Whether you’re looking for a nutritious, on-the-go option to tide you over between meals or a portable snack to maintain muscle mass between workouts, low-sugar, high protein bars are often the answer to your nutritional needs.
Protein bars are suitable for travel, as pre or post-workout snacks, and as a snack in general. It keeps blood sugar balanced and are perfect addition for any meal. These bars seem like a miracle snack promising the protein you need to feed your muscles.
Unfortunately, the dessert-like taste and addictive nature of these bars indicate that many of these protein bars are just candy bars in disguise and often loaded with sugar and empty calories with barely any protein. Finding a genuine protein which also tastes good can be rather challenging.
Few of the Best Protein Bars on the market at the moment are as follows:
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RXBAR
Why we picked it: Premium, organic, very tasty
If you’re a brownie lover, you will definitely love this chocolate-flavored protein bar. It makes for the perfect wholesome snack and can be enjoyed as part of your lunch or breakfast.
Highlights
- 1.83 Ounce (Pack of 12)
- High Protein Snack
- Keto snack option
- Protein: 12g
- Sugars: 13g
- Fiber: 5g
- Made with real food ingredients
- Variety of flavours
- Good value
Who Manufactures it
Chicago Bar Company LLC, doing business as RXBAR, produces and distributes food products. The Company offers food protein bars of various flavors. RXBAR markets its products through retail stores in the United States.
Pros:
- No added sugar, soy, GMO’s, or dairy.
- Paleo
- Great for pre workout energy or post workout recovery or simply as part of a healthy diet.
Cons:
- Exceptionally chewy
- Pretty high sugar intake for just one protein bar
- Not always suitable for those with nut allergies
Pure Protein Bar
Why we picked it: Highest amount of protein
The Pure Protein Bar is also gluten-free, with high amounts of whey protein; an ingredient that is famous amongst those who love to workout. Furthermore, much of the protein is derived from milk and contains high amounts of amino acids for muscle strength and growth.
Highlights
- Nutritious snacks to support energy
- Low sugar, gluten-free
- Pure protein bar
- Highest protein level
- High amounts of whey
- Variety Pack
- 18 per pack
Pros:
- Gluten Free
- Tasty, rich flavors
- Convenient
- Chewy
- Low in sugar just 2g
- 20g of protein
- Supports energy, lean muscle growth, and an active lifestyle
Cons:
- Contains Maltitol sweetener which is a sugar alcohol
- They do contain some artificial ingredients
- Some consumers may experience digestive discomfort
Clif Builder’s Protein Bar
Why we picked it: Protein powerhouse,unique texture
Clif Builder’s Bars are a great post-workout option. These bars give you everything needed to help muscles rebuild. It contains all of the essential amino acids your body needs to repair itself so you can get the most from each training session.
With layers of crunch, nougat and a chocolate coating, these bars provide an exciting alternative to regular protein bars. Clif has delivered a classic recovery bar that passes our test. Not to mention, these bars contain mostly organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified ingredients.
Highlights
- 2.4 Ounce, 12 Count
- Protein: 20g
- Sugars: 17g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Non-GMO
Who Manufactures it
Clif Bar & Company provides food supplements and beverages. The Company manufactures and sells nutritional snacks and drinks such as energy and protein bars, organic snacks, and sports drinks. Clif Bar & Company serves customers in the State of California.
Starting in 1992, the company has been crafting recipes to provide the nutrition our bodies need and also support our larger purpose to help create a more healthy, just and sustainable food system.
Pros:
- Great mid day snack
- All natural/organic ingredients
- Great flavors
- great ingredients
- No artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols or trans fats
- Non-GMO
Cons:
- Contains soy
- May contain peanuts, tree nuts, and milk.
- Only 7 flavors
- High Sugar
- High Carbohydrate
ONE Protein Bars
Why we picked it: Gluten-free protein bar, famous popular protein bar in the market today
Grab this guilt-free snack, choosing from any of the decadent flavors available, namely peanut butter, maple glazed doughnut, birthday cake, almond bliss, and sugar.
