The human brain and body can be cruel sometimes. Science has proven that our brains begin to crave the worst things for our health when we are tired or stressed out. Fats, salts, and sweets are what our mind begins to focus on after a late night at the office, racing between our kids’ games on the weekends, or even in that pre-dinner time that is perilous to so many diets.

Thankfully, there is a solution. When you need a snack but not a full meal, protein bars can keep your body feeling fuller longer than anything you’ll find in the vending machine. The dietary fiber and grams of protein in most protein bars actually deliver what your body needs and can be available whenever hunger strikes. The best protein bars deliver exceptional taste and can satisfy that mid-afternoon sweet tooth.

To truly be good for you, a protein bar needs a combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber to keep you fully satisfied. The source of the protein matters as well, and proteins like whey protein isolate, brown rice protein, a pea protein blend, and eggs are considered some of the best.

Here are the 9 best protein bars that we will cover below, chosen for their taste, ingredients list, price, protein blend, and calories:

  1. Vital Proteins: Best Purse-Stashed Snack
  2. Promix Nutrition Protein Puff Bars: Best for Crunchy Protein Content
  3. Orgain Protein Bar: Best Plant-Based Protein Bars
  4. MyProtein Layered Bar: Best for High Protein Diets
  5. HealthyTruth Organic Sprouted Plant-Based Protein Blend: Best Vegan Protein Bar for Clean Eaters
  6. IQ Bar Chocolate & Fruit Lovers: Best Vegan Protein Bars for Keto Diets
  7. BestMed Lemon Meringue with Yogurt Snack Bar: Best Protein Bar for Weight-Loss
  8. TMRFIT Series Peanut Butter With Goji Berries: Best Organic High Protein Bars
  9. Cytosport Bars Evolve Protein Bar: Best Vegan Protein Bar for an Active Lifestyle

The 9 Best Protein Bars in the Market

Vital Proteins® & Jennifer Aniston™ Protein & Collagen Bar – Best Purse-Stashed Snack

Specifications

  • Available in 3 flavors: peanut butter fudge, cold brew coffee, and dark chocolate coconut
  • 14g of protein (milk protein)
  • 6g collagen peptides
  • 170-190 calories each
  • 4g saturated fat
  • 1g fiber
  • <1g sugar
  • 11g carbs

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Low-calorie
  • Fantastic taste profiles
  • Includes antioxidants (maca and maqui berry)
  • Built small to be stashed for when hunger strikes
  • Includes collagen peptides

Cons

  • Not for those with dairy or nut allergies

Price

This protein bar is available at big box retailers like Amazon and on the Vital Proteins® website for around $29.99 per box of 12 bars.

Servings

1 bar contains 14g of protein, which packs a lot of healthy punch for such a little package.

Calories

The peanut butter fudge and cold brew coffee-flavored bars have 170 calories, but the dark chocolate coconut flavor is 190 calories.

Key Features

  • Stash-sized packaging for those who are on the go a lot
  • Collagen will help keep skin looking supple and joints moving freely
  • Protein is derived from dairy, which is excellent
  • Low sugar and low calories mean this bar works with nearly any diet

Rating

4.9/5 stars

Promix Nutrition Protein Puff Bars – Best for Crunchy Protein Content

Specifications

  • Available in vanilla, chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, and mint chocolate flavors
  • 15g of protein per serving
  • 150 calories
  • 4g sugar
  • 2g saturated fat
  • 16g carbs
  • 3g dietary fiber

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Decent fiber content
  • Amazing flavor options and profiles
  • Crunchy texture
  • Whey protein means it can fit any diet
  • Made with all whole food ingredients with zero additives and artificial sweeteners
  • Low-calorie bar

Cons

  • 4g of (natural) sugar

Price

You can get these protein bars for $32.00 for a box of 12 or you can sign up for a subscription and save 10%. If you’ve already tried them and want to go big (and save big), you can order 24 bars for $58 or subscribe to get them for $52.20 via the link above.

Servings

1 bar is 40g, which means it’s small but the fiber and protein will keep you full with zero GMOs, additives, or fillers.

Calories

Each flavor has 150 calories except for snickerdoodle, which only has 140 calories.

Key Features

  • Made entirely from whole foods
  • Non-GMO
  • No additives, sweeteners, or fillers
  • 15g of protein
  • Low calorie

Rating

4.7/5 stars

Orgain Protein Bar – Best Plant-Based Protein Bars

Specifications

  • Quite a few flavors to choose from: s’mores, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate brownie, peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter chunk, and chocolate coconut
  • 10g protein (from organic brown rice and pea protein)
  • 150 calories
  • 1.5g saturated fat
  • 19g carbs
  • 2g dietary fiber
  • 6g total sugars

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Vegan protein bars
  • Fine for those with dairy or peanut allergies
  • Gluten-free
  • Kosher
  • Certified USDA organic

Cons

  • Low-calorie/high-protein bar, which makes it a great snack but not a meal replacement

Price

These plant-based protein bars are available for $19.99 per box of 12 for a one-time purchase, or you can subscribe and buy them for $12.99.

