Latest news with #DarrenFletcher
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Man Utd icon Darren Fletcher in talks over new role after Ruben Amorim request
Manchester United have undergone another major reshuffle this summer with Darren Fletcher also among those set to take on a different role next season under Ruben Amorim Manchester United icon Darren Fletcher is set to take his first steps into management by becoming the club's under-18s lead coach. The former midfielder has held various roles at Old Trafford since 2020. Having taken the reins within the club's youth ranks, he was promoted to the first-team by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Fletcher was named as technical director in 2021 and then returned to his coaching role under Erik ten Hag. He was then retained by Ruben Amorim as he replaced the Dutchman. But Fletcher has now seen his role changed once more. The Athletic report that he has been offered the role of the lead coach of the under-18s by director of football Jason Wilcox and outgoing director of academy Nick Cox as a replacement for Adam Lawrence. Fletcher was given the option of staying on as a member of Amorim's staff but is expected to accept the move and launch his managerial career. Having achieved his UEFA A Licence, Fletcher would lead United's under-18 side in the FA Youth Cup. First team star Manuel Ugarte was previously full of praise for Fletcher for helping him understand the demands of being a Man United player. Speaking earlier this season, he said: 'We all know what it means to be United, with the history we have. 'The history, the fans, the mystique. I understand this responsibility and that starts with the day-to-day, being 100 per cent focused on the football and ready to win trophies. 'United matches are always on in Uruguay so we all know the history they have. When you come here, and you are with people who are part of the history, for example, [Darren] Fletcher — they transmit what it means to be United.' Fletcher will follow in the footsteps of a number of former teammates including Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley in cutting his managerial teeth. Fletcher's move is the latest reshuffle of the coaching team at Old Trafford. Ruud van Nistelrooy - who has recently been sacked by Leicester - Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel all left following Amorim's arrival. The Portuguese has also made a request to United chiefs to bring in Acacio Valentim, his former Braga colleague. Set piece coach Andreas Georgson was initially retained but departed in May of this year, with a number of prominent backroom figures also leaving Old Trafford. There have also been major alterations in the boardroom. Dan Ashworth departed in December after just five months in the role. United had long pursued him, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe spearheading the move to bring him in from Newcastle.
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Scotland hero Darren Fletcher ‘in talks' for new job as he plots first steps into management
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORMER Scotland international Darren Fletcher has reportedly held talks about becoming under 18s manager at Manchester United. The 41-year-old, who has 80 caps for Scotland, has been a first-team coach at the club under Eric ten Hag and Ruben Amorim last season. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Man Utd coach Darren Fletcher Credit: Alamy 3 Fletcher won five Premier League titles with Man Utd Credit: PA 3 He picked up 80 caps for Scotland Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow But, with ambitions of becoming a manager of his own some day, it now seems like the time is right for the former Man Utd midfielder to start thinking about his pathway into management, according to the BBC. It is also reported that Fletcher had reservations about taking up the position in the past, with his twin sons Jack and Tyler playing at that age group. But they've now moved up to 21s, paving the way for Fletcher to begin his first steps in management. The role is currently vacant after Adam Lawrence left at the end last season to "seek a new challenge" following four years at the club. And Fletcher, who holds a UEFA A licence, is rated by sporting director Jason Wilcox and departing academy director Nick Cox who's becoming technical director at Everton. Fletcher made his playing debut in the Champions League in 2003 under Sir Alex Ferguson against Basel. The midfielder would go on to amass more than 300 games for the club, scoring 24 goals. He also played almost 100 games for West