The Best Protein Bars Reviewed and Rated
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Proteins are a must when it comes to your daily diet. Proteins are the healthiest way to keep you feeling full, replenish your body after or before a workout, and even reduce blood pressure. To make sure you choose the best protein bars available today, check out our top 10 list below!
OurTop 3 Picks
- Quest Nutrition
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Our rating - Excellent Product
- Price: See Here
- CLIF
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Our rating - Completely Natural
- Price: See Here
- Gatorade Recover
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Our rating - Well Trusted
- Price: See Here
It is a substantially well-known fact that protein is an essential macro-nutrient of which helps to support several various structures throughout your entire body. Protein can be found in a number of different food sources of which included, but are certainly not limited to: eggs, meats, fish and nuts. However, there are actually very few people who actually receive enough of their daily required protein from food sources alone, and many rely on added protein supplements in order to receive their daily recommended amount. And, a protein bar is one of the top options of which has countless dietary and lifestyle benefits to keep you on the move and fueled with protein!
There are a ton of really great reasons why opting to incorporate a daily protein bar is an incredibly helpful and highly beneficial way to take advantage of all of the great benefits that protein has to offer your body. There are numerous weight-loss plans that have been strategically marketing themselves as high-protein plans. These high-protein plans tend to rely solely upon meal-replacement bars to make portion-control and reduced caloric intake significantly easier to manage.
10 Best Protein Bars
1. Quest Nutrition
They are completely natural and contain no added sugar. Instead they are sweetened with sucralose and Stevia to keep the calories low and the taste delicious.
Made from all natural ingredients
They are made from natural nuts, fair trade chocolate and other natural ingredients so you can be assured that they are a natural protein bar that won’t sacrifice your nutrition.
Features and Specifications
21g of protein
4g of carbs
190 calories per serving
Made with high quality whey and milk protein isolates
Made from natural ingredients
Price/Value
Each packet contains 12 bars, which is great value for money considering all of the benefits of the Quest Nutrition Protein Bars.
Directed Use
Eat one directly after exercising for best results.
FAQ
Is this product gluten free?
Yes, they are free from many allergens.
How many flavours are available?
There are 24 flavours available, and variety packs with lots of different flavours.
Decision Time
Quest Nutrition Protein Bars offers you a powerful protein bar that offers all of the nutrition that you need to develop lean and strong muscle mass. The bars offer great value for money and excellent benefits, making them a great way to start living a healthier life and support intense training and competing.
- Tastes delicious for enjoyable nutrition
- High protein for proper muscle development
- Made with pure, natural ingredients
- All natural nutrition
- Free from many allergens
- There is a slightly gritty texture to the bar
- There is a slight artificial flavour due to the stevia
2. CLIF
CLIF Builder’s Protein Bars are completely free from any GMO developed ingredients, making them completely safe and natural.
Slow release carbohydrates
They use carbohydrates that are specifically created to be slow release, giving you plenty of energy over a longer period of time, giving your muscles the protein and energy that they need to develop.
Features and Specifications
290 calories per serving
20g of protein
29g of slow release carbohydrate
Non-GMO ingredients
Low glycemic
Price/Value
These option is much less expensive than other options and offers just as many bars per packet, making it an excellent value protein bar.
Directed Use
Take one bar immediately after exercising for the best results, or during the day as a healthy snack to boost protein intake.
FAQ
How much sugar is in one bar?
There is around 21g of sugar in every bar.
What is the product shelf life?
Each bar should last around six months if left unopened.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, but they are not suitable for vegans.
Decision Time
CLIF Builder’s Protein Bars are a great option for those who do a lot of intensive training and exercise, as they offer the extra calories you need, as well as a great tasting protein bar for a range of dietary requirements.
- High protein
- Slow release carbohydrate for steady nutrition
- Low glycemic to improve regular energy output
- Maintains a healthy diet and nutrition levels
- Helps maintain proper protein synthesis
- High calorie
- High in sugar
- Can have an artificial aftertaste
3. Gatorade Recover
Gatorade Whey Protein Recover Bars are so well trusted that they are used by some of the world’s leading sports leagues, and are not available to you so that you can get the best nutrition possible.
Scientifically developed
They are scientifically developed and formulated, creating an excellent protein bar that provides your body with all that it needs to do well and progress.
