12 Best Protein Bars

Like to eat protein bars but are not sure how to find a good one? Here is a complete breakdown of how to pick a healthy protein bar and a list of some of the best protein bars on the market.

What’s a Protein Bar?

Protein bars are a type of nutrition bar with a high proportion of protein relative to carbohydrate and fat content. They are designed to be a quick and convenient source of protein that can be consumed on the go as a high-protein meal replacement or a post-workout snack.

Who Needs Protein Bars?

While protein bars are commonly consumed by fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and bodybuilders looking to improve recovery, build muscle, and/or lose body fat, they can be consumed by any individual looking to increase their dietary protein intake to support optimal health.

Much like protein powder, protein bars can be particularly helpful for athletes, individuals with body composition or weight loss goals, and vegetarians or vegans who are on a limited diet. The current evidence suggests that individuals looking to optimize health and/or lose weight should aim for a minimum of 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day, while athletes and individuals looking to build muscle should aim for 0.7 to 1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day (1, 2).

How to Pick a Good Protein Bar

Here are 5 things to look for a in good protein bar:

1. Look for whole food ingredients.

As with any processed food, it is important to consider the ingredients of a protein bar and look for options primarily made of whole foods and minimally processed foods. Be sure to read the label and consider the ingredients are listed in descending order by weight, including added water. That said, it’s important to note that protein bars are processed foods designed for convenience and, therefore, some concessions may need to be made.

2. Ensure it contains a digestible protein source.

In addition to the ingredients, it’s important to consider the protein source in a protein bar. Not only can protein bars be made with animal and plant-based proteins, such as whey protein and pea protein, but the protein powders used to make protein bars can be found in different formats, including concentrates, isolates, and hydrolysates, which offer differing levels of absorption, levels of digestibility, and amino acids scores (3, 4, 5). While whey protein powder is the most well-researched and said to be most effective, you must opt for a protein source that you digest well.

3. Look for a high protein content.

A good protein bar should contain a high protein content relative to total calories and other macronutrients. While a protein bar can’t contain 100% protein, at least 25% of the total calorie content of a protein bar should come from protein. Meaning, on average, a good protein bar should contain at least 10 grams of protein, but ideally contain 20 grams of protein or more.

4. Look for a low sugar content.

While it’s ok to have some sugar in a protein bar, try to opt for bars with limited added sugar, ideally 10 grams or less. Certain brands will sweeten bars with natural sugars, such as dates or maple syrup, which contribute to total sugar content but provide more nutrition than refined sugar, in the form of fiber and/or micronutrients, and are therefore less of a concern than added sugars.

Additionally, some brands will use artificial sweeteners and/or sugar alcohols to sweeten their protein bars to keep the total and added sugar content down, however, these can be tough to digest and cause digestive upset for certain individuals, especially when consumed in large amounts, and should be considered when selecting a protein bar (6).

5. Ensure it’s palatable.

A final consideration when choosing a protein bar, and arguably one of the most important, is palatability. While a good protein bar should be made with quality ingredients and have a high protein content relative to calories, it must be enjoyable to consume. Overall flavor, texture, and mouthfeel are vital to a good protein bar.

List of the Best Protein Bars

In no particular order, here is a list of the best protein bars that are easy to find.

1. RxBars

Made exclusively from whole food ingredients, RxBars are some of the best protein bars on the market. Their primary protein source is egg whites – a great high-protein, low-calorie food – and they are naturally sweetened with dates ensuring they contain no added sugar and are gluten-free. RxBars are easily found at most grocery stores, convenience stores, and airports, and come in a variety of flavors.

Nutrition of Chocolate Sea Salt RxBar:

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 12 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Carbohydrates: 23 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Total Sugars: 14 grams
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Ingredients: Dates, Egg Whites, Cashews, Almonds, Chocolate, Cocoa, Natural flavors, Sea Salt.

2. Epic Bars

While technically more of a jerky than a traditional protein bar, Epic Bars are one of the protein bars with the best protein-to-calorie ratio as almost half of their calories are from protein. Made from 100% grass-fed meat and seasonings, these bars are naturally gluten-free and contain no sugar. Epic Bars come in a variety of flavors including chicken sriracha, bison bacon cranberry, and beef jalapeno.

Nutrition of Chicken BBQ Seasoned Epic Bar:

• Calories: 90
• Protein: 11 grams
• Fat: 4.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 3 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Total Sugars: 0 grams
• Added Sugar: 0 grams
• Ingredients: Chicken Meat, Encapsulated Lactic Acid, Sea Salt, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Spices (including allspice, black pepper, clove, cumin, mustard, oregano), Cultured Celery Powder.

3. Barebells Protein Bars

Not only are Barebells protein bars some of the best-tasting protein bars, but they also contain far more protein than most protein bars. With 200 calories and 20 grams of protein per bar, these bars are 40% protein and contain a mere 1 gram of sugar. Barebells uses a combination of whey protein powder and collagen powder in their bars, and sweetens their bar with a sugar alcohol known as maltitol.

