Are Primal Protein Bars Paleo?

Are Primal Protein Bars Paleo?

Get 6 Different Flavors in the Variety Pack

In short, each Primal Protein Bar contains 20 grams of protein, has no added sugar, gluten or grain. Plus, these bars contain lots of fiber, minimal carbs and feature lots of organic ingredients.

For the amount of fiber and protein that you get, these snacks are surprisingly low in calories. They rind in at 190 calories each.

Bite Out of a Primal Protein Bar Showing TextureAnother big plus to this high-protein, high fiber snack is that it is easily digested.

For example, many competing products contain sugar alcohols which can cause an upset stomach or gas. The Primal Protein Bars use organic prebiotic tiber from tapioca which helps improve digestion while curbing appetite without bloating.

Instead of using cheap milk protein isolate (which is mucus forming), these bars use high quality grass-fed pastured protein which is the most bio-available protein on the market.

Another cool thing is that they are sweetened with monk fruit, which keeps the sugar, carbs and calories low or causing a huge spike in insulin.

What Do I Like About Primal Protein Bars?

After looking at the product labels (check them out below if you want), I really like the high protein content and high fiber content. Why?

  1. This is a great choice for people who want to replenish their protein after a workout and/or who want an easy way to incorporate more fiber into their diet (without adding a lot of carbs or calories at the same time).
  2. The combination of high protein with high fiber is extremely satiating and can be a great snack solution for those who are looking to lose weight or want to control hunger cravings.

What Concerned Me About Primal Protein Bars?

However, we checked the ingredients that keep the sugar content low and the fiber content high. Are they paleo? We have listed the information you need to know below:

Is Tapioca Starch Paleo?

According to Aimee McNew, a Certified Nutritionist at PaleoPlan.com, companies often use tapioca flour (aka tapioca starch) as a paleo flour alternative because it is grain-free and gluten-free. In addition, tapioca flour makes the hypoallergenic food list. Furthermore, you can digest it easily.

By the way, this “flour” comes naturally from the yucca plant, a root vegetable.

Is Monk Fruit Paleo?

I found out that some companies use monk fruit as a natural plant-based sweetener. Food product labels sometimes list it as “luo han guo”. According to an article on PaleoMagazine.com, this non-caloric sweetener is %100 natural. Plus, it helps reduce oxidative stress within the body.

Next, I researched monk fruit as an alternative sweetener because many other low-calorie sweeteners have negative side effects. This study showed no negative side effects due to consumption of monk fruit.

Is Whey Protein Concentrate Paleo?

If you want to stick to a really strict paleo diet, then don’t consume protein powders. Obviously, these processed food products don’t make the whole food list.

In addition, packaged protein powder supplements typically contain other artificial ingredients, sweeteners and even soy.

That said, if you exercise frequently and are trying to consume more protein, know that protein powders rank better than others. For example, according to PaleoLeap.com, whey protein concentrate makes the “Paleo-Friendly” list.

The whey protein concentrate found in Primal Protein Bars is pure and from grass-fed pastured cows. Compared to other less-natural protein supplements, this is much healthier.

Flavors & Ingredients of Primal Protein Bars:

courtesy of Julian Bakery)

Nutrition Labels of 6 Primal Protein Bars

  • Blueberry Cheesecake

    Contains Grass Fed Pastured Whey Protein Concentrate, Ground Cashews, Flipn’Sweet (*Prebiotic Fiber from Tapioca, Lou Han Guo [Monk Fruit] *Vanilla Flavor), Filtered Water, MCT Oil, *Blueberries and Himalayan Salt. (*Organic)

  • Chocolate Cake

    Ingredients include Grass Fed Pastured Whey Protein Concentrate, Ground Cashews, Flipn’Sweet (*Prebiotic Fiber from Tapioca, Lou Han Guo [Monk Fruit] *Vanilla Flavor), Filtered Water, MCT Oil, *Cocoa, *Cocoa Butter, *Chocolate Flavor and Himalayan Salt. (*Organic)

  • Peanut Butter

    Contains Grass Fed Pastured Whey Protein Concentrate, Ground Cashews and Organic Peanut Butter. Plus Organic Prebiotic Fiber [From Tapioca], Lou Han Guo [Monk Fruit] ,*Organic Vanilla Flavor) , Water, MCT Oil, *Peanuts, *Peanut Flavor and Himalayan Salt. (*Organic)