Features and Specifications
20g of protein
Scientifically formulated
360 calories per bar
13g of fat
42g of carbohydrate
31g of sugar
Price/Value
This brand offers you 12 bars in every package for a very good price, and they are great value due to the incredible features and benefits.
Directed Use
Eat during the day for a healthy snack or directly after exercise for a boost of protein and muscle support.
FAQ
How many flavours are available?
There are six available flavours, as well as variety packs.
Is this product nut free?
There may be traces of nuts in the product, so they are not suitable for those with a nut allergy.
Decision Time
Gatorade Whey Protein Recover Bars is an excellent quality protein bar with all that you need to support your muscles after intense training. They are great value and give you a supplement that is specially formulated to help even the most intense training.
- 6 flavours available, so you’re sure to find an option to suit your taste
- Very convenient
- Delicious flavours
- Used by world renowned sports players
- Slow release carbohydrates for longer lasting aid to recovery
- High calorie
- Artificial flavour from the sugars
4. Think Thin
They are specially formulated and developed to offer you 20g of protein with 0g of sugar to give you the best low sugar protein bar option for those who are keeping an eye on their sugar intake.
Low Glycaemic
These bars are low glycemic, meaning that they are a slow release protein bar that gives you high levels of protein over a long period of time to support your muscles in proper development.
Features and Specifications
Available in 13 flavours
230 calories per bar
20g of protein
0g of sugar
25g of slow release carbohydrate
10 packs per bar
Gluten free
Low glycemic
Price/Value
They offer 10 bars in a pack, which is lower than many other options, but the price is also lower, making these bars similar value for money.
Directed Use
Take one bar as a healthy snack, or take immediately after a workout to give your body extra fuel to repair after intense work
FAQ
Are these bars allergen free?
These bars are low on allergens but are made in a factory that works with nuts.
How many flavours are available?
There are 6 flavours available to choose from.
Decision Time
Think Thin High Protein Bars are a high quality bar for a great price, the only downside to these bars is that they need to be kept cool in order to keep their fudgy texture.
5. Muscle Pharm
They contain only the most natural ingredients, providing you with clean and powerful nutrition.
Baked for a better texture
This is a baked protein bar to give it a smoother, softer texture, removing any of the grittiness that can be associated with protein bars.
Features and Specifications
Baked for a great texture
210 calories per bar
7g of fat
28g of carbohydrate
5g of sugar
63 calories from fat
Price/Value
Each packet offers 12 bars, which is about average when it comes to bulk buying a protein bar. The price of these bars is slightly higher than other options, but they are worth the money.
Directed Use
Take one bar per day as a healthy snack, or immediately after exercise for a boost of proteins and carbohydrates.
FAQ
Are these bars nut free?
No, they contain traces of nuts.
Do these bars contain caffeine?
No, they do not.
Decision Time
Muscle Pharm Combat Crunch are powerful protein bars with great value and excellent features, giving you all that you need to succeed.
- All-natural ingredients
- Baked for a delicious taste and texture
- Low sugar but high protein
- Lasting release for extended support
- The bars are sensitive to warm environments and need to be refrigerated and kept cold
6. RXBAR
They are free from sugar, gluten, dairy and soy, so you will be getting a low carb protein bar that offers you everything you need for healthy muscular support.
Suitable for a meal replacement or as a healthy snack
Can be eaten as a breakfast on the go, or as a protein booster at the end of a workout to give you the best results.
Features and Specifications
200 calories per bar
12g of egg white protein
4g of fiber
12g of sugar
12 bars in a packet
Contains nuts
Contains eggs
Price/Value
They are higher in price than many of the other options on this list, but for those who have more sensitive dietary needs then they are well worth the money.
Directed Use
Eat as desired, can be a breakfast replacement, healthy snack, or protein boost after a workout
FAQ
How many flavours are available?
There are 6 delicious flavours to choose from: Blueberry, Mint Chocolate, Pumpkin Spice, Coconut Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Coffee Chocolate.
Decision Time
RXBAR Whole Food Protein Bars are an incredibly high quality gluten free bars choice that gives you a protein boost after a workout and allows you to keep even and steady nutrition throughout the day, without any additives and chemicals.
- Completely clean nutrition
- Suitable for a range of dietary needs
- Excellent texture and taste
- Low calorie
- High quality bar for breakfast or a snack
- Lower in protein than other options on this list
- High in sugar
- High calorie
7. Fit Joy
Fit Joy pride themselves on matching their products to the flavours they intend so that you are never disappointed with the products you receive and the taste of the Fit Joy Nutrition Protein Bar.