Servings

1 bar is 40g of plant-based, vegan protein bar goodness.

Calories

There are only 150 calories in these vegan protein bars.

Key Features

  • Vegan
  • Kosher
  • Gluten-free
  • 10g of protein from organic brown rice and pea protein
  • Delicious bars with a lot of flavor options
  • Very affordably priced

Rating

4.8/5 stars

MyProtein Layered Bar – Best for High Protein Diets

Specifications

  • Unique flavors to choose from: birthday cake, chocolate brownie, chocolate coconut, chocolate peanut butter, cookies & cream, and peanut butter & jelly
  • 20g protein (whey protein isolate, milk protein, and soy protein isolate)
  • 220 calories
  • 7g saturated fat
  • 19g carbs
  • 0g fiber
  • 4g sugars

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • High protein blend of whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate
  • Higher protein content than the other best protein bars on our list
  • More protein and higher calories make this great for muscle gain
  • 5 layers of flavored indulgence for those who have a sweet tooth (the best protein bars certainly don’t sacrifice flavor)
  • Larger size than other bars on our list for those with a big appetite

Cons

  • More expensive than others on this list

Price

One pack of 12 protein bars is $39.99 via the link above.

Servings

1 bar is 55g, making it significantly larger than other protein bars on this list.

Calories

Each bar has 220 calories

Key Features

  • High protein count with milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, and soy protein isolate
  • High protein bar with high calories for adding muscle
  • Unique and delicious flavors
  • A larger bar for post-gym hunger

Rating

4.9/5 stars

HealthyTruth Organic Sprouted Plant-Based Protein Bars: Best Vegan Protein Bar for Clean Eaters

Specifications

  • 5 delicious all-natural flavors to choose from: cacao, mixed berry, blueberry cobbler, orange cranberry, and vanilla
  • 15g of protein
  • 270 calories
  • 3.5g saturated fat
  • 5.5g healthy fats
  • 3g dietary fiber
  • 23g total sugars (no added sugar, it’s all from the natural ingredients)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • One of the only raw-ingredient protein bars on the market
  • Delicious all-natural flavors
  • Plenty of fiber and healthy fats (including MCT oil)
  • All-natural sweeteners from fruits and nuts
  • More protein than other plant-based protein bars

Cons

  • High-quality bars, but on the pricier side

Price

We don’t see any cons for this product except for its price point. These plant-based protein bars cost $42.99 for a box of 12. Anyone who eats clean and healthy knows that it’s not cheap, but it’s well worth it if your health is important to you.

Servings

1 bar is 65g, making it even larger than the previous addition to our list meant for muscle gain.

Calories

This bar includes 270 calories due to the coconut, MCT oils, and fruits (which pack a ton of raw nutrients).

Key Features

  • All natural, clean, and raw ingredients
  • Includes MCT oils
  • No added sugar
  • Delicious all-natural flavors from fruits, nuts, and coconut
  • Plenty of protein, healthy fats, and fiber

Rating

4.6/5 stars

IQ Bar Chocolate & Fruit Lovers: Best Vegan Protein Bars for Keto Diets

Specifications

  • 6 extremely unique and tantalizing flavors: chocolate sea salt, peanut butter chocolate chip, almond butter chip, banana nut, wild blueberry, and lemon blueberry
  • 180 calories for each flavor
  • 12g of protein (pea protein)
  • 2-3g saturated fat (depending on the flavor)
  • 11g of carbs except for peanut butter chocolate chip, which has 13g of carbs
  • 8-10g of filling fiber (depending on the bar)
  • 1-2g of sugar (no added sugar in any of them)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • The most filling fiber of any protein bar on our list
  • One of the best vegan protein bars out there due to its fiber and protein content
  • Works well with both vegan and keto dietary restrictions
  • Amazing flavors great for any taste preferences
  • Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free
  • All-natural flavors and ingredients

Cons

  • All-natural and clean ingredients cost more, and while this is one of the best vegan protein bar, it’s a tad pricey

Price

This high-quality plant-based protein bar costs $47.48 for a box of 12 if you choose a one-time purchase, or you can subscribe and get a box for $40.36.

Servings

1 plant-based protein bar is 45g.