  • Pumpkin Pie

    Ingredients include Grass Fed Pastured Whey Protein Concentrate and Cashews (Ground). Plus, Flipn’Sweet (*Prebiotic Fiber from Tapioca, Lou Han Guo [Monk Fruit] *Vanilla Flavor), Filtered Water, MCT Oil, Pumpkin, *Pumpkin Flavor, Cinnamon (Ceylon), Beta Carotene (Color) and Himalayan Salt. (*Organic)

  • Apple Pie

    Contains Grass Fed Pastured Whey Protein Concentrate and Cashews (Ground). Plus, Flipn’Sweet (*Prebiotic Fiber from Tapioca, Lou Han Guo [Monk Fruit] *Vanilla Flavor), Filtered Water, MCT Oil, *Apple Flavor and Himalayan Salt. (*Organic)

  • Vanilla Ice Cream

    Ingredients include Grass Fed Pastured Whey Protein Concentrate and Cashews (Ground). Plus, Flipn’Sweet (*Prebiotic Fiber from Tapioca, Lou Han Guo [Monk Fruit] *Vanilla Flavor), Water, MCT Oil and Himalayan Salt. (*Organic)

…Or the variety pack.
 

Cara Rennie, PaleoBarChart.com
About the Author: Cara Rennie is a paleo cooking chef, writer and advocate for healthy living. With over a decade of experience in the culinary industry, Cara has established herself as an expert in the paleo lifestyle, emphasizing the use of natural ingredients that promote a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. She firmly believes in the power of food to transform people's lives, while helping others discover the joys of paleo eating. Facebook | Pinterest

20-Calorie Paleo Fruit Leather – with Vegetables!

Veggie-Go's Paleo Fruit LeatherVeggie-Go’s

Do you travel a lot or find yourself eating on-the-go more often than not?

I suspect that you constantly search for healthy snacks that travel well and that you can eat easily. At least, that’s what I find myself doing.

Yes, you can choose from lots of healthy snacks on the market now. You can even get gluten-free, low sugar, organic, nut-free, grain-free, dairy-free and vegan snack bars.

What About Vegetables? No Problem for Paleo Fruit Leather!

However, most snack bars don’t contain vegetables. Have you noticed that?

Many fresh vegetables usually require refrigeration, cooking or some sort of preparation. Therefore, I find them challenging to transport as a snack. Yet, they contain many valuable nutrients, so we should not forget about them.

When I saw these Veggie-Go’s fruit leathers I thought, “Brilliant!”. Stick those vegetables in organic fruit roll ups. Get your greens without having to pack a salad or cook up some broccoli, right?

Kids and Dieters Love Paleo Fruit Leather…

How to Get Your Kids to Eat SpinachPlus, kids love them! This might be the top reason to get these snacks, especially if you are having a hard time getting your kids to eat their green beans and spinach.

In addition, these paleo fruit bars make the perfect treat for dieters because they are about 15-20 calories per serving. Give your sweet tooth a feeding without blowing up your diet.

Give yourself something to nibble on without devouring an entire bag of chips. Paleo fruit leather makes a great “cheat” food to have around the house. No need to feel guilty, right?

That said, Veggie-Go’s won’t fill you up and are not the ideal recovery meal after a workout. You would need to eat 10 of them to feel satiated, and there’s no point in that many. They provide low-calorie nutrition, but they are definitely not filling if you are hungry for a meal.

They come in 5 different flavors. Each bar has its own distinct taste that you probably haven’t experienced before.

Get some to add to your collection of snacks so that you won’t ever get bored. They make a nice diversion from a Tanka Jerky Bar, a Raw Revolution fruit and nut bar or a Quest Bar.

Paleo Fruit Leather Flavors:

Mountain Berry Spinach
Ingredients include organic apples, organic spinach, organic strawberries, organic raspberries, organic blueberries and organic sweet potatoes.

Carrot Ginger
Contains organic apples, organic carrots and organic ginger.

Cinnamon Spiced Beet
Ingredients include organic apples, organic beets, organic sweet potatoes, organic cinnamon, organic lemon juice concentrate and organic flax seeds.

Sweet Potato Pie
Contains organic apples, organic sweet potatoes, organic spices and citric acid.

TropiKale
Ingredients include organic apples, organic pumpkin, organic kale, organic kiwi, organic guava and organic mango.

More Paleo Bars with Greens:

 

Cara Rennie, PaleoBarChart.com
About the Author: Cara Rennie is a paleo cooking chef, writer and advocate for healthy living. With over a decade of experience in the culinary industry, Cara has established herself as an expert in the paleo lifestyle, emphasizing the use of natural ingredients that promote a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. She firmly believes in the power of food to transform people's lives, while helping others discover the joys of paleo eating. Facebook | Pinterest

“Are Larabars Paleo?”

Are Larabars Paleo?