No artificial additives
They are completely gluten free and have no artificial additives, giving you a healthy protein bar without any added chemicals that can slow your progression into losing weight and staying healthy.
Features and Specifications
230 calories per bar
20g of whey protein
11g of fiber
3g of sugar
12 bars per pack
All natural
Price/Value
The bars are more expensive than other options on this list for the same number of bars, so they are quite pricey. However, they are completely natural, making them worth the money.
Directed Use
One bar can serve as a healthy breakfast replacement, or as a snack throughout the day.
FAQ
How many flavours are available?
There are 6 delicious flavours available to choose from.
What is the shelf life?
Will last around 12 months if left unopened.
Decision Time
Fit Joy Nutrition Protein Bars are an excellent quality protein bar with great value. Like with other protein bars, however, they need to be kept cold.
- Great taste and texture
- High protein with low sugar
- No artificial flavours or colours
- No additives or preservatives
- Great as a healthy snack or meal replacement
- Sensitive to heat and can melt easily if not kept cold.
8. Zone Perfect
They combine nearly 20 of the most essential vitamins and minerals, making these bars perfect for avid gym goers, as well as those who want to add an added vitamin boost into their diet.
Suitable for a wide range of dietary needs
They are free from a number of allergens so that they can be eaten by people of all dietary needs and requirements.
Features and Specifications
210 calories per bar
60 calories from fat
15g of protein
22g of carbohydrate
15g of sugar
12 bars per pack
Price/Value
Zone Perfect Nutrition Bars offer 12 bars in every packet, so the value for money is average in comparison, however the price is quite a lot lower than other options on this list.
Directed Use
Consume one bar as a breakfast replacement, as a snack, or a protein boost after a hard workout.
FAQ
How many flavours are available?
There are five great flavours to choose from.
What is the shelf life?
Should last 6 months when left unopened.
Decision Time
They are a completely natural protein bar that offers you excellent health benefits, as well as a boost of protein to help keep you healthy and your muscles develop.
- Low calorie
- Excellent meal replacements bar for breakfast and to curb snacking
- Completely natural
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Added minerals and vitamins for an extra health boost
- Lower in protein than other options
- Sensitive to heat and need to be kept cool
9. Sun Butter Paleo
They are made with completely organic ingredients that contain probiotics, which can help to curb your appetite for up to 4 hours. This helps you to lose weight much more successfully.
Stay fresh technology
The new development of these bars allows them to stay fresh for up to 18 months so that you can bulk buy and store your protein bars for better value for money.
Features and Specifications
150 calories per bar
25 calories from fat
20g of egg white protein
28g of carbs
23g of fiber
1g of naturally occurring sugars
Stays fresh for up to 18 months
Price/Value
These are more expensive than other options and offer the same number of bars in a box. However, they are paleo friendly and will stay fresher for longer, so you will get better value for money from bulk buying.
FAQ
How many flavours are available?
There are 12 flavours available.
How does this product last 18 months with no preservatives?
They are specially formulated with low water activity to keep them fresher for longer.
Decision Time
Organic Sun Butter Paleo Protein Bars are an expensive option for a protein bar, but they are well worth the money, as they offer you incredibly natural protein bars with a huge range of health benefits.
- Completely natural
- Low in sugar
- High in protein
- Paleo friendly
- No additives
- No preservatives
- Expensive
- Sensitive to warmth
10. Pure Protein
Pure Protein Bars are easy to store in a cupboard and take with you as a breakfast or snack on the go.
At least 20g of protein in every flavour
They offer you plenty of protein in every bar so that you get the nutrition that your body needs.
Features and Specifications
20+g of protein
200 calories per bar
2g of sugar
18 bars per box
2g of sugar
Gluten free
Price/Value
With 18 bars per box at a cost that is lower than many options on this list that offer only 12, these bars are the best value for money on this list.
Directed Use
Consume one bar as a breakfast bar, snack, or after workouts for a protein boost.
FAQ
How many flavours are available?
There are 3 great flavours to choose from.
Are they suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, but they are made with milk, so are unsuitable for vegans.
Decision Time
Pure Protein Bars is a valuable option on this list, giving you a huge number of bars, great range of health benefits, and a very good price. If you are looking for a protein bar then look no further than these bars.
