, the number of calories, sugar, and carb in one bar of Clif Builders. Though it is still acceptable for muscle-gain protein (as you might work out a lot); you might still need to calculate your daily diet carefully.
Moreover, a bit much sodium is included in the bar to reduce the bitter, which possibly results in high blood pressure. Thus, it is better safe than sorry.
Pros:
- Cheap
- High protein content
- Good flavor
- High calories, sugar, and carb
Cons:
- High sodium
Granted, the high calories and sodium in Clif Builder Chocolate Peanut Butter are not a big deal if you are active and sweating a lot for muscle gain.
Gatorade Whey Recover Chocolate Chip – The Best Protein Bar for Muscle Gain
Gatorade Whey Recover Chocolate Chip is the best protein bar for muscle gain.
This protein bar keeps a perfect balance between the nutrition value, the flavor, and the price.
Nutrition facts out of 60g serving size:
Calories | Protein | Total Sugar | Total Carb | Total Fat | Fiber |
350 | 20g | 29g | 42g | 10g | 13g |
Take a look at the nutrition facts first. Some of you might be shocked at the very high calories and carb. However, to build muscle gain, you must prepare lot-lot energy. Hence, this amount is no problem as long as you are a hard gym-er or bodybuilder. A Gatorade bar keeps you practicing longer and harder to consume such calories. The more you work out, the better your muscle system becomes.
The sugar content; however, is a serious matter. The manufacturer should reduce the sugar or the protein bar might become a candy bar!
Secondly, the taste is far good to be true. The chocolate chip can persuade the pickiest consumers.
Not to mention, the price a package of 12 Gatorade Whey Recover bars is extremely pocket-friendly.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- High protein
- High calories
- Delighting taste
Cons:
- Insanely high sugar profile
Although this protein bar is the best for muscle gain purposes, you should not eat it too frequently. Or, you must keep a tight eye on the consumable sugar at hand.
Clif Builder Chocolate Mint – Best Hit or Miss Bar
Another choice from Clif Builder protein bars, this time, it is Clif Builder Chocolate Mint. Why do we call this best protein bar for muscle gain is a hit or a miss?
The taste is somewhat strong, to be exact, more minty than chocolatey. Who likes something fresh breakfast or on-the-go snack to wake their mind up in the morning might like this chocolate mint.
However, some might give it up at first try. They say, “there is too much mint flavor for me to enjoy!”
Anyway, it is worth your bite.
Nutrition facts out of 68g serving size:
Calories | Protein | Total Sugar | Total Carb | Total Fat | Fiber |
280 | 20g | 17g | 31g | 9g | 3g |
Like the Clif Chocolate Peanut Butter, take a mind for the sodium content. There are 200g of sodium, which might cause high blood pressure if you eat too much at a time.
Pros:
- Cheap
- High protein content
- Love-it-or-hate-it taste
- High calories, sugar, and carb
Cons:
- High sodium
Give it a bite. Then, be Clif Chocolate Mint or not is your preference!
Pure Protein Bars Chocolate Peanut Butter – The Runner-up Protein Bar for Muscle Gain
Chocolate peanut butter is a common flavor when it comes to protein bars. It is delicious and easily digested. Thus, there is no surprise that many manufacturers introduce this flavor.
Take this Pure Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter, for instance.
It is nearly as good as the Gatorade Whey Recover bars: high protein, high calories, and cheap price.
Nutrition facts out of 80g serving size:
Calories | Protein | Total Sugar | Total Carb | Total Fat | Fiber |
332 | 20g | 23g | 40g | 10g | 10g |
The content of sugar and calories, one more time, is two sides of a coin. On the one hand, they provide more energy. On the other hand, it causes your body to gain weight quickly if you are lazy to work out properly.
One more thing, this bar is a bit larger than other protein bars. Hence, you might find it hard to settle some down in your crowded purse.
Pros:
- Cheap
- High protein
- High calories
Cons:
- High sugar
- Large package
Again, calculate your diet and refer your nutritionist before you take this Pure Protein Chocolate Peanut bars.
Should you eat protein bars before or after a workout?
Both are good.
Protein bars before a workout
You should eat one or two protein bar several hours before a workout, depending on how hard your exercise is. This helps you practice longer, even with an empty stomach.
Accordingly, protein bars ensure there is enough protein synthesis available when more blood flows into the muscle. Moreover, as you work harder, you need a higher carb as well. Thus, Nogii recommend you choose bars with high protein and carb.
Protein bars after a workout
When you are all done with hard exercises, your body cries for more energy for recovery. That time, do not jump to eat much. Instead, take one of the best protein bar for muscle gain we have recommended. They help to charge up your energy quickly while still burning more fat.
Specifically, there is a glycogen molecules store in your body in case of more energy is required. However, the available is still not enough for our brain and nervous system, let alone our muscles.
By providing extra carbs and proteins after the workout, your brain will take the glycogen they need first, then there is protein left to repair and build your muscles.
Simply put, keep a balance. Some days you feel like in-taking extra protein for a workout while sometimes, you want to have bars later.
How many protein bars can you eat a day to build muscle?
It depends.
Generally, protein should account for about 15% of your daily caloric amount. An average adult should intake 46-56g of protein daily. Men need more than women. Bodybuilders, athletes, gymers need even more for harsh workouts.
You had better refer to your doctor, nutritionist or personal trainer how much protein you should intake. Then, do a calculation of the protein you have at hand (in a daily diet or other food sources). Finally, choose the most suitable protein bars and take them along to the gym.
What happens if you eat too many protein bars?
Protein is hot, but over is not!
Protein bars are hot, for sure. But, over is definitely not recommended.
You should know that if protein accounts for more than one-third of your caloric intake, you might have to face up to toxic ketones. The built-up ketones will overdrive your kidneys. Moreover, your body must consume more water, resulting in dehydration quickly. Gradually, it strains kidneys while putting pressure on your heart.
In addition, protein bars for muscle gain often have a high content of sugar. The more you eat, the more you sugar and carbs you will take. It does more harm than good!
Best choice
As you can already see above, Gatorade Whey Recover Chocolate Chip is the winner in the best protein bar for muscle gain competition round. It is cheap, nutrition-rich, and delicious like a treat for your mouth.
Before you go to buy any bar on the list, take away something with you:
- Refer to your personal trainer if you want to take any protein supplement
- Read the nutrition facts and ingredients carefully to make sure what you intake into your body
- Do not eat too much bar, even they are way-delicious