Pure Protein Bars Review
4 Shocking Reasons Pure Protein Bars Are Pure Garbage (#3 Might Give You Gas!)
Low-carb protein bars are a minefield for keto dieters, because many people on the diet think that just being low in net carbs is good enough. Any bar that markets itself as low-carb is almost certainly a poor choice for keto. Yet, Amazon searches for “keto bar” return many such bars. This is definitely a problem.
Pure Protein is a perfect example of a horrible bar that somehow sells well on Amazon, Costco, and Walmart, presumably because some like the taste (and may not realize they’re unhealthy). I normally taste test all bars that I review, but in the case of Pure Protein Bars I couldn’t bring myself to put it in my body.
Macros: 21g protein, 4g fat, 2g fiber, 7g net carbs, 200 calories
1. Deceptive Net Carbs: Don’t Be Fooled
Pure Protein Bars boast low net carbs, but don’t be duped. Thanks to sugar alcohols like maltitol, the actual carb impact is higher than advertised. Maltitol, a common sugar alcohol used in these bars, has a glycemic index that can affect blood sugar levels (as can be seen in the TikTok video below), almost as much as regular sugar and has been associated with weight gain and increased blood sugars over time. This can kick keto dieters out of ketosis, the metabolic state crucial for the diet’s success.
@insulinresistant1 Pure protein bar and my blood sugar. How does this affect my glucose level? #glucoselevels #bloodsugar #proteinbar ♬ original sound – Justin / Stop Spiking Sugar
2. Fiber Flop: Barely Enough to Count
With only 2 grams of fiber per bar, Pure Protein Bars fall short of providing the necessary fiber to support digestive health. Fiber is crucial for digestive health, promoting regular bowel movements and aiding in satiety, which helps control appetite and support weight management. These bars just don’t cut it. Many other protein bars on the market offer higher fiber content, making them a better choice for those looking to boost their fiber intake. And I’m not the only one who thinks that way! A quick search for Pure Protein Bars on Reddit uncovered the truth.
Need a better protein bar !! ✨ byu/Justdoingmybesttt inHealthyFood
3. Artificial Ingredients Galore: Your Body Deserves Better
Pure Protein Bars are packed with a laundry list of garbage ingredients like maltitol, sucralose, and palm kernel oil. Maltitol in particular can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially when consumed in large amounts, and these bars have up to 6g. If you’re aiming for a cleaner, healthier diet, throw these bars directly in the trash where they belong.
The verdict’s in and Pure Protein Bars are guilty!
4. Low-Quality Fat: Palm Kernel Oil, Really?
Pure Protein Bars use palm kernel oil, a low-quality oil that is high in saturated fats, which, when consumed in excess, can contribute to heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. For keto enthusiasts, who need healthy fats to maintain ketosis and support overall health, this bar is a nutritional letdown. Instead of the heart-healthy fats found in nuts, seeds, or avocados, you’re getting a cheap, unhealthy filler that does your body no favors.
The Bottom Line
Seeing as it looks like a candy bar and contains copious amounts of maltitol and sucralose, I can’t say that I am surprised junk food lovers like the taste. Need more proof that it looks like candy? GROSS!
Pure protein bars, my hands are really small. I finished it in 2 bites. A box of 4 is $7 used to be a box of 6. byu/_yoyofroyo inshrinkflation
It’s hard to imagine anything worse than a Quest Bar, but Pure Protein manages. It has less fiber and fat, and even more artificial ingredients. Hankering for a healthier option yet? Eat your way to better health with Human Food Bar.
Pros and Cons of Pure Protein Bars
FAQs
Are Pure Protein Bars Good for You?
Pure Protein Bars are not the healthiest option available. They contain artificial sweeteners like maltitol and sucralose, low fiber content, and low-quality fats such as palm kernel oil. While they offer a cheap source of protein, the health drawbacks outweigh the benefits for those seeking nutritious, wholesome food.
What ingredients are in Pure Protein Bars?
Pure Protein Bar Ingredients include: chocolate flavored coating (maltitol, fractionated palm kernel oil, whey protein concentrate, cocoa (processed with alkali), calcium carbonate, natural flavors, soy lecithin, sucralose), hydrolyzed collagen, peanut flour, protein blend (milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate), glycerin, maltitol syrup, soy crisps (soy protein isolate, tapioca starch, salt), water, peanuts, peanut oil, sucrose, salt, natural flavors, sucralose, almond butter, soy lecithin.
Why Are the Net Carbs in Pure Protein Bars Misleading?
The net carbs in Pure Protein Bars can be misleading due to the presence of sugar alcohols like maltitol. While the bars are marketed as low-carb, sugar alcohols can still impact blood sugar levels and contribute to the total carb count, making them less suitable for strict low-carb or keto diets.
Is Pure Protein Keto Friendly?
No, Pure Protein Bars are not truly keto-friendly. Despite their low-carb label, they contain sugar alcohols like maltitol, which can disrupt ketosis. They also have insufficient fat content and use low-quality fats like palm kernel oil. Additionally, with only 2 grams of fiber and a host of artificial ingredients, these bars do not align with a keto diet's clean, high-fat requirements.
Psst! Got a moment?
If you're reading this, you came here for one of my many protein bar reviews, which means you're a fellow bar eater!
If you found my article helpful, I hope you'll take a look at Human Food Bar, which I created after testing over 100 bars. It was inspired by the Hunter Gatherer diet, because they're the healthiest humans around.
The bar's unique formulation can help you cut cravings, lose weight, sleep better, have more energy, regulate digestion, and more. It does this by balancing your gut biome.
Human Food Bar comes recommended by New York Times best-selling author Dr. Steven Gundry, MD.
Scroll through the gallery to learn more!