Nutrition of Caramel Cashew Barebells Protein Bar:

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 20 grams
• Fat: 7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 18 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Total Sugars: 1 gram
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Ingredients: Milk Protein Blend (Calcium Caseinate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate), Glycerin, Bovine Collagen Hydroslysate, Maltitol, Polydextrose, Water, Cocoa Butter, Dry Whole Milk, Roasted Cashew Pieces, Sunflower Oil, Unsweetened Chocolate, Peanut Paste (Peanuts), Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Salt, Sunflower Lecithin, Sucralose.

4. Perfect Bars

Made with whole food protein from peanut butter, milk, and whole eggs, Perfect bars are another great protein bar. They also contain a proprietary blend of 20 organic “superfoods” including kale, flax, rose hip, papaya, alpha, and kelp, which helps to boost their micronutrient and phytonutrient content. Compared to other bars, Perfect bars are a higher calorie option, with over 300 calories per bar, and contain almost twice as much fat as other bars, however, this also makes them a filling protein bar perfect for a meal replacement or post-workout snack.

Nutrition of Peanut Butter Perfect Bar:

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 17 grams
• Fat: 19 grams
• Carbohydrates: 27 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Total Sugars: 19 grams
• Added Sugars: 13 grams
• Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Honey, Nonfat Dry Milk, Dried Whole Egg Powder, Rice Protein, Dried Whole Food Powders (Kale, Flax Seed, Rose Hip, Orange, Lemon, Papaya, Tomato, Apple, Alfalfa, Celery, Kelp, Dulse, Carrot, Spinach), Flax Seed Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil.

5. Legion Bars

While more difficult to find than other protein bars, as they are only available online or in specialty locations, Legion protein bars are some of the very best protein bars on the market. Each bar contains 20 grams of whey and milk protein, no artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, food dyes, or other “chemical junk”. Moreover, their bars are backed by 30 peer-reviewed scientific studies that support their ingredients and are analyzed for purity in a state-of-the-art accredited lab.

Nutrition of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Legion Bar:

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 20 grams
• Fat: 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: 24 grams
• Fiber: 9 grams
• Total Sugars: 4 grams
• Added Sugars: 3 grams
• Ingredients: Protein Blend (Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate), Almond Butter, Soluble Tapioca Fiber, Prebiotic IMO from Tapioca, 69% Dark Chocolate Chips (Unsweetened Chocolate, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter), Dairy Protein Crisps (Whey Protein Concentrate, Rice Flour), Sunflower Oil, Chicory Root Fiber, Vegetable Glycerin, Erythritol, Sunflower Lecithin, Natural Flavors, Sea Salt, Monk Fruit Extract, Stevia.

6. Aloha Bars

Made with plant-based protein powder, from brown rice and pumpkin seeds, Alohoa bars are a good gluten-free and vegan protein bar option. Not only do they come in a wide variety of flavors, from chocolate caramel pecan to peanut butter cup, but they are also a great source of fiber with an average of 10 grams of fiber per bar.

Nutrition of Maple Sea Salt Aloha Bar:

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 14 grams
• Fat: 9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 26 grams
• Fiber: 10 grams
• Total Sugars: 4 grams
• Added Sugars: 3 grams
• Ingredients: Protein Blend (Brown Rice Protein, Pumpkin Seed Protein), Tapioca Fiber, Sunflower Butter (Roasted Sunflower Seeds, Sunflower Oil), Tapioca Syrup, Rolled Oats, Vegetable Glycerin, Brown Sugar, Almond Butter, Pecans, Maple Syrup, Natural Flavor, Sea Salt.

7. Transparent Lab Protein Bars

Made with whole food ingredients grass-fed protein powder, Transparent Labs Protein+ Bars are some of the cleanest protein bars on the market. Each bar is packed with 15 grams of protein and is naturally sweetened with natural sugar from dates and honey. Plus, Transparent Lab protein bars are 3rd party tested and Informed Sport certified making them a great option for athletes. While their bars on not found in-store, they can be purchased online via their website.

Nutrition of Chocolate Sea Salt Brownie Transparent Lab Grass-Fed Protein+ Bar:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 15 grams
• Fat: 16 grams
• Carbohydrates: 23 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Total Sugars: 10 grams
• Added Sugars: 5 grams
• Ingredients: Peanut Butter, Almond Butter, Grass-Fed Whey Protein Isolate, Dates, Honey, Walnuts, Cocoa, Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips, Coconut Oil, Sea Salt, Natural Cocoa Extract, Egg White Protein.

8. Clif Builder Bars

With 20 grams of plant-based protein per bar, Clif Builder bars are some of the highest protein bars. Made from soy protein isolate, they are a great option for individuals who cannot handle dairy. Clif Builder Bars are higher in sugar than many other bars, however, they have a low glycemic index, which means they do not spike blood sugar and digest slowly to provide a prolonged source of energy to fuel activity and aid recovery.

