Athletes are always looking for new sources of protein to help them bulk up and build muscle. So, it's no surprise that some of them have begun to wonder whether gummy bears might be a good source of the nutrient.
After all, they're made of gelatin, which is derived from animal collagen and does contain small amounts of protein.
However, before you start stocking up on gummy bears for your next pre-workout snack, there are a few things you should know.
The Protein Content of Gummy Bears
While gummy bears do contain some protein, it's important to keep in mind that they are primarily made of sugar. A single large gummy bear has about 4 grams of protein, which is equivalent to the amount of protein in a small egg.
In other words, you would need to eat a lot of gummy bears to get the same amount of protein as you would from other sources such as meat or dairy.
The Quality of Gummy Bear Protein
Another thing to consider is the quality of the protein found in gummy bears. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and there are 20 different amino acids that our bodies need in order to function properly.
Of those 20 amino acids, 9 are considered "essential," meaning that our bodies cannot produce them on their own and we must get them from our diet.
Gelatin, the main component of gummy bears, only contains 2 essential amino acids: glycine and proline.
This means that it is an "incomplete" source of protein and is not as beneficial for athletes as other sources such as meat or eggs, which contain all 9 essential amino acids.
Bottom Line
Are Gummy Bears a Good Source of Protein for Athletes?
The verdict? Probably not.
Gummy bears may contain small amounts of protein, but they are primarily made of sugar and their protein content is not very high quality.
If you're looking for a source of protein that will help you bulk up and build muscle, you're better off sticking with meat, eggs, or dairy products.
Alternatively, the hot craze these days are protein gummies. They are great, healthy and fun. Check them out below and it will surprise you.
