Course:FNH200/Projects/2023/Pure Protein Snack Bars

Introduction

Image 1. Pure Protein Bars

Pure Protein Bars are a popular line of nutritional snack bars that are often consumed as a convenient source of protein, assisting muscle recovery post-workout, or serving as a satisfying snack that can help curb hunger between meals. These bars are known for their high protein content and come in a variety of flavors, offering a combination of essential vitamins and minerals. With a focus on delivering quality protein without an overload of sugars, Pure Protein Bars have become a go-to choice for many seeking a balanced and flavorful snack option. The brand prioritizes taste and nutrition, aiming to offer a product that doesn't compromise on either.

Nutritional Profile of Pure Protein Bars

There is a variety of Pure Protein bar flavours to choose from, with the nutritional content remaining the same. The difference in ingredients amongst different flavours are based on providing those different flavours. The following nutritional profile will focus on the 'chocolate deluxe' flavour.

INGREDIENTS: Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate), Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Glycerine, Cocoa, Water, Maltitol, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Maltitol Syrup, Sugar, Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk, Unsweetened Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa (processed with alkali), Natural Flavor (includes annatto and turmeric added for color), Cellulose, Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Soy Lecithin, Milkfat, Almond Butter, Sucralose. Contains milk, soy, peanut and tree nut (almond) ingredients.

Pure Protein bars use a protein blend consisting mainly of whey protein. Whey is the liquid that separates from milk after curdling. It is also commonly used as a protein supplement. People commonly use whey protein for improving athletic performance and increasing strength. Whey protein is rich in leucine, which promotes growth- making it helpful for muscle growth.

The whey protein blend in this product consists of whey protein isolate, as well as concentrate. These two differ in their processing, and as a result, have different properties.

Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe flavour, Nutritional facts and ingredients.

The table below shows the key differences between a standard whey isolate and whey concentrate supplement per 100-calorie serving:

	Whey Isolate	Whey Concentrate
Processing Time	More	Less
Protein	23 grams	18 grams
Carbs	1 gram	3.5 grams
Fat	0 grams	1.5 grams
Lactose	Up to 1 gram	Up to 3.5 grams
Cost	Higher	Lower

Processing and Preservation

Protein bars undergo various preservation methods to extend their shelf life and maintain their quality. Some common preservation methods used for protein bars include:

1. Sealing and Packaging:Manufacturers often use airtight packaging materials to prevent moisture and air from entering the bars, which can lead to spoilage and degradation of the product.
2. Vacuum Sealing: Vacuum sealing involves removing air from the packaging before sealing it. This helps to reduce the oxygen content around the protein bars, which can slow down the oxidation process and extend shelf life.
3. Use of Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamin E (tocopherols) or ascorbic acid (vitamin C) can be added to protein bar formulations to help prevent the oxidation of fats and oils present in the bars. Oxidation can lead to rancidity and off-flavours.
4. Refrigeration or Freezing: Depending on the formulation and ingredients used in protein bars, some may benefit from refrigeration or freezing to extend their shelf life. This is often the case for bars with high moisture content or those containing perishable ingredients.
5. Humidity Control: Controlling the humidity levels in the storage environment can also help preserve the texture and flavour of protein bars. Excessive humidity can lead to the softening or sticking together of bars.
6. Natural Preservatives: Some protein bars use natural preservatives, such as honey or certain plant extracts, which have antimicrobial properties and can help inhibit the growth of spoilage microorganisms.
7. Low Water Activity: Formulating protein bars with a low water activity (the amount of water available for microbial growth) can help prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
8. Heat Treatment: Heat treatment, such as baking or extrusion, is often used during the manufacturing process. It not only helps to bind the ingredients together but can also reduce the microbial load, extending the shelf life.

