If you truly want a lean, muscular body, then candy bars are not going to be a regular part of your diet. The good news is that today’s best protein bars taste just as good and are loaded with enough quality protein to really build muscle—like these five, which use a mix of protein sources for maximum gains.
Whey is one of the most important protein sources for muscle growth. It’s an extremely fast-digesting protein, which means it’s the perfect way to fast-track amino acids to your muscle fibers. Whey is also rich in BCAAs, critical amino acids for stimulating growth.
Think soy is inferior because it comes from a plant source? Think again. Like whey, soy is a relatively fast-digesting protein that enhances muscle recovery and boosts muscle growth. Soy has even been shown to boost both nitric oxide and growth hormone levels.
Like whey, casein is a milk protein. Yet unlike whey and soy, which are fast-digesting proteins, casein is very slow—it takes your body hours to break it down, providing a steady stream of aminos to prevent muscle breakdown and promote growth.
Bar-Gain Muscle
This table lists several bars that combine whey, soy, and casein so that you can take advantage of each protein’s unique benefits and maximize muscle growth.
