It is nice to be able to grab something you can stick in your bag or pocket that you know will help you get through the day. This might just be a protein bar, especially if you’re someone who likes to hit the gym.
There are tons of options from plenty of trusted brands out there to choose from. With this variety also comes tons of flavors, but which one should you choose? Well, below, we have a look at one of the options you might be considering – the Kirkland Protein Bar.
Kirkland Protein Bars Review
Kirkland is the Costco Corporation’s proprietary brand, and the bars we are looking at coming in a pack of two flavors made with all-natural ingredients. They deliver energy and nutrition through their nutritional contents.
The bars are made with elevated levels of protein (23g), so this option gives your body a power punch throughout the day, as well as helps curb hunger. Along with the natural ingredients, the bars are crafted to be good for those with food sensitivities.
Who Is This Product For?
These bars are easy to carry around and are crafted with a lot of great ingredients. Because of this, we think they would be great for those athletes or gym goers that are working out hard regularly.
We think this is who would get the most from this bar because of the protein and carb levels. The 21g of protein and 23g of carbs are a lot and will be super helpful for muscle recovery after going hard in the gym.
What’s In Them?
This Kirkland Signature Protein bar variety pack comes with two flavors – Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Here are some of the main ingredients in both:
- Unsweetened chocolate
- 20g milk protein
- Sunflower lecithin
- Dietary fiber
- Cashews
- Sea Salt
Overview of Features
So what is so great about these protein bars? Well, the thing we think is the best is the actual recipe used to craft the bar. It is high in fiber which can help with an irregularity that sometimes can be a problem with a high protein diet.
The bar is not packed with sugar, and it offers, as we have already said, a high level of protein through its use of milk protein. On top of all that, the ingredients are all non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher, which gives it more versatility when it comes to who can eat the bar.
Now that being said, there are a few things that we think could stand to be done better. The first of these is the carb count. It is great for a high-energy and active person as they will burn it off, but for those that are a little less active, the high carb count could cause some weight management issues. The price may also be a concern, as is the flavor. With the flavor, there are some that feel that it is not balanced.
How to Get the Most Out of Them
Okay, so the big question is should you eat that protein bar before or after your workout? Understanding the timing of chowing down on the bar will help you optimize the benefits it brings with it.
So for a more clear answer to that question, check out this video.
Pros
- Bars are made with a high fiber content
- Crafted with a low sugar count and a heightened protein level for more energy
- All ingredients are certified non-GMO
- The protein bar is completely gluten-free
Cons
- Bars are packed with a high nutritional count of carbs
- Some have talked about the favors being a little too strong
- Price may be a concern for those working with a tight budget
Alternative
The carb count on the bar we are looking for is kind of high. This may not be good for those that are not super active as it could cause some weight gain. If this is an issue for you, then you might want to find a good alternative that still delivers an adequate level of protein. We have found a great option for you.
Nature Valley Protein Bar
The Nature Valley Protein bar, no matter the flavor, cut this bar’s carb count in two. This is a good thing for those that are watching their carb count. These bars also use high-quality ingredients that help make the bar a healthy choice.
It does have a lower protein count, but it does still have a decent level that will help with the energy you need throughout the day. It also uses no artificial sweeteners and is individually packed for simple transportation.
Final Thoughts
Having the right fuel for your day or work out is crucial. Many people turn to a protein bar, and a lot of those choose the Kirkland Protein Bars we have been looking at. They are packed with protein and other great nutrients, which could make them a good choice for you as long as you are highly active.