Meat bars allow you to consume high-quality animal protein on the go.
Protein bars are an exceptional choice for individuals aiming to boost their protein consumption. Fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders have embraced this trend for years, recognizing protein’s crucial role in muscle development. Historically, it wasn’t uncommon to see jerky as a favored snack among dedicated bodybuilding enthusiasts.
However, in recent times, the appeal of carrying jerky has diminished for many, possibly due to its monotonous taste over time. As a contemporary substitute, protein bars have emerged, though they often have drawbacks, such as being laden with additives, undergoing heavy processing, and possessing a sugary flavor. While consuming a natural protein source is healthier, the impracticality of toting around beef or chicken pieces is evident.
Enter meat bars: an innovative alternative to both jerky and protein bars. These bars offer a fresher, more palatable option and provide a substantial protein boost for those on the move. This article delves into everything you need to know about meat bars, including their advantages. We’ll also highlight a top meat bar recommendation for you to consider.
What Are Meat Bars?
Grab and go for a quick protein snack! This is not your typical beef jerky product. Simple ingredients, simple taste, simple protein.
Meat bars are tasty, flattened, and compacted bars of ground meat often mixed with fruits, nuts, or grains (1). They’re a nutritious pre- or post-workout snack for those on the go. People on a high-protein or weight-loss diet also find meat bars useful.
History
The concept of meat bars has been around for centuries. For long journeys, Native Americans would mix meat from deer or buffalo with animal fat and berry powder in a food called pemmican. The fruit preserved the meat for thousands of miles and was rich in protein. Traditionally prepared pemmican can last 1-5 years, depending on its ingredients!
General Ingredients of Meat Bars
Despite the “meat” in the name, these bars can contain more than meat, including fish, poultry, or even eggs. A meat bar generally has a significant protein ingredient: nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables, fats, grains, and flavorings.
- Proteins: Beef, bison, pork, chicken, duck, turkey, salmon, venison, eggs, etc.
- Nuts and Seeds: Peanuts, almonds, cashews, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.
- Fruits: Berries, raisins, dates, oranges, cherries, apples, pineapples, etc
- Vegetables: Lentils, celery, mushrooms, chickpeas, etc.
- Fats: Coconut oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, etc.
- Grains: Oats, brown rice, cereal, quinoa, etc.
- Flavorings: Sea salt, garlic, vinegar, mustard, pepper, spices, herbs, etc.
Note that these ingredients vary depending on the brands and flavors of the bars. You should always check the ingredient label to know what you put in your body. Avoiding bars with many additives or ones high in MSG might also be best for your health.
Differences Between Meat Bars & Other Protein or Meat Products
Meat Bars vs Protein Bars
On average, they contain more natural protein products, so many opt for them over protein bars. They could be a great way to overcome the bloating and digestive issues synonymous with protein sources like whey protein.
Meat Bars vs Meat Sticks
It’s more of a nutritious snack option with ground and flat meat, fruits, or grains. Meat sticks are more traditionally cured meat flavored and are primarily cylindrical.
Meat Bars vs Sausage
Meat bars and sausages are both ground meat, but sausages are typically used for cooking. They could also come as links or patties, while meat bars are ready-to-eat snacks.
Meat Bars vs Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is from sliced, marinated, and dried whole muscle. As a result, it has a chewy texture. Meat bars are fresher, tastier, and have a softer, moist, and more uniform texture.
Benefits of Meat Bars
While you can get proteins from other sources like grains, nuts, legumes, and dairy, animal products offer the best source of protein. Meat bars give you this in an easy-to-carry pack with numerous flavors. Below are more benefits of meat bars.
100% Animal-Based Protein
They offer you real meat, which can be beneficial if you tend to get an upset stomach from chalky protein isolates.
Protein Snack on the Go
They’re easy to carry in your bag or pocket. They’re high in protein and low in calories, making them great for snacking.
Clean & Sustainable Eating
They’re organic and made from grass-fed animals or non-GMO, cage-free chickens. As a result, you get a clean and unprocessed bar that meets your extra protein and snacking needs. This is also more sustainable for the environment in the long term.
Nutrient Rich
The meat, veggies, fruit, nut, and seed content of meat bars creates a nutrient-rich snack. It’s a great meal substitute for those on a low-calorie diet. Many bars are also low in carbs, which those on a low-carb diet will appreciate.
Low Sugar
Many bars are either low in sugar or don’t contain sugar. This is great for those who don’t like the sugar, processed taste of protein bars. The low or zero sugar content can also help those on a diet to keep those bad cravings at bay.
Weight Loss
They’re healthy, low-calorie snacks that are full of protein. This review of multiple studies shows that consuming a diet higher in proteins is effective for significant weight loss (2). Proteins also increase satiety (feelings of fullness), which can help you eat less, increase your calorie deficit, and lead to more weight loss.
The Best Meat Bar: Epic Beef Sea Salt + Pepper Bar
One of the best meat bars you can try is the Epic Beef Sea Salt & Pepper Bar.
Grab and go for a quick protein snack! This is not your typical beef jerky product. Simple ingredients, simple taste, simple protein.
This portable meat bar is easy to find and contains healthy, whole-food ingredients. The beef sea salt and pepper option is sugar-free and low in carbs and calories. Below are more highlights of this meat bar.
Natural & Ethical Ingredients
The Epic Beef Sea Salt & Pepper meat bar is from 100% grass-fed cows. The meat is mixed with celery powder, onion, black pepper, and beef for a classic beefy taste.
Low Calorie
It’s only 130 calories, consisting of 11 g of proteins and 3g of dietary fiber as carbs. It has zero sugar.
Multiple Diet Approved
The Epic Beef Sea Salt Pepper meat bar is paleo and keto-friendly. It’s also whole 30-approved and certified gluten-free.
Wrapping Up
Meat bars offer a natural, protein-packed snack alternative made from organic meats, spices, vegetables, and fruits. They provide a convenient option for boosting protein intake without consuming processed foods. They can be a superior choice for individuals experiencing digestive discomfort from processed whey and other protein isolates.
The Epic Beef Sea Salt & Pepper Bar stands out for its 100% meat composition, making it ideal for those seeking a purely natural protein snack on the go. Priced between $2.50 and $4.00 per bar, it aligns with the standard pricing for protein bars. Opting for a box of 12 at approximately $31 can also offer added value and savings.
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References
- Luchansky, J. B., Mayhew, M., Jung, Y., Klinedinst, A., Harkins, L., Shane, L. E., Osoria, M., McGEARY, L., Trauger, Z., Shoyer, B. A., Chapman, B., Cope, S. J., Campano, S. G., & Porto-Fett, A. C. S. (2019). Meat Bars: A Survey To Assess Consumer Familiarity and Preparation Parameters and a Challenge Study To Quantify Viability of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Cells during Processing and Storage. Journal of food protection, 82(7), 1249–1264. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-18-453
- Leidy, H. J., Clifton, P. M., Astrup, A., Wycherley, T. P., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S., Luscombe-Marsh, N. D., Woods, S. C., & Mattes, R. D. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. The American journal of clinical nutrition, 101(6), 1320S–1329S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.084038