Highlights
- 2.12 oz (12 pack)
- Best seller’s variety pack
- Protein: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Extra low in sugar
- Meal supplement
- Praised by fitness enthusiasts all over the world
- Excellent value
Who Manufactures it
ONE believes that great taste and good health are not mutually exclusive. The company has taken their passion for flavor and shaped the perfect snack loaded with protein and low in sugar with indulgent flavors. So
Pros:
- High in protein
- Low sugar
- Gluten-free
- Suitable to curb cravings during the day
- Increases energy levels
Cons:
- Not suitable if sensitive to sugar alcohols
- Contains milk and soy.
GoMacro Bar
Why we picked it: Macrobiotic, minimally processed
Go Macro ‘s mantra is that if they can’t grow it, you won’t find it in their bars. They help maintain health and balance in life. Depending on the flavor, the bars have little or no salt, and pack whopping doses of healthy plant-based proteins, making them both nutritious and filling.
Highlights
- 2.5 Ounce 15 Pack
- Protein: 6g
- Sugars: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Slow burning carbs provide energy and help refuel the body
- Condensed consistency
- Wide array of unique flavours
Who Manufactures it
With firm roots of this plant-based company being rooted in the family, since the brand’s launch in 2004, they’ve grown from selling MacroBars at local markets to national distribution in over 55,000 locations. The success of GoMacro has only fueled their passion for spreading awareness to the world about the benefits of balanced, plant-based living.
Pros:
- Pure, healthy and natural ingredients
- Organic protein bar with balanced macronutrients
- Vegan
- Easy to eat
- Easy for digestion
Cons:
- Not suitable for nut allergies
ProBar Protein
Why we picked it: Contains protein and carbs
ProBar Protein comes in a variety of delicious flavors (like Cookie Dough and Chocolate Bliss) that are basically a treat for finishing your workout. Not to mention, the Coffee Crunch flavor packs 55 mg of caffeine from Yerba Matte, which is great for an energy boost if you have to get to work after a hard morning of training.
Highlights
- Sustainably sourced ingredients
- 20 grams of plant-based protein
- 4 grams of fiber to keep you fuller for longer
- 2- grams of plant-derived protein
- Contains chia, flax seeds, and Omega 3 fatty acids
- Variety of flavours
Who Manufactures it
ProBar has grown into a nationally recognized brand while remaining true to its roots. The vision that drove ProBar in its early days has never wavered and is engendered in ProBar’s employees, partners, vendors, and customers.
ProBar creates delicious, convenient, healthy, plant-based food products and strives to become the leading provider of REAL FOOD choices, always maintaining our commitment to quality, sustainability, and fantastic taste.
Pros:
- Non-GMO project fully certified and gluten-free
- No Artificial Ingredients
- Low Sugar
- Wonderful source of antioxidants
- Help rebuild damaged muscle
- Help replenish energy stores
- Vegan and kosher
Cons:
- Product prone to melting if being delivered on a hot day
Robert Irvine’s FitCrunch
Why we picked it: Very flavourful
This bar might not have the highest protein count but it is certainly not lacking in flavor and as such enjoys a global fan base. So much so in fact that this bar is nothing short of award-winning. It has won plenty of prestigious awards including Best Protein Bar Nominee in both 2016 and 2017.
Highlights
- Tastes like a classic candy bar but with added protein power
- Delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate
- Blended from Whey Protein Isolate
- The world’s first six layers baked protein bar
- Great for fitness enthusiasts and families alike
- 190 calories per bar
Who Manufactures it
Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine created FITCRUNCH because he was set out to deliver something good for everyone without compromising great taste and decadence. Robert believed that with a ton of hard work, dedication and inventiveness that he could in fact create food that’s good for you and that’s packed with quality protein.
Robert thought it was about time that we all eat for pleasure rather than nourishment alone. It’s been quite a journey but something that started with protein bars has evolved into snack size bars, microwavable brownies, protein powders and more. Chef Robert Irvine is driven to craft foods that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition and that’s what FITCRUNCH is all about.
