Question:
What is better, protein shakes or bars?

I have found some protein bars that have 30g of protein which is the same as my shakes. The bars have more calories, but are more convenient especially when I am on the run. Most people I know do shakes. Does anyone have any ideas about the bars and whether or not we should incorporate them in our diet (and how often)?    — Sasha A. (posted on February 3, 2004)

February 3, 2004
I think that the important thing to remember is the calories. You need to factor them into your daily count. Bars and shakes are to be counted as meal/fopod replacements not supplements. That being said, bars may fill you up for a longer period of time, making them a choice you might want to make. Best of luck!!
   — Fixnmyself

February 3, 2004
Shakes are better because most are fortified with vitamins, most count as liquid toward your day's total, and the bars are loaded with artificial flavors and sugar alcohol's, etc.
   — mrsmyranow

February 3, 2004
I simply HATE all protein shaked- the Atkins shakes in the cans- aren't so bad if they are served REALLY cold- I would MUCH rather have a protein bar- I have tried SCORES of them-and some are SO AWFUL, I simply could not eat them- The ones I eat are Detour (like em' frozen) Balance Bars, Carb Solution, and zone- Some of the newer Atkins Bars are good (the "original" ones SUCK lol) Now all of these are a little higher in carbs/sugar then most shakes BUT, I stay away from all other carbs/sugar during the day and focus mainly on protein- I've done this for the past year and have lost 171 pounds, so I think its ok :) Best wishes Kim .....P.S.TIP- protein bars can be VERY expensive- you can buy them on EBAY for great prices- I even bought some that were slightly expired (a few months past due) I paid about 1/4 the retail price, and they are VERY VERY fresh tasting-
   — WABBIT F.

February 3, 2004
I'd say a whole hearted- It Depends! Sorry! You just have to take all the factors into consideration. I disagree about a previous post saying that bars are loaded with sugar alcohols and artificial flavors (or something like that, sorry to not be exact) Some ARE! The bars I eat, EAS Carb Solutions, have no sugar alcohols and have no more artificial stuff than the shakes I drink (Real Meals -ain't nothing real in those things anyway) Both the bar and the shake are fortified with vitamins and minerals. So, go figure. I find shakes to be inconvenient. I also find that when I'm on the go, I have a tendency to not eat right. So, a bar is the perfect fix for this. Throw it in your purse and go. So, this works for my situation, but, does it work for yours? The bottom line is, you can find bars that are equally as nutritious as shakes. But, whatever works for you is what is best. Good luck to you!
   — LMCLILLY

February 4, 2004
I use both. I have found that the Atkins bars work best for me (they taste a lot better now than they used to . . . When I first had surgery most of the flavors tasted like wet dog! YUCK!). They don't have any sugar alcohols in them and have decent protein and low net carbs. When choosing a bar, just watch those that have refined sugars in them (like Zone, Detour, etc.) because eating too much refined sugar can cause a surge in your appetite and trigger carb cravings. (It does for me, anyway!)<p>As far as the shakes, they tend to be a lot less portable than the bars. The ready-to-drink ones taste ok (AdvantEdge, CarbSolutions, and Atkins are not bad), but are darn heavy to carry around. The powdered ones are tough to mix on the go. (Can YOU fit a blender in your purse??? LOLOL) I found Champion Pure Whey Protein Stack that mixes in plain water by stirring with a spoon. It dissolves so there are no nasty lumps. I use the chocolate flavor and, to me, it tastes a lot like Carnation Instant Breakfast. I just carry a rounded scoop (about 30 grams of protein) in a little half-cup container in my purse. All I need to have a protein drink is a cup and some water.<p>The bottom line is I guess to experiment with different products until you find something that you like that also works for you. It took me nearly 2 1/2 years to find a protein shake that I liked!<p>As far as how often I use them, I generally have a shake every afternoon and a bar probably an average of once a week. By average, I mean that I may eat one every day for several days and then not touch them for weeks.
   — ctyst