Gatorade Protein Bars - A Nutritionist’s Honest Review
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With a plethora of protein bars available, it is difficult to know which one to choose to help you get extra protein in effortlessly that will support your health and fitness goals.
Factors such as flavor, sugar content, protein content, calories, and price are important to consider when choosing a protein bar provider, so how does Gatorade compare to the rest?
Does Gatorade Have Protein Bars?
Gatorade is a company that is primarily recognized for its sports drinks and chews, but they also have created a line of protein bars to further support those who are regularly active. The lack of reviews reveals just how new these bars are to the brand, but they may still be worth considering if you haven’t yet found a protein bar that works for you.
What Protein Bars Does Gatorade Offer?
Gatorade protein bars come in six different flavors, and you can order a pack of 12 off the Gatorade website for $18. This is certainly on the cheaper side compared to other protein bars.
Here is the nutritional information for each flavor:
Chocolate Caramel
Calories: 330
Total Fat: 10 g
Total Carbohydrates: 43 g
Total Sugars: 28 g
Protein: 20 g
Ingredients: Whey protein crisp (whey protein concentrate, corn starch, calcium carbonate), caramel (glucose syrup, sugar, palm oil, nonfat milk, glycerin, butter [cream, salt], dry whey, corn starch, salt, mono and diglycerides, natural flavor, soy lecithin), chocolate flavored coating (sugar, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], whey protein isolate, cocoa [processed with alkali], soy lecithin, natural flavor), corn syrup, brown sugar, glycerin, milk protein concentrate, invert sugar, vegetable shortening (palm kernel oil and palm oil, citric acid), water, salt, natural flavor, mixed tocopherols (preservative), citric acid.
Chocolate Chip
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 13 g
Total Carbohydrates: 41 g
Total Sugars: 29 g
Protein: 20 g
Ingredients: Chocolate flavored coating (sugar, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], whey protein isolate, cocoa [processed with alkali], soy lecithin, natural flavor), whey protein crisp (whey protein concentrate, corn starch, calcium carbonate), semisweet chocolate chips (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), chocolate chips (sugar, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), corn syrup, brown sugar, caramel (glucose syrup, sugar, palm oil, nonfat milk, glycerin, butter [cream, salt], dry whey, corn starch, salt, mono and diglycerides, natural flavor, soy lecithin), glycerin, invert sugar, milk protein concentrate, natural flavor, water, salt, mixed tocopherols (preservative), citric acid.
Chocolate Pretzel
Calories: 340
Total Fat: 11 g
Total Carbohydrates: 42 g
Total Sugars: 26 g
Protein: 20 g
Ingredients: Chocolate flavored coating (sugar, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], whey protein isolate, cocoa [processed with alkali], soy lecithin, natural flavor), whey protein crisp (whey protein concentrate, corn starch, calcium carbonate), corn syrup, pretzels (enriched wheat flour [flour, niacin (vitamin B3), reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), folic acid], malted barley flour, salt, soybean oil), vanilla flavored creme layer (sugar, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], soybean oil, nonfat dry milk, dry whole milk, milk fat, soy lecithin, natural flavor), brown sugar, caramel (glucose, sugar, palm oil, nonfat milk, glycerin, butter [cream, salt], dry whey, cream, corn starch, salt, mono and diglycerides, natural flavor, soy lecithin), glycerin, milk protein concentrate, invert sugar, semisweet chocolate chips (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), salt, natural and artificial flavor, baking soda, mixed tocopherols (preservative), sesame oil, citric acid.
Cookies & Cream
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 13 g
Total Carbohydrates: 41 g
Total Sugars: 30 g
Protein: 20 g
Ingredients: Whey protein crisp (whey protein concentrate, corn starch, calcium carbonate), chocolate flavored coating (sugar, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], whey protein isolate, cocoa [processed with alkali], soy lecithin, natural flavor), vanilla flavored creme layer (sugar, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], soybean oil, nonfat dry milk, dry whole milk, milk fat, soy lecithin, natural flavor), corn syrup, caramel enrobing (glucose syrup, sugar, palm oil, nonfat milk, glycerin, butter [cream, salt], dry whey, corn starch, salt, mono and diglycerides, natural flavor, soy lecithin), brown sugar, milk protein, chocolate cookie pieces (wheat flour, sugar, palm oil, cocoa [processed with alkali], salt, sodium bicarbonate), vegetable shortening (palm kernel oil, palm oil, citric acid), water, salt, natural flavor, mixed tocopherols (preservative), citric acid.
