Comparison of the Glycemic Impact of Popular Snack Bars in the Chilean Market

The increased consumption of snacks has raised concerns regarding metabolic health, particularly due to their content of rapidly absorbed carbohydrates. This study assessed the glycemic impact of three representative snack bars from the Chilean market: a plant-based protein bar formulated with isomaltulose (NotProtein® Snack Bar, NPSB), a cereal-based bar (CBS), and an animal-based protein bar (ABPS). The glycemic response was analyzed in ten healthy adults, following the consumption of standardized portions containing 25 g of available carbohydrates in a crossover trial. The results indicated that NPSB exhibited the lowest glycemic load (GL = 2.2) and the slowest glucose absorption, with a more sustained metabolic response compared to the other bars. These effects are attributed to its formulation with isomaltulose, as well as its higher protein and fiber content, particularly low-molecular-weight soluble fiber (LMW-SF). CBS, in contrast, had the highest glycemic impact (GL = 10.1), reflecting its high content of rapidly digestible carbohydrates. Reformulating snacks with lower glycemic load profiles and increased functional ingredients, such as soluble fibers and slow-digesting carbohydrates, could contribute to improving metabolic health in consumers seeking healthier options.