Why Trust Verywell Fit
A personal note on my recommendations written above. As a dietitian, I am cautious to recommend protein bars, as many options on the market contain lots of added sugar and questionable ingredients. That said, there are many great products available, such as the products above. In writing this article, I also looked at multiple products and brands and consulted with trusted peers in dietetics.
I believe the products in the round-up are made by trusted brands and are composed of high-quality ingredients. I would recommend the above products to friends, family, and clients, and have personally tried the majority of the products. You can currently find Health Warrior Chia Bars and Elemental Superfood Bars in my pantry. Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN
The 5 Best Healthy Protein Bars To Buy
With so many options out on the market, it’s overwhelming trying to find a healthy protein bar that actually tastes good and isn’t basically a candy bar. We sampled more than 100 bars to find our favorites to share with you and came up with some helpful tips on how to find the healthiest protein bar at the store. Plus, if you don’t need the protein boost, we share some snack bars we love.
Fulfil Vitamin & Protein Bar: Chocolate Salted Caramel
Per 55g bar: 204kcal, 20g protein, 15g carbohydrates, 8.3g fat
Forget scouring the internet to bag your favourite fitness fuel. Found on the shelves of just about every supermarket, Fulfil is certainly fulfilling a need for accessible protein bars. There are 12 temping flavours to choose from, but our panel tried the chocolate salted caramel think a combo of malty chocolate and chewy caramel for that classic chocolate bar taste. Not just a sweet treat, its fortified with vitamins, including B1, B2, B3 and E for an extra health kick.
Also Check: Printable List Of High Protein Foods
How To Make Healthy Protein Bars Step By Step Instructions
TIP: The mixture should be sticky enough that it binds together, but not so sticky that it becomes gooey. Add one tablespoon of additional almond milk at a time if you feel that mixture requires more moisture or a bit more oatmeal if its too sticky.
Keep scrolling to the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full homemade protein bar recipe!
The Best Crunchy Bar: Kind Protein
Protein source: Soy
Nutrition info: 250 cal, 12g protein, 18g fat, 17g total carb
Most protein bars resemble a large eraser made up of thick, uniform paste. Gluten-free Kind Protein Bars, on the other hand, have actual texture and crunch. Theyre quite similar to the original Kind bars in taste and appearancetheyre packed full of almonds and peanuts, but they have double the amount of protein and keep you full longer thanks to 5 grams of fiber from chicory roots. The main source of protein here is soy protein isolate, so if you have any soy sensitivities, these should be avoided.
Also Check: Best Protein On The Market
Epic Beef Sea Salt + Pepper Bar
âPer Beef, Sea Salt + Pepper: 130 calories, 8 grams fat , 590 milligrams sodium, 24 grams carbohydrates , 12 grams proteinâ
Epic is different from most in that the bars are savory, not sweet, as they use beef, bison, chicken, turkey, venison, wild boar, bacon and lamb as the base, sweetening with cranberries, cherries, apples and sweet potatoes. The protein content ranges from 7 to 13 grams per bar. Keep an eye on your sodium intake when you snack on these, as they tend to have higher amounts than other bars.
âBuy itâ: âPriceâ: $29.55 per 12-pack
What Are The Benefits Of Using The Best Protein Bars
Using protein bars is an easy way to help you grow and maintain your muscles. They can also assist with appetite control, weight loss and metabolism.
Multiple studies back this claim. According to a review published in Physiology & Behavior , protein consumption can have a beneficial effect on several different hormones that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels.
Whatâs more, many protein bars have been specifically designed with dieters in mind. Low in calories and simple carbohydrates, they make a perfect snack for anyone who wants to lose weight and limit their sugar cravings.
Last but not least, certain protein bars are enriched with additional compounds, such as minerals, vitamins, or herbal extracts. As a result, they can be considered as functional meal replacements â in a very convenient, compact form.
Whatâs more, protein bars can be highly beneficial for our digestive health and immune system by acting like a prebiotic. âProtein bars can be a handy source of dietary fiber,â says Shortt. âThey can also cause an increase in the production of short-chain fatty acids . These are a superior source of energy, protection, and maintenance for our gut and help our body to function properly. They also aid in fighting inflammation and improving glucose tolerance.â
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.
You May Like: How Much Protein In Bananas
Who Shouldnt Take Protein Supplements
Children shouldnt take protein supplements unless directed by a dietitian. The NHS advises that consuming too much protein in the long term is linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis, and may worsen existing kidney problems. Some people find protein bars difficult to digest its best to include them gradually into your diet, and see how you get on. Although allergens should be stated on the label, anyone with allergies should be cautious about using a new supplement, as there is an obvious risk of cross-contamination in factories. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for existing medical conditions should consult their GP before starting new supplements.
