The Top 5 Best Protein Bars for Every Diet

THE SHORT VERSION

With our fast-paced lifestyles, it can be difficult for us to get proper nutrition. This is often why many individuals and families resort to eating fast food or purchasing frozen, processed foods that contain more junk than nutrients.

Preparing healthy, nutritious meals requires time and money that many simply do not have.

If you find yourself bouncing from home to work or school and to the gym, with minimal downtime in between, then having a nutritious snack that is packed with pure protein content, vitamins, and nutrients is important to help you keep up with your activity levels and your physical fitness needs.

The good news is there are many healthy snacks that individuals can pack with them for the day. Some of these include a cup of raw veggies or fresh fruit or even protein bars.

Protein bars are becoming a popular snack to easily grab while on the go, through in a backpack or purse, and enjoy later.

However, because protein bars are somewhat of a fad, it can be difficult to choose protein bars that are affordable and that really nutrition bars.

If you are looking for the best protein bars to add to your daily diet and active lifestyle, then read on, because this article is for you. After spending weeks and weeks of researching the top nutrition bars brands, we have determined that Quest Nutrition Protein bars is our top pick for the best protein bars.

Not only do Quest bars made with pure protein content and protein sources, they are also the best protein bars with low calories.

THE LONG VERSION

What You Should Know About Protein Bars…

One of the reasons why protein bars are so popular today is that they are easy to grab in the morning when rushing out the door, eat while on the go, or as a healthy snack to give you a boost of energy before you hit the gym or even in between workouts.

Additionally, most protein bars deliver high amounts of protein, some up to 21 grams per bar!

However, one of the biggest concerns surrounding protein bars is that many less-than-reputable brands pack their protein bars with sugar, artificial sweeteners, additives (such as high-fructose corn syrup), and other questionable ingredients.

So, that $8 single protein bar then becomes more like a candy bar than a healthy, nutritional snack.

In addition to taking a good, hard look at the ingredients in each and every protein bar before making a purchase decision, it’s also important to look at the overall protein content and protein sources.

Only the best protein bars are made with true protein content, such as pure protein isolates and plant-based protein; natural sweeteners, such as corn syrup, unsweetened dark chocolate, sucralose or cocoa; dietary fiber and amino acids for muscle growth.

So, be sure to be on the lookout for these ingredients when shopping for the best protein bars and nutrition bars.Another common concern surrounding protein bars is the taste and consistency. Many are under the impression that protein bars taste like cardboard and leave a funky aftertaste.

This is why so many brands pack their protein bars with so much sugar. They market their great-tasting flavors but avoid mentioning that they use artificial sweeteners or other additives. The best protein bars are those that contain natural sweeteners, such as Stevia, cocoa powder, almonds, cocoa butter and sucralose.

Many of the best protein bar and nutrition bar brands also offer low-carb protein bars, gluten free protein bars, dairy free and soy free protein bars for individuals with specific dietary needs and preferences.

So, how do you know which protein bar is the healthiest and has the best natural taste? We were curious, so we researched hundreds of products all claiming to be “natural” and “organic” protein bars and nutrition bars.

We took a good, hard look at each label and found five best protein bars that are packed with protein; fiber; all-natural, organic ingredients; and the works. Our top pick is Quest Nutrition Protein bars, but we also include four other substitutes that fit the bill.

How We Found the Best Protein Bars

In addition to looking for quality ingredients, we also focused our research on the amount of protein and fiber, price point and customer value, and overall customer reviews and feedback.Here is what we looked for when reviewing the best tasting whey protein powders:

1. Made with pure, all-natural, organic ingredients
2. High source of protein
3. Made with natural sweeteners
4. Build and develop lean muscle mass
5. Taste and consistency
6. Customer Feedback
7. Overall Value

Here is our complete list of the top five best protein bars.

Are Protein Bars Healthy?

Yes and No.

A review published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism says you should consume about 30 grams of protein per meal.

A protein bar can come in handy at such times because it is not possible to cook every meal.

Some bars contain quality protein essential for muscle building and maintaining lean muscle. These are perfect as a meal replacement.

Quest Bar, for example, contains 21 grams of protein and less than a gram of sugar for taste. It is also Keto friendly.

But, a lot of protein bars contain sugar, as much as 30 grams per bar. Georgie Fear, R.D., C.S.S.D., author of Lean Habits for Lifelong Weight Loss says “…they contain more calories than candy bars”.

So, make sure you read the ingredients before you buy. If the sugar and carb content are low, you’ll be fine. Also, watch out for harmful substitutes like high fructose corn syrup or Aspartame. It’s a definite no-no.

How Long Are Protein Bars Good For?

From experience, as well as popular opinion, they are good to go up to a couple months after the expiry date.

The protein and the carbs in the bar won’t go bad, and so will be fine for consumption. Do make sure the wrapper isn’t open.

Remember that the dates mentioned on the label aren’t an expiry date, but a “best by” date.

Do Protein Bars Make You Feel Full?

If your bars contain high-quality protein and essential nutrients and are low in sugar, then yes. It also reduces your cravings. They also keep your blood sugar levels steady (unlike carbohydrates) aiding fat loss.

