The 15 Best Protein Bars of 2024
Listen carefully, and you’ll hear the word protein mentioned in every wellness-related conversation. Many people question how to get enough protein in their daily lives, and that’s where protein bars come in. They are one of the most accessible ways to get additional protein into your diet.
While we often focus on protein’s role in building and repairing muscle tissue, it’s also important for hormones and enzymes. The amount of protein you need varies based on factors such as age, weight, and activity level.
Choosing the right protein bar can be overwhelming—taste, texture, and added ingredients all play a role. To help you find your perfect match, we identified the best protein bars available. Our team of testers tried over 20 different protein bars, assessing them based on flavor, aftertaste, smell, texture, and overall value. Then, our dietitians analyzed the ingredients and nutrition composition to bring you this list of top protein bars.
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Why We Like It
Protein bars often contain unnecessary fillers, but the 88 Acres Banana Bread Pumpkin Seed Protein Bar stands out by keeping things simple with only a short list of whole food ingredients. Our testers gave this bar high points for flavor, although they noted that the pumpkin seeds and cinnamon slightly overshadow the banana. Sweetened with brown rice syrup and maple syrup, this bar has a nutty, caramel-like taste with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors without being overly sweet.
The texture is soft and slightly crumbly, thanks to the pumpkin seeds that add protein and fiber. This bar contains 20% of your daily iron needs. Iron is important because it helps carry oxygen throughout your body. It’s especially beneficial for menstruating people, athletes, vegans/vegetarians, and older adults. Additionally, this bar is non-GMO, vegan, kosher, gluten-free, and nut-free, making it a good choice for a variety of dietary needs.
It’s Worth Noting
Our testers mentioned that while the aroma of this bar doesn’t quite resemble banana bread, they thoroughly enjoyed its taste. If you’re being mindful of your sugar intake, note that each bar contains four grams of added sugar.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (55 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 12 grams
- Protein source: Organic pumpkin seeds
- Fiber per Serving: 3 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 4 grams
- Calories: 260
Amazon
Why We Like It
If you’re following a vegan or vegetarian diet, the IQ Bar Wild Blueberry Keto Protein Bar is a great choice made from pea protein. This protein bar offers a unique texture that is soft and provides a pleasant mouthfeel without being overly chewy, dry, or crumbly. A slight nuttiness complements the overall taste, although we found that it can overpower the intended wild blueberry flavor.
Beyond its taste and texture, this bar packs 6 grams of fiber, a high amount for a protein bar. Plus, it’s free of added sugars, relying on stevia for sweetness, which keeps the total carbohydrate content low, making it a good option for those monitoring their carb intake. However, if you’re fueling with this bar post-workout, consider pairing it with some carbs, like fruit, for a more balanced recovery snack. The added carbs will help replace lost glycogen stores post-workout.
It’s Worth Noting
IQ Bars contain Lion’s Mane, a type of mushroom that’s been used medicinally for years in Asian countries. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, there is some research on its benefits for brain health, including treating depression and potential protection from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Newer research is also looking at lion’s mane’s potential benefits on mood, well-being, and cognitive function in young adults. Keep in mind that the research is limited, and we are unsure of the amount these bars contain, which may or may not be the appropriate dose.
One of our testers felt the blueberry tasted a bit artificial and not as authentic as the packaging suggests. If you prefer a different flavor, we highly recommend the peanut butter chip bar.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45 g)
- Protein per Serving: 12 grams
- Protein Source: Pea protein
- Fiber per Serving: 6 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 0 grams
- Calories: 180
Amazon
Why We Like It
If you’re craving a tasty protein bar without breaking the bank, the Power Crunch Cookies and Crème Protein Bar is the bar for you; it is half the price of many competitors. The texture also stands out; think of a classic wafer cookie or a KitKat bar – crunchy and crumbly on the inside with a creamy coating. The Cookies and Crème flavor is like a chocolate wafer with vanilla cream on top, and it has a satisfying sweet texture that’s not overpowering. Plus, it’s easy to chew, making it a perfect grab-and-go snack. We love keeping these on hand to curb those late-night sweet cravings.
