In the rapidly growing market for protein bars and protein powders, brands use either animal-based proteins—the most widely used being whey protein from milk—or plant-based proteins derived from legumes. For its vegan protein bars, Mulebar, THE 100% natural sports nutrition brand, uses pea protein in its Strawberry Almond-flavored recipe and soy protein in its chocolate-flavored bar. If you are wondering what protein bars are for, here is everything you need to get up to speed. Find out below why Mulebar bars are the best vegan protein bars on the market.
What is a protein bar?
A protein bar is a snack that resembles a cereal or fruit bar but is deliberately rich in protein. This segment of the sports nutrition market is booming, so much so that even multinational manufacturers of industrial chocolate bars have each released protein versions of their best-selling recipes.
Protein content varies greatly from one brand to another and depending on how the product is used. It ranges from 15% to 25% for recovery bars, intended to support muscle rebuilding after strenuous physical activity, and from 25% to 50% for so-called "high-protein" bars intended for bodybuilding enthusiasts who want to build muscle mass quickly. For this group, consumption mainly involves powdered products, in chocolate, caramel, or vanilla flavors, drunk as a liquid in a shaker with eggs, milk, and plant-based milk. This falls into the category of dietary supplements, where the range is very broad. High-protein bars are not particularly enjoyable as snacks. They are generally very floury, at least according to my taste.
The proteins used on the market are primarily animal-based, such as whey protein (or whey) from milk, and sometimes casein and egg albumin. Some brands opt for plant-based, vegan proteins, which are easier to digest, especially when the product is consumed during exercise.
Indeed, the side effects of whey protein and protein bars are not very compatible with endurance sports practiced outdoors. Flatulence, diarrhea, a feeling of fullness, constipation, and other intestinal discomforts are common.
A protein bar contains carbohydrates and fats. In any case, its consumption is not intended for weight loss.
What are proteins used for in the body?
Proteins are one of the three major macronutrient groups, along with carbohydrates and fats, providing the human body with energy through food.
Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. There are many different amino acids, but only 20 are synthesized by our bodies to produce proteins. Of these 20 amino acids, 11 are produced by the human body. The other 9 must be obtained through food at mealtimes or with specific sports nutrition products.
In the body, proteins play essential roles:
- They play a structural role by contributing to the formation of muscle tissue, hair, nails and body hair, bone matrix, skin, cartilage, etc.
- They also contribute to many physiological processes, for example as digestive enzymes, hemoglobin, hormones, receptors, or antibodies.
- Proteins help burn fat and regulate appetite by promoting the production of hormones that control hunger.
They are also the body's only source of nitrogen. Nitrogen is essential for respiration.
How much protein should we consume each day?
According to the WHO, a sedentary adult should consume 0.8 g per kg of body weight (an 80 kg man needs 64 g per day). A physically active adult (a trail runner or cyclist, for example), or someone looking to gain muscle mass, can consume up to 2 g per kg of body weight, or 160 g of protein per day.
Which foods are highest in protein?
Spirulina takes the top spot as the most protein-rich food. This algae contains 65 g of protein per 100 g, twice as much as soy. Another characteristic is that 80 to 90% of these proteins can be absorbed by our bodies. It is also very rich in amino acids. It is the star ingredient in many athletes' diets.
Next come soybeans, hemp seeds, broad beans, pumpkin seeds, adzuki beans, peanut butter, lentils, fenugreek (a spice), black beans, chickpeas, quinoa, almonds, cashews, and chia seeds; the list is not exhaustive.
Note that fruit is lower in protein than legumes. The fruits with the highest protein content are prunes, peaches, kiwis, figs, blackberries, jackfruit, guava, grapefruit, avocado, apricots, melon, and raisins.
Bad news! Contrary to what you may read in ratings and reviews, beer contains only 0.4% protein. It is therefore not the miracle drink for post-race recovery at the bar. On the other hand, it facilitates digestion. Low in sodium but packed with potassium and made up of at least 90% water, beer is an excellent diuretic in case you have not sweated enough during your workout.
What are the risks of overconsuming “protein”?
Any excess intake not used by the body is converted into fat. Another major drawback is bad breath. There is therefore no point in consuming more than what is required.
When should you consume protein bars?
Protein bars can be consumed either during exercise for endurance sports or after exercise, between two training sessions; they are then known as recovery bars. Protein helps rebuild muscle by repairing the micro-injuries caused by sports activity. Dedicated athletes, such as triathletes, consume them every day.
Otherwise, they can be eaten as a snack at any time of day to stave off hunger between meals. These bars are generally fairly high in sugar or fat, so they should not be overconsumed without exercising to burn off the calories consumed.
