Peanut power plus is a protein and energy bar that contains a variety of ingredients to provide nutrients and fuel for active individuals. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide quick answers to key questions about the ingredients before diving into more details.
Quick Answers on Main Ingredients
The main ingredients in peanut power plus bars are:
- Peanuts – this is the primary ingredient and source of protein
- Oats – provides complex carbohydrates and fiber
- Whey protein – extra source of protein for muscle building
- Dried fruits – natural source of sugars for energy
- Cocoa powder – provides chocolate flavoring
- Syrups – helps bind ingredients and provide sweetness
These key ingredients provide a good balance of protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. Now let’s explore the complete list of ingredients and their health benefits.
Complete List of Ingredients
Here is the full list of ingredients contained in peanut power plus bars:
| Ingredient | Health Benefits |
|---|---|
| Protein blend (whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, whey peptides) | High quality protein for building and repairing muscle. Whey is quickly digested. |
| Roasted peanuts | Plant-based protein and healthy fats. Peanuts provide sustained energy. |
| Rolled oats | Complex carbs and fiber to help regulate digestion and blood sugar. |
| Cocoa powder | Provides flavonoids with antioxidant effects. May improve blood flow. |
| Dried fruit bits (apples, raisins, cranberries) | Natural source of carbohydrates and micronutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants. |
| Brown rice syrup | Provides sweetness and helps bind ingredients. Contains some vitamins and minerals. |
| Barley malt | Adds sweetness and aids texture. Provides carbs for energy. |
| Sunflower oil | Adds healthy unsaturated fats. Helps hold bar together. |
| Salt | Adds flavor. Should be consumed in moderation. |
| Natural flavors | Enhances taste of bar. |
Benefits of Main Ingredients
Whey Protein
Whey protein makes up a large portion of the protein blend in peanut power plus bars. Whey contains essential amino acids needed to repair and build muscle. It is quickly digested and absorbed by the body. Studies show that consuming whey protein shortly after exercise can boost muscle protein synthesis and recovery. The whey protein isolate and concentrate provide 20-25 grams of protein per bar.
Peanuts
Roasted peanuts give peanut power plus bars their distinctive flavor and crunchy texture. Peanuts are an excellent plant-based source of protein and healthy fats. They contain high amounts of arginine, an amino acid important for muscle growth. The high fat content of peanuts also helps you feel fuller for longer after eating a bar. In addition to protein, peanuts contain various vitamins and minerals like niacin, folate, copper, manganese, and magnesium.
Oats
Oats are an ideal carb source in protein bars because they are low glycemic and provide important vitamins and minerals. The fiber in oats can help slow digestion and regulate blood sugar levels after eating the bar. Oats contain beta-glucan fiber which has been shown to boost heart health by reducing LDL cholesterol. Oats also provide B vitamins like thiamin and folate, plus minerals like iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.
Dried Fruit
The dried fruit bits add natural sweetness as well as important micronutrients. Fruit like apples, raisins, and cranberries contain antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, and other beneficial compounds. Dried fruits have a concentrated amount of simple sugars like glucose and fructose which make these quick sources of energy. The fruits bits help balance the nutrition profile and provide carbs for fueling exercise.
Macronutrient Profile
Here is the macronutrient profile in 1 peanut power plus bar (65g):
| Macronutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 24g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
This macronutrient profile provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat. There is 20g of high-quality protein per bar to help build and maintain muscle. The carbohydrate sources are relatively low glycemic and offer sustained energy. There are 24g total carbs with 9g coming from natural sugars and 4g as fiber. Total fat content per bar is 12g, coming mostly from the peanuts and sunflower oil. This is a healthy unsaturated fat profile.
Vitamins and Minerals
Peanut power plus bars contain a range of essential vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the key micronutrients provided:
- Thiamin – 0.2mg (13% RDI)
- Riboflavin – 0.2mg (15% RDI)
- Niacin – 4mg (25% RDI)
- Vitamin B6 – 0.2mg (10% RDI)
- Folate – 40mcg (10% RDI)
- Pantothenic Acid – 0.5mg (10% RDI)
- Calcium – 100mg (8% RDI)
- Phosphorus – 200mg (20% RDI)
- Magnesium – 60mg (15% RDI)
- Zinc – 2mg (18% RDI)
- Copper – 0.2mg (22% RDI)
- Manganese – 0.8mg (35% RDI)
- Selenium – 14mcg (20% RDI)
This vitamin and mineral profile provides important nourishment for active individuals. Key nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium support energy levels, muscle function, and exercise performance. The inclusion of peanuts, oats, whey, and dried fruits ensures a robust micronutrient profile.