Calories

Across all of the different flavors, each of these bars has 180 calories.

Key Features

  • Lots of plant-based protein (pea protein)
  • Amazing flavors
  • All-natural, non-GMO, dairy-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free
  • Lots of fiber to keep you feeling full

Rating

4.9/5 stars

BestMed Lemon Meringue with Yogurt Snack Bar: Best Protein Bar for Weight-Loss

Specifications

  • Crisp, crunchy center with a lemon-mousse topping
  • 10g protein (soy protein isolate, milk protein isolate, egg protein, and whey protein isolate)
  • 150 calories
  • 19g carbs
  • 2g fiber
  • 3g saturated fat
  • 10g of sugar (includes 9g of added sugar)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Created to help aid weight loss and fight cravings
  • The petite size makes it easy to stash anywhere or carry with you
  • Delicious flavor
  • 10 grams of protein and 2 grams of filling fiber in a small package
  • Free of artificial sweeteners
  • Protein comes from all of the best sources

Cons

  • Added sugar means this may not be suitable for all

Price

These protein bars are very affordable and the pricing decreases if you buy in bulk. One pack of 7 protein bars costs $15.49 for a one-time purchase, with that price reduced to $13.94 with a subscription. A one-time purchase of a 3-pack of 7 bars each is $41.97, and a 6-pack is only $80.94.

Servings

Each of these weight-loss protein bars is 38g.

Calories

As a protein bar for those on diet, the calorie count is low. These bars only include 150 calories each.

Key Features

  • Petite packaging for people on the go
  • Protein, fiber, and carbs are all designed to help with weight loss
  • Very affordable, and they get more affordable as you buy more
  • Protein from all of the best sources

Rating

4.7/5 stars

TMRFIT Series Peanut Butter With Goji Berries: Best Organic High Protein Bars

Specifications

  • Crunchy peanut butter flavor
  • 20g protein
  • 260 calories
  • 2g saturated fat
  • 12g of healthy fats
  • 19g of carbs
  • 9g of filling fiber
  • 5g of sugar
  • Gluten-free

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 20 grams of protein is great for muscle gain
  • The fiber + protein combo makes this a great snack to keep you fuller longer
  • Lots of healthy fats that aid in muscle protein synthesis
  • Made with 72 organic ingredients
  • Includes goji berries, which are powerful antioxidants
  • Gluten-free
  • No sugar alcohols

Cons

  • As with the other all-organic protein bars, this one is also a little pricey

Price

A box of 12 protein bars costs $47.99.

Servings

Each bar weighs 58g.

Calories

There are 260 calories in each of these protein bars.

Key Features

  • 20 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber are an excellent combo for muscle gain
  • All-organic
  • Crunchy peanut butter chocolate flavor
  • Plenty of healthy fats to keep your heart in shape as well
  • No sugar alcohols
  • The big bar will help curb even large snack attacks

Rating

4.7/5 stars

Cytosport Bars Evolve Protein Bar: Best Vegan Protein Bar for an Active Lifestyle

Specifications

  • 3 delicious flavors: almond cherry, trail mix, and peanut butter
  • 10 grams of protein (plant-based pea protein)
  • 230 calories
  • 2g of saturated fat
  • 10g of healthy fats
  • 25g carbs
  • 2g fiber
  • 13g of sugar (includes 8g of added sugar)

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 10 grams of plant-based protein
  • Great for outdoor adventures as the carbs will keep you moving
  • Plenty of healthy fats from the nuts in this protein bar
  • Soy-free and gluten-free
  • No artificial sweeteners or artificial ingredients
  • Vegan-friendly

Cons

  • 10 grams of protein is on the lower end of a protein bar

Price

You can add this vegan protein bar to your diet for $39.49 for a box of 12.

Servings

Each bar provides a 55g serving.

Calories

Each bar contains 260 calories, which are derived from nuts and meant to sustain an active lifestyle.

Key Features

  • Vegan-friendly
  • Dairy-free and soy-free
  • Made with non-GMO plant-based protein
  • High-quality protein bar with plenty of carbs to keep you moving
  • Clean protein source for outdoor enthusiasts

Rating

4.8/5 stars

How We Chose The Best Protein Bars

There are an enormous number of protein bars available. Some are made to fit specific needs or lifestyles, so the pricing can vary.

Here are the factors that we used to decide which are the best protein bars:

Ingredient List

Many protein bars claim to have an all-natural protein blend and essential amino acids, and some even promise to help you lose weight. Through a more detailed evaluation of the ingredients list, we looked for those with the healthiest ingredients.

Nutritional Values

The best protein bars have more than mere protein. We looked for bars with the highest nutritional value in key aspects such as protein, fiber, carbs, and healthy fats.

