Best Protein Bars For Weight Loss

What To Look For In A Low

To avoid buying that glorified candy bar when shopping for protein bars, check the following:

• âProtein content:â “As an RD who specializes in weight management and prediabetes, Ialways look for bars that have at least 10 grams â but, ideally, closer to 15 grams â ofprotein. That’s appropriate for most unless you’re trying to sustain a prolonged athletic event like a multi-hour hike,” Harris-Pincus says.
• âCalories:â If you’re looking for a lower-calorie bar because you’re having a snack or are trying to lose weight, choose a bar with fewer than 250 calories.
• âAdded sugars:â “Watch the added sugars â the American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men. I also prefer bars with at least 5 grams of fiber ,” Harris-Pincus says.
• âIngredient list:â If it’s important that your bar is vegan or vegetarian, be on the lookout for ingredients like gelatin, which is made from animal products. If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to GI issues, you may also want to avoid artificial sweeteners.

Try These Bars To Help Tide You Over Curb Your Appetite Or Potentially Build Muscle

A lot has changed over the years, including the quality and variety of protein bars. Long gone are the days when youd chomp down expecting a chalky texture full of artificial flavors and sugars. Now, there are brands serving up delicious bars loaded with muscle-building protein and great flavor. There are protein bars that taste like candy. There are protein bars free of meat products entirely. There are even protein bars made of meat.

Whether youre looking to munch on something healthier, fuel a tough workout, or recover from one theres a bar for you. Check out our list of the best protein bars for different goals like muscle gain, taste, low-carb, and vegans below.

Bobs Red Mill Bars $699 For A 5

You probably know and love their oats so these Bobs Red Mill bars are another perfect addition to the pantry. They come in three different flavors made for peanut butter lovers!

I recommend stocking up on these bars because they contain real ingredients you can pronounce and pack in 7 grams of protein per bar. These bars make a great option for fueling workouts, which is an important part of weight management. Toss one in your purse, gym bag, or lunch box to enjoy as the perfect pre or post-workout snack, says Burgess.

Also Check: Are Pure Protein Bars Healthy

The Bar With A Sustainable Protein Source: Exo

Protein source: Cricket

Nutrition info: 160 cal, 14g protein, 7g fat, 22g total carb

The foundation of Exos bars is acheta, otherwise known as cricket, a good-for-you and good-for-the-planet source of protein. According to the brands website, acheta powder has 40% more potassium than whey protein, the protein source found in many a bar, as well as three times the amount of iron as spinach. Exos bars have a soft and chewy texture, and though the chocolate fudge brownie flavor gives off some faux dessert vibes, with only two grams added sugar they dont taste overly sweet.

Best Tasting Protein Bar

6 Layer Protein Bar

This mouth-watering bar features six layers of irresistible taste and texture, including a layer of gooey caramel to satisfy those sweet tooth cravings. But theyre not just delicious, our 6 Layer Bar is packed with 21g protein and is low in sugar for an incredible on-the-go treat.

Coming in indulgent Chocolate Sundae, Birthday Cake, Lemon Meringue, and Cookies & Cream flavours, supporting your goals has never tasted so good.

Recommended Reading: Protein Shake Cookies And Cream

No Bake Cinnamon Roll Protein Bars

Serves: 8Nutrition: 120 calories, 5 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 11 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 9 g protein

Whipping up a batch of these no-bake bars is as easy and fast as it gets, and totally worth it. Flavor boosting cinnamon will stabilize your blood sugar and ward off insulin spikes, meaning they’ll keep you feeling full longer. Pack one or two of these sweet bars for an afternoon snack and you won’t look twice at the break-room vending machine.

Get the recipe from The Healthy Maven.

Pure Protein Bars High Protein Nutritious Snacks To Support Energy Low Sugar Gluten Free Variety Pack 176 Oz

Features :

• You will receive one 18 ct box of Pure Protein Bars, Variety Pack , 1.76 oz
• PERFECT COMBINATION: Pure Protein Bars are the perfect combination of high protein, low sugar , and great taste
• DELICIOUS HIGH PROTEIN BAR: Pure Protein Bars Variety Pack have 20g or 21g of protein for quick and sustained energy, and is gluten free
• ON-THE-GO PROTEIN SNACK: Pure Protein Bars fuel your on-the-go active lifestyle. These protein bars are packed with a high quality protein blend for both quick and sustained energy, and full of flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth one bite at a time
• PRE- AND POST-WORKOUT FUEL: Pure Protein Bars are perfect for before or after a workout. Grab a protein bar about an hour before a workout to provide carbs and protein for energy and lean muscle support. Treat yourself after your workout to replenish energy and help the muscle recovery process. Fuel your workout and nutritious balanced diet

Additional Info :

Also Check: Premier Protein Shake – Cake Batter Delight

Are Low Carb Protein Bars Good For You

Low carb protein bars can be a convenient and quick way to boost your protein intake if you dont have time to make a protein-rich, keto-friendly snack. However, not all are created equal.