Cost Analysis
The retail price for a box of 12 peanut power plus bars is approximately $25. This breaks down to around $2.08 per bar. For a bar containing 280 calories, 20g protein, and a range of vitamins/minerals, this represents a fair price point compared to other protein bars on the market.
The main ingredients – whey protein, peanuts, oats, and dried fruits – are all relatively inexpensive sources of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. These are combined with minor amounts of flavorings, sweeteners, and binding agents to create an economical but nutritious bar.
When comparing against other protein bar brands, peanut power plus is cost-competitive. Many brands have similar formulations but end up retailing for $2.50 or more per bar. Given the high quality ingredients and nutrition profile, peanut power plus offers good value in the category of protein and energy bars.
Quality Control and Safety Standards
The manufacturer of peanut power plus bars employs rigorous quality control measures and follows all regulatory guidelines:
- All ingredients sourced from approved suppliers and screened for purity and safety
- Production facility meets GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
- Metal detectors and other technologies used to identify foreign objects
- Finished products tested to ensure nutrition facts and allergen labeling is accurate
- Bars undergo microbial testing and analysis for foodborne pathogens
- Packaging validated for preservation and shelf life
In addition, the whey protein powders are certified by recognized organizations like the NSF International Certified for Sport program. This verifies the whey protein has been batch tested and meets requirements for purity and low contamination risk.
With both supplier and internal quality control measures in place, consumers can be confident in the safety of these protein bars. Processes are compliant with FDA and other regulatory guidelines.
How to Include in Your Diet
Here are some tips on how to incorporate peanut power plus bars into a healthy and active lifestyle:
- Consume bars within 1 hour after workouts to help replenish nutrients and rebuild muscle
- Bars can serve as between-meal snacks when hunger strikes and you need quick energy
- Substitute a bar for a high sugar/fat snack like chips, candy, or pastries
- Bars are portable and can be taken on hikes, to work, kept in glove compartment, etc. for when you need extra fuel or a pick-me-up
- For endurance athletes, consume 1-2 bars the night before an event to build up glycogen stores
- Pair a bar with fruit or yogurt for a balanced and portable breakfast
Peanut power plus bars deliver a tasty trifecta of high-quality protein, slow-burning carbs, and essential vitamins and minerals. Work them into your routine to power your active lifestyle!
Comparison to Other Protein Bars
How does peanut power plus stack up to other top protein bars on the market? Here is a chart comparing nutrition facts across different brands:
| Brand | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Sugar (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peanut Power Plus | 280 | 20 | 24 | 9 | 12 |
| Optimum Nutrition Protein Bar | 210 | 20 | 16 | 3 | 7 |
| Clif Builders Bar | 270 | 20 | 43 | 22 | 5 |
| Quest Protein Bar | 190 | 21 | 13 | 2 | 9 |
| Think! Protein Bar | 250 | 20 | 24 | 6 | 7 |
Peanut power plus is competitive across all macronutrients. It delivers 20g protein on par with other top brands. The sugar content is low compared to many bars at just 9g. And the total carbs and fat are moderate. So peanut power plus provides a clean and effective macronutrient profile in each bar.
Potential Downsides
Though peanut power plus bars have many positives, there are a couple potential downsides to consider:
- Allergies – contains peanuts, soy, milk and may pose risks for people with allergies
- High sodium – each bar contains 200mg (9% DV) which is on the higher side
- Higher price – approximately $2 per bar so not the most economical protein bar option
- Flavor options – currently only come in chocolate peanut butter; no variety pack available
The allergen risk is perhaps the biggest concern and individuals with peanut, soy, dairy allergies should use caution and consult their doctor before consuming. The sodium content could also be lowered to create a healthier bar overall.
Conclusion
Peanut power plus protein bars provide a tasty and nutritious option for active, on-the-go lifestyles. The diverse combination of whey protein, peanuts, oats, and dried fruits offers sustained energy and muscle support. Quality control and safety processes ensure consumers get a clean and consistent product. While potential downsides exist like allergens and sodium content, peanut power plus delivers solid nutrition in a convenient bar form. Include one or two each day to boost your protein intake, feed your muscles, and power through any active endeavor.