Brom and 42 for Stoke City towards the end of his career after recovering from ulcerative colitis. He was diagnosed with the debilitating bowel condition in 2011 and was forced to take time away from the game. He won five Premier League titles in a glittering career as well as the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup. Darren Fletcher says Walter Smith was behind Cristiano Ronaldo's transformation as kid at Man Utd The ex-midfielder returned to the Man Utd in 2020 to coach their under 16s and was promoted to first-team coach the following season. He then became a technical director in March 2021 for three years helping to bridge the gap between the academy and first team before being replaced by Jason Wilcox. He then returned to a coaching capacity under Eric ten Hag and Amorim before reportedly holding talks about current vacancy at the U18s managerial position. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
I tasted 9 protein bars – all were delicious but most were packed with nasty ingredients or sugar
A nutritionist says protein bars should be seen the same as a chocolate bar, if the protein is low but sugar is high POWER UP I tasted 9 protein bars – all were delicious but most were packed with nasty ingredients or sugar THE words 'high protein' are stamped on pretty much every food these days. There's protein bread, protein pizzas, protein ice-cream and even protein water. 13 Lucy Gornall tried a number of protein bars - were they delicious as well as nutritious? Credit: Darren Fletcher But one of the easiest protein products to reach for is the protein bar. In the 1970s, bodybuilders and athletes used them to aid muscle growth and recovery. But they became mainstream by the 1990s, and in 2025, more than a fifth of us eat them every single week. The global protein bar market is now thought to be worth a staggering $14.2billion and is only set to rise. But are protein bars actually healthy, and are some better than others? Experts say they can be, but some contain nasty ingredients, with links to gut issues. Here's the lowdown. WHAT IS PROTEIN? PROTEIN is an essential macronutrient. It's needed for healthy muscles, skin, hair, hormones and a strong immune system. Good sources include meat, fish, eggs, tofu, beans and dairy, to name just a few. High-protein snack ideas that are quick and easy But when we don't have time to whip up a meal or we need an alternative to sugar-laden biscuits and fatty crisps, many of us turn to protein bars. 13 Protein bars have become so popular that even brands known for their chocolate make them - but the nutrition on the label reveals the ones worth trying Credit: Getty Protein bars offer a convenient, on-the-go option to easily increase your intake. But are they as healthy as we think? As a personal trainer, health writer and general wellness and fitness fanatic, I decided to pay several to the test, and ask experts for their verdict too. BodyMe Turmeric Lemon Protein bar: 5/5 Price: £32 for 12 (from Body Me) Protein: 16.4g per 60g bar (27.3g per 100g) Sugar: 15.7g per 60g bar (26.2g per 100g) Fat: 10.8g per 60g bar (18g per 100g) Fibre: 2.5g per 60g bar (4.2g per 100g) Calories: 155 per 60g bar (258 per 100g) 13 BodyMe Turmeric Lemon Protein bar Credit: BodyMe 13 Lucy called the BodyMe protein bar a "definite winner" Credit: Darren Fletcher A VEGAN-friendly bar with 16g of plant protein from a mix of peas, brown rice and hemp, registered nutritionist Claire Hitchen says that this 'fits the bill for a more whole food-based option'. 'Hemp has a higher fibre content and is also a source of omega-3 fatty acids,' she adds. 'This bar doesn't contain artificial sweeteners or other additives and the ingredients are all organic too, which can help to reduce your exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.' Taste test: This flavour makes a change from the usual peanut butter and chocolate protein bars that I'm used to. The strong lemon flavour makes it taste a little like lemon meringue pie, however it's not overly sweet. I like how fudgy it is, without tearing my teeth out with every bite. A definite winner! Protein Ball Co High Protein Peanut Butter Energy Balls: 5/5 Price: £18.99 for 10 bags (from The Protein Ball Co) Protein: 10g per 45g bag (22.1g per 100g) Sugar: 16.1g per 45g bag (35.7g per 100g) Fat: 8.2g per 45g bag (18.3g per 100g) Fibre: 2.7g per 45g bag (6g per 100g) Calories: 188 per 45 bag (417 per 100g) 13 Protein Ball Co High Protein Peanut Butter Energy Balls Credit: Protein Ball Co 'MADE largely with dates and nuts, this is a whole food-based product that provides better nutritional value than most other 'protein' bars and snacks,' says Claire. 