It’s Worth Noting
The ingredient list isn’t the simplest, with several types of sugars and oils but no sugar alcohols. Ideally we would prefer more wholesome ingredients, but this serves as a good sweet snack at a much cheaper price than others on our list.
We also wish this bar had a bit more fiber, as fiber can help keep you full for longer and contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 13 grams
- Protein Source: Hydrolyzed whey protein, whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate
- Fiber per Serving: <1 gram
- Added Sugar per Serving: 6 grams
- Calories: 220
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Why We Like It
With an impressive 20 grams of protein, ProBar Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bar outshines a lot of competitors that average 10-15 grams. Protein is especially important if you’re exercising and weightlifting, as it is essential to help build strength and muscle size. The protein source in this bar comes from soy protein isolate—a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids—ones that your body cannot produce on its own. These amino acids are vital for protein synthesis, hormone production, and several other functions. Among them are branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which research suggests may help reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery, which can help you stay more consistent with your workouts.
This plant-based, gluten and dairy-free bar is on the firmer side with a nice crunch. It has a smooth chocolate-coated exterior and a nutty peanut butter interior. Take note, it’s a bit on the dry side, so consider enjoying it with a glass of water. ProBar perfectly captures the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate without either flavor overpowering the other. Think Snickers bar with a natural, non-artificial taste and sweet and salty blend. While the peanut butter aftertaste lingered a bit, it wasn’t off-putting.
It’s Worth Noting
Refilling your glycogen stores after a tough workout is important, so while the 12 grams of added sugar in the ProBar Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bar might not be ideal as a regular snack, it works great post-exercise. However, keep in mind that this bar’s ingredient list includes more oils and sugars compared to some of our simpler, whole food-ingredient options, and it also contains peanuts and soy, which are common allergens.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (70 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 20 grams
- Protein Source: Soy protein isolate
- Fiber per Serving: 6 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 11 grams
- Calories: 280
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Why We Like It
A high-fiber snack can help keep you feeling fuller for longer, and TRUBAR Smother Fudger Peanut Butter Plant-Based Protein Bar is packed with it. It contains more than double the amount of fiber than most protein bars on the market. Fiber is found only in plant foods, and it is considered a carbohydrate that your body can’t digest. Once it reaches the large intestine, it is fermented and acts as energy for our gut bacteria. It is bulky and slows down digestion, giving you that full feeling while also improving your bowel function. The recommendation for women is 24 grams a day and 38 grams a day for men and more than 90% of us are not meeting those needs. The 12 grams of fiber in this bar can help you meet nearly half your daily goal much more easily.
The TRUBAR scored some of the highest points for both taste and texture in our testing. With a smooth chocolate coating and a fudgy, chewy texture, it looks and tastes like a candy bar. It’s moist, not crumbly, and doesn’t get stuck in your teeth. While it’s a bit dense and has the slightest chalkiness, the rich flavor more than makes up for it. One of our testers found that the peanut butter was a bit overpowering in comparison to the chocolate, but appreciated that it doesn’t taste artificial.
This bar is certified vegan and gluten-free, with no dairy, soy, or sugar alcohols. It even contains 20% Daily Value of iron.
It’s Worth Noting
While fiber is a health-promoting nutrient, it can cause bloating and digestive upset in some people, especially in higher amounts. Therefore, adequate hydration is recommended when consuming fiber, especially if you’re not used to it, to help it work better and to avoid constipation. This bar is also slightly high in added sugar (7 grams) and contains nuts.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 12 grams
- Protein Source: Whole grain rice and pea protein
- Fiber per Serving: 12 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 7 grams
- Calories: 190
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Why We Like It
Mosh Blueberry Almond Crunch Protein Bar has zero grams of added sugar yet delivers the perfect amount of sweetness. This is thanks to allulose, a sugar that is naturally found in raisins and figs. Research suggests allulose may even benefit blood sugar management in healthy adults and people with diabetes.
