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We know the feeling — the feeling of waltzing down a supermarket aisle to find the protein bar section, but getting too overwhelmed that we just put our protein bar-hunting on the back burner. Chocolate Machine
Now, it’s time to revisit that deep-dive into all the different brands and ingredients that are expert-backed to help you up your protein count in a healthy, balanced way — whether you’re looking for a pre-workout snack before hitting your rowing machine and treadmill or are looking to swap out unhealthy boxes in your pantry.
“When looking for the healthiest options for protein bars, I always prioritize ingredients and ensure the ingredients are simple and natural,” Kayla Barnes, certified brain health coach and nutrition expert, told the New York Post. “You should be able to pronounce or have heard of the ingredients before. Avoid bars with pro-inflammatory oils like canola and soybean and artificial ingredients.”
Luckily, Barnes and four nutrition experts — including dietitians — rounded up the best protein bars of 2024. Not only that, but they share their expertise below in our in-depth FAQ section to help you answer some crunching questions about protein bars.
Click to jump to the best protein bars:
“Protein with a high biological value (a value that measures how well the body can absorb and utilize a protein), such as whey protein found in Legion Protein Bars, best supports muscle growth,” Mia Syn, MS, RD, registered dietitian and author of the “Mostly Plant-Based” cookbook, told The Post.
Plus, the brand has other naturally sweetened flavors to choose from.
For muscle gain, Kelly Jones, MS, RD, board-certified sports dietitian and owner of Student Athlete Nutrition recommends protein bars that also offer more energy and aren’t low in carbohydrate. Luckily, Perfect Bars clock in with 340 calories and 17 grams of protein.
“This could be a great snack before bed for those looking to gain weight since muscle protein synthesis requires both energy and protein, and a key time for it to occur is during sleep,” she adds. “It can also help bridge the time between two larger meals, or be a good option to pair with fruit and milk for an on-the-go breakfast.”
Editor’s Note: Perfect Bars stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week, but I like the texture of these bars best when they come straight out of the refrigerator. They’re not quite as chewy as other bars, and the cashew butter adds a bit of creaminess.
“For muscle gain, you’ll want a bar that contains an excellent amount of protein,” Amy Gorin, MS, RD, an inclusive plant-based dietitian and owner of Plant Based with Amy notes. “I like the GoMacro Organic Vegan Protein Bars.” In each bar, too, you get 12 grams of protein for 270 calories.
Extra tip: try and choose a GoMacro bar that doesn’t feature “natural flavors.”
What’s great about vegan protein bars is that they’re made up of solely plant-based ingredients. “Larabar is made with no more than nine 100% whole food ingredients including unsweetened fruit, nuts and spices,” Syn adds in vetting them as one of her favorites.
Editor’s Note: Larabars have been a favorite of mine since childhood. They’re easy on the tastebuds and contain wholesome ingredients. I love that they offer a wide range of flavors — from apple pie to cashew cookies — so it’s difficult to get bored or hung up on just one. These are smaller bars, so while I won’t consider them a meal replacement, they’re a good snack to refuel.
“One of my favorite vegan protein bars is CLIF Builders,” Jones highlights. “The brand has a great reputation and they use high quality soy protein.”
There’s also a variety of tasty flavors, carbohydrates to help replenish muscle energy stores and maintain blood sugar, and 20% of the daily value of iron, a nutrient that active females as well as vegans need more of, she notes.
Editor’s Note: I find Cliff Builders to be very filling, and at just under 300 calories they should be. I personally am a huge fan of anything chocolate flavored, and while these are no Hershey’s bars, they really do have a decadent, smooth flavor that convinces me I am enjoying dessert. Keep in mind they’re on the sweeter side.
GoMacro bars are a great vegan option with flavors that range from 9 to 12 grams of protein. “I recommend those on the higher end, but their carbohydrate content is great for active individuals and many people love the texture they offer,” Jones notes.
Editor’s Note: For someone who prefers a simple, clean treat over something packed with flavor, I recommend trying these. The ingredients are super clean, and you get a good mix of superfoods and healthy fats like pumpkin and sunflower seeds. I’ve also had trouble finding these bars at stores, so it’s a relief that I can order them in bulk from Amazon.
For a quite affordable protein bars option, you can’t go wrong with Orgain.
“These protein bars are a bit smaller in size than others, but still provide 10 grams of vegan protein,” Jones says. “They have a really smooth texture and crave-able taste with a size and nutrient profile great for the average generally active person.
According to Barnes, the Mindright Superfood Vegan Protein Bars are some of the best ones to try. With a peanut butter cup flavor, 11 grams of protein and gluten-free make, they’re perfect to stash in your bag before heading off to the gym.
