India, June 19 -- P rotein bars are a popular snack that offer a quick and convenient source of nutrition. They can work as a meal replacement, a post-workout option, or an easy snack between meals. However, despite their healthy image, not all protein bars are actually nutritious, which makes it crucial to read labels carefully before choosing one. Nutritionist Haripriya N shares five important factors to consider when selecting the right protein bar: Protein not only helps build muscle and support recovery after exercise, but also keeps you full between meals and may help reduce cravings. When choosing a protein bar, she suggests looking for one that contains at least 10 grams of protein per serving. Good options include dairy-based proteins such as whey isolate or hydrolysed whey. Excess carbohydrates can contribute to increased body fat and trigger carb cravings. The nutritionist advises choosing bars with less than 10 grams of carbohydrates to help prevent weight gain and cravings. Also, ensure the bar contains at least 5 grams of fibre, which can help keep you full, support digestion, and maintain stable blood sugar levels. Manufacturers often add artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and maltitol as alternatives to sugar. But these ingredients may lead to digestive issues such as bloating or gas, or even laxative effects. Haripriya suggests opting for a protein bar with no more than six to eight grams of sugar per serving. She also warns against refined sugars such as corn syrup, sucrose, and high-fructose corn syrup. Choose protein bars that contain healthy fats, are low in saturated fats, and free from trans fats. Healthy fats may come from ingredients such as coconut oil, nuts, nut butters, or seeds like chia seeds. The nutritionist recommends selecting bars with less than 3 grams of saturated fat per serving. Haripriya suggests avoiding bars that contain palm oil or kernel oil, which are often found in chocolate-coated varieties and may be less healthy. She recommends that men opt for bars with around 170-250 calories per serving, while women should look for options in the 140-200 calorie range....