In addition to the 12 grams of protein, Mosh also includes 7 grams of fiber and is gluten-free. Our testers found this bar to have a blend of delicious textures, including crunchy, gummy, and chewy. The flavor profile leans towards blueberry granola and contains little pieces of tart blueberry bits and almonds balanced by subtle sweetness. One of our testers noted that the blueberry flavor was slightly dominant over the almond but still tasty.
This is advertised as a good for your brain protein bar, which can be attributed to the lion’s mane and Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, which has the potential benefits of helping your body adapt to stress, with promising research suggesting it may be able to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
This bar also contains 100% of the Daily Value of vitamin B12 and bovine collagen. Collagen has gained popularity as a supplement for potentially improving skin, hair, nails, joints, cartilage, and bones. However, the exact amounts of collagen, lion’s mane, and Ashwagandha in this bar are unknown, meaning we can’t confirm that the dose is enough for the benefits.
It’s Worth Noting
Some people may not want adaptogens such as ashwagandha included in their protein bar, including pregnant or breastfeeding people, those having surgery, or people with thyroid disease. Ashwagandha may also interfere with certain medications, like those for diabetes, high blood pressure, and immunosuppressants. Speak to your healthcare provider to see if this is safe for you.
This bar contains tree nuts and milk, so if you are sensitive or allergic to these ingredients, look for a different option.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (43 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 12 grams
- Protein Source: Almonds, whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and grass-fed milk protein isolate
- Fiber per Serving: 7 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 0 grams
- Calories: 170
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Why We Like It
If you’re looking for a protein bar that feels more like a treat, the Barebells Salted Peanut Caramel Protein Bar may be the best pick for you. Its taste and texture resemble a Snickers bar, but it has a healthier nutritional profile, including 210 calories, 16 grams of protein, and zero grams of added sugar.
The salty peanuts and sweet caramel are the perfect balance, and the chocolate coating adds a touch of creaminess to bring it all together. Be warned; the rich caramel can be sticky and get stuck in your teeth.
The Barebells bar contains bovine collagen in addition to whey protein, but the amount of collagen is likely too low to reap benefits. However, the fiber content of this bar is pretty impressive at 5 grams to help keep you satiated. If you find yourself reaching for a mid-day candy bar to cure that afternoon crash, this can be just the treat to help.
It’s Worth Noting
This bar contains 9 grams of sugar alcohol from maltitol and xylitol, along with a few other sugar substitutes, which can cause bloating and other digestive concerns in some people. We prefer a shorter and more wholesome ingredient list but recommend this as a treat here and there.
These are not suitable if you have a milk, peanut, or soy allergy/sensitivity.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (55 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 16 grams
- Protein Source: Calcium caseinate, whey protein concentrate, whey protein hydrolysate, and bovine collagen
- Fiber per Serving: 5 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 0 grams
- Calories: 210 calories
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Why We Like It
Unlike your typical chewy protein bar, the Kind Dark Chocolate Nut Protein bar stands out for its crunchy texture from whole pieces of peanuts and almonds. The nuts are covered in a honey-like glaze and a drizzle of chocolate on top. We love the simplicity of these flavors coming together and giving the exact taste you’d expect from nuts and dark chocolate. There is no artificial taste, and our testers felt this tastes more “real” and less processed.
The KIND brand is committed to natural ingredients and avoids artificial flavors and preservatives, offering a more wholesome alternative to many other protein bars on the market. These bars are sweetened from glucose syrup, honey, and sugar and contain no artificial sweeteners. Each gluten-free bar is packed with 12 grams of protein, making it a great option for a post-workout boost or a mid-day snack to keep you energized and full.