They’re with pea protein, which is a high-quality and bioavailable vegan protein,” she adds. “Other vegan protein sources to look for are sprouted sources like hemp protein and brown rice protein.”
According to Jennifer Maeng, MS, RD, adult clinical nutrition specialist and founder of Chelsea Nutrition, CORE’s protein bars are one of her go-to vegan options. “I like Core and Rise bars [as listed below] the best for people who are searching for vegan protein bars,” she notes. “Rise bars contain more protein than Core bars but both are great as a snack.”
Plus, how can you resist a peanut butter chocolate for each day of the work week? Sounds like heaven on earth to us, TBH.
As recommended by Maeng, Rise’s Pea Sunflower Cinnamon Protein Bar is a 12-pack worth looking into. The brand is also an Amazon best-seller.
Made with only four natural ingredients, its 15 grams of protein count is filling and will keep you energized for your mid-day workout, too. However, be sure to check the product description for other flavors, if interested in those; not all of Rise Bars’ flavors are vegan.
For protein bars that can help support weight loss, look for ones high in protein and filling fiber, and lower in calories and sugar, according to Syn.
“Zing Bars are plant-based bars developed by nutritionists made with a blend of whole food ingredients like nut butter, plant protein from almonds and rice, and low glycemic carbohydrates that help keep blood sugar levels steady and may help support weight loss goals,” she adds.
Editor’s Note: As opposed to many of the firmer protein bars, Zing bars are quite soft and creamy — courtesy of the cashew butter. I definitely prefer this type of consistency for a lighter on-the-go snack or quick breakfast. The coconut flavor is on the stronger side.
Because the RXBAR is made with 3 core ingredients — egg whites, nuts and dates — it’s a paleo-friendly option (and one Syn loves!)
“The paleo diet is a dietary plan based on foods similar to what may have been eaten during the paleolithic era, so focuses on whole food ingredients like meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds while excluding dairy products, legumes and grains,” Syn explains.
Editor’s Note: I was a bit hesitant to try these bars knowing that they were packed with egg whites and I felt that flavor might clash in a protein bar. Don’t let that fool you — the other ingredients really mask the eggs and you wouldn’t know they’re in there. Crunchy nuts add a satisfying texture, and the dates sweeten it up just the right amount. You won’t be disappointed.
“I like Paleovalley bars,” Barnes recommends. “They’re made with organic ingredients, 100% grass-fed bone broth protein and a few brain-boosting ingredients like MCT.
Not to mention, if you’re looking for a “meatier” option (pun totally intended), these are worth the grab.
“For weight loss, you’ll want to look to a bar that boasts a good amount of both protein and fiber,” Gorin explains. “I like Kate’s Real Food Dark Chocolate Cherry & Almond.”
For 260 calories, you get 6 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber. Plus, the flavor combo for this bar is A+.
“Bob’s Bars are a good high-protein breakfast bar because they pack a balance of plant protein, fiber and good fats to start your day on an energized and satisfied note,” Syn recommends. They’re made with a short and simple list of wholesome ingredients including whole grain oats, peanut butter and organic honey, with up to 8 grams of protein, 3 grams of filling fiber, and less than 230 calories per bar.
Editor’s Note: I’ve used a wide range of flours from Bob’s Red Mill for baking experiments, and they’re bars do the trick for me as as well. I recommended these for anyone looking for a good source of wholegrain flours.The Peanut Butter and Jelly take is surprisingly delicious, and my only gripe with the brand is that they haven’t added more flavors.
For a paleo-friendly protein bar, look no further than Bulletproof, according to Maeng’s recommendation. The brand has grass-fed healthy snacks made with MCT oil (backed by Barnes as brain-boosting) and no added sugar.
Editor’s Note: It’s difficult to find a protein bar that is packed with collagen and MCT oil (great for healthy skin, bones and joints.) Bulletproof’s bars are easy on the stomach, low-calorie, and have a cookie-like texture that really tricks you into believing your’e eating dessert. Their new recipe is far less oily than the former.
“I’ve been a fan of RxBar for many years now, and love that they released “RXBAR AM” to provide additional energy from carbohydrate via oats and honey,” Jones says. She loves eating one an hour or more before a morning workout.
“You can also pair it with a tall glass of dairy or soy milk to increase protein further and get enough energy for a small meal,” she adds. “The texture is also fantastic.”
Rated the No.1 bestselling protein bar on Amazon, these will provide both a tasty flavor and without the carbs, so you can get packed with protein before your next workout.
Editor’s Note: You’re going to have trouble finding any bars with as much protein as a Quest Bar. Try the Birthday Cake or Cookies and Cream flavor if you have a sweet-tooth. Keep in mind these contain milk-derived ingredients, so for people with dairy-aversions they may not be the best choice.