'The 10g of protein per pack comes from the nuts, as well as whey protein isolate, which is considered to be a high-quality protein that's absorbed well and can help with muscle gain and cardiometabolic health.' It has the benefit of added vitamin D3, which supports bone health, mood regulation and immune function, and it's free from artificial sweeteners. Taste test: Like sweet, nutty, chewy balls of goodness, I love the nut lumps in these balls. They're super squidgy and delicious, and pretty healthy! Holland & Barrett Triactive Pistachio and Cranberry bar: 4.5/5 Price: £2.50 (from Holland & Barrett) Protein: 8.7g per 50g bar (17g per 100g) Sugar: 11g per 50g bar (23g per 100g) Fat: 14g per 50g bar (28g per 100g) Fibre: 6.7g per 50g bar (13g per 100g) Calories: 250 per 50g bar (500 per 100g) 13 Holland & Barrett Triactive Pistachio and Cranberry bar Credit: Holland & Barrett PRIMARILY made from peanuts, pistachios, dried cranberries and oats, this bar contains 8.7g of protein, which is slightly less than many others out there. However, it does also contain 6.7g of fibre, which Claire says is a 'plus' for this type of product. 'This has added B vitamins and magnesium which is a positive, but the type of magnesium included is magnesium oxide, which is less easily used by the body and may act as a laxative,' adds Claire. Taste test: This is very tough on the jaw but tastes delicious. You wouldn't think it was a protein bar. The pistachio lumps are great and I felt considerably full after eating a whole bar. 4. The Fast 800 Dark Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bar: 4/5 Price: £26.99 for 12 (from The Fast 500) Protein: 14g per 45g bar (30g per 100g) Sugar: 1g per 45g bar (2.3g per 100g) Fat: 10g per 45g bar (22g per 100g) Fibre: 9g per 45g bar (20g per 100g) Calories: 192 per 45g bar (426 per 100g) 13 The Fast 800 Dark Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bar Credit: The Fast 800 EACH bar contains 14g of protein, coming from vegan sources like pea and rice. 'This product also contains 9g of fibre (nearly a third of your recommended daily fibre intake), seemingly from the added chicory root fibre - a prebiotic fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria,' says Claire. 'Be careful though, as this could trigger bloating and gas in some people, particularly in excess. 'This bar also uses artificial sweeteners (a polyol called xylitol), which can trigger gut issues and have laxative effects, particularly if you're eating them regularly.' Taste test: Dark chocolate raspberry seems to be a popular protein bar choice but I'm here for it. This tastes like a chocolate bar but knowing it's not filled with cr** makes me feel much less guilty. 5. Warrior Crunch Fudge Brownie: 3.5/5 Price: £2.08 (from Asda) Protein: 20g per 64g bar (31g per 100g) Sugar: 2.1g per 64g bar (3.3g per 100g) Fat: 11g per 64g bar (17g per 100g) Fibre: 0g per 64g bar (0g per 100g) Calories: 239 per 64g bar (374 per 100g) 13 Warrior Crunch Fudge Brownie Credit: Warrior Cheap high protein foods Lucy Gornall reveals some of the best protein sources that won't break the bank: Tinned fish Mackerel 15g per 100g Tuna 25g per 100g Sardines and salmon 17g per 100g Cottage cheese 10g per 100g Plain/Greek yoghurt 4 to 10.5g per 100g; Greek yoghurt has more protein than plain or natural yoghurt, but the former is more expensive Stewing cuts of meat Beef shin - 20 to 22g per 100g Lamb shoulder - 17 to 20g per 100g Oxtail - 19.6g per 100g Non-Gmo tofu Firm tofu 12 to 16g per 100g Silken tofu 6.5g per 100g WITH an impressive 20g of protein per bar, which Warrior says is 'almost as much as a chicken breast', this is a handy way to top up your protein. But Claire warns: 'It's not just about the protein. In a chicken breast, you'd get the protein alongside lots of other important nutrients, including B vitamins, zinc, iron, selenium and more.' She says that despite this bar being 'low sugar', the artificial sweeteners used to replace it, known as polyols (sugar alcohols), can trigger gut symptoms, especially in people with irritable bowel syndrome. 'They're approved for safe use as food additives, however more research is being done and the European Food Standards Association is currently re-evaluating the safety of maltitol, which is used in this bar." Healthline says: 'After eating maltitol, some people experience stomach pains and gas. It can also act similarly to a laxative and cause diarrhoea. 'The severity of these side effects depends on how much of it you eat and how your body reacts to it.' Taste test: This tastes rich, exactly like a naughty brownie. The colourful little edible balls add an extra crunch and the bar generally is just the right amount of chewy. 