Are you guilty of going by the office candy bowl and snagging a mid-day treat? There's nothing wrong with the occasional treat. However, often it can become a habit that can kill our energy levels during the day and affect our waistline over time.
Have you ever wondered what's actually in the classic candy bars we tend to love so much? Sure, it tastes good and is a great pick-me-up snack, but what's inside?
We'll share all the facts you need to know about one of the most popular candy bars and give you a healthier alternative you can easily make at home to satisfy that sweet tooth!
What's in a Mounds Candy Bar?
The Mounds Candy Bar is a sweet coconut bar layered with dark chocolate; if you've had one, you probably remember the texture.
But let's be honest; what's not to love? For some of us with health and wellness-related goals, it's the fact that this little bar has around 230 calories. These calories come from about 13 grams of fat, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 21 grams of added sugars, and only 2 grams of protein.
A single candy bar like Mounds contains 84 calories from added sugars, which you must beware of.
When looking at various recommendations for added sugar intake - such as the American Heart Association's guideline suggesting men should keep their added sugar intake under 150 calories a day and women should keep theirs below 100 calories/per day(1).
Sure, it might provide tiny percentages of essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and vitamin D. Still, we aren't talking about a superfood here. There's absolutely room for improvement for this treat that you could eat in less than 60 seconds as you make your way back down the office hall.
With a healthy alternative, you can avoid the high amount of added sugar and fats while boosting the amount of protein and nutrients.
A Healthier Alternative - That's Still Tasty
Don't worry! You can have the same sweet taste without all of those unnecessary calories and added sugars by making this "Mounds Bar Shake" at home!
For a simple option, use our coconut almond protein powder that has pea protein as the base, less than 150 calories, only 3 grams of sugar, and 20 grams of protein.
It already has flavor-boosting natural ingredients like cocoa, almond flour, and coconut sugar - making it easy to mix up in a shaker cup and pour over ice.
One significant benefit of choosing this healthier alternative is that it will also be packed with protein - helping you feel full and satisfied the rest of the day. You can wave goodbye to that sugar crash typically felt after indulging in a sugary treat.
Whether you are getting ready for a workout or trying to increase your productivity at the office - you should indulge in a snack with protein like this.
It's an easy addition that will help you boost energy levels, increase focus, and even balance out other macronutrients. Protein can also support muscle growth and recovery during workouts, helping you maximize results at the gym(2).
Try the "Mounds Bar" Protein Shake
Overall, there are plenty of healthier alternatives to traditional snacks, like a Mounds Candy Bar, if you take the time to find them and put a little effort in.
This "Mounds Bar Protein Shake" is one example that provides delicious flavor without compromising your health goals – plus, by adding a high-quality protein powder, you can get even more nutrition benefits!
For a sweet summertime treat, you can blend a serving of protein powder, 1 cup of almond milk