Mint Chocolate Crunch
Calories: 340
Total Fat: 12 g
Total Carbohydrates: 42 g
Total Sugars: 27 g
Protein: 20 g
Ingredients: Chocolate flavored coating (sugar, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], whey protein isolate, cocoa [processed with alkali], soy lecithin, natural flavor), whey protein crisp (whey protein concentrate, corn starch, calcium carbonate), corn syrup, chocolate cookie pieces (wheat flour, sugar, palm oil, cocoa (processed with alkali), salt, sodium bicarbonate) vanilla flavored creme layer (sugar, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], soybean oil, nonfat dry milk, dry whole milk, milk fat, natural flavor, soy lecithin), brown sugar, caramel (glucose, sugar, palm oil, nonfat milk, glycerin, butter [cream, salt], dry whey, corn starch, salt, mono and diglycerides, natural flavor, soy lecithin), semisweet chocolate chips (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), glycerin, invert sugar, milk protein concentrate, water, salt, natural flavor, mixed tocopherols (preservative), citric acid.
Peanut Butter Chocolate
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 13 g
Total Carbohydrates: 40 g
Total Sugars: 25 g
Protein: 20 g
Ingredients: Chocolate flavored coating (sugar, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], whey protein isolate, cocoa [processed with alkali], soy lecithin, natural flavor), whey protein crisp (whey protein concentrate, corn starch, calcium carbonate), peanut creme (peanuts, vegetable oil [palm kernel and palm oil], corn syrup solids, dextrose, sugar, salt, sorbitol, nonfat dry milk, natural flavor, soy lecithin), corn syrup, brown sugar, caramel (glucose, sugar, palm oil, nonfat milk, glycerin, butter [cream, salt], dry whey, corn starch, salt, mono and diglycerides, natural flavor, soy lecithin), brown rice crisp (whole grain brown rice flour, sugar, malted barley flour, salt), glycerin, invert sugar, semisweet chocolate chips (sugar, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), milk protein concentrate, salt, water, natural flavor, mixed tocopherols (preservative), citric acid.
Pros and Cons of Gatorade Protein Bars
Pros
Affordable compared to other protein bars
Good source of protein at 20 grams per bar
If you sign up for a subscription, you get 5% off
Cons
Very high in sugar
High in calories
Minimal to no fiber content
Long ingredient list
Is Gatorade Protein Bar Healthy?
Considering the number of calories and added grams of sugar per bar, I would not say that Gatorade protein bars are healthy. They also have a very long ingredient list, and this means there are numerous artificial ingredients being used.
There appears to be a maximum of two grams of fiber per bar as well, so this could be improved. As far as vitamins go, there is an average of 15% of your daily recommended calcium intake per bar, so that is notable.
When Should I Eat Gatorade Protein Bars?
Knowing when to eat Gatorade protein bars depends on your personal goals and lifestyle. A protein bar chocolate variant can serve as a tasty and convenient snack between meals, helping curb hunger and maintain energy levels.
Pre-workout, a protein bar can provide the necessary fuel for enhanced performance and muscle recovery afterward.
Post-workout, it aids in muscle repair and growth when consumed within an hour of exercise.
Some people also use protein bars as a quick breakfast option or a late-night snack. However, it's essential to check the bar's ingredients, whether it be Gatorade or another brand, as some may contain added sugars or high-calorie content, making them less suitable for certain times of the day.
Why Should You Eat Protein Bars?
Protein bars offer a convenient and efficient way to meet your daily protein intake, making them a popular choice for individuals with active lifestyles or those seeking a quick, on-the-go snack. These bars are formulated with high-quality whey protein, a fast-absorbing protein source that aids in muscle repair and growth.
Consuming protein bars can also help control hunger, making them a valuable tool for weight management. They are a versatile option, suitable as pre or post-workout fuel or as a satiating snack between meals. Additionally, protein bars often contain essential vitamins and minerals, enhancing overall nutrition. When chosen wisely, protein bars can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
How Does Gatorade Compare to Other Protein Bars?
As far as price goes, Gatorade protein bars are great compared to others. Unfortunately, this appears to me to be the only advantage it has beyond, possibly, flavor.
Calories are nearly double many other protein bars, even those that also deliver 20 grams per bar. I assume the remaining calories come from ingredients designed to make the Gatorade bars stand out for taste.
Twenty grams of protein is on the higher end as far as bars go, though, so that is a plus. But it seems as if the sugar and calorie content outweigh this positive when compared to other protein bars on the market.
Should You Buy Gatorade Protein Bars?
Overall, as a personal trainer and nutritionist, I would not recommend choosing Gatorade protein bars over other brands.
However, if you are looking for an affordable bar and are currently bulking, therefore allowing for the high-calorie content, then these bars may be the best option for you.
For those wanting cleaner ingredients, less added sugars, and more fiber in your protein bar, I would go elsewhere.