Pros:
- Six layers
- Soft baked bar
- Contains creamy peanut butter
- Fresh Peanuts
- 16g protein
- Low in calories
- Tasteful
Cons:
- Product prone to melting if being delivered on a hot day
- Contains nuts so be careful of allergies
Epic Performance Bar
Why we picked it: Cage-free egg whites, simple ingredients
Epic continues to extend their product line beyond just meat products to include animal by-products, in this case, egg whites. Performance Bars allow Epic to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of hens raised for egg production. This is a big deal and they have thought about it all!
Highlights
- 16.83 Ounce, 9 Count
- 12g protein
- 210 calories
- 6 or less ingredients used
Who Manufactures it
EPIC products are inspired by the simple yet powerful diets of our ancestors and are consistent with our unique evolutionary biology. Throughout the majority of history, our species has evolved living active lifestyles and consuming a Hunter and Gatherer diet rich in high quality meat, wholesome vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. On the contrary, modern day diets of processed foods and excessive sugar, combined with sedentary lifestyles have pushed our physiologies dangerously far from their adapted environments. By looking at the diets and lifestyles of our ancestors, the company believes that evolution has much to teach us about human optimization and healthful living.
EPIC products are an expression of our evolutionary biology, and allow modern day omnivores to thrive consuming a wide array of nature’s bounties; just as mother nature intended.
Pros:
- Non-GMO
- Gluten free, soy free
- No added sugar, no unspecified natural flavors
- Kosher
Cons:
- Non vegetarian
- Slightly on the expensive side
Bonk Breaker High Protein
Why we picked it: Moist consistency, home baked appeal
Many energy bars go down about as easy as sawdust and glue, Bonk Breakers have the appeal of real food, sort of like a tasty treat you would bake yourself (if you had the time). Elite athletes, teams and organizations choose Bonk Breaker not because of their marketing budget, but rather because they appreciate the products.
Highlights
- 1.76 Oz each – 12 Bars
- Protein: 10g
- Sugars: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Contains soy
Who Manufactures it
Launched by Division 1 Quarterback turned Iron Man Triathlete Jason Winn, Bonk Breaker has built a world- class reputation for creating great tasting nutrition made with all-natural, real food ingredients you can pronounce. Their focus has always been and will continue to be 100% committed to creating great-tasting products that are on the cutting edge of sports and active lifestyle nutrition.
Bonk Breaker has been proven in the most rigorous sporting events in the world such as the Tour de France, IRONMAN World Championships, Super Bowl, NCAA athletics, and the Olympics. They have been selected as the Official Nutrition Partner of USA Swimming, Ironman, the Milwaukee Brewers and are a partner of CPSDA. Finally, they are proud supporters of more than 500 Team Bonk Breaker athlete ambassadors, including 3x IRONMAN World Champ Mirinda Carfrae.
Pros:
- Great taste
- Moist
- Home baked appeal
- Dairy-free
- Wheat-free
Cons:
- Non organic
JoJé Bars
Why we picked it: Baked like a soft cookie, provides quick and lasting energy from natural sources, good dessert substitute, homemade
JoJé Bars (formerly Harmony Bars) are like pillows of joy, in taste, texture, and the sheer happiness you experience while eating them. They are moist and packed with real ingredients like oats, nuts, honey, coconut and more.
Highlights
- Protein: 6g
- Sugars: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Organic ingredients
Who Manufactures it
Founder and CEO, Jess Cerra, baked what would be the first JoJé Bar back in 2010. Not only does her commitment to creating a healthy and delicious energy bar remain steadfast, but she promises that her goods are crafted with the same home-cooked style as that first batch pulled out of a tiny apartment oven a decade ago.
Eventually her life as a chef and an athlete would collide. Throughout her competitive career, Jess noticed that within the commercial energy bar market there were very few options that had both great taste and the key nutrients one needed in order to perform well. She wanted to change that.
Jess went to work in her kitchen with the goal to strike the perfect balance and build a delicious tasting source of energy that our heart wants and our taste buds enjoy. JoJé Bar was born not long after and has since grown from a goodie shared on the group rides to a product sold nation-wide.