Mulebar Strawberry Almond Protein Bar
This Mulebar vegan strawberry almond protein bar is fruity, crunchy, and easy to chew. A reliable choice with a low sugar content, to enjoy during or after exercise, or as a guilt-free snack. Note that it is gluten-free.
Pea protein is extracted from yellow peas rather than green peas because yellow peas are a much better source of plant protein (80 to 85%), nutrients, fiber, minerals, vitamins (E, D, K, A), and amino acids. It is recommended for sports and bodybuilding, especially if you want to limit or even avoid all animal-based protein in your diet.
Among its main advantages are:
- Slow digestion and absorption, which helps promote a feeling of fullness
- Building muscle mass and repairing micro-injuries after activity
- Low in fat and cholesterol
- Low glycemic index, resulting in a slow release of energy
There is no major contraindication to consuming this plant-based protein. Allergies are very rare, which is why it is often recommended for people allergic to dairy products or soy.
Rich in fiber, almonds promote healthy intestinal transit. They also help reduce 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 the risk of high blood pressure (thanks to the potassium they contain).
Strawberries are rich in fiber, low in sugar, and contain vitamins C and B9. They are also a source of manganese, calcium, and magnesium, and are packed with antioxidants.
Ingredients:
Rice syrup, pea protein, almond 10.8%, fig paste, soy crunchy pieces (soy protein isolate, tapioca starch, salt), date paste, strawberry chips 8% (sugar, strawberry purée from concentrate 3.1%, strawberry juice from concentrate 1.9%, lemon juice from concentrate, pectin, natural flavoring, carrot and aronia concentrate), strawberry pieces 2.5%, sunflower oil, acacia gum, natural flavoring.
Nutritional information:
| 100g | Bar | |
|
Energy kJ |
1565 |
626 |
|
Energy kcal |
372 |
149 |
|
Fat (g) |
9.7 |
3.9 |
|
Of which saturated fatty acids (g) |
1 |
0.4 |
|
Carbohydrates (g) |
44 |
17 |
|
Of which sugars (g) |
35 |
14 |
|
Dietary fiber (g) |
5 |
2 |
|
Protein (g) |
25 |
9.9 |
|
Salt (g) |
0.69 |
0.27 |
Mulebar Chocolate Protein Bar
This Mulebar vegan chocolate protein bar is not only absolutely delicious, but also very pleasant to chew, with its small crunchy soy balls. We also created it to suit people looking for a snack that is neither too sweet nor too fatty. It is low in calories, with just 5 g of sugar and 3 g of fat. It is difficult to do less while keeping such an appealing taste!
Soy protein, derived from the bean, is naturally low in fat and saturated fat and rich in protein (50%).
Among its main advantages are:
- Building muscle mass and repairing micro-injuries after activity
- Prevention of prostate and breast cancer
- Helps fight bad cholesterol
- Helps strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis
- Alternative to animal proteins
Chocolate is good for morale and mental well-being, especially when the body is subjected to harsh conditions during exercise. It contains alkaloids such as theophylline, theobromine, and caffeine, which increase energy and promote alertness and vigilance. Everyone agrees: when the body gives out, the mind takes over to make it to the finish line.
Ingredients:
Pea protein, raisins (grapes, vegetable oil), soy crisp (protein isolate from soy, tapioca starch, salt), chicory root fiber, date paste, flakes ofoats, dark chocolate chips 5% (cocoa, cane sugar, cocoa butter), acacia gum, cocoa powder, sunflower oil, natural chocolate flavoring.
Nutritional information:
| 100g | Bar | |
|
Energy kJ |
1278 |
511 |
|
Energy kcal |
306 |
122 |
|
Fat (g) |
7 |
2.8 |
|
Of which saturated fatty acids (g) |
2.1 |
0.8 |
|
Carbohydrates (g) |
22 |
8.7 |
|
Of which sugars (g) |
17 |
6.9 |
|
Dietary fiber (g) |
28 |
11 |
|
Protein (g) |
25 |
9.9 |
|
Salt (g) |
0.91 |
0.36 |
In conclusion
The range of protein products is very extensive. Mulebar vegan protein bars are perfect as a snack or for post-workout activities, and even during endurance events such as ultratrails or road cycling. Plant-based proteins from peas or soy do not cause any intestinal problems. They are also much less floury than whey protein, which keeps the bars soft and easy to chew. This is a significant advantage if consumed during exercise, as it reduces energy expenditure.
Additional information:
Price: €2.75 including tax per 42 g bar
Available in packs of 4 or boxes of 15 at a discount
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Delivery within 48 hours
Preservative-free, colorant-free, palm-oil-free, vegan
These two bars are not organic, and the chocolate bar contains gluten.
