When you’re trying to lose weight, picking the right snacks is essential for your success. One popular option is the Fiber One bar.
I first heard found out about these bars in weight loss Facebook groups and from YouTubers.
Fiber One bars are not specifically marketed as diet food.
But, they can potentially help you achieve your weight loss goals by providing a convenient source of fiber in your diet.
And if you didn’t know, fiber helps to keep your hunger cravings in check.
And not to mention, these bars taste really good!
So you put all this together, and the Fiber One bars quickly climbed into one of the top spots for weight loss snacks.
But not everything is all good and dandy with Fiber One bars.
So, let’s go over the pros and cons, and I will also give you my take on whether you should eat them or not.
Understanding Fiber One Bars
There are 3 main types of bars that Fiber One sells:
- Brownies
- Chewy Bars
- Protein Bars
While checking out the Fiber One website I saw that they also have a new product, the Fiber One x Weight Watchers Protein Bar.
It’s available in two flavors, Fudge Chocolate Cookie and Peanut Butter Cocoa Crumble. These have about 150 calories, 12 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fiber.
It has been a while since I had a Fiber One bar. So I decided to walk over to Target and buy some.
Not only was a craving a tasty afternoon treat, but I also wanted to check out the ingredients and nutritional content.
I bought 2 kinds. The Fiber One Brownie and the Fiber One Chocolate Chip Protein Bar. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the Fiber One x Weight Watchers Protein Bar.
I ate one of each of the ones I bought. Tastewise, they were both very good. But, I would say the Fiber One Brownie has a bit of a slight edge in this regard.
The protein bar was chewy and I was pleasantly surprised when I took the first bite. The brownie tasted just like one.
I didn’t have a nasty aftertaste. My only complaint is that the bars in the package are too small and so they were gone too quickly lol.
After I ate them, I looked at the ingredients and nutritional facts. I didn’t want to do it before because I didn’t want it to influence my first impression.
Ingredients
Fiber One Brownie: Chicory Root Extract, Erythritol, Wheat Flour Bleached, Dutch Cocoa, Vegetable Glycerin, Canola Oil, Sugar, Sugarcane Fiber, Palm Kernel and Palm Oil, Sorbitol, Calcium Caseinate.
Fiber One Chocolate Chip Protein Bar: Chicory Root Extract, Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Erythritol, Palm Kernel Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Water, Semisweet Chocolate Chips, Calcium Caseinate, Cocoa Powder, Soy Lecithin, Collagen, Salt, Dutch Cocoa, Stevia Extract, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Canola Oil.
FYI, the primary source of fiber comes from chicory root extract. The protein is from the soy protein isolate and the whey protein isolate.
Honestly reading the list of ingredients made me regret eating these bars.
Canola and palm oil are not the good kind of oil. The protein source is low-quality. Plus all the sugar, artificial flavors, and preservatives really put me off.
Nutritional Facts
The nutritional content of Fiber One bars varies depending on the specific product.
Fiber One Brownie: Calories 70, Fiber 6g, Protein 2g, Sugar 2g, Sugar Alcohol 6g.
Fiber One Chocolate Chip Protein Bar: Calories 90, Fiber 5g, Protein 10g, Sugar 1g, Sugar Alcohol 4g.
From this quick look at the nutrition facts, I think I would lean toward the Fiber One chocolate Chip Protein Bar. I think the 20 extra calories are worth it considering it has a lot more protein and less sugar.
The Pros and Cons of Fiber One Bars
To determine if Fiber One bars can help you lose weight, it’s important to consider both the pros and cons of incorporating these bars into your weight loss plan.
The Pros
- Taste good: If you’re worried that eating a Fiber One Bar means sacrificing taste, think again. These bars come in a variety of flavors, from chocolate chip to cinnamon coffee cake. They’re a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without indulging in a high-calorie treat.
- Low in calories: One of the biggest advantages of Fiber One Bars is their low-calorie count. At around 70-100 calories per bar, they make a great snack or dessert option for those who are trying to lose weight. Plus, they’re portion-controlled, which means you don’t have to worry about overeating.
- Appetite suppression: Fiber is known for its ability to keep you feeling full, and Fiber One Bars are no exception. The high fiber content in these bars can help you feel satisfied and prevent overeating. Plus, the slow digestion of fiber means that you’ll feel full for longer, which can help you avoid snacking between meals.
- Convenience: Fiber One Bars are a convenient snack option for people on the go. They’re easy to grab and take with you to work, school, or the gym. Plus, they don’t require any preparation or refrigeration.
The Cons
- High in sugar alcohols: Fiber One bars contain sugar alcohols which can cause digestive discomfort for some people, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
- Contain artificial ingredients: Fiber One bars contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, which may not be ideal for people looking for a more natural snack option.
- Can lead to an unbalanced diet: Fiber One Bars should not be relied on as the sole source of fiber. A Fiber One bar is not going to have enough fiber for your daily needs. Eating too many Fiber One Bars can lead to an unbalanced diet, as they lack vitamins and minerals.
Download this cheat sheet to learn the secrets to go from busy and out-of-shape to energetic and fit!
In Conclusion, Can Fiber One Bars Help You Lose Weight?
I think that Fiber One bars can have a place in your diet. They can be consumed in moderation as part of a well-rounded and balanced diet.
They are tasty and can help with weight management, however, they are not healthy.
But, let’s say you are craving a chocolate bar, I would much rather you eat a Fiber One brownie bar.
There are alternative snack options that are healthier. Two healthy protein bars that have clean ingredients are gomacro bars (11 grams of protein) and Bhu Fit (12 grams of protein).
And if your goal is to up your fiber intake, ideally, you should also get your fiber from beans, fruits, and vegetables.
If you ask me, I think you should skip Fiber One bars, they are not worth putting those crummy ingredients in your body!
Lily
Hi, I'm Lily! Like you, I have struggled with my weight. It was not an easy journey but I was able to lose 40 pounds and have kept it off for 14 years. My goal is to share with you all the research, tips, and tricks that I have learned over the years to help you lose weight also.Download this cheat sheet to learn the secrets to go from busy and out-of-shape to energetic and fit!