Health Concerns

Protein bars are marketed as healthy, and nutrition-loaded snacks that can improve daily protein intake, yet they are packed with a concerning level of salt, sugar, and fat, similar to those in a candy bar . This is worrying because most consumers consume protein bars for their beneficial values of extra protein, but they are not aware of the excessive amount of sweeteners or fat that are loaded in the protein bars, which can bring out serious health concerns. The most common type of sweetener in a protein bar is high fructose corn syrup, which poses the potential health concerns of fatty liver, obesity, and diabetes in humans . In addition, the making of protein bars includes the use of processed plant oils, canola, palm, and peanut oils, which has an immense amount of fat, raising cholesterol issues . Excessive protein intake is another health concern regarding protein bars. The recommended protein allowance suggests that consuming more than 0.8 grams per kg of body mass has an increased chance of having heart disease, liver, and kidney disorders . Various flavours of protein bars also pose different health concerns. For example, a chocolate chip protein bar usually consists of 16 grams of additional sugar . For healthier options, protein bars that use natural fruits or nuts can be a good choice . Overall, protein bars seem to have implanted a common misconception of being nutritive and healthy amount consumers' eyes, while consumers should be aware of the extensive amount of unhealthy ingredients that are incorporated in protein bars.

Role of Fat, Sugar Substitutes and Additives

• Fat Substitute:

1. Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil: This is a type of oil derived from the palm kernel where specific components (like certain fatty acids) are separated or removed. It's often used in protein bars because of its stability, ability to improve texture, and resistance to oxidation. Fractionated palm kernel oil can provide the creaminess of fat without some of the associated health concerns.

• Sugar Substitutes:

1. Maltitol and Maltitol Syrup: These are sugar alcohols commonly used as sugar substitutes because they taste sweet but have fewer calories than sugar and cause a lower glycemic response. They're also used for their moisture-retention properties which help maintain a bar's soft texture.
2. Sucralose: This is a high-intensity artificial sweetener that's about 600 times sweeter than sugar. It adds sweetness without adding calories.

• Additives:

1. Hydrolyzed Gelatin: Acts as a binder and texture agent, providing structure to the bar.
2. Glycerine (or Glycerol): This is a humectant, meaning it helps retain moisture in the bars, preventing them from drying out and maintaining a chewy texture.
3. Cellulose: Used as a thickening or texturizing agent to enhance mouthfeel or structure.
4. Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier that helps keep ingredients from separating and provides a smooth texture.
5. Natural Flavor (includes annatto and turmeric added for color): These are used to enhance the taste and appearance of the product.
6. Cocoa (processed with alkali): The alkali processing, or Dutching, makes the cocoa less acidic and darker in color. This can also influence the flavor, making it milder and richer.

Packaging

Packaging can attract attention, communicate the image and name of the particular brand, stand out against competitors, and increase the product’s perceived functionality. A protein bar is usually designed solely to promote muscle gain. Consumers are often attracted to these bars because of their convenience and their packaging that describes important health factors such as calories or healthy ingredients. For instance, a pure protein snack bar is packaged in light blue and white colors. The name of the company(Pure Protein) is written in a big white font. Below the company’s name The packaging illustrates that one chocolate peanut butter flavored bar contains 20g protein, 2g of sugar and 200 calories. It also mentions that the bars are gluten free. Behind the bar, one can find important information such as nutrition facts, ingredients, directions, information about manufacturers and a bar code. Research shows that consumers are attracted to aesthetically pleasing packaging and that packaging has the power to influence consumer decisions. The more the package’s textual and visual information aligns with the consumer’s goals and values, the consumer is more likely to purchase the product. Hence, if a consumer wants to reduce weight or gain muscle he/she is more likely to purchase the pure protein snack bar as the packaging is appealing to the consumer’s dietary needs as it contains less calories and more protein. The packaging also has a picture of a chocolate protein bar and one can see the peanut filling. The protein bar is covered with chocolate and looks appetizing along with less calories and a higher protein percentage which makes it very appealing.

Exam question

Q. Does the egg production and availability continue to increase in Canada?

A. Yes, production as well as availability continues to increase in Canada.

The question should be on the final exam because egg is a common ingredient one might have in their homes, and it is interesting to learn that despite the increasing cost of eggs both production and availability are increasing.

Citation

Lotz, Rachel, "Color Associations as Advertising Strategies: An Analysis of Consumer Attitudes Toward the Healthfulness of Energy Bar Packaging" (2016). University Honors Theses. Paper 249.