It’s Worth Noting
You’ll want to skip this if you have a tree nut or soy allergy. Keep in mind that the higher nut content also means a higher fat content.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (50 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 12 grams
- Protein Source: Peanuts, almonds and soy protein isolate
- Fiber per Serving: 5 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 6 grams
- Calories: 240
Honey Stinger
Why We Like It
The Honey Stinger Almond Pumpkin Nut + Seed bar impressed us with its exceptional texture, flavor, and aroma. These bars feature a delightful contrast between a crunchy exterior, thanks to the nuts and seeds, and a nougat-like interior that adds a satisfying chew. Our testers appreciated the nougat’s balanced consistency, noting that it wasn’t too sticky and offered a rich caramel and honey flavor. The inviting aroma matched the flavor described on the packaging, making the bar even more enticing to eat.
Each bar provides 14 grams of protein, primarily sourced from whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate. The milk protein isolate includes both whey and casein, with casein making up 80% of the protein found in milk. This slower-digesting casein, which gives milk its white color, ensures sustained energy release, making the bar ideal for those longer stretches between meals. They are also gluten-free.
It’s Worth Noting
Eating this bar can get a little messy, with the nuts on the outside falling off as you bite into the bar and some of the nougat getting stuck in your teeth.
Although the exact amounts are not specified, the ingredient list includes a blend of fruits and mushrooms—orange, banana, papaya, and shiitake mushroom—which likely contribute to the bar’s vitamin content, including vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E. Vitamins A, C, and E are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from oxidative damage which can lead to various diseases. This bar provides approximately 25% of the Daily Value for each of these vitamins. To further boost your antioxidant intake, it’s important to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Plus, they’ll help increase your total fiber intake for the day, as this bar only has 1 gram of fiber.
Check out some of our other picks if you have a milk, peanut, or tree nut allergy.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (56 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 14 grams
- Protein Source: Almonds, whey protein isolate, and milk protein isolate
- Fiber per Serving: 1 gram
- Added Sugar per Serving: 3 grams
- Calories: 260
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Why We Like It
When you need a more substantial bar, our top choice is the Perfect Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough bar. With 310 calories, it offers more energy than many of the snack-type protein bars on our list, making it feel much more filling and satisfying. This bar is gluten-free, and we appreciate the whole-food ingredients list, including the fact that it is only sweetened with honey and maple syrup.
The Perfect Bar is soft and creamy with a slightly oily texture from the nut butters it contains. If you love cookie dough, you’ll appreciate how closely it mimics that familiar mouthfeel. The chocolate chips add a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor. It’s a bit nuttier than typical cookie dough, thanks to its primary ingredients, peanut and cashew butter, though these flavors aren’t overpowering. If you prefer a more pronounced peanut butter taste, our testers also loved the Perfect Bar Peanut Butter bar, which shares the same creamy texture with a stronger peanut flavor.
Perfect bars offer both taste and nutrition. You might not notice it, but these bars sneak in a dose of micronutrients in their dried whole foods powder. This powder contains a variety of ingredients, such as kale, rosehip, orange, papaya, and celery. While the exact amounts are not specified, it offers a range of vitamins and minerals, although be sure to carefully read the ingredient list if you have sensitivities or allergies to any of these components.
It’s Worth Noting
These bars need to be refrigerated until you’re ready to eat them, which might be inconvenient. They can be kept unrefrigerated for up to 7 days and will still be safe to consume, but their texture becomes much oilier and significantly softer if not kept cold.
If you have a peanut, tree nut, egg, sesame, or milk allergy, consider another pick on our list.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (62 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 12 grams
- Protein Source: Peanut butter, cashew butter, nonfat dry milk, rice protein and dried whole egg powder
- Fiber per Serving: 2 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 12 grams
- Calories: 310
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Why We Like It
A solid pre-workout snack should include plenty of carbohydrates to help fuel your body, and the Go Macro Protein Purity Sunflower Butter + Chocolate bar has 38 grams of carbohydrates to keep you energized. During exercise, your body breaks down stored carbohydrates in muscle tissue, known as glycogen, to produce ATP—the body’s source of energy. Anne Cook Carroll, MS, RD recommends consuming a bar with 15-30 grams of carbohydrates one-two hours before exercise for best results. However, for more intense exercise lasting over one hour, her recommendation jumps to 30-60 grams of carbohydrates. This bar falls right in the middle, making it suitable for a variety of needs.