- Gluten free
- Low calorie
- Very little sugar
- No added sugar
- More bars to each box
- All protein bars are sensitive to warmth, as they can melt
- Not as good a taste as other brands
Benefits
Fiber and Protein
These protein bars often tend to contain an increased amount of both fiber and protein in order to assist your body in feeling fuller for longer duration’s of time, and also are often packed with added essential minerals and vitamins in order to guarantee a proper and well-balanced nutritional meal replacement supplement. It should additionally be noted that meal replacement options, of which include protein bars, can be a seemingly highly effective form of weight loss and weight management when they are apart of a proper and well-rounded overall diet. It must also be noted that one cannot rely entirely on meal replacements alone for their entire diet and that protein bars, while super helpful, simply do not supply your body with all of the proper antioxidants and nutrients of which are located within whole grains and fresh veggies and fruits.
Avoid Blood Sugar Spikes
Yet another truly great benefit to consuming snack-sized protein bars is the fact that they can significantly assist you in helping to reduce the risk of overeating in between your standard meal times. Many protein bars come in really delicious flavors, such as peanut butter, brownie, and even lemon meringue. These yummy flavors can help to curb your sweet cravings and you are also avoiding drastic spikes in your blood sugar and the unfortunate crashes that occur.
Energy
When your body is supplied with all of the proper and necessary nutrients that it requires and desperately seeks you can also assist yourself to ensure that you are also getting the very most our of your daily workout. Protein bars can be consumed prior to exercising and they will, in turn, supply one’s body via a steady flow of energy throughout the entire duration of your strenuous activity. Protein bars are also highly regarded for the benefits that they provide you following a workout as well. This is mainly due to the fact that amino acids of which can be located within protein bars can greatly assist in providing all of the much-needed building blocks that your body requires in order to help you build muscle tissue, while additionally helping to repair all of the tiny tearing of muscles of which may possibly happen during your workout.
Ease of Use
While all of the aforementioned benefits are some wonderful reasons to begin incorporating protein bars into your day to day active lifestyle, protein bars also have the tremendous advantage of overall convenience. Protein bars are super compact in their size, they can of course also be eaten quite quickly by anyone from active go-getters to professionals who are always on the go! Protein bars can provide an incredibly simple solution for anyone who simply lacks time and/or the means for meal prep and planning. Best of all, protein bars do not require any measuring or mixing as is often the case with the majority of protein powders. Nor do they require any refrigeration, as is the case with pre-made shakes that are readily available.
Criteria for Evaluation
Only the best of the best make the cuts for our top-ten lists. And with keeping that vital thought in mind, it should of course be noted that we took only the most extreme care and regards to the products that we selected to make the top ten best protein bars of which are presently available on the market, for men and women alike! Here, is the criteria that we took the care and consideration to bring you in order to ensure that the products that you are selecting are most certainly only the best of the best!
High-quality protein count
If you are seeking to incorporate a protein bar into your day to day lifestyle, then it is more than likely for very one, particular very good reason. And that, of course, is due to the fact that you are looking to increase your daily protein intake! All of the protein bars that made our list are packed and loaded with ample amounts of protein to ensure that you are reaching your daily protein goals in an easy and seamless manner. Getting the right amount of protein each and every day does not have to be a daunting feat any longer. With our top ten list, you can be sure that each and every protein bar on this list is going to be a safe and reliable option to ensure that you are in fact getting the most amount of protein out of the bar of your specific choice.
Calorie count
Whether you are seeking to lose weight or even put on some added muscle, you are most certainly going to want to be paying attention to the overall calorie count of the foods in which you are consuming on a day to day basis. And that of course includes snacks, and meal replacement options such as protein bars. The bars that we selected for this top ten list include a range of calorie options. These calorie options are within the safe means of not going too far over or under the daily recommended calorie counts, whether you are seeking to drop some excess pounds or even pack them on in terms of gaining some muscle. Regardless of your personal body-shape desires, you are going to be sure to find the perfect protein bar, with the right calorie count for your needs.