Why Is Sugar Bad For You
Simply put, sugar seems like its in everythingbut you should stay away from it when you can. Read some of our tips to cut out sugar from your diet, as its one of the best ways to see results sugar is usually the one factor people miss when they are trying to figure out why they arent breaking through their plateaus. Too much sugar over time will promote insulin resistance, which in turn causes the pancreas to work harder. When an organ is overworked, it fails early. Too much sugar in our diet also puts us at risk for weight gain, which leads to obesity and diabetes. Protein bar companies will often stuff a ton of sugar along with 20 grams of protein in a 7-ounce bar to make the whey protein taste goodso be careful about your protein bars.
Most of us, however, dont want to carry around 6 containers of chicken, brown rice, and egg whites, so the next best recovery option is often the protein bar. Theyre easy to carry, easily accessible, and convenient, especially for fitness lovers who are always on-the-go. So here are three protein bars thatll get the job donewithout compromising your health with loads of sugar.
Read Also: Is Protein In Urine Normal
When Should I Eat A Protein Bar
Theres no right time to eat a protein bar, as theyre products made for convenience. Hope explains that protein bars “should be viewed as a convenient protein source or an alternative to a chocolate bar rather than a healthy snack, explains Hope. The artificial sweeteners can also contribute to cravings for sweet foods. Where possible opt for protein bars which contain fibre and natural ingredients.
Note: as with any supplement that you’re using to help achieve your fitness goals protein bars, powders etc remember they are just that, supplements, and you will always get more nutritional value from real foods.
What Is The Best Protein Bar
When choosing the best protein bars, most people tend to focus on two factors: flavor and price. And no wonder. Protein bars are definitely more expensive than regular snack bars. Itâs also quite challenging to find a protein snack that doesnât have the characteristic dry texture and flour-like aftertaste. However, not all protein bars are healthy and a few more aspects need to be taken into account when assessing a protein bar. There are three more criteria to look into: the types of ingredients, the quality of the protein blend used, and the ratio of macronutrients in a single serving.
Itâs probably not surprising that the protein content is the key factor. The amount and type of this macronutrient will determine the quality of the bar. However, itâs worth noting that more does not necessarily mean better. Our bodies are limited in terms of how much protein they can utilize for muscle building purposes. According to a review published in The Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition , eating more than 25g of protein in one sitting can be counterproductive as the excess will be either burned for energy or deposited as fat.
To get the best results, aim for bars that contain approximately 15-20g of protein per serving.
âA rule of thumb is if it’s hard to pronounce, itâs not likely to be natural, and more likely to be an additive or preservative,â she says.
Read Also: What Is Whey Protein Isolates
Why Are Protein Bars Considered Healthy
Protein bars are considered healthy for a number of reasons. They can help curb your appetite and reduce cravings, which can be helpful for busy people who dont have time to sit down and eat a whole meal. Protein bars also have antioxidant effects, which can help prevent or slow damage to cells. They can lower levels of homocysteine in your body, which is helpful because having too-high homocysteine levels can increase your risk for heart disease increased homocysteine levels can also be a sign of a vitamin deficiency that may require dietary changes or a multivitamin supplement.
Protein bars also allow you to increase your protein intake, which can help reduce your chances of developing diabetes. Thats because higher protein intake helps you lower your blood sugar. However, this is only true of high-protein bars that have high levels of fiber as well. On the contrary, high-fat snack bars that are low in protein do the opposite, and can actually cause your blood sugar to spike. If youre still unsure how protein bars could affect your unique nutritional needs, its always a smart idea to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to discuss your health goals.
The Best Protein Bars We’ve Tried
Misfits focuses on producing protein snacks, protein powders and dietary supplements that are 100% vegan and planet-friendly. Packaging is also sustainable.
Misfits protein bars come in 11 different flavors and boast a great nutritional value. A single serving contains nearly 5mg of iron and 30mg of calcium , as well as 12g of chicory root and beet fiber, both known for their great prebiotic properties. Taste wise, they are outstanding, and our favorite of all the protein bars we’ve tried. The chocolate brownie flavor in particular is deliciously rich, and so moreish it’s hard to restrict ourselves to just one. The new mint choc chip flavor is also a must-try â even members of our team who arenât keen on mint chocolate were won over.
Misfits bars could be a great choice for those who want to lose weight too. Not only are they low in calories and sugar, they are enriched with green tea extract, which may promote fat burning and aid weight maintenance, according to one Cochrane review . Though relatively small in size, each protein bar provides a 15g dose of pea and soy protein. The only downside to Misfits bars is the relatively high price tag. Also, many may not like the fact that theyâre sweetened with xylitol and stevia, which can give a bit of a bitter aftertaste.