Who says cake has to be bad for you? These birthday cake flavored protein bars only contain 1g of sugar and 20g of plant-based protein to fill you up — without the high carbs.
Barnes recommends grass-fed beef protein bar like an EPIC bar. They contain simple ingredients such as grass-fed venison, sea salt, encapsulated lactic acid, water, black pepper, cultured celery powder, onion powder, and garlic powder. “The bar has 1 carb and zero grams of sugar,” she adds.
“The SimplyProtein Snack Bars boast 12 grams of plant-based protein, 7 grams of fiber and only 2 grams of sugar per bar while also being gluten-free and dairy-free,” Syn notes. Plus, they have a satisfying texture and crunch thanks to ingredients like whole almonds and brown rice crisps.
Editor’s Note: These taste more like a breakfast bar than a protein bar, and the texture reminds me of a rice krispie bar. Consider SimplyProtein the best protein bar for people who don’t like protein bars!
LUNA bars are made with complete plant-based proteins and rolled oats, and they’re completely gluten free. I’ve been eating these for years, and still enjoy the light, crispy texture and creamy dipped coatings. These bars may deliver less protein than some others on the market, but the flavor really does make up for it.
Barebells quickly took off on TikTok after hitting the shelves at Trader Joes, and we can see why. The creamy nougat top layer gives this bar a candy-like texture, and the chocolate is creamy without any semblance of the some of the waxier coatings associated with protein bars. With 20 grams of protein, these bars certainly deserve a spot on our favorites list.
I discovered Aloha bars after hunting for a low-sugar and artificial sweetener-free option, and these have really impressed me. I’ve never experienced a sugar crash after eating these, and the coconut flavor makes up for the lack of sweetness.
Ahead, our team of dietitians dish out the deets on what to look for when shopping for protein bars — for every diet and preference, too.
The best protein bars will depend on your personal goals and dietary needs.
“Some people look for protein bars to give them energy on the go and bridge the gap between meals others look for protein bars that may help support weight loss or muscle growth,” said Syn. “Additionally, some may be looking for a bar that specifically caters to their dietary needs such as gluten-free, plant-based or keto-friendly.”
“The best protein bars offer high quality protein alongside important nutrients, while also having a desirable taste and texture,” Jones adds. “If you are eating protein bars regularly, I also recommend limiting ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, most sugar alcohols, and high doses of fibers such as inulin and chicory root, since frequent or high consumption can cause digestive distress in some people.
According to Maeng, three brands offer 15 to 22 grams of protein per serving: No Cow, Quest and Rise. Hitting 20 grams per serving, ONE bars is another good brand, as recommended by Barnes.
“The highest protein bars pack around 20 grams or more,” Syn adds. “CLIF Builders contain 20 grams of protein per bar and are designed to help recovery after a tough workout,” she highlights.
However, more protein isn’t always better. “While there are a couple of bars on the market packing in 30 grams of protein, they aren’t my top recommendation due to the balance of nutrients and other ingredients,” Jones notes.
According to Gorin, it really depends on what bar you are choosing.
“There are some very nutritious bars out there that are made with whole-food ingredients like nuts and seeds — and they are some very processed food bars that I would not recommend eating a lot of,” she told The Post.
When selecting a protein bar, it’s important you know your needs, first and foremost. Is this a snack? Is this a potential meal replacement given your lifestyle?
“I try to make sure it contains about 180-250 calories per serving, at least 10 grams of protein and minimum 4 grams of fiber,” Maeng notes. “I also look at the net carb (total carbohydrate – fiber = net carb) and look for products that have 15 grams or less of net carb to minimize blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can impact their energy levels as they go about their day.”
On the same token, carbohydrate plays an important role in muscle building and repairing so you shouldn’t just look for low carb protein bars. “Try to look for bars that use carbohydrates that are higher in fiber (indigestible part of carb) such as dates, seeds, whole grains, and nuts,” Maeng adds.
Above all else, knowing the nutritional impact of protein is important when on the lookout for protein bars (and naturally so!)
“Protein is an essential macronutrient and is found throughout the body including muscles, bones, skin and hair,” Syn explains. “This satiating macronutrient helps you feel full and may help support weight management and even weight loss. It also helps with muscle mass maintenance and growth when coupled with strength training.”
The answer depends completely on the bar’s components.
According to a study by the National Institute of Health, high-protein, protein bars formulated using whey protein isolate, soy protein isolate, oat flakes and inulin, were able to achieve the requirements for a meal replacement formula for physically active people.
Shoppers should be sure to check the ingredients of the bar, and consider their daily nutritional and caloric needs if using a protein bar to replace a meal.
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