Hallmarks of the Best Meal-Replacement Bars

Learn what to look for and scour the ingredients to find out which meal-replacement bar is best to incorporate in your weight-loss meal plan. A key aspect of the success of a meal-replacement bar is that it must keep you full until your next meal.

Fiber, protein and fat play a pivotal role in stimulating appetite-suppressing hormones that keep you feeling full and satisfied, so a balanced amount of these macronutrients is crucial. While many meal-replacement bars boast very low fat, the truth is these types of bars often won't keep you full long enough. The best options have enough fat to keep you full without providing excess fat. Look for a meal-replacement bar with 8 or more grams of mostly unsaturated fat, at least 14 grams of protein and at least 4 grams of fiber.

The best bars also contain enough carbohydrates to keep your energy levels up, without being high in added sugar. Low-carb meal-replacement bars can leave you feeling tired, and bars high in added sugar contribute excess empty calories, thus sabotaging your weight-loss efforts. A good amount to shoot for is at least 30 grams of carbohydrates. Look for a total calorie content similar to that of a low-calorie meal -- about 300 to 400 calories.