High Protein Bars Are A Scam—I Have Some Much Better Ideas!

Jun 24, 2025

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In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of the popular practice of consuming energy bars as a supposedly nutritious snack on the go.

The inspiration for this show was an exciting spicy battle between health experts Dr. Layne Norton and Gary Brecka on Instagram, where they debated the merits of the new David High Protein bar. I talk about the ingredients in these bars, the processing methods, and the overall sketchy nature of the energy bar industry, even when the bars are touted as super healthy.

I also reflect on the history of energy bars, my personal experience as one of the first PowerBar-sponsored athletes, and how the original idea of energy bars was for elite athletes, not for snacking during your workday. I challenge the whole premise of needing energy bars and advocate for metabolic flexibility, fasting, and focusing on nutritious meals instead. I share my go-to snacks, why I’m such a fan of dark chocolate, and why even the so-called cleanest protein bars are not a nutritional centerpiece.

Let’s rethink our approach to energy bars and focus on fueling and recovering the right way!

TIMESTAMPS:

Are energy bars as nutritious as we think? [01:10]

Most of these bars are processed in giant factories using highly processed dairy products. [06:15]

If a person has problems digesting whey, it is probably because they've used the less expensive,
less pure sources of whey protein. [08:14]

To make the bars palatable, the manufacturers need to make them sweet and there are many other
ingredients used to make the basr keep their shape and to have a long shelf life. [13:10]

The oils used promote cellular stress. Many of the oils are offensive to ingest. [15:13]

Be careful of labels that say "Natural Flavor." [16:10]

Just because a bar is labeled with whey protein, it doesn't mean it is good for you. [18:12]

How does one objectively define gut health? Many of the flavors offered on these bars are
terribly unhealthy. [21:45]

There is much confusion as to the validity of the bar industry podcasts. [25:38]

Brad was one of the first sponsored athletes by Power Bar. [27:45]

It is believed that HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) is strongly associated with obesitiy. [30:24]

Brad looks at labels carefully. Here he has example of marketing where a well-meaning
consumer can be thrown. [38:29]

If you don't have any calories around, you can easily and gracefully turn to stored body fat.
[41:23]

What is best to consume after a workout to speed recovery? [43:14]

A bar is simply not a great delivery system for protein, nor is a liquid beverage. [50:41]

Brad explains the characteristics of good dark chocolate. [55:35]

If you enjoy energy bars from time to time, choose the least ofensive ones that are made with
whole foods and minimal ingredients.[59:34]

Brad lets you know all about dark chocolate, his favorite snack. [01:01:42]

LINKS:

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