Many of the Larabar flavors may sound like rich, decadent desserts (the opposite of what you might think of as healthy).

However, each bar contains 9 natural ingredients or less. Plus, each serving has less than 200 calories!

All that said, people ask, “Are Larabars paleo?” If you go by the paleo food definition that “if a caveman couldn’t eat it, then neither can you”, then yes, Larabars are paleo.

Do you have a sweet tooth but you’re tired of the overly-sweet sugary-tasting “protein” bars? Then, I think you’ll really appreciate Larabar.

They don’t have the fake sweet taste of processed packaged snacks. Yet, they have so much flavor that you don’t feel like you missed out on a “real dessert” after you eat one.

Other LARABAR Nutritional Benefits:

  • Kosher
  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO
  • Soy Free
  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten Free

Essentially, Larabars have a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices. They contain pure and simple whole food, and you can’t get more paleo than that! Each package has a rich, satisfying taste that leaves you guilt-free and happy.

Larabar makes 21 flavors of deliciousness. Plus, you can even get a 16-flavor variety pack so you can try out a bunch of different “desserts” all at once. Well, hopefully not all in one sitting.

By the way, these are not big bars. Yet, they contain a good amount of calories. Their compact size and nutrient-dense design make them a perfect snack for athletes. In addition, they have great macros because they provide a good amount of protein, carbs and healthy fats in each bite.

Do you like the nutrition content of a sweet and salty trail mix yet want something a little different? Do you enjoy a smoother bar texture in an easy-to-carry package? Then Larabar could easily turn into your go-to snack because they provide everything you want.

I’ve listed the different flavors below contained in the variety pack (including ingredients). Don’t be deceived by their simplicity because they taste really good. Even kids like them. In fact, the ingredient list is so simple that you might even be tempted to make your own bars…

Flavors in the 16-Bar LARABAR Variety Pack:

Banana Bread
Bar contains almonds, dates and unsweetened banana,

Coconut Cream Pie
Ingredients include dates, unsweetened coconut, almonds, cashews and extra virgin coconut oil.

Apple Pie
Bar contains dates, almonds, unsweetened apples, walnuts, raisins and cinnamon.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Ingredients include cashews, dates, chocolate chips and sea salt.

Cashew Cookie
Bar contains cashews and dates.

Key Lime Pie
Ingredients include dates, cashews, almonds, unsweetened coconut, lime juice concentrate and dried lime juice concentrate.

Carrot Cake Flavor LarabarCarrot Cake
Ingredients include dates, almonds, walnuts, raisins, dried pineapple, unsweetened coconut, carrots, cinnamon and extra virgin coconut oil.

Peanut Butter Cookie
Bar contains dates, peanuts and sea salt.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
Ingredients include dates, peanuts, chocolate chips and sea salt.

Chocolate Chip Brownie
Bar contains dates, chocolate chips, almonds, walnuts, cocoa powder and sea salt.

Blueberry Muffin
Bar contains dates, cashews, blueberries, blueberry juice, lemon and vanilla extract.

Pecan Pie Flavor LARABARPecan Pie
Ingredients include dates, pecans and almonds.

Cherry Pie
Bar contains dates, almonds and unsweetened cherries.

Lemon Bar
Ingredients include dates, cashews, almonds, lemon juice concentrate, dried lemon juice concentrate and natural lemon flavor.

Peanut Butter & Jelly
Bar contains dates, peanuts, unsweetened cherries and sea salt.

Chocolate Coconut Chew
Ingredients include dates, almonds, walnuts, unsweetened cocoa powder and unsweetened coconut.

More LARABAR Flavors:

Cappuccino Flavor LarabarCappuccino
Bar contains dates, almonds, cashews, fair trade certified coffee and vanilla extract.

Chocolate Chip Cherry Torte
Ingredients include dates, chocolate chips, almonds, unsweetened cherries, cashews and sea salt.

Coconut Chocolate Chip
Bar contains dates, semisweet chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut, cashews and almonds.

Gingerbread
Ingredients include dates, cashews, almonds and raisins, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and vanilla extract.

Snickerdoodle
Bar contains dates, cashews and almonds, cinnamon, sea salt and vanilla extract.
 

Cara Rennie, PaleoBarChart.com
About the Author: Cara Rennie is a paleo cooking chef, writer and advocate for healthy living. With over a decade of experience in the culinary industry, Cara has established herself as an expert in the paleo lifestyle, emphasizing the use of natural ingredients that promote a balanced and sustainable lifestyle. She firmly believes in the power of food to transform people's lives, while helping others discover the joys of paleo eating. Facebook | Pinterest