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Nothing is as refreshingly good as a burst of energy on a busy day. Nurses know this to be true, experiencing firsthand the hustle and bustle of hospitals. But when the hours get more hectic and the body just feels overwhelmed with work and more expectations, it’s only right to stop and take a break.
If you’re looking for delicious yet healthy snacks to munch on your free time, protein bars are a popular treat. It only makes sense since they’re packed with nutrients and taste really good. Even better, a great protein bar helps boost your energy levels so you can finish your day stronger and healthier.
We’ve rounded up some of the best protein bars for nurses you can try.
Quest Nutrition Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars
If you like cookie dough sprinkled with chocolate chips but also want a healthy snack, Quest Nutrition’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars is a must-try. Despite being indulgent, it only contains 4 gram net carbs and 1 gram sugar, while packing 21 grams of protein. The dairy-based proteins in this power bar also deliver 9 essential amino acids, plus 12 grams of fiber.
Pros:
- Sweet without the added sugar
- Fewer carbs compared to other protein bars
Cons:
- The bar is a bit hard to chew
Pure Protein Bars
With so many flavors to try, Pure Protein Bars can easily become your favorite. It packs 20 grams of protein and only 5 grams of sugar or less. Even though they’re mostly healthy snacks, they’re fun to eat because they taste good. They’re also gluten-free.
Pros:
- Several flavors to choose from
- Gluten-free
Cons:
- Contains more sugar than other similar protein bars
KIND Bars, Caramel Almond & Sea Salt
These gluten-free protein bars from KIND are another healthy and flavorful snack with 6 grams of protein and 7 grams of dietary fiber. It only has 125mg sodium, 5 grams sugar, and 200 calories. With almonds as its primary ingredient, your heart is better taken care of too. Even better, KIND protein bars have low glycemic index for better regulation of your blood sugar levels.
Pros:
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Delicious and healthy almonds as top ingredient
Cons:
- A little salty
LÄRABAR Mint Chip Brownie
Mint in chocolates is an acquired taste but once you love it there’s no going back. Even better, it can come as a healthy snack bar that’s gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free, making it a great vegan snack. LÄRABAR’s Mint Chip Brownie only packs 190 calories with 4 grams of fiber and is made of only six simple ingredients: dates, almonds, chocolate chips, cashews, cocoa powder and peppermint oil.
Pros:
- 100% real ingredients, no artificial sweeteners
- Plant-based snack
Cons:
- High in sugar
- Less protein
Nature Valley Crunchy Value Pack – Variety Pack
Nature Valley’s granola bars are gluten-free, healthy snack options with delectable whole grain oats. Each box comprises a variety of fun flavors – Oats ‘n Honey, Peanut Butter, and Oats ‘n Dark Chocolate. There are no artificial flavors, artificial colors, or high fructose corn syrup so you can rest assured that you’re munching on something healthy in your downtime.
Pros:
- Contains 20g whole grain per serving
- Crunchy and delicious taste
Cons:
- Crumbly pieces inside the package
CLIF BAR – Energy Bars – Variety Pack
These energy bars from Clif Bar are high in protein and include top flavors Chocolate Chip and Crunchy Peanut Butter. They’re non-GMO with plant-based and whole food ingredients to sustain your body’s need for energy throughout the day. Created with a healthy mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Pros:
- Plant-based ingredients like rolled oats, nuts, and seeds
- A great variety of flavors in one pack
Cons:
- Higher calories than other protein bars
think! Protein Bars
The main selling point of think!’s protein bars are, of course, the 20 grams of protein included in each pack. There’s no sugar added, which is great for those conscious of their sugar consumption. Plus, roasted peanuts covered in indulgent chocolate with no artificial sweeteners make for an excellent snack.
Pros:
- High protein
- 0 grams of sugar
Cons:
- Only one flavor (Chunky Peanut Butter)
ONE Protein Bars
Another gluten-free snack you can try are the protein bars from the ONE Store. It comes in only one flavor (chocolate chip cookie dough), but tasty nonetheless. There’s 20 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar, a delicious snack without the added health risks. It also comes with 3 grams of fiber and added minerals in calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.
Cons:
- High protein, low sugar
- Gluten-free
Cons:
- Higher calories than other protein bars
Protein bars are better snack alternatives, especially for nurses who need the extra energy boost. They’re usually packed with protein and fiber and contain less sugar, way better than sugary snacks that don’t offer any essential nutrients to help the body fight stress and fatigue. And since they also taste good, it’s easy to enjoy them guilt-free!