The texture of this bar is smooth and chewy, almost like a tootsie roll; our testers noted that it was almost too soft, especially if left out in the heat. Although this doesn’t have the most unique flavor profile, we enjoyed the dark chocolate and nutty taste that is consistent throughout the bar. It’s also a go-to when shopping in-store, as you’ll typically find a Go Macro bar available in many protein bar aisles.
This organic, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and kosher option doesn’t include nuts, which is a common allergen in many protein bars. However, it is produced in a facility that processes peanuts and tree nuts.
It’s Worth Noting
This bar’s higher carbohydrate content is in part due to the added sugar—11 grams. While this bar can work well as pre-workout fuel, you may want to consider a lower-sugar option if you’re just enjoying it as an everyday snack. It’s also relatively lower in protein than some of our other picks (10 grams).
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (65 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 10 grams
- Protein Source: Organic sunflower seed butter and organic sprouted brown rice protein,
- Fiber per Serving: 3 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 11 grams
- Calories: 270 calories
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Why We Like It
Similar to fueling with carbohydrates pre-workout to boost performance, a solid post-workout snack or meal should include plenty of carbohydrates to replenish depleted glycogen stores. The Rise Almond Honey Protein Bar has 21 grams of carbohydrates to help speed up recovery and ensure you’re ready for your next workout. Plus, the 18 grams of whey protein stimulates muscle recovery, repair, and growth.
Unlike most protein bars with an extensive ingredient list, Rise focuses on only three ingredients—almonds, honey, and whey protein isolate. The simple ingredient list contributes to the subtle flavor, with our testers noting that none of the ingredients stood out or overpowered the other. The bar is dense and feels creamy as you chew on it. It doesn’t leave any gritty mouthfeel, and we like that it doesn’t have you reaching for a drink to wash it down.
It’s Worth Noting
The amount of honey in the bar adds up the sugar content to 15 grams per bar, which is the highest on our list. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend this bar if you are looking for a midday snack at work or don’t get much movement in your day.
If you have a milk allergy or sensitivity, note that the whey protein isolate is not ideal for you.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (60 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 18 grams
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate
- Fiber per Serving: 4 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 15 grams
- Calories: 280 calories
Amazon
Why We Like It
Craving a protein bar without nuts? Look no further than the Promix Protein Puff Bar, a company founded by a registered dietitian and Division 1 athlete. Unlike any other protein bar we’ve tried, it resembles a rice crispy treat without the artificial flavors or additives. We tested the chocolate chip flavor, which tasted similar to a chocolate puffed cereal. It surprised us with a milder flavor than we expected because it looks so rich and chocolatey. It’s soft and chewy with the perfect amount of crunch from the puffed rice. The smell matched the flavor, although one tester found it left a slightly chalky aftertaste.
Despite the candy-like vibe, this bar provides 15 grams of protein from whey protein isolate and concentrate. We like that the sugar content is relatively low, with only 4 grams of added sugar, making it a good pick-me-up during an afternoon slump or when you want a sweet snack after dinner.
The Promix Protein bar is non-GMO and free of soy, corn, gluten, stevia, and artificial flavors/colors.
It’s Worth Noting
This bar contains milk, eggs, and coconut, so be mindful if you have an allergy or sensitivity. The inulin from Jerusalem artichoke may cause some digestive upset for those with IBS.