6. Free Soul Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Vegan protein bar Price: £16 for 12 (from FreeSoul) Protein: 16.5g per 50g bar (33g per 100g) Sugar: 0.5g per 50g bar (0.9g per 100g) Fat: 6g per 50g bar (12.1g per 100g) Fibre: 3.6g per 50g bar (7.1g per 100g) Calories: 159 per 50g bar (319 per 100g) 13 Free Soul Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Vegan Protein Bar Credit: Free Soul THESE are described as 'incredibly delicious, triple-layered, plant-based protein bars coated in real dark chocolate with a gooey core'. Each one contains a decent 16.5g of protein and 3.6g of fibre. 'The sugar and calorie content are very low at 0.5g and around 159 respectively, however these bars do contain sugar alcohols like maltitol and xylitol,' says registered nutritionist Clarissa Lenherr. 'They also contain more processed ingredients than I would typically like to see in a protein bar.' This includes the emulsifier lecithin, the humectant vegetable glycerine, polydextrose as a bulking agent and gum acacia as a thickener. Taste test: The chocolate is super milky. I popped this in the microwave for 45 seconds and let it melt a little for a bit more of a gooey bar. 7. Fuel 10k Peanut Butter oat bar: 3/5 Price: £2.24 for 3 (from Asda) Protein: 9.7g per 45g bar (21.6g per 100g) Sugar: 8.4g per 45g bar (18.8g per 100g) Fat: 9.4g per 45g bar (20.9g per 100g) Fibre: 5.1g per 45g bar (11.3g per 100g) Calories: 192 per 45g bar (426 per 100g) 13 Fuel 10k Peanut Butter Oat Bar Credit: Fuel 13 Lucy says this is a good option for those who like oats for breakfast Credit: Darren Fletcher CLARISSA says: 'This offers a convenient, vegan snack with 9.7g of protein and 5.1g of fibre. 'However, it contains 8.4g of sugar per serving, which is relatively high for a snack.' With added sugars like rice syrup and refined sugar, stabilisers and natural flavourings, this one is best as an emergency snack option. 'I wouldn't lean on it daily if you're aiming for minimally processed choices and less sugar,' Clarissa adds. . Taste test: If you like oats for breakfast, this is your bar. It's crunchy and chewy in one with plenty of pumpkin seeds and sweet bits of dried fruit. 8. Real Meal Blueberry & Almond: 2.5/5 Price: £4.99 for one (from RealMeal) Protein: 26g per 150g bar (17.3g per 100g) Sugar: 39.5g per 150g bar (26.3g per 100g) Fat: 22.1g per 150g bar (14.7g per 100g) Fibre: 13.5g per 150g bar (9g per 100g) Calories: 603 per 150g (402 per 100g) 13 Real Meal Blueberry & Almond Credit: Real. Meal MADE from mostly whole food ingredients with 26g of protein and 14g of fibre per bar, Clarissa says this is great for feeling full and for muscle maintenance. 'The sugar content is quite high at nearly 40g per bar – more than a can of Coke!' she adds. 'That's likely down to the fact that this is designed to provide energy and fuel for performance. 'I wouldn't say this is a great everyday option for those who aren't fueling for intense exercise like a marathon.' Taste test: Yum! The Blueberry & Almond flavour tastes like a berry, marzipan-style pie. It's chewy and tasty and filled with chia seeds. It's actually surprisingly filling too. 9. MyProtein Filled Wafer in Hazelnut: 2.5/5 Price: £15.99 for 12 (from MyProtein) Protein: 4.5g per 24g bar (20g per 100g) Sugar: 7g per 24g bar (29g per 100g) Fat: 8.7g per 24g bar (36g per 100g) Fibre: 0g per 24g bar (1g per 100g) Calories: 133 per 24g bar (553 per 100g) 13 MyProtein Filled Wafer in Hazelnut Credit: MyProtein AS a protein-enriched bar rather than a protein bar, this only provides 4.8g of protein. Claire says this should only be seen as a sweet snack, just like you would see a chocolate bar. 'As well as the whey protein isolate, this product is made from sugar, different types of fat (shea fat, palm and milk fat), with chocolate, emulsifiers and flavourings,' she adds. Taste test: I expected this to taste like a Kinder Bueno bar and to be honest, it's not far off, just a little less creamy. But it still tastes naughty and thanks to being a wafer, it's super light. Protein isn't just for bulking in the gym. It is the building block of a number of systems in the body.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I tasted 9 protein bars – all were delicious but most were packed with nasty ingredients or sugar
