Why Whey? Choosing a Protein for Our Refrigerated Protein Bars

Getting your kid to eat carbs never seems to be a challenge (hello, beige phase!). Protein, on the other hand, can be tricky. For our community, protein is the #1 requested attribute from parents of older kids. As always, we aim to deliver.

Designed with our growing kiddos’ needs in mind, our new Refrigerated Protein Bars are formulated with whey and milk protein. They’re a tasty, nutritious, and convenient method for breaking through the beige phase, delivering 8 grams of protein* (the same amount as a cup of whole milk) in a single snack.

What is whey protein?

As kids’ dietician Kacie Barnes, MCN, RDN, LD explains, “Whey protein is the protein made from the liquid portion of cow’s milk after the curds have been separated out.” Whey is a complete protein and is easily digested, making it a popular choice for supplementation.

What’s a complete protein, and why do kids need them?

“A complete protein is a protein food that has all nine essential amino acids present,” Barnes explains. Amino acids are essential to functions like muscle growth and digestion, and we need to get them through our diet because our bodies cannot produce them.

Just because something is a complete protein, like whey, doesn’t necessarily mean it has a higher protein content—it just means all the amino acids are present in that one food. Animal foods like meat, milk, and eggs are complete proteins, as are some plant foods like quinoa and soybeans.

Now, incomplete proteins (like nuts or lentils still provide plenty of nutritional benefits, but they may not contain adequate amounts of all amino acids. “You’ll just want to make sure that you are getting all of the nine essential amino acids throughout your diet,” says Barnes. Eating a variety of protein sources can help with this!

Whey vs. Plant-Based Protein

While there is nothing wrong with choosing a plant-based protein, Barnes says, “they are often not complete proteins. Some plant-based options can be a little lighter on protein content (and don’t contain all amino acids).” As long as you are consuming a variety of protein sources, plant-based proteins aren’t really a problem. However, she adds, “If you’re looking for a complete protein in one food, whey protein is a great option.”

Are there any concerns with kids consuming bars containing whey?

“As long as they tolerate it well and aren’t allergic,” Barnes says, “there shouldn’t be any problem.” At the appropriate level, “whey protein in a kids’ bar is a great choice!”

Great for the Whole Family

Beyond being a source of protein for our kids (hey, whey!), our new Refrigerated Protein Bars are sure to be a whole-family favorite. “Made with whole grain oats, fruits & veggies and whey and milk protein,” Once Upon a Farm Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer Cassandra Curtis says, “these bars are packed with a nutritional punch.” They’ll keep your kiddo fueled any time—at home or out and about. Psst: They can be taken on the go (unrefrigerated) for up to a week.

“As a mom of three,” says Curtis, “I know how important it is to have snacks for my kids that keep them satiated throughout the day.” But it’s not just the kids who will be grabbing these treats, she says. “With delicious flavors like Oatmeal Chocolate and Cinnamon Roll and a no added sugar‡ icing, I can’t stop eating them, too!”

‡ Not a low-calorie food. 
*See Nutrition Facts for Sat. Fat Content.