“Protein takes more energy for you to digest than refined carbohydrates, and also gives your body a feeling of satiety,” says Dr. Hauser, a clinical fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School.

Can Protein Bars Make You Fat?

Protein bars, in and of themselves, cannot cause weight gain. That depends on the bar and your caloric intake.

If you go into a surplus, then it will over time lead to weight gain. This is the case with any food you eat.

Some of the protein bars go as high as 400 calories, and if you, say, eat a couple of them for lunch, you will be over your limit.

What is The Best Brand of Protein Bars?

Winner: Quest Nutrition Protein Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Quest is another easily recognized and known for their high quality nutrition bars. One of their most popular products is the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough protein bar. This product contains 12 Quest protein bars in a single pack.

OUR RATING

Quest is known for their great-tasting protein bars that don’t sacrifice quality nutrition. Quest nutrition bars are the best option for a delicious breakfast food, snack or dessert for those with fitness goals.

In addition to offering high protein bars of different flavors, Quest also offers other nutrition and high protein products, including cereal bars, protein powders, and even chips!

Every Quest nutrition bar provides at least 20 grams of protein per serving (per bar), which satisfies your daily protein intake! The pure protein blend includes milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate.

The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor provides 21 grams of protein, 9 essential amino acids, only 4 grams of total carbs, 14 grams of dietary fiber and less than one gram of sugar. One Quest bar is also only 190 calories!

Quest bars are also all natural, gluten free, and soy free, making them the perfect option for those with specific dietary preferences or allergies.

Quest bars are also made with high-quality, organic ingredients, including natural sweeteners, such as Erythritol, Sucralose, and Stevia. These nutrition and high-protein bars are also made with unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, almonds—and real chocolate chips!Here is a complete list of ingredients in Quest Nutrition Protein bars:

PROs:

Cons:

Conclusion: Quest High Protein Nutrition Bars

If you are looking for a delicious high protein nutrition bar that really does provide the body with fuel for your daily workouts, amino acids to help boost muscle growth, and a sweet and delicious snack, then give Quest high protein nutrition bars a try.

If you also love scooping freshly-made cookie dough directly from the bowl, then this high protein bar will give you your sweet cookie dough fix without the fat and sugar.

Quest nutrition bars are also a low-calorie snack option (depending on the type of nutrition bar or snack, and the flavor), perfect for sneaking a sweet snack while on a low-carb diet. With less than one gram of sugar and all natural, organic sweeteners, you can rest assured that you are eating a snack that really is good for you.

Although Quest nutrition bars are a little more expensive than some of the other high protein bars we have reviewed, we believe that the great taste and quality of organic ingredients is well worth it. One box of 12 2.1-ounce bars is priced at $24. Customers also seem to believe that the price is worth it.

Over 13,200 people have tried Quest nutrition bars, and 65 percent rated them with five stars. So, we clearly understand why Quest nutrition bars have been rated a top Amazon’s Choice product. This clearly attests to the overall quality and taste of these nutrition bars.

Quest nutrition bars also come in over 26 different flavors! In addition to Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, some of the top flavor choices include Banana Nut Muffin, Birthday Cake, Blueberry Muffin and Apple Pie.

Runner Up: GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Bar

GoMacro MacroBar protein bars are a fan favorite. This Amazon’s Choice product is known for its certified gluten-free and organic ingredients, great taste, and pure peanut butter protein.

OUR RATING

In fact, the MacroBar is a certified vegan, gluten-free, and USDA product, solidifying its legitimacy and pure products.

GoMacro combines pure, organic, natural and whole-food nutrition with delicious flavors. GoMacro also provides both men and women with a healthy and delicious snack with pure and natural ingredients that can be found in any household kitchen, and without sacrificing taste or consistency.

Although GoMacro MacroBars are available in three different flavors, peanut butter is a top favorite.

GoMacro MacroBars deliver 12 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat (only 1.5 grams of saturated fat), 34 grams of total carbs, 2 grams of fiber and 12 grams of sugar.

MacroBar nutrition bars also supply other vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and iron. One MacroBar provides 260 calories, making it a low-calorie, delicious, healthy snack.

Who doesn’t love dipping their spoon in the peanut butter jar every once in awhile? Now you can satisfy your sweet and protein cravings all in one nutrition bar.

GoMacro protein bars make for a healthy snack—before or after a workout—or dessert that individuals can enjoy, without feeling guilty about consuming unnecessary fat, sugars, and calories.

Here is a simple list of ingredients that we found in the GoMacro MacroBar protein bars:

GoMacro nutrition bars are made with a simple list of healthy ingredients that won’t leave you with that uncomfortable, full, bloated feeling. We were a little concerned about the amount of sugars in these protein bars.

However, we have determined that the 12 grams of sugar is likely due to the blend of brown rice, peanut butter, and syrup, all of which naturally contain glucose. Therefore, no additional sweeteners, such as cane sugar is added.

PROs:

CONs:

Conclusion: GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Bar

All in all, GoMacro MacroBar protein bars are great to eat before or after a