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In today’s world where convenience is paramount, meal replacement bars have become a go-to snack for people wanting to stay fit and healthy.
However, figuring out which is the best meal replacement bar to help you with your goals is not as easy.
Many meal replacement bars are filled with artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols like erythritol that have recently been linked to negative long-term consequences (1).
Other meal bars are filled with sugars and syrups that make your blood sugar spike after eating them (2).
The rest are often protein bars that lack the calories or the nutrients to be able to fully replace a meal. We’ve tried many from Slimfast Bars, Clif bars, to Huel bars, and GreenBelly Bars. Most of them offer around 20g of protein per serving, which reduces ghrelin levels and decreases your appetite (3).
So what is the healthiest meal replacement bar you can buy to replace your meals with?
The Benefits of Meal Replacement Bars
Meal replacement bars provide a convenient way to get all the essential nutrients in one package. They are usually packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help keep your body healthy and energized.
Unlike protein bars, they tend to have essential vitamins and minerals that can boost your immune system, and improve your skin, hair, and bone health (4).
Additionally, meal replacement bars are low in processed sugars and high in natural ingredients.
On top of that, meal replacement bars are ideal for weight loss, as they allow you to control your calorie intake, while ensuring you are eating the right nutrients.
The downside of meal replacement bars is that they can be expensive compared to regular snacks like chips or candy.
Also, many of them contain artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols which may have negative long-term consequences on your health.
The Top Meal Replacement Bars for Weight Loss
After researching and testing various protein bars, we have picked the following as the most beneficial for weight loss:
- LyfeFuel Essentials Bar – Best Meal Replacement Bar
The LyfeFuel Nutrition Bar stands out as an extremely nutritious bar. With protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it is an ideal snack for staying full and content.
The bar is made with only natural components and is free of gluten, soy, and dairy, making it a viable choice for those with dietary restrictions.
It packs 21 essential minerals and vitamins in only 210kcals which makes it ideal for those on a calorie-restricted diet.
Additionally, the bar has no synthetic ingredients or sugar alcohols, making it much healthier than other protein bars. What really sets this bar apart is its “secret superfood” called AimSlim. This plant extract, derived from the seeds of Achyranthes Aspera, comes from the farming villages of Southern India, where the seeds have been used by generations of farmers to suppress their appetite and maintain their energy levels.
The taste is also noteworthy; even though the flavor options are more limited than other vegan protein bars for weight loss, the two flavors are delicious!
- Plenny Bar – Most Affordable Meal Replacement Bar
The Plenny Bar is the most affordable meal replacement bar to replace meals with.
It comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, salted caramel, hazelnut & coffee, almond & fig, and vanilla. Unlike some counterparts, it resembles a flapjack and it’s super delicious, although less chewy and drier.
The bar contains 20g of protein, 8g of dietary fiber, and 26 vitamins and minerals. It also has a low glycemic index which helps with weight control and improved blood sugar levels.
The bar is made with natural ingredients such as oats, tapioca, flax, chicory, soy, and sunflower seeds that provide long-lasting energy throughout the day.
Overall, the Plenny Bar is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable meal replacement bar without sacrificing any nutritional value.
- Huel Bar – Most Flavors available
The Huel Bar v3.1 stands out as one of the most popular meal replacement bars due to its variety of flavors. With six different options, from traditional Chocolate and Vanilla to more unique flavors like Peanut Butter, and Raspberry & White Chocolate, there is something for everyone.
These vegan meal replacement bars are made by the biggest brand in the market, which also offers powders, ready-to-drink meal replacements, greens powders and more.
They are all fully plant-based, high in protein and contain no soy. The Huel bars are no exception, and they are also gluten free.
While nutritionally Huel bars are excellent, particularly as a small snack (200kcal per bar), they are not the tastiest meal replacement bars on this list. They are soft and chewy, but some of the flavors are bland.
- Sans Bar.
The Sans Bar is a vegan, plant-based meal replacement bar that is high in protein and fiber. It is free from gluten, soy, and preservatives. The bar is made with natural ingredients such as peanuts, dates, spinach, oats, flaxseed, egg whites, and chia seeds.
It contains 16g of protein and 8g of dietary fiber per serving which helps to keep you full for longer periods of time. The Sans Bar also has a low glycemic index which helps with weight control and improved blood sugar levels.
The Sans bars are a more natural alternative to Huel Bars or Plenny bars, and they still offer 400kcal per bar which means you can substitute a full meal with them.
On the downside, the Sans bars do not have all the essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) you would expect from a meal replacement bar. They fall short in vitamin D, calcium and iron, unfortunately.
The bar comes in five flavors: Mint Cacao, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Coconut Almond, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter Cacao.
FAQ
How many meal replacement bars can I have a day?
It is recommended to have no more than two meal replacement bars per day, as it is important to maintain a balanced diet. It is also important to ensure that you are getting the right amount of micronutrients, vitamins and minerals from other sources. Meal replacement bars are meant to supplement a healthy diet and should not replace whole meals.
Are there any gluten-free meal replacement bars?
Yes, there are many gluten-free meal replacement bars available. Huel Bars are a popular option that is made with natural ingredients and are free from soy and gluten. Plenny Bars also offer gluten-free options, as do many other brands. It is important to read the labels carefully to make sure that the product does not contain any gluten ingredients.
Are meal replacement bars worth it?
Yes, meal replacement bars can be a convenient and quick way to get calories, protein, and fiber in your diet. They allow you to eat healthy on the go, as well as avoid unhealthy snacks like chips or chocolate bars.
Can you lose weight with meal replacement bars?
Yes, meal replacement bars can be a great option for those looking to lose weight. The high protein and fiber content helps to keep you feeling full for longer periods of time, which can help reduce cravings and overeating. Plus, the low glycemic index of some meal replacement bars can help with weight control and improved blood sugar levels.
Summary – The Best Meal Replacement Bar is
The LyfeFuel Nutrition Bar is the best meal replacement bar you can buy, as it’s low in carbohydrates, high in protein and fiber. Plus, it is made with all-natural ingredients and a unique superfood that can help curb hunger cravings and supply lasting energy.
However, there are more affordable meal bars available like Plenny Bars or Huel bars that are fully plant-based and gluten-free.
References
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-023-02223-9
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7956086/
- https://www.endocrinology-journals.org/What-Is-Ghrelin.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7827176/
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