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Special K Protein Bars Review

Special K Protein Bars

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Rating: 4 out of 5
Pros

Special K Protein Snack Bars, made with a combination of dried fruit, oats, nuts, and chocolate, are available in four appealing varieties. With choices like Caramel Pretzel Cashew, Chocolate Cherry Nut, Chocolate Peanut Pecan, and Fruit & Salted Nut, there’s something for almost everyone. No artificial flavoring is used in any of the flavors. Each bar is 150–160 calories, with 8 grams of protein to help keep you feeling fuller for longer. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying snack, these tasty little protein bars are a good option.

Cons

If you have a nut allergy or simply dislike nuts, this product line doesn't have a good option for you. Similarly, if you have a sensitive stomach, the main ingredients in these snacks, like nuts and chocolates, may trigger acid reflux. Also, the bars are not sugar-free, containing 9 to 12 grams each. They’re hard to find in some areas, and some stores may charge a premium for them.

Bottom Line

As healthier snacks go, these are an all-around good choice. Most reviewers enjoyed the taste of the Special K Protein Snack Bars and indicated that they’d repurchase. Because they contain nuts and sugar, however, they aren’t appropriate for everyone’s dietary needs. They’re a better choice than cookies or chips, of course. But if you’re trying to eliminate added sugar completely, they may not be your top snacking pick.

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Special K Bars: The Best Protein Bars?

Who doesn’t love a good snack? Good news for enthusiastic snackers: between-meal munching isn’t just pleasurable. It’s actually part of taking good care of yourself, too! Snacking helps to stave off hunger between meals and avoid overeating when you sit down for lunch or dinner. You probably already know you can’t concentrate at work or perform well in the gym when your tummy is rumbling. That’s why reaching for something quick, healthy, and satisfying when you feel those telltale hunger pangs is more than just a treat. It’s an important part of your diet.

beautiful girl in a white shirt holding a protein bar
What is the Best Protein Bar? (Image Source: Shutterstock)

It’s important to note, however, that not all snacks are created equal. Some pantry staples, like potato chips and pretzels, are high in sodium and don’t help you feel full. On the other hand, cookies, brownies, and candy are full of added sugar. If you’re not careful, you can easily consume an entire day’s recommended serving of sugar in one sitting, especially if you crave sweets.

For an all-around better option, reach for healthy snack bars like Special K’s Protein Snack Bars. Because they’re made with dried fruit, nuts, and chocolate, you’ll get the salty and sweet taste you crave. But unlike many vending machine classics, each protein bar packs eight grams of protein, helping to keep you full until your next meal. Protein bars also can be part of a healthy meal when paired with yogurt, a salad, or a cup of soup. 

More Healthy Snacks On the Go

Variety is the spice of life, especially when it comes to yummy snacks. Here are a few other healthy, protein-rich options to add to your weekly rotation. With so many good choices, there’s no reason to get stuck in a snack rut. Eating well should be a pleasurable experience!

More Low-Sugar Protein Bars

Do you have a sweet tooth? Hit the spot with these other low-sugar protein bars, like Kind Bars and Luna Bars. With so many great flavors available, you’ll get what you crave without overdosing on sugar.

Hit the Kitchen for Homemade Snack Bars

Love to make your own treats? Check out these amazing homemade protein bars. Use a plant-based powder and leave out the milk for 100% vegan protein bars.

Woman making tasty granola bars in kitchen
Homemade Snack Bars Using 100% Vegan Products (Image Source: Shutterstock)

The Classic: Carrots and Hummus

Pack a handful of crisp, crunchy baby carrots with a small container of hummus with red peppers or green or black olives. It’s the quintessential healthy snack for a good reason: it’s delicious and good for you!

Double Your Protein: Cheese and Nuts

Pair a part-skim mozzarella or cheddar string cheese with a handful of nuts like almonds, cashews, or walnuts. Cheese and nuts are both good sources of protein, so this is an especially filling snack.

Cheese, raisins and nuts on dish on wood table.
Cheese And Nuts Are Both Good Sources Of Protein (Image Source: Shutterstock)

Yogurt or Cottage Cheese Parfait

Enjoy low-fat yogurt (or cottage cheese) with chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut flakes, or fresh berries. If you prefer a savory snack, cottage cheese goes well with cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt and pepper or chopped scallions.

Apple with Nut or Sunflower Butter

Pretend you’re a kid in school again and spread low-sugar nut butter on a sliced apple. Peanut butter is always a favorite, but almond butter is a great choice, too. If you need a spreadable nut-free option, sunflower butter is delicious!

Apple, nuts and cinnamon.
Spread Low-Sugar Nut Butter On A Sliced Apple (Image Source: Shutterstock)

Salmon Salad Half-Sandwich

Make a half-sandwich with canned salmon, romaine lettuce, and reduced-fat mayonnaise on whole-wheat bread. Salmon is rich both in protein and in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help you fight depression and anxiety. All this from one little half-sandwich? Plan ahead, as you may not want to pack this snack on a day you have a sandwich for lunch. 

Mediterranean Snack

Pack a small bag of pre-cut veggies, like broccoli and cucumbers, to dip in tzatziki sauce made with low-fat Greek yogurt. This is a great way to enjoy the benefits of yogurt without the temptation to add sugar to it. With dill and garlic, you’ll love this savory Mediterranean dip.   

Colorful vegetable sticks with greek yogurt dip.
Mediterranean Snack (Image Source: Shutterstock)

Yes, Snacking is Good for You!

So are protein bars healthy? Yes; if you choose the right variety, like Special K Protein Snack Bars, they can be. Any protein-rich, low-sugar snack that hits the spot is a great choice when your belly starts to rumble. It’ll help you to stay on task at work, get the most out of your daily exercise routine, and avoid binging at meals. When you reach for something nutritious and filling, you can feel good about what you’ve done for yourself. 

Are you feeling hungry after reading all this? Take care of yourself, and enjoy your snacks!