If you’re wondering why a protein bar can make a better snack than a piece of fruit or some veggies, it helps to understand the ways that protein can benefit your body.

• Builds Muscle

Protein is the most important building block for the muscles in your body. Eating more protein can help you build lean muscle mass and strength, which is why protein bars are particularly good if you’re into weightlifting or lead an active lifestyle.

• Boosts Metabolism

Increasing your protein intake has been linked to a boost in metabolism, upping the number of calories you burn daily.

• Reduces Appetite

Protein is the most filling of the macronutrients, so it helps you feel full longer than foods high in carbs or fats.

• Supports Bone Health

Contrary to a common misconception, protein isn’t bad for your bones. In fact, it can help you maintain bone mass, so you’re less likely to experience osteoporosis or fractures.

• Lowers Blood Pressure

Several studies have shown that increased protein consumption can lower both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, which reduces your risk for heart disease.

• Repairs Injury

Because protein is such an important building block for bodily tissue, eating more after an injury can help you recover more quickly and easily.

• Maintains Fitness

If you’re worried about maintaining your fitness level as you age, consuming more protein helps by keeping your muscles and bones strong when you work out.

While there are many protein-rich foods and products on the market, there are several reasons why protein bars are such a good option.

• Easy to Pack

Protein bars are a convenient food to take on the go because you can easily stash them in a bag, purse, or pocket. They also don’t require plates or cutlery to eat, and there’s no need to refrigerate or heat them.

• Meal Replacement

If you’re in a rush in the morning or don’t have time to take a break during the day, a protein bar can replace breakfast or an afternoon snack. It will keep you satisfied and has plenty of nutrients.

• Workout Boost

When you’re going to push yourself hard at the gym, eating a protein bar before you exercise can provide energy and keep your blood sugar from dropping. It can also assist your muscles in recovering after you leave the gym.

• Flavor Variety

Protein bars come in a wide range of flavors, and they often contain tasty ingredients like whole nuts and dried fruit to make eating them as enjoyable as possible.

To get the full benefits from a protein bar, it must contain enough protein. Choose a bar that offers at least five to 10 grams of protein. For the most bang for your buck, look for bars that offer 15 grams of protein.

The quality of the protein is also important. Look for bars that use milk or whey as protein sources. It’s best to avoid soy-based protein bars because they can upset your stomach.

If you’re trying to lose or maintain your weight, it’s important to choose a protein bar that doesn’t amount to too many calories. For snacking, look for a bar that has about 140 to 200 calories. If you’re planning to eat a bar as a pre-workout boost, 170 to 300 calories is best. If you’re trying to build muscle, or you’re eating a protein bar as a meal replacement, one with 300 to 400 calories is a good option.

When you’re choosing a protein bar, it’s important to consider how much fiber it contains. Look for a bar with three to six grams of fiber. Fiber helps you feel full longer, maintain a healthy blood sugar level, and stay regular.

To serve as a healthy snack, a protein bar should be low in carbs. Look for one with no more than 20 grams of carbs. However, if you’re eating the bar after a workout, those with up to 30 grams of carbs can give you an energy boost.

Pay attention to the protein to carbs ratio, too. Ideally, you should look for a 2:1 ratio of protein to carbs, especially if you are looking to increase muscle mass. However, a 1:1 ratio can also be sufficient.

A protein bar should contain some healthy fats, but you want to avoid bars with high amounts of saturated fats or trans fat. Make sure your protein bar contains no more than three grams of saturated fat per bar and no trans fat at all.

When it comes to protein bars, those with the fewest ingredients are usually the best. However, the quality of the ingredients also matters. Whole, natural ingredients are your best option, so check the list of ingredients for foods like nut butters, rolled oats, and dried fruit. Avoid protein bars that contain high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and any kind of artificial sweeteners.

In addition to having the right nutrients and ingredients, a protein bar should also taste good, or you won’t want to eat it. Fortunately, protein bars are available in a wide array of flavors, so there’s bound to be an option that appeals to your palate. Some common flavors include peanut butter, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, blueberry, coconut cashew, vanilla crème, and cookies and cream.

Protein bars vary in price based on how many grams of protein they contain and the quality of their ingredients. In most cases, you’ll pay between $5 and $30 for a box of 12 bars.

• Budget-Friendly

A 12-count box of protein bars with only five to eight grams of protein usually ranges in price from $5 to $10.

• Mid-Range

A 12-count box of protein bars with eight to 15 grams of protein usually ranges in price from $10 to $20.

• Expensive

A 12-count box of protein bars with 15 to 25 grams of protein usually ranges in price from $20 to $30.

• While a protein bar can work well as a meal replacement for breakfast or an afternoon snack, it’s a good idea to pair it with a piece of fruit to make sure you have enough fuel to get through the morning or afternoon.

• If you want to make sure you have enough energy for your workout, eat a protein bar a half-hour before you work out. You can even eat one during your workout if you start to feel sluggish.

• A protein bar in a tasty flavor makes an ideal substitute for a candy bar if your sweet tooth starts calling in the afternoon.

• If possible, purchase your protein bars in boxes that offer a variety of flavors. You’re less likely to get sick of a flavor that way.

Q. Can children eat protein bars?

A. Protein bars are often a healthier snack for children than granola bars. However, kids don’t require as much protein as adults, so bars with a large amount of protein aren’t a good option. Look for bars with five or less grams of protein for children.

Q. Can protein bars help me lose weight?

A. Because protein can boost your metabolism and keep you feeling full longer, protein bars can be an effective part of a weight-loss plan. They make a good meal replacement for breakfast or an afternoon snack, but make sure that they only contain 300 calories or less.

Q. Are protein bars gluten-free?

A. Not all protein bars are gluten-free. If you’re avoiding gluten, look for bars that specify that they do not contain gluten on their labels.