Latest processed food fad shows mixed blessings
A Look Inside the Protein Bar
By MICHAEL MOSS, NYT, JAN. 28, 2014
What’s in It: Protein Bars
Protein bars offer convenience, but they can also contain as much sugar as a candy bar and the calorie count of an entire meal.
Protein is the hot ingredient of the moment in processed foods, joining the terms organic and low-fat as a major selling point to pitch to health-conscious shoppers. While carbohydrates and many fats are still widely regarded as suspect, protein is being proudly added to products throughout the grocery store, especially the snack aisle, which has made way for a new star: the protein bar. But a closer look shows that its blessings are mixed.
Powering Up
Unlike other snack bars, the protein bar contains large concentrations of protein. Protein helps build muscle. Research also shows that it may make you feel full, and thus avoid overeating. Kellogg’s Special K Protein Bar flags this idea on its wrapper: “Satisfies Hunger Longer.” But more rigorous studies are needed to assess the bars’ long-term usefulness in fighting obesity.
(Continued here. Vox Verax thinks Fresh Bars from Five Friends Food, unfortunately only available in the Twin Cities market, are a fine, healthier alternative.)
By MICHAEL MOSS, NYT, JAN. 28, 2014
What’s in It: Protein Bars
Protein bars offer convenience, but they can also contain as much sugar as a candy bar and the calorie count of an entire meal.
Protein is the hot ingredient of the moment in processed foods, joining the terms organic and low-fat as a major selling point to pitch to health-conscious shoppers. While carbohydrates and many fats are still widely regarded as suspect, protein is being proudly added to products throughout the grocery store, especially the snack aisle, which has made way for a new star: the protein bar. But a closer look shows that its blessings are mixed.
Powering Up
Unlike other snack bars, the protein bar contains large concentrations of protein. Protein helps build muscle. Research also shows that it may make you feel full, and thus avoid overeating. Kellogg’s Special K Protein Bar flags this idea on its wrapper: “Satisfies Hunger Longer.” But more rigorous studies are needed to assess the bars’ long-term usefulness in fighting obesity.
(Continued here. Vox Verax thinks Fresh Bars from Five Friends Food, unfortunately only available in the Twin Cities market, are a fine, healthier alternative.)
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