El Almendro, the famous brand of almond nougat, needs to attract followers throughout the year so as not to stick exclusively to the Christmas season. As the world of proteins is booming, their version of protein bars could not be missing.
Although they have other types of bars, so far El Almendro only has one type of protein. These are made with almonds and chocolate, 70% gluten-free and without palm oil. Each box includes 4 protein bars of 35 grams, at a price of €2.95.
Ingredients and nutrients
To find out if they are really healthy and rich in protein, it is convenient to know what foods make them up and their nutritional labeling.
Specifically, these bars are made of: «almond (34%), dark chocolate (25%) [pasta de cacao, azúcar, manteca de cacao, emulgente (lecitinas de soja y girasol), aroma natural de vainilla]pea protein extrudate (12%) [aislado proteína de guisante, concentrado de proteína de guisante, almidón de tapioca]pumpkin seeds (10%), glucose syrup, fructooligosaccharides, honey, sunflower oil, salt, stabilizer (sorbitol), emulsifier (sija and sunflower lecithins)«.
For each El Almendro protein bar (35 grams) we find the following nutritional values:
- Energy value: 177 calories
- Fat: 11 grams
- Of which saturated: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 9.5 grams
- Of which sugars: 6 grams
- Dietary fiber: 3.8 grams
- Proteins: 8.4 grams
- Salt: 0.26 grams
They are healthy?
For a protein bar to be healthy it has to be high in protein, low in fat and without added sugars. In this case, the protein has its origin in the green peas. Therefore it is vegan and usually has a high nutritional value. However, the one present in this bar is not completely isolated and only contains 12%. This translates to just 9 grams of protein per 35-gram bar. Although it is not a low amount, it is not very high either. By comparison, plain yogurt provides about 10 grams of protein.
On the other hand, it is necessary to point out that contains added sugar in the form of glucose syrup and honey. In fact, each bar reaches 6 grams of added sugars, the equivalent of one and a half cubes.
Actually, this bar is a product that we can take as a whim, but not as a source of protein. It is not recommended for athletes who want to restore their protein reserves, nor for those who seek to maintain a healthy weight. It is advisable to take other products and foods to reach the recommended daily amount.