For those who want a protein bar as more of a meal, this isn’t the best option as it is lower in calories.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (40 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 15 grams
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate and concentrate
- Fiber per Serving: 5 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 4 grams
- Calories: 160 calories
Amazon
Why We Like It
The Over Easy Peanut Butter Bar is tasty and filled with nutritious oats—a whole grain packed with fiber. Oats have the potential to help reduce both total and LDL, aka “bad”, cholesterol. Some research also shows the blood sugar-lowering effects in those with obesity or type 2 diabetes. We like that the bar offers the health benefits of oats but tastes much better than plain old oatmeal.
The peanut butter gives this bar a creamy texture with a nutty flavor. It’s quite sticky, and you can see whole pieces of oats throughout, adding to its wholesome appeal. We love the simple ingredient list and the impressive six grams of fiber per bar. Plus, it’s gluten, dairy, and soy-free, making it a great option for various dietary needs.
We recommend the Over Easy bar as a pre-workout snack or when you want a sweet treat. This would pair well with some Greek yogurt or a protein shake if you’re looking for a quick post-workout snack instead.
It’s Worth Noting
This option has a lower protein content, with only 10 grams per bar, and it contains 8 grams of added sugar per serving. It’s also not suitable for those with peanut or egg allergies/sensitivities.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (52 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 10 grams
- Protein Source: Cage-free egg whites
- Fiber per Serving: 6 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 8 grams
- Calories: 220
Amazon
Why We Like It
The Kind Protein Max bar is an exceptional choice for those looking for a nutritious and satisfying snack. Packed with 20 grams of protein, it provides a substantial boost of energy, making it an ideal option for a post-workout refuel or a mid-day pick-me-up. The bar’s texture has variety, offering a satisfying crunch from the crispy elements combined with the smoothness of chocolate and the creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter. Despite its richness, it isn’t overly sweet and doesn’t have an artificial aftertaste, thanks to allulose, a natural sugar substitute that contributes zero grams of sugar. This not only makes the bar sweet enough to be enjoyable but also suitable for those managing their sugar intake.
In addition to its great taste and texture, the Kind Protein Max bar is filling, thanks to its impressive 9 grams of fiber. The bar is also quite large, which adds to its ability to satisfy hunger effectively. It is gluten-free and even contains 20% of the daily value of iron.
It’s Worth Noting
This is not appropriate if you have a peanut allergy.
Product Details:
- Serving Size: 1 bar (62 grams)
- Protein per Serving: 20 grams
- Protein Source: Peanuts and soy protein isolate
- Fiber per Serving: 9 grams
- Added Sugar per Serving: 0 grams
- Calories: 250 calories
We tested the top protein bars in our NYC-based testing lab, and while the following are popular choices, not all of the bars could make our final list, although they may be good choices for some people.
- Mezcla Japanese Matcha Vanilla: This bar has a unique, almost earthy flavor, so we wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t like matcha or green tea. However, for those who do, you’ll enjoy the taste along with the crunchy texture of the crispy rice coated in a smooth vanilla cream.
- Aloha Vanilla Almond Crunch: Aloha bars are a popular option if you are looking for a certified vegan bar. The texture is a bit dense, and it takes some effort to chew, but our testers enjoyed the vanilla almond flavor. We also like the Aloha Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor.
- Rx Chocolate Sea Salt: The Rx Bar has one of the simplest ingredient lists, with whole foods such as egg whites, cashews, almonds, and dates. It is a bit dense and tough to chew, but many love the simplicity, and it is available in many stores.
- Quest Nutrition S’mores: These whey-based protein bars pack 21 grams of protein and a whopping 14 grams of fiber. If you’re looking for a filling snack, this may be best for you, but note that not all of our testers love the taste; some say it tastes a bit artificial and doesn’t necessarily match the description of the flavor.
In addition to researching different products, we tested over 20 of the top protein bars, serving them as directed by the manufacturer. When testing, we evaluated each product for the following six critical criteria:
- Flavor: We tasted each protein bar, noting how accurately it matched the flavor advertised on the packaging. We made subjective observations on the flavor’s appeal, intensity, and whether it seemed too sweet or salty.