Low sugar
It is a tried and true statement that sugar is easily, albeit arguably, the most risky thing that you can consume for your waistline along with your weight as a while. Many protein bars are all to good to hide the fact that they actually contain upwards of as much sugar as a standard candy bar, With keeping that thought in mind, if you are seeking a healthy protein bar, it should contain significantly little sugar. Always be sure that the protein bar of your choice has no more than eight grams of sugar per serving. And if possible, always opt for the sugar-free option. Protein bars with very low sugar can significantly assist in the prevention of your blood sugar while increasing it rapidly so that it will additionally prevent your body from producing too much insulin. This is due to the fact that insulin can actually promote fat storage while also blocking out fat burning attributes, that in particular is why it is so important to keep a firm lock down on your insulin levels. Be sure to always eat as little sugar as possible as this is in fact the best way to prevent high blood sugar along with high insulin levels. And that in particular is why all of the protein bars that we have selected contain little to no sugar.
Low carbs
If you are seeking to lose weight you are going to want to select a low carb protein bar. On average, if should be fewer than 20 grams per serving however it should also contain 3 grams or more of fiber. Many people are curious as to why exactly carbs get such a bad rap. If you are seeking to shed pounds or perhaps are fairly sedentary, you must be careful to not exceed the recommended carbohydrate limit for your needs each day as excess carbs can very easily be turned to fat along with the fact that they are often a leading cause of annoying carbohydrate cravings.
To the contrary, however, if one is seeking a protein bar to follow up their workout, carbs are super essential for quickening recovery following your workout. And when carbs are consumed following a workout they can also quickly be led to the muscles of your body and your liver, and in turn, are changed into glycogen to fuel your body for the next exercise routine. All of the selected protein bars that made the cut of our top ten list do in fact contain low levels of carbs to assist everyone in reaching their goals.
Free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols
In order to create a super sweet tasting protein bar free of having to use sugar, many protein bar manufacturers seek to utilize artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols instead. And while you may think that the protein bar you have selected is low in sugar or even sugar free is healthy, it may actually be just the opposite.
Despite being calorie-free, many artificial sweeteners are incredibly unhealthy and can even be toxic to your health. Artificial sweeteners can lead to cravings and can also spark an insulin spike similar to that of sugar, while also having negative side-effects like headaches, problems concentrating, and joint pain and are also highly addictive.
Fewer ingredients
While many bars appear to be made-up of nothing more than chemicals, there are so many others that are quite high or entirely crafted from only a select few of natural ingredients. Be sure to always check out the label on the protein bar to ensure that the ingredients contain the names of ingredients that you actually recognize the names of.
Protein bars are such a wonderful way to incorporate some extra much needed protein into your daily, hectic lifestyle. Whether you are an avid athlete or simply just a mom on the go, protein is an excellent source to keep you feeling fuller and more energetic for extended periods of time all the while keeping you feeling amazing throughout the entire course of the day!
FAQs
How much protein should I have daily?
As a general rule of thumb, it is widely recommended that individuals consume upwards of .5 to 1 gram of protein per each pound of a person’s ideal body weight. This however is also greatly depending on the individuals activity level and their overall goals.
Do protein bars improve my workout performance?
They offer a ton of highly beneficial aspects and features to help improve your overall workout performance. However, this is often considered to be quite an indirect link as there are a number of contributing factors that can come into play. Due to the fact that as protein assists your body in building muscle and strength, while also assisting in the overall athletic performance in a variety of various sports of which are also often linked to the development of muscle and strength increase. When you opt to consumes a diet that is significantly high in protein along with complex carbohydrates, you can then be sure that you are in fact ready to perform at peak performance, regardless of what the sport or exercise is that you may be striving to work at.
Is it better to have protein bars before or after a workout?
One of the truly unique features of protein products is the fact that they are in fact versatile enough to be utilized either before or after a workout. Many people tend to prefer to have their protein bar about an hour before a workout in order to gain the benefits of added carbs and protein for higher energy levels and an overall increase in muscle support. And a yummy protein bar following a workout can also assist you body in replenishing spent energy as well as helping to speed up the overall recovery process.
Are there bars that are suitable for a woman’s protein needs?
Protein bars are an excellent option for women, and the good news is the fact that yes, there are a number of various protein bars that are more than perfectly suitable to meet a woman’s unique needs and desires. There are quite a few various options of protein bars that are at present, available on the market today and offer a wide array of deliciously tasting, low fat protein bars that can easily be incorporated into any woman’s healthy and active lifestyle. Many of these protein bar products are loaded with protein and also have fewer than 10 grams of carbohydrates. These protein bars can easily be incorporated in a woman’s day to better boost her overall protein content while they can also be utilized pre-workout or post-workout in order to enhance and support one’s exercise routine.
