When it comes to saving time, we have built many things, from quicker transportation to smart home appliances. These things reduce not just the process as well as the effort so that we can focus on more important things. Similarly, protein bars were not only an easy but also efficient way to get your daily nutrient intake. However, are they as healthy as they seem? Less Protein, Lower Quality? A new study published in Scientific Reports (Nature) raises questions about the actual nutritional value of many protein bars. The study found that a significant number of the 1,600+ bars tested contained less protein than advertised. Even more concerning, the quality of the protein in most bars was often poor, impacting how well your body can absorb it. What the Study Found?Researchers looked at information from a large online database of food products. They started with about 4,600 protein bars. Many of these bars were from the U.S., so it's likely that a lot of the 1,641 bars they ultimately tested are available where you shop. The researchers divided the bars into groups based on their protein type: Only plant protein (like from peas or rice)Only animal protein (like from milk)A mix of milk, egg, and soy proteinA mix of milk, collagen, and soy proteinThey then put the bars through a simulated digestion process to see how much protein the body would truly absorb. Here's what they found: Many bars weren't actually "high protein" While most bars got at least 20% of their calories from protein, about one-fifth of them didn't. This standard is actually stricter than what our food authorities consider "good" or "excellent" sources of nutrients. Protein in some bars was hard to digest How well the protein in the bars could be digested varied a lot, from less than half to over three-quarters. Surprisingly, some bars with proteins generally considered "high-quality" (like animal protein or soy) were harder to digest. High-quality proteins are important because they contain all the necessary building blocks your body can't make itself, and they're usually well-absorbed for muscle repair and growth. Protein Bars: Go or No Go Because so many people are trying to eat more protein, it's easy to think all protein bars are healthy. But this new study shows an important truth: the overall nutrition of a food can't always be judged by just one thing, like its protein content. Even if a bar has good protein, your body might not fully use it. It's also worth remembering that protein bars are often highly processed. Eating a lot of these ultra-processed foods might be linked to health problems like a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, for some people, protein bars can be very useful. If you have higher protein needs, or if your appetite isn't great (maybe due to medication or illness), a protein bar offers a convenient way to get a protein boost in a small serving. But even then, they shouldn't be your only protein source; they should be a supplement. For better quality protein in a less processed form, consider options like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, hard-boiled eggs, jerky, nuts, and seeds. These also offer other good nutrients like calcium, healthy fats, and fiber. How to Pick a Healthier Protein Bar If you still want to choose a protein bar, here are some tips: Look for higher protein Even if other ingredients affect how well protein is digested, it's still smart to choose bars with more protein. Ideally, this protein should come from animal sources like whey or milk, or from plant sources like soy or pea. Check for low added sugar While there isn't a strict rule for "low" added sugars, it's recommended to keep your added sugar intake to less than 10% of your total daily calories.