Protein bars are a popular snack among health-conscious people. They are often sold as “high in protein” and full of nutrients. But a new study shows that many of these bars might not be as healthy as they claim, especially when it comes to the quality of protein they provide.

The study was done by researchers from the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences in Budapest. They looked at more than 1,600 protein bars using public data from OpenFoodFacts.org. Their study was published in Scientific Reports.

The researchers found that 81% of the bars met the European Union’s rule to be called “high in protein”. This means that more than 20% of the calories in those bars came from protein.

However, when the team checked how well the body can actually digest and use this protein, the results were not so good.

To test protein quality, they picked four different bars. One was plant-based with pea and rice proteins. Another used an animal-based milk protein. Two others used mixed sources such as milk, egg, collagen, and soy. These bars were tested in a lab using a method that copies human digestion.

The results showed that even when the bars had high-quality protein, the body couldn’t digest it as well when it was in bar form. The highest-scoring bar, made with only milk protein, still did not meet the level set by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for high protein quality.

Why does this happen? The researchers believe that other ingredients in the bars—like sugars, fats, and fibres—might stop the body from absorbing important amino acids.

"It's not just about how much protein a bar contains. The type and digestibility of that protein matter too," the researchers said.

This study shows that just reading the label is not enough. Experts say people should not depend on protein bars as their main protein source. Instead, clearer rules and labels are needed for protein-rich products.

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