Taste & Texture

The protein bars of old were renowned for terrible taste and cardboard-like texture. Thankfully, food science has evolved to where good taste and a pleasant texture are not only possible but are expected from the best protein bars.

Price

We wanted to find the best protein bars in terms of appropriate pricing so that our readers aren’t breaking the bank to lead healthier lives.

Quality Of Protein

The best protein bars have at least 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of filling fiber. The source of the protein matters quite a bit, as vegan protein bars shouldn’t have any milk protein isolate and non-vegan protein bars are best when their protein is derived from whey protein, milk protein, or eggs.

Serving

A protein bar can be used for several needs, but the most popular are a snack on the go, a post-workout protein snack, or a weight loss aid. The servings for each of those uses should be different. We wanted to ensure that the bars marketed for a certain use came in the appropriate serving size.

Benefits of Protein Bars

The best protein bars can make your life much better – whether it’s a necessity of time, a desire to gain or lose weight, or just to have a healthy option to keep you from stopping to pick up fast food on the way home from work.

Let’s go through some of the benefits that the right protein bars can bring to your life.

Enrich your diet with vitamins & minerals

Most protein bars contain high amounts of dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals (along with protein). There will always be days when we can’t reach our dietary requirements because we have a hectic schedule or we aren’t in the mood for a full meal. Protein bars can complement your diet, especially if you’re trying to gain muscle or lose weight.

Curb your appetite 

A good protein snack will help you to feel full longer than other carb-based, sugary snacks, especially when the protein is paired with fiber. A protein bar during your normal snack time can help to curb your appetite until your next meal.

Energize

High protein intake can make you feel more energized, which is why protein bars are the ideal snack. Our bodies take longer to digest protein than carbohydrates, making it a longer-lasting source of energy.

Support muscle repair 

Have you ever felt sore after a workout routine? It’s because your body needs about 10-30 grams of protein (depending on the intensity and duration of your workout routine) to fully heal. Along with helping muscle gain, protein can also support muscle repair. The best protein type to support muscle protein synthesis is whey protein, which is why a whey protein bar or shake is usually the first choice of athletes.

Good for weight loss

Some protein bars can make you lose weight if partnered with the correct diet and exercise. As mentioned earlier in this article, protein bars can make you feel fuller for longer in between meals, which can help to lower your daily calorie consumption. They also promote muscle building, which helps to burn more calories.

The Difference Between a Protein Bar & Granola Bar

A granola bar has less protein and higher levels of carbohydrates compared to a protein bar. Some people choose granola bars over protein bars as a matter of preference, but before you grab your next granola bar, consider that each address very different nutritional needs.

While both can provide nutritional benefits, the calories from carbohydrates will be digested far faster than those from protein. If you are looking for a quick burst of energy, a granola bar is good. If you want to curb your appetite, burn fat, or build muscle, a protein bar is the better option.

How To Choose The Right Protein Bar For You

With so many different protein bars available, there is a protein bar for everyone. First, decide how much protein you need to supplement your lifestyle. If you are looking to add muscle, a protein bar with 20 grams of protein or more is what you should be looking for. If you want to lose weight and curb your appetite, 10 to 20 grams of protein will work. If you need to sustain energy during activities, a higher carbohydrate count can keep you going.

Best Protein Bars FAQs 

Is It Healthy To Have A Protein Bar Every Day?

Protein bars are good supplements for your diet but they should be eaten in moderation. Eating one protein bar per day is a good number to stick to.

Which Bar Has The Most Protein?

The Cytosport Bars Evolve Protein Bar, TMRFIT Series Protein Bar, and MyProtein Layered Bar have the most protein with 20 grams each.

How Much Protein Should I Eat In A Day?

This varies per person because it depends on your weight and how much you exercise.

Do Protein Bars Work For Weight Loss?

If partnered with proper diet and exercise, protein bars can absolutely help with weight loss!

Can I Replace A Meal With A Protein Bar?

A protein bar is more of a snack replacement than a meal replacement. They are also an ideal snack before or after a morning workout. Always check the label to ensure that it isn’t packed with sugar or artificial ingredients, or stick to our list above of the best protein bars.

Conclusion

You don’t need to be a bodybuilder to eat protein bars. Protein bars offer convenience while providing the essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that your body needs to keep you energized. Protein bars can also be a great alternative to the unhealthy snacks that people often find themselves eating from a vending machine or fast-food establishment.

The right protein bar can supplement a healthy but busy lifestyle and doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor. Use our list above to find the right protein bar for your life that provides a quick, healthy, and delicious alternative to unhealthy snacks.