- Texture: We assessed the texture, noting if the bar was smooth, clumpy, grainy, or had any other undesirable qualities.
- Aftertaste: We checked if the bars left an aftertaste, how long it lingered, and if it was unpleasant enough to require eating or drinking something to mask it.
- Smell: Upon opening the bars, we noted their aroma, including whether it smelled sweet, salty, chemical, or anything else. We also checked if the smell matched the flavor listed on the packaging and if it influenced our eating experience.
- Value: We considered the cost relative to the product’s quality and taste experience.
- Nutrition: Our nutrition editors reviewed the ingredients, focusing on protein content, calories, fiber, sugar, fat, and any other added nutrients to evaluate the nutritional quality.
The following dietitians gave their expert onion on the best protein bars:
- Anne Cook Carroll, MS, RD: a Registered Dietitian who works with a wide range of patients, including athletes. She also specializes in supplement research and analysis.
- Holly Klamer, MS, RDN, is a registered dietitian with experience in many areas, including supplements, personal training, and sports nutrition.
Shopping for protein bars can be daunting, not only because of the vast number of choices but also because of all the different amounts of ingredients they can contain. To help make your purchase easier, we recommend reading the labels and considering the following factors to find the best one for you.
- Protein: When selecting a protein bar, aim for a bar with at least 10-20 grams of protein per serving to help support muscle repair and growth, especially if you’re using it as a post-workout snack or meal replacement. Check the source of protein; options like whey, casein, pea, and hemp protein are considered high-quality and provide essential amino acids needed for muscle recovery.
- Sugar: Look for bars with minimal added sugars, ideally less than 5-10 grams per serving. High sugar content can lead to energy spikes followed by crashes and can counteract the health benefits of the protein bar. Natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates are preferable over artificial sweeteners, but moderation is key.
- Fiber: Fiber helps with digestion and can keep you feeling full longer. Aim for a bar with at least 3-5 grams of fiber per serving. High-fiber bars often include ingredients like oats, chicory root, or psyllium husk, which aid in maintaining stable blood sugar levels and support gut health. However, keep in mind that high fiber can cause digestive upset in some people if eaten before a workout.
- Calories: When choosing a protein bar, consider your caloric needs and goals. If you’re using the bar as a meal replacement, look for one with around 200-300 calories. For a snack, bars with 150-200 calories are typically sufficient. Be mindful that higher-calorie bars often contain added fats and sugars.
- Other Ingredients: Check for artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers that can detract from the bar’s nutritional value. Ingredients like artificial flavors, colors, and hydrogenated oils should be avoided. Opt for bars with whole food ingredients and minimal processing. Also, consider any dietary restrictions or allergies, ensuring the bar is free from allergens like gluten, soy, or dairy if needed.
When is the best time to eat a protein bar?
The best time to eat a protein bar depends on your goals. If you’re looking to build muscle, consuming a protein bar within 30 minutes to an hour after a workout can help with muscle recovery and growth, as it provides your body with the necessary amino acids. For sustained energy throughout the day, a protein bar can be a great mid-morning or afternoon snack. As a meal replacement, it can be eaten during breakfast or lunch when you’re on the go.
Are protein bars good for weight loss?
Protein bars can be a helpful tool for weight loss since they can serve as a convenient, portion-controlled snack or meal replacement that can help curb hunger and provide essential nutrients. When selecting a protein bar for weight loss, look for options that are high in protein (at least 10 grams), have moderate to high fiber content (3-5 grams), and are low in added sugars (less than 5 grams). Avoid bars with high-calorie counts, excessive fats, and artificial ingredients.
Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian specializing in GI and women’s health and one of our nutrition and supplement commerce editors. She is passionate about converting nutrition science into meaningful dietary recommendations. She has an eye for spotting the latest nutrition trends and research and breaking down what that can mean for your supplement and food choices. Shushy has tried all of the bars on this list and included products that she trusts and would recommend to her own clients.
