"Protein" bar? Assessment of nutritional composition indicates prevalence of high concentrations of carbohydrates and lipids

Introduction and Objective: The so-called protein bars are convenient alternatives as supplements for athletes but must be adequate in the quantities and qualities of protein. The objective of this study was to evaluate the composition of macronutrients in caloric percentage, the quality of proteins and the normative adequacy. Materials and methods: From the total of 100 labels, 98 did not have the minimum protein per portion nor the minimum of 50% of the protein energy to be classified as "protein supplements for athletes". On the energy content, 71% of the bars had a higher caloric percentage derived from carbohydrates (56%) or lipids (15%) and on average showed 36.2% of the calories derived from carbohydrate; 34.1% protein and 29.6% lipid. In quality, the average was of 3.05 types of protein, distributed in groups of high biological value. Discussion and Conclusion: Because of their heterogeneity of composition, these products should not be called a "protein bar", but rather an "energy nutritional bar" in a way that does not induce the consumer to error or vulnerability.