How many types of protein bars are there? What are they?
Protein bars have become a popular product worldwide as a substitute for unhealthy snacks. Protein bars are popular both in Western countries where health and convenience are a top priority, and in East Asian countries like Japan where consumers are becoming more mindful of choosing healthy foods to eat while working, before exercising, while traveling, or studying.
This diverse consumer demand has driven manufacturers to invent and develop various types of protein bars. Protein bars are generally divided into 4 types as follows:
1. Soft Protein Bar
Soft protein bars are the most readily available type on the market, partly because of their simple manufacturing process and relatively straightforward ingredients.
Most protein bars have a base of protein powder (usually whey protein) that is blended with other ingredients such as nuts, oats, granola, or grains to add texture and nutritional value, and then flavored to your liking.
To make soft protein bars more appealing and easy to eat , many manufacturers often coat the outside with chocolate or other sweet ingredients.
The obvious advantages of soft protein bars are that they are easy to make, readily available, and come in a variety of brands and flavors. However, the downside is that the taste and texture may not be to everyone's taste. If the protein content is very high, they can feel dry when chewed, and sometimes they can stick to your teeth.
2. Plant-based protein bars
Plant-based protein bars are designed to meet the needs of consumers who cannot consume whey protein, whether for health reasons such as lactose intolerance or dietary reasons such as vegetarians or vegans.
The key to this type of protein bar is that all ingredients must be free of animal products. The main protein sources used are plant-based proteins, such as soy protein, pea protein, rice protein, pumpkin seed protein, or almond protein. In general, the texture of plant-based protein bars is similar to soft protein bars, which are chewy, but tend to be drier.
The main advantage of peach protein bars is that they are suitable for those who cannot consume whey protein and are a more sustainable option in terms of environmental impact. However, the downside is that the texture may not be as palatable as whey protein bars and some plant-based proteins may not contain the full range of essential amino acids that dairy proteins contain.
3. Wafer protein bars
Protein wafer bars are unique in that they are made up of thin, crispy wafers layered with protein-rich cream, layered together to form one bar.
The main structure of this type of protein bar is to alternate layers of crispy wafers and creamy textures with different flavors, which gives both the crispiness of the wafers and the softness of the cream in every bite. Protein powder is mixed into the cream between the wafer layers, which may make the cream slightly rough, but when combined with the crispiness of the wafers, the overall texture is easy to eat.
The main advantages of wafer protein bars are that they are easy to eat and feel like regular wafer snacks, making them an interesting option for those who want protein but don't want to feel like they're taking a supplement. The disadvantages are that the texture of the cream can be a bit rough , and the amount of protein per piece may not be as high as other types of protein bars because of the wafer content.
An example of a wafer-type protein bar that is very popular in Japan is the Morinaga brand's "In Protein Bar Wafer".
(Photo credit: morinaga.co.jp)
4. Crunchy protein bar
Crunchy protein bars focus on creating a crunchier texture to make it easier to eat and more enjoyable to chew . This type of protein bar will have crunchy ingredients added to the bar, such as sliced almonds, puffed rice, crushed nuts or soybean puffs to create a different texture from soft protein bars. The basic ingredients are still protein powder mixed with various flavors, but the emphasis is on adding crunchy ingredients to create interest in eating.
The obvious advantage is that they are easy to eat protein bars that taste like candy, making them an attractive option for those who want protein but still want a good taste and texture. The downside is that they can be harder to find in a protein bar, as the manufacturing process can be more complicated, and the crispy ingredients with air pockets can make the bar size a bit bigger.
HeyPro! Protein Bars - Examples in the Thai market One of the brands in Thailand that produces crispy protein bars is HeyPro!, which focuses on using special ingredients that make protein bars that are crispy, delicious, easy to eat, and have protein from both milk and soy, making them get all the amino acids the body needs at an affordable price and convenient to carry and eat anywhere. Suitable for Thai people who love to eat delicious food but also care about their health.
5. Mixed-type protein bar
Protein bars are characterized by combining multiple textures into one bar. They are often made up of two or more layers, each with a different texture and composition.
These types of protein bars may have a soft, chewy bottom layer, often made with protein powder, while the top or other layers may feature roasted nuts, puffed rice, or other crunchy ingredients to create a difference in every bite.
The main purpose of designing a protein bar mix is to reduce the disadvantages of soft protein bars, which often have an unappetizing texture, by bringing the crunchiness of a protein bar crisp to add more dimension and enjoyment to eating.
While protein bars can be easier to pinch and have a variety of textures, they may not have the same crunchiness as straight protein bars, and can sometimes feel a bit chewy or sticky, depending on the ingredients and proportions chosen by the manufacturer.
Summary
Protein bars are not just one type, but there are many varieties to meet the needs and tastes of different consumers, whether it is a soft protein bar that is easy to find, a plant-based protein bar for those who do not eat animal products, a wafer-like protein bar that is crispy and delicious like a snack, or a crispy protein bar that is fun to chew and easy to eat. Each type has its own strengths and limitations. Understanding the characteristics and components of each type of protein bar will help us to choose a product that truly suits our needs and lifestyle.