Pros:
- Gluten Free
- Easy on the stomach
- Soy free
- No artificial sweeteners
- Non GMO
- Organic ingredients
- Provide quick energy
Cons:
- High sodium
What Makes A Protein Bar “Healthy”?
While looking to further improve body goals, consuming high protein bars comes into the equation. These bars act as an efficient meal replacement, especially breakfast. The high caloric content but with less sugar content are often a suitable option for a quick fix.
Protein bars can be a convenient way to easily incorporate carbs, protein, vitamins, and minerals to one’s diet. It also helps curb appetite, fuel a workout and support muscle repair after exercise.
However, protein bars cannot permanently replace the quality and nutrient composition of whole foods
The Nutritional Criteria for The Best Protein Bars.
Ideally, a good protein bar should contain the following contents-
- 8 grams protein minimum
- 13 grams sugar maximum
- 3 grams fiber minimum
- High-quality protein sources
- Natural sweeteners
- Whole-food ingredients
- Healthy fats
- Low to no synthetic or isolated fiber
- No sugar alcohols
How Do I Know Which Protein Bar to Buy?
Unfortunately, most of the protein bars in the market are loaded with sugar alcohols or saturated fat and lack fiber.
Registered dietitian Toby Amidor and owner of Toby Amidor Nutrition tells Eat This, Not That! that the key in selecting a clean and healthy protein bar is to read the label and look out for a decent balance of healthy fat, protein, and fiber to ensure satiety. Choosing a protein bar with between 200 to 400 calories and up to 20 grams of protein per serving is usually adequate.
Not only do macronutrients matter when it comes to determining the best protein bar but also other ingredients which are equally important. It is necessary to look at the ingredient list and identify transparent foods like nuts, whole grains, and fruit.
What to Look Out for While Purchasing Protein Bars-
Some protein bars have high amounts of artificial flavourings and other ingredients to make for an attractive taste and contain almost everything other than protein in high quantities. So, it it necessary to look out for –
- High sugar content
- Added/Artificial sweeteners
- Artificial colour/ flavouring
- Sugar source
FAQs
Q: What is the overall impression of packaged protein bars? Do they live up to their healthy image?
Ans:Largely glorified candy bars. Most people would be better off with a handful of nuts and an apple. Lots of unnecessary processing and preservatives for many popular commercial bars, too many of which are high carb, insulin spiking, and fattening.
Q: Are there things men specifically should be looking for or avoiding?
Ans:
- Men should not eat bars with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats.
- Men should not eat bars with synthetic chemical additives.
- Men should be cautious about bars with soy protein isolate: made by removing nutrients from the bean: especially people with thyroid imbalances, certain cancers, and hormonally-influenced metabolic disorders.
Q. Can protein bars make you gain weight?
Ans: It’s not that protein bars per se can make you gain weight, but if you are eating lots of them that have a high additional caloric intake from carbs, fats and sugars too then all the usual dietary advice exists. Just because it says “protein” on the label, doesn’t mean that it will necessarily be the only ingredient present.
Q. Are protein bars good for muscle growth?
Ans: If you have been exercising vigorously and especially if you have been using your muscles for a weight or resistance training session, then a protein bar is a great option to help with faster recovery and to assist growth. It’s not always convenient to have a protein-rich meal post workout, so a high-quality bar that you can consume quickly and easily can help. Ideally, you need to be consuming 1 gram of protein for each pound of body weight you have to maintain and build muscle so if the thought of eating six chicken breasts fills you with horror, then a good quality, clean protein bar could be a winner.
Conclusion
Bars are not meals. They’re big snacks and back-ups for when your plan goes wrong. No plan? Make one. That’s how you get ahead. Bars that have more than 20 grams of protein are considered part of the performance enhancing supplement regime, which can be dangerous for consumers when used inappropriately.
There are plenty of other ways to get more protein in your diet, but if you choose to eat protein bars, be sure to look at the nutrition panel and ingredient list to help you decide which one is best for your lifestyle.
