Influencer-fueled protein bars hide high saturated fat, rivaling burgers, dietitians warn
Some influencer-endorsed protein bars pack 8–11g of saturated fat—enough to rival or exceed a fast-food cheeseburger—so reading labels matters. Look for bars with ≤3g saturated fat, ≥15–20g protein, and ≤8g added sugar, and favor unsaturated fats (canola or sunflower) over palm kernel or coconut oil. High saturated fat can raise LDL and affect heart risk even for active people, so pair such bars with an overall nutrient-rich day; consider swaps like soy-based bars or dairy-based snacks (Greek yogurt with fruit or cottage cheese with cacao nibs) for a dessert-like bite without the stealth fat.