THE words 'high protein' are stamped on pretty much every food these days. There's Advertisement 13 Lucy Gornall tried a number of protein bars - were they delicious as well as nutritious? Credit: Darren Fletcher But one of the easiest protein products to reach for is the In the 1970s, bodybuilders and athletes used them to aid muscle growth and recovery. But they became mainstream by the 1990s, and in 2025, more than a fifth of us eat them every single week. The global protein bar market is now thought to be worth a staggering $14.2billion and is only set to rise. Advertisement Read more on fitness food But are protein bars actually healthy, and are some better than others? Experts say they can be, but some contain nasty ingredients, with links to gut issues. Here's the lowdown. WHAT IS PROTEIN? PROTEIN is an essential macronutrient. Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive It's Good sources include meat, fish, eggs, tofu, beans and dairy, to name just a few. High-protein snack ideas that are quick and easy But when we don't have time to whip up a meal or we need an alternative to sugar-laden biscuits and fatty crisps, many of us turn to protein bars. 13 Protein bars have become so popular that even brands known for their chocolate make them - but the nutrition on the label reveals the ones worth trying Credit: Getty Advertisement Protein bars offer a convenient, on-the-go option to easily increase your intake. But are they as healthy as we think? As a personal trainer, health writer and general wellness and fitness fanatic, I decided to pay several to the test, and ask experts for their verdict too. BodyMe Turmeric Lemon Protein bar: 5/5 Price: £32 for 12 ( Protein: 16.4g per 60g bar (27.3g per 100g) Sugar: 15.7g per 60g bar (26.2g per 100g) Fat: 10.8g per 60g bar (18g per 100g) Fibre: 2.5g per 60g bar (4.2g per 100g) Calories: 155 per 60g bar (258 per 100g) 13 BodyMe Turmeric Lemon Protein bar Credit: BodyMe Advertisement 13 Lucy called the BodyMe protein bar a "definite winner" Credit: Darren Fletcher A VEGAN-friendly bar with 16g of plant protein from a mix of peas, brown rice and hemp, registered nutritionist 'Hemp has a higher 'This bar doesn't contain artificial sweeteners or other additives and the ingredients are all organic too, which can help to reduce your exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.' Advertisement Taste test: This flavour makes a change from the usual peanut butter and chocolate protein bars that I'm used to. The strong lemon flavour makes it taste a little like lemon meringue pie, however it's not overly sweet. I like how fudgy it is, without tearing my teeth out with every bite. A definite winner! Protein Ball Co High Protein Peanut Butter Energy Balls: 5/5 Price: £18.99 for 10 bags ( Advertisement Protein: 10g per 45g bag (22.1g per 100g) Sugar: 16.1g per 45g bag (35.7g per 100g) Fat: 8.2g per 45g bag (18.3g per 100g) Fibre: 2.7g per 45g bag (6g per 100g) Calories: 188 per 45 bag (417 per 100g) 13 Protein Ball Co High Protein Peanut Butter Energy Balls Credit: Protein Ball Co 'MADE largely with dates and nuts, this is a whole food-based product that provides better nutritional value than most other 'protein' bars and snacks,' says Claire. 'The 10g of protein per pack comes from the nuts, as well as whey protein isolate, which is considered to be a high-quality protein that's absorbed well and can help with muscle gain and cardiometabolic health.' It has the benefit of added vitamin D3, which supports bone health, mood regulation and immune function, and it's free from artificial sweeteners. Advertisement Taste test: Like sweet, nutty, chewy balls of goodness, I love the nut lumps in these balls. They're super squidgy and delicious, and pretty healthy! Holland & Barrett Triactive Pistachio and Cranberry bar: 4.5/5 Price: £2.50 ( Protein: 8.7g per 50g bar (17g per 100g) Sugar: 11g per 50g bar (23g per 100g) Fat: 14g per 50g bar (28g per 100g) Fibre: 6.7g per 50g bar (13g per 100g) Calories: 250 per 50g bar (500 per 100g) 13 Holland & Barrett Triactive Pistachio and Cranberry bar Credit: Holland & Barrett Advertisement PRIMARILY made from peanuts, pistachios, dried cranberries and oats, this bar contains 8.7g of protein, which is slightly less than many others out there. However, it does also contain 6.7g of fibre, which Claire says is a 'plus' for this type of product. 'This has added B vitamins and Taste test: This is very tough on the jaw but tastes delicious. You wouldn't think it was a protein bar. Advertisement The pistachio lumps are great and I felt considerably full after eating a whole bar. 4. The Fast 800 Dark Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bar: 4/5 Price: £26.99 for 12 ( Protein: 14g per 45g bar (30g per 100g) Sugar: 1g per 45g bar (2.3g per 100g) Fat: 10g per 45g bar (22g per 100g) Fibre: 9g per 45g bar (20g per 100g) Calories: 192 per 45g bar (426 per 100g) 13 The Fast 800 Dark Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bar Credit: The Fast 800 EACH bar contains 14g of protein, coming from vegan sources like pea and rice. Advertisement 'This product also contains 9g of fibre (nearly a third of your recommended daily fibre intake), seemingly from the added chicory root fibre - a prebiotic fibre that feeds beneficial gut bacteria,' says Claire. 