Nutrition of Chocolate Mint Protein Clif Builder Bar:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 20 grams
• Fat: 9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 31 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 17 grams
• Added Sugar: 17 grams
• Ingredients: Soy Protein Isolate, Cane Syrup, Cane Sugar, Brown Rice Syrup, Pam Kernel Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Unsweetened Chocolate, Soy Flour, Rice Flour, Chicory Fiber Syrup, Natural Flavors, Roasted Soybeans, Cocoa, Soy Protein Concentrate, Sunflower And/Or Soybean Oil, Rice Starch, Soy Lecithin, Alkalized Cocoa, Salt.

9. Quest Bars

A fan-favorite within the bodybuilding community, Quest bars are one of the most popular protein bar brands. They offer a wide range of flavors, from chocolate sprinkled donut to lemon cake, ranging from 190 and 220 calories and all contain 20-21 grams of protein per bar from milk protein. However, while they contain a significant amount of fiber, 12-14 grams per bar, they contain a significant amount of sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive upset for certain individuals.

Nutrition of Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Quest Bar:

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 21 grams
• Fat: 9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 22 grams
• Fiber: 12 grams
• Total Sugars: 1 gram
• Added Sugars: 0 grams
• Ingredients: Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate), Soluble Corn Fiber, Almonds, Water, Unsweetened Chocolate, Erythritol, Natural Flavors, Cocoa Butter. Contains Less Than 2% of the Following: Sea Salt, Sunflower Lecithin, Stevia Sweetener, and Sucralose.

10. Trubars

While many plant-based protein bars have a chalky taste and crumbly texture, TRUBAR protein bars are delicious and, arguably, the best high-fiber protein bars. The addition of tapioca fiber and cassava flour ensures that each bar contains over 10 grams of fiber while being gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and sugar-alcohol-free for everyone to enjoy.

Nutrition of Smother Fudger Peanut Butter TRUBAR:

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 12 grams
• Fat: 9 grams
• Carbohydrates: 23 grams
• Fiber: 13 grams
• Total Sugars: 7 grams
• Added Sugars: 6 grams
• Ingredients: Tapioca Fiber and Cassava Blend, Plant Fueled Protein Blend (Whole Grain Rice Protein, Organic Pea Protein), Peanut Butter, Organic Cane Sugar, Palm Oil, Cocoa Powder, Peanut Flour, Sea Salt, Sunflower Oil, Sunflower Lecithin.

11. SimplyProtein Bars

With their crunchy texture, SimplyProtein bars are most similar to a traditional granola bar. Filled with soy protein crisps made from soy protein powder they are a low-calorie, low-carb, and low-sugar protein bar. SimplyProtein bars come in 3 flavors; dark chocolate almond, peanut butter chocolate, and lemon coconut, and all contain 13 grams of protein per bar.

Nutrition of Dark Chocolate Almond SimplyProtein Crispy Bar:

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 13 grams
• Fat: 7 grams
• Carbohydrates: 16 grams
• Fiber: 7 grams
• Total Sugars: 2 grams
• Added Sugars: 2 grams
• Ingredients: Soy Protein Crisps (Soy Protein Isolate, Tapioca Starch, Sea Salt), Chicory Root Fibre, Sunflower Seeds, Gluten-Free Oats, Cashew Butter (Dry-Roasted Cashews, Sunflower Oil), Vegetable Glycerin, Unsweetened Chocolate, Brown Rice Crisps (Brown Rice), Cocoa Powder, Cane Sugar, Raspberries, Natural Flavors, Sunflower Oil Blend (Sunflower Oil, Mixed Tocopherols, Rosemary Extract), Sea salt.

12. Kind Protein Bars

Not to be confused with Kind snack bars, Kind protein bars are made with premium ingredients, plant protein, and healthy fats to create high-quality protein bars. Their unique combination of high-protein nuts and soy protein isolate ensures that each bar contains over 12 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. Plus, thanks to their simple ingredients, these bars are far more kid-friendly than other protein bars making them a great option the whole family can enjoy.

Nutrition of Dark Chocolate Nut Protein Bar:

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 12 grams
• Fat: 17 grams
• Carbohydrates: 18 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Sugar: 8 grams
• Added Sugars: 6 grams
• Ingredients: Peanuts, Almonds, Glucose Syrup, Soy Protein Isolate, Honey, Palm Kernel Oil, Sugar, Chicory Root Fiber, Unsweetened Chocolate, Alkalized Cocoa, soy Lecithin, Natural Flavor, Sea Salt, Cocoa Butter.

Protein Bars FAQs

The Bottom Line

Protein bars are a processed protein source used to conveniently increase protein intake. The best protein bars are made with whole foods, contain a digestible protein source, over 10 grams of protein, less than 8 grams of sugar, and are enjoyable to eat. Some of the highest-quality protein bars include RxBars, Epic bars, Barebells protein bars, Pefect bars, Legion bars, Aloha bars, TruBars, Builder bars, Quest bars, Transparent lab bars, SimplyProtein bars, and Kind protein bars.