Frustratingly, itâs worth noting that Grenade bars are not suitable for vegetarians as they contain hydrolysed beef gelatine.
Also Check: Which Protein Powder Is Best For Muscle Gain
Orgain Protein Snack Bar
Vegans, these bars provide an easy answer to the, But where do you get your protein? question. With 10 grams of complete plant-based protein derived from rice and pea proteins, these bars are a great option for a quick snack to hold you over between meals or to help kick start recovery after a workout. The macro breakdown is solid providing 150 calories from five grams of fat, 19 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of protein. The ingredients are all USDA-certified organic, vegan, and gluten-free.
Take your pick from Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Brownie, Smores, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate, or Chocolate Coconut flavors. The box price for 12 of these bars is about $20 depending on the flavor, which comes to $1.67 per bar cheaper than most non-vegan bars. We should note that these bars do contain erythritol, which in high doses can give some people an upset stomach, and they do contain tree nuts . If youre cool with those two notes, then these are a great vegan option that wont leave you feeling like you just munched on some cardboard.
Orgain Protein Snack Bars are a great on-the-go snack that provides a hit of protein. Theyre also helpful as a quick post-workout snack. Each bar has 10g of vegan protein sourced from rice and peas as well as low sugar with no artificial flavors or preservatives.
What Readers Are Saying
Great recipe! For kids and adults post workout! Ceci
Thank you so much for this quick recipe. I love protein bars and I hate all the additives they put in store bought ones. These are so quick and delicious. I did add dark chocolate chips too. YUMMY!!! Lauren
Added some choc chips and coconut flakes 🙂 Jess
I loved this recipe I might use a different protein powder or 1/4 cup Natural PB and 1/4 cup sweetened PB for a better flavor. I loved the texture! Tierra
Recommended Reading: High Protein Non Dairy Yogurt
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- To make these gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free rolled oats to ensure there is no cross-contamination with gluten.
- To make vegan: For plant based protein bars, use a vegan vanilla protein powder.
- To make nut-free: Sub in wow butter, sunflower seed or pumpkin seed butter instead of the peanut butter and use a rice milk or soy milk instead of almond milk.
At the end of the day, I recommend clearing the cupboard of those packaged granola bars and making your own protein-infused bars.
Its SO easy and so much better for you in the long run!
How To Make Protein Bars At Home
One way to have complete control over the ingredients in your protein bars is to make them yourself. Spending 30 minutes making a batch of protein bars will then give you a nutrient-rich snack to have on hand all week long, ready for when you need to eat on the go.
Theres no shortage of protein bar recipes, both available online for free and in cookbooks. If you like having cookbooks on hand to use as a guide, a few to check out are Protein Bars Cookbook by Ivy Hope, DIY Protein Bars Cookbook by Jessica Stier, and PowerHungry by Camilla Saulsbury.
When searching for protein bar recipes online, follow the same advice as when shopping for them in stores, looking for recipes that use ingredients such as nuts, seeds and fruit. Many recipes also call for oats, which are a good way of upping the fiber in your bars. A few recipes to try are pumpkin pie power bars, one of these homemade granola bars or these energy-boosting truffles! A fun take on protein bars in ball form, that you can mix oats into.
With all of this in mind, here are 20 of the healthiest, best protein bars to buy.
Read Also: High Protein Smoothie Without Protein Powder
Vega Sport Protein Bar
Next, we have a bar from a brand that is 100% plant-based – Vega.
This vega sport protein bar is the perfect post-workout bar. It is packed with 20g of protein, has tart cherry in it, and has 3.5g of BCAAs .
The tart cherry aids in exercise recovery, and don’t worry, you can’t even taste it in the bar.
Also, if you didn’t know, BCAAs are a group of amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They are the building blocks of protein, and they have been shown to aid in muscle recovery and decrease muscle fatigue and muscle soreness.
This bar is a little pricer at $2.49 in stores, but considering everything in the bar, I think it’s well worth the price.
The flavor I found is crunchy peanut butter, and Vega also offers crispy mint chocolate.
Here is the nutritional breakdown of the crunchy peanut butter:
How To Choose Thebest Vegan Protein Bars Low Sugar On Customer Reviews In 2022
With the development of the internet, online platforms offer a variety of products to their audience. Among so many products, it is important to know how to sort, recognize and choose the best best vegan protein bars low sugar for you. What are the criteria for choosing the best vegan protein bars low sugar?
You May Like: Body Fortress Whey Protein Nutrition Facts