'Be careful though, as this could trigger bloating and gas in some people, particularly in excess. 'This bar also uses artificial sweeteners (a polyol called xylitol), which can trigger gut issues and have laxative effects, particularly if you're eating them regularly.' Taste test: Dark chocolate raspberry seems to be a popular protein bar choice but I'm here for it. Advertisement This tastes like a chocolate bar but knowing it's not filled with cr** makes me feel much less guilty. 5. Warrior Crunch Fudge Brownie: 3.5/5 Price: £2.08 ( Protein: 20g per 64g bar (31g per 100g) Sugar: 2.1g per 64g bar (3.3g per 100g) Fat: 11g per 64g bar (17g per 100g) Fibre: 0g per 64g bar (0g per 100g) Calories: 239 per 64g bar (374 per 100g) 13 Warrior Crunch Fudge Brownie Credit: Warrior Cheap high protein foods Lucy Gornall reveals some of the best protein sources that won't break the bank: Tinned fish Mackerel 15g per 100g Tuna 25g per 100g Sardines and salmon 17g per 100g Cottage cheese 10g per 100g Plain/Greek yoghurt 4 to 10.5g per 100g; Greek yoghurt has more protein than plain or natural yoghurt, but the former is more expensive Stewing cuts of meat Beef shin - 20 to 22g per 100g Lamb shoulder - 17 to 20g per 100g Oxtail - 19.6g per 100g Non-Gmo tofu Firm tofu 12 to 16g per 100g Silken tofu 6.5g per 100g WITH an impressive 20g of protein per bar, which Warrior says is 'almost as much as a chicken breast', this is a handy way to top up your protein. Advertisement But Claire warns: 'It's not just about the protein. In a chicken breast, you'd get the protein alongside lots of other important nutrients, including B vitamins, zinc, iron, selenium and more.' She says that despite this bar being 'low sugar', the 'They're approved for safe use as food additives, however more research is being done and the European Food Standards Association is currently re-evaluating the safety of maltitol, which is used in this bar." Healthline says: 'After eating maltitol, some people experience stomach pains and gas. It can also act similarly to a laxative and cause Advertisement 'The severity of these side effects depends on how much of it you eat and how your body reacts to it.' Taste test: This tastes rich, exactly like a naughty brownie. The colourful little edible balls add an extra crunch and the bar generally is just the right amount of chewy. 6. Free Soul Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Vegan protein bar Price: £16 for 12 (from Advertisement Protein: 16.5g per 50g bar (33g per 100g) Sugar: 0.5g per 50g bar (0.9g per 100g) Fat: 6g per 50g bar (12.1g per 100g) Fibre: 3.6g per 50g bar (7.1g per 100g) Calories: 159 per 50g bar (319 per 100g) 13 Free Soul Chocolate Caramel and Peanut Vegan Protein Bar Credit: Free Soul THESE are described as 'incredibly delicious, triple-layered, plant-based protein bars coated in real dark chocolate with a gooey core'. Each one contains a decent 16.5g of protein and 3.6g of fibre. 'The sugar and calorie content are very low at 0.5g and around 159 respectively, however these bars do contain sugar alcohols like maltitol and xylitol,' says registered nutritionist Advertisement 'They also contain more processed ingredients than I would typically like to see in a protein bar.' This includes the emulsifier lecithin, the humectant vegetable glycerine, polydextrose as a bulking agent and gum acacia as a thickener. Taste test: The chocolate is super milky. I popped this in the microwave for 45 seconds and let it melt a little for a bit more of a gooey bar. Advertisement 7. Fuel 10k Peanut Butter oat bar: 3/5 Price: £2.24 for 3 ( Protein: 9.7g per 45g bar (21.6g per 100g) Sugar: 8.4g per 45g bar (18.8g per 100g) Fat: 9.4g per 45g bar (20.9g per 100g) Fibre: 5.1g per 45g bar (11.3g per 100g) Calories: 192 per 45g bar (426 per 100g) 13 Fuel 10k Peanut Butter Oat Bar Credit: Fuel 13 Lucy says this is a good option for those who like oats for breakfast Credit: Darren Fletcher CLARISSA says: 'This offers a convenient, vegan snack with 9.7g of protein and 5.1g of fibre. Advertisement 'However, it contains 8.4g of sugar per serving, which is relatively high for a snack.' With added sugars like rice syrup and refined sugar, stabilisers and natural flavourings, this one is best as an emergency snack option. 