We recommend reading the nutrition facts and ingredient list on any low carb protein bar youre considering and seeing how it compares with the options listed above. Ideally, bars will have ingredients derived from whole foods, a short ingredient list, and no added sugar or unnecessary fillers.

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

Healthy Eating On The Go

“Healthy Eating On The Go protein bars are made with natural ingredients, low in sugar, and high in protein, which makes them an excellent candidate for protein bars that help with weight loss. Their Peanut Butter protein bar is made from natural peanut butter, raisins, and raw almond. Almonds have been shown to lower blood sugar levels and are very high in vitamins and protein. All together, this bar has 15g of protein, 210 calories, and 5g of fiber.” D’Angelo

Q: How Often Should You Eat Protein Bars

A: If you are working out regularly and using a protein bar to refuel after strenuous exercise or to give yourself a quick boost before you start an intense session, feel free to eat a protein bar whenever you exercise. However, if youre planning to eat bars every single day, do make sure theyre made with wholesome and healthy ingredients and avoid recipes that are super high in sugar.

Nature’s Plus Ketoslim High Protein Bar Chocolate Almond Crunch

Made with less than 2g of carbs, the Nature’s Plus protein bar is a fantastic option for those undertaking the rigorous ketogenic diet. In fact, only 2 grams of the total 26 caloric grams count as carbs due to the high fiber content of the bar itself.

With 21g of protein, the Nature’s Plus bar is preferred by those that have diabetes. Many customers state that the bar provides a helpful way to manage day-to-day blood sugar levels.

The protein is made from a proprietary blend of micro-filtered whey isolate, rice, pea, and soy protein isolate.

Who Should Buy Legion High

• Athletes who are looking to gain muscle will appreciate the macros here thats 24 grams of carbs, 20 grams of protein, and 12 grams of fat per bar.
• Folks who like chocolate chip cookie dough flavors, as thats the only option here.
• If youre looking for a higher calorie bar, youve found it, as this one contains 240 calories .

Optimum Nutrition Protein Wafers

Targeted at bodybuilders and athletes, this protein bar strives to provide a lot of protein but stay lean when it comes to carbs. It delivers a solid 15 grams of protein and only five grams of sugar.

To keep the sugar content down, its flavored with sucralose instead. Your call on whether thats an issue.

Are Protein Bars Good For You

Not all protein bars are good for you. The best protein bars provide a balance of protein, carbs, fiber, fat and other nutrients. In addition to being a convenient protein source, the benefits of protein bars include raised energy levels, increased calorie burning and decreased appetite. In combination with exercise and other healthy habits, eating protein bars can increase lean mass, power and strength.

Nutritionists dont recommendmore than oneprotein bar per day

Athletes often use protein bars to recover after an intense workout. Others eat protein bars to help stabilize blood sugar and reduce blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Protein is especially important for menopausal women because it works with calcium to increase bone strength.

Protein is an essential macronutrient everyone needs in their diet. All proteins break down into amino acids. Animal protein sources include meat, eggs and dairy, and plant proteins sources include nuts, beans and lentils. Plant-based proteins are considered to be incomplete proteins because they lack some essential amino acids, but complementary plant-based proteins can be eaten together to form complete proteins. Foods rich in animal proteins also often contain vitamins B12 and D, plus omega-3 fat, heme-iron and zinc. People with high plant-protein diets are at lower risk for heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

What To Consider Before Buying Protein Bars

The best protein bar will not only taste great, but it should meet your daily dietary needs.

Whether your dietary needs are based on ingredients, macronutrients, or calories, were confident that theres a protein bar on the market that will match your wants and desires. When consumed mindfully, protein bars can be a great way to pack in extra protein.

When To Consume Low Carb Low

The optimal time to eat a protein bar is before or after an exercise, as you might expect. A protein bar can help you perform better before and after your workout, and it can also help with muscle repair and growth. Protein Bars are suitable for recovery after exercise because of their high protein content, making them the ideal post-workout snack.

They can also be eaten at any time of day, in between meals, as an on-the-go breakfast, to satisfy a sweet appetite, or even topping for recipes to increase protein consumption.

Naked Bars $2999 For A 12

If youre looking for a bar with actual protein powder in it, try these Naked Nutrition bars in both chocolate and peanut butter flavors. They’re filled with wholesome ingredients like nut butter and whey protein, says Burgess. Each bar contains 180 calories while keeping the sugars low at just 5 grams of added sugar per bar. They also contain 15 grams of protein which can help us feel fuller longer. Take a bar with you to the gym to enjoy as a convenient snack after a bout of strength training.

What Protein Bars Should I Eat To Lose Weight

There are plenty of protein bars that can help you lose weight. Some things to consider when you’re looking for weight loss specifically are calories, protein, and fat content. If you want to lose weight with protein bars, you’re going to want a bar that satiates your hunger while being as low calorie as possible. We recommend you give the Fast Bar Intermittent Fasting Bar a try!

Munk Pack Keto Nut & Seed Bar $2499 For A 12

These bars from Munk Pack are filled with plant-powered ingredients like almonds, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts.

My favorite flavor is the sea salt dark chocolate! Whats great about these bars is they contain 0 grams of added sugars since they are naturally sweetened from a rare sugar called allulose, Burgess states. Plus, they contain up to 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. This protein and fiber help keep us fuller and more satisfied for longer.

Try chopping up these bars and serving over yogurt in the morning for a protein-packed parfait!

Atkins Protein Cookie Chocolate Chip 4 Count

Features :

• CHOCOLATE CHIP PROTEIN COOKIES. This is todays Atkins. Our soft and Chewy cookies are just the right amount of sweet to keep you satisfied when its snack time.
• STAY ON TRACK. Stay true to the Atkins Diet and Lifestyle with our delicious protein cookies. This protein Cookie has 3 grams of net Carbs and less than 1 gram of sugar per serving.
• COOKIES AT HOME OR ON-THE-GO. Enjoy a sweet and satisfying cookie that fits right into your busy schedule. With 10 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per serving, this cookie is the perfect snack for your busy day
• ALL TASTE. NO COMPROMISE. Give your body the nutrients it needs without sacrificing your favorite flavors. Our protein cookies have all the sweetness you want in a snack without compromise.
• QUALITY INGREDIENTS. Delight in the satisfying flavors and nutrients of Atkins protein cookies made with quality ingredients.

Additional Info :

The Benefits Of Using The Best Protein Bars

Using protein bars is an easy way to help you grow and maintain your muscles, but thatâs not the only health benefit to come with it. They can also assist with appetite control, weight loss and metabolism.

âProtein bars help to make you feel full and this might help prevent frequent snacking due to a steady energy supply,â says Shortt. 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. Furthermore, 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.

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

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 – in a very convenient, compact form.

How We Chose The Best Protein Bars

The first thing we considered when searching for our favorite protein bars was what different consumers may need.

Were recreational strength athletes that are always on the lookout for the optimal snack to power us through workouts, work, and our day-to-day activities. A great protein bar will have macronutrients that promote muscle recovery and satiation while also sometimes keeping calories on the lower end of the spectrum.

Another aspect we looked at were ingredients what is the bar made out of? In reality, finding a completely natural protein bar isnt always incredibly easy, so we considered every bars ingredients and assessed them with others in their category accordingly. These major factors helped guide a lot of our top protein bar picks.

The Best Protein Bars For Weight Loss According To Dietitians

For those on the journey of pursuing their personal weight loss goals, it’s well known how hard the in-between meals time is. Having a spinach and egg omelet, crunchy kale salad, and grilled chicken dinner is easy, but what happens when you’re starving in the afternoon and your only option is the vending machine at your office’s breakroom? Those easily-available crunchy, fried snacks and sugary candies are no friend to dieters because they’re seriously lacking in digestion-slowing, metabolism-building macronutrients like healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Healthier snacks, like high-protein snacks, can support your weight loss by helping you feel full for longer and much more.

Higher-protein diets have been linked to weight management, appetite regularity, and a decreased risk of health problems like cardiovascular disease. In other words, making sure we get enough protein is crucial to our health goals, especially as we enjoy our favorite holiday cookies this year.

If you’re in a bind with a busy schedule and having trouble getting enough protein in your daily diet, protein bars can be a great addition to your pantry. They’re affordable, easy, and great to take with you. And they can help you have more energy throughout the day.

Here are some of the best protein bars for weight loss, according to a few expert dietitians. And for more healthy eating tips, make sure to check out The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.