FullaBella's Journal, 24 January 2020

Not a meal. Maybe an addition to a small meal or a snack. I feel a meal would be between 350 and 500 calories depending on your goals. 

I would go with the one highest in protein and fiber as the meal bar, but i personally look at all of them as treats unless eaten with other foods. 

I need protein in my bars. The ones I choose usually have around 15-20 protein and probably 250 cals. Meal only if I cannot actually squeeze in a real meal due to time issues.  

Definitely not big enough for a meal, and I saw they have a lot of sugar alcohol in there, for me it causes massive disturbance in the G.I. track. In other words it destroys my stomach 

I have to say that I don't eat them. I would go for the one that meets the most nutritional needs. :0) 

well they mean for meal bars to be less calories so that you lose weight. Out of those three, I would choose the 180 Calorie one with the unsaturated fats. 

I used to buy some products from Wonderslim - you would have their shakes and bars and other food you would mix with water and heat up (fake chili, omelets, etc) The shakes and bars with 15 grams of protein were considered "meal replacements". They had snack bars with 10 grams of protein. So I would consider what you are showing as snacks. Can't believe I ate that stuff now that my doctor is constantly emphasizing I need to eat non processed food for my health issues. Even so, I still have a box or two of the shakes and fruit drink mixes. Once in awhile when I need an extra 10-15 grams of protein I will use them - until they are gone. 

Most “protein bars” are glorified candy bars. There are a lot of great recipes out there for “protein bars”— at least you can control the ingredients, the size and delete the preservatives. 

I also don't eat them and have a difficult time why people plan those bars and protein into their daily eating. I have had maybe 2-4 a year that I kept in my desk drawer and pocketbook in the event a meeting ran late, we were on the road back from a conference in group travel, didn't pack my lunch and needed something to eat before dinner. I would choose the higher protein, gram, and calorie content IF I was looking to use it as a meal replacement.  

Always go for the higher protein, ideally look for ones that have more grams of protein than sugar, if you are using these for meal replacement I would supplement with something. Maybe a piece of fruit of some baby carrots? 

Thank you for your responses and opinions. I was merely curious because I saw these boxes on the shelf & began wondering and comparing the difference between what was designated as a 'meal' vs 'snack' vs 'treat'. It's really more of an aggravation to me because it SEEMS specifically designed to take advantage of desperate dieters by advertising three different 'formats' when all three are basically the same 'thing'.  

I agree with keeping 'something' in the purse, drawer, backpack for those unexpected hunger moments between meals or when a meal is being missed due to ... life. I keep beef sticks for the protein.  

I guess my point is - everyone has to find their way - but in the beginning when they don't know where to start - this can be misleading. Anyway. Enough product bashing.  

I love product bashing... but yeah... 

Not enough protein in any of them for me to consider them a meal. Unless they were the size of a decent burrito lol. 

I would go with the bottom right.. more fat. net carbs are all about the same 

but I don't buy them either 

I think one of them is a bar I do eat sometimes. Sold as a snackbar. Sort of a treat if I have it with some coffee.