The best plant based protein bars

In the growing market of protein energy bars and protein powders, brands use animal proteins, the most used being Whey protein from milk, and vegetable proteins from legumes. For its vegan protein bars, Mulebar uses pea protein in its Strawberry Almond recipe and soy protein in its Chocolate bar. If you're wondering what protein bars are for, here's something to get you up to speed. Also check out the best plant based protein bars.

What is a protein bar ?

A protein bar is a snack that looks like a cereal or fruit bar, but is deliberately enriched with protein. This segment is booming, so much so that even the multinational industrial chocolate bar companies have developed a protein version of each of their best-selling recipes.

The protein content varies greatly from one brand to another and according to the type of use. From 15% to 25% for recovery bars, intended for muscle reconstruction after sustained physical activity. From 25% to 50% for high-protein bars intended for athletes who want to build muscle mass. These bars fall into the category of food supplements. These bars should not be consumed as a snack.

The proteins used are mainly of animal origin such as whey protein from milk, sometimes casein and egg albumin or vegetable proteins.

A protein bar contains carbohydrates and fat. In any case, its consumption is not intended for weight loss.

What proteins are used for in the body ?

Protein is one of the three major families of macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and fats, that provide energy to the body during feeding.

Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein. There are many different amino acids, but only twenty are synthesised by our body to make proteins. Of these 20 amino acids, 11 are manufactured by the human body. The other 9 must be supplied by the diet.

In the body, proteins play essential roles:

• They play a structural role by participating in the manufacture of muscle tissue, hair, nails and hair, the bone matrix, skin, etc.
• They also participate in many physiological processes, for example in the form of digestive enzymes, haemoglobin, hormones, receptors or antibodies.

They are the only source of nitrogen for the body.

The nutritional reference for protein in healthy adults is 0.83 g/kg/day. 

When to eat a protein bar ?

Mulebar strawberry almond protein bar with pea protein

This Mulebar strawberry almond protein bar is fruity, crunchy and easy to chew. A safe value with very little sugar to enjoy during or after exercise or as a snack without feeling guilty.

Pea protein is extracted from the yellow pea, not the green pea, because the yellow pea is an excellent source of vegetable protein (80 to 85%), nutrients, fibre, minerals, vitamins (E, D, K, A) and amino acids. It is recommended for sport and bodybuilding, especially if you wish to limit or even avoid all animal proteins in your diet.

Among its main advantages are :

• Slow digestion and assimilation which facilitates the feeling of satiety
• Builds muscle mass, repairs post activity micro lesions
• Alternative to animal proteins
• Low in fat and cholesterol
• Low glycaemic index and therefore slow release of energy

There are no major contraindications to the consumption of this vegetable protein. Allergies are very rare, which is why it is often recommended to people who are allergic to dairy products or soya.

Rich in fibre, almonds promote intestinal transit. It also reduces the risk of colon cancer. Almonds are good for the heart.

• A 13% reduction in the risk of diabetes
• Reduction of bad cholesterol (LDL) and an increase in good cholesterol
• Prevention of high blood pressure (thanks to the potassium they contain).

Strawberries are high in fibre, low in sugar and contain vitamins C and B9. It is also a source of manganese, calcium, magnesium and is full of antioxidants.

Mulebar chocolate soy protein bar

This Mulebar chocolate vegan protein bar is not only a pure delight, but it is also very pleasant to chew with its little crunchy soy balls. We have also created it to suit people who are looking for a snack that is neither too sweet nor too fatty with only 5g of carbohydrates and 3g of fat. It's hard to do less!

Soy protein comes from the soy bean and is naturally low in fat and saturated fat and high in protein (50%).

Among its main advantages are :

• Muscle mass building, repair of post activity micro lesions
• Prevention of prostate and breast cancer
• Fight against bad cholesterol
• Promotes bone strength against osteoporosis
• Alternative to animal proteins

Chocolate is good for the morale and the mind, especially when the body is subjected to harsh conditions during exercise. It contains alkaloids such as theophylline, theobromine and caffeine, which make you more alert.

In conclusion

Mulebar's vegan protein bars are perfect for a snack or post-training sports practice or even during endurance races such as ultra trail or road cycling. The vegetable proteins, peas or soy, do not cause any intestinal problems. They are also much less floury than whey, which means that the bars remain soft and easy to chew, which is a considerable advantage if consumed during a race.

If you like energy bars, you can also read this article explaining why Mulebar's are among the best energy bars in the world !