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.
Another 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?
- 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).
- 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)
- 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.