'I wouldn't lean on it daily if you're aiming for minimally processed choices and less sugar,' Clarissa adds. . Taste test: If you like oats for breakfast, this is your bar. Advertisement It's crunchy and chewy in one with plenty of pumpkin seeds and sweet bits of dried fruit. 8. Real Meal Blueberry & Almond: 2.5/5 Price: £4.99 for one ( Protein: 26g per 150g bar (17.3g per 100g) Sugar: 39.5g per 150g bar (26.3g per 100g) Fat: 22.1g per 150g bar (14.7g per 100g) Fibre: 13.5g per 150g bar (9g per 100g) Calories: 603 per 150g (402 per 100g) 13 Real Meal Blueberry & Almond Credit: Real. Meal MADE from mostly whole food ingredients with 26g of protein and 14g of fibre per bar, Clarissa says this is great for feeling full and for muscle maintenance. Advertisement 'The sugar content is quite high at nearly 40g per bar – more than a can of Coke!' she adds. 'That's likely down to the fact that this is designed to provide energy and fuel for performance. 'I wouldn't say this is a great everyday option for those who aren't fueling for intense exercise like a marathon.' Taste test: Yum! The Blueberry & Almond flavour tastes like a berry, marzipan-style pie. Advertisement It's chewy and tasty and filled with chia seeds. It's actually surprisingly filling too. 9. MyProtein Filled Wafer in Hazelnut: 2.5/5 Price: £15.99 for 12 ( Protein: 4.5g per 24g bar (20g per 100g) Sugar: 7g per 24g bar (29g per 100g) Fat: 8.7g per 24g bar (36g per 100g) Fibre: 0g per 24g bar (1g per 100g) Calories: 133 per 24g bar (553 per 100g) 13 MyProtein Filled Wafer in Hazelnut Credit: MyProtein AS a protein-enriched bar rather than a protein bar, this only provides 4.8g of protein. Advertisement Claire says this should only be seen as a sweet snack, just like you would see a chocolate bar. 'As well as the whey protein isolate, this product is made from sugar, different types of fat (shea fat, palm and milk fat), with chocolate, emulsifiers and flavourings,' she adds. Taste test: I expected this to taste like a Kinder Bueno bar and to be honest, it's not far off, just a little less creamy. But it still tastes naughty and thanks to being a wafer, it's super light. Advertisement Protein isn't just for bulking in the gym. It is the building block of a number of systems in the body. What is protein needed for? Protein isn't just for bulking in the gym. It is the building block of a number of systems in the body. These are just some... Muscle repair: Protein helps build and repair muscle tissues, making it vital for athletes, bodybuilders, and those recovering from injuries. Supports immune system: Proteins are involved in the production of antibodies, which help fight infections and diseases. Hormone production: Protein is necessary for the creation of enzymes and hormones that regulate bodily processes, such as digestion and metabolism. Skin, hair, and nails: Protein contributes to the maintenance of skin elasticity, hair strength, and nail growth. Energy: While carbohydrates and fats are the primary energy sources, protein can act as an energy reserve when needed. Weight control: Protein helps you feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and supporting healthy weight loss or maintenance.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Fletcher in talks over Man Utd U18 coaching role
Former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is in talks to take over as the club's Under-18 U18s coach Adam Lawrence left United at the end of the season, part of a major summer upheaval at youth level that also includes academy chief Nick Cox taking a job at Everton as technical feel former Scotland international Fletcher, 41, will provide continuity as the search for Cox's successor initially returned to Old Trafford in a non-playing role during Ed Woodward's time as chief was appointed as technical director in 2021 but moved roles following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival as minority shareholder, when Jason Wilcox took the job after leaving was a first-team coach under Erik ten Hag and, in more recent times, has been a link between the first-team and academy and travelled to Malaysia and Hong Kong at the end of the season, when a number of young players were has long-term management ambitions of his own and this would be a positive first has previously been reluctant to take on an academy role as his twin sons Tyler and Jack were both excelling as they have now moved out of the Under-18 age group, which leaves Fletcher to take the job if he is understood he will work closely with Travis Binnion, United's Under-21 lead coach.
