Hazel Dell Bargainista Blog

Protein Powder Bars 

Written by Lydia Marshall

These little bites are packed with protein, nuts, seeds and dried fruit. They are economical, easy and quick to make, and the most important part is...they are so delicious! 

I made Protein Powder Bars for Wellness Wednesday last week and our customers loved them! I used Body Fortress Super Advanced WHEY Protein Powder. Protein powder is a beneficial health food for active people.

Many people limit themselves in to thinking that protein powders are just to be added to a shaker or blender and gulped down. Not the case. You can extend your dollar by making your food more nutritious and higher in protein. 

I know this addition in my recipes has helped me keep my 12 year old full between meals, better able to focus in school, and to have the energy he needs throughout the day, not only in school but also in sports activities.

What is whey protein?

Protein powders are dehydrated forms of protein that are reconstituted in a liquid. Whey protein is found in milk. Whey is a by-product of the cheese making process...it is the protein liquid that separates from the curd (casein), and then is dried. It is highly digestible and supports overall health and energy levels.  

Why is whey protein an excellent protein product?

• It contains all essential amino acids(essential proteins that are important for immunity, protein in muscles and for well needed energy).
• Boosts muscle recovery, endurance and strength for those who are active.
• It has the highest protein quality of all protein products.
• May help joint and muscle health.
• Supports metabolism and ability to burn fat.

We have this excellent Body Fortress Super Advanced product that tastes really great in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors for $17.99 - Great price!! Come on in and get some!!

Here are other ideas for how you can use your protein powder for cooking to add more nutrition and protein power in to your foods.

• Stir any flavor of powder in to plain Greek yogurt to control the sugar and increase protein & flavor. Buy a big tub of plain yogurt, serve however much you want at a time, and save money on buying individual containers.
• Cut down the amount of flour by a quarter to a half for pancakes, cookies, muffins, and such...and add powder instead.
• Make a latte and add some powder to your coffee...it's nice in hot chocolate too.
• Add vanilla flavored powder to oatmeal once it's cooked.

Below is one of my favorite go to recipes for kids and adults alike for a mid-morning or after school snack, and also for before or after a workout for fuel. Hope you enjoy!

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Cocoa Crisp Protein Powder Bars

Makes about 25 large squares

2 cups peanut butter, almond butter or sunbutter

3/4 cup agave or honey

4 to 5 scoops vanilla or chocolate protein powder of choice

3 cups brown rice cereal or puffed rice cereal of choice

1 cup chopped raw nuts, dried fruit, seeds of choice

Mix peanut butter with agave and protein powder until smooth. Add the brown rice cereal and combination of nuts, dried fruit and seeds. Spread evenly on to a medium sized cookie sheet and chill in the refrigerator. Cut in to squares and serve. Best kept in the refrigerator to hold it’s shape the best.

This recipe is an adapted version from Kim Polovnykoff...my neighbor and Personal Trainer / Arbonne Consultant.