With the ever-evolving arena of fitness and health, a fresh trend has emerged on the radar of health-nut snackers: replacing protein bars with a cheesier alternative—parmesan cheese. Fitness bloggers are already raving about the cheesy alternative, calling it a “cleaner” means to consume protein without the packaged items that tend to accompany protein bars. But is Parmesan the healthier choice?
Parmesan cheese, a staple in many kitchens, is being touted on TikTok as a “pure protein” food. But parmesan isn’t purely protein, according to Stephani Johnson, an adjunct professor of clinical and preventive nutrition sciences at Rutgers University. It contains fat and carbs too. One ounce of parmesan contains approximately 122 calories, 11 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, and 1 gram of carbohydrates. It’s also fairly high in sodium—around 450 milligrams per ounce—something to think about if you’re watching your heart health.
On the other hand, protein bars come in a wide variety of options. Some have as little as 5 grams of protein, while others pack in up to 30 grams per serving. Their calorie, fat, carb, and sugar content can vary a lot depending on the brand and ingredients. Take a chocolate chip Clif Bar, say, and it contains 250 calories, 10 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, and a whopping 43 grams of carbohydrates that include 17 grams of sugar.
So, do you reach for the parmesan or stick to a protein bar? The truth is, it’s a matter of what your body requires and what you can fit into your life. Parmesan is a naturally aged dairy food with minimal ingredients. Protein bars, however, can go from quite clean to very processed, with anything from natural sweeteners to additives. Julia Zumpano, a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic, states that if staying away from processed foods is your mission, parmesan could be the smarter snack, but limit it to approximately one ounce.
Ultimately, parmesan and protein bars each have their positives and negatives. One isn’t necessarily better than the other—it just depends. Zumpano suggests varying your snacks to keep things balanced in your diet. Protein bars are really easy to eat when you’re out and about, but if you’re home and can use whole foods, maybe those are the wiser option.
Whether you’re grabbing a chunk of Parmesan or unwrapping a protein bar, the key is variety. Choosing a mix of protein sources that work for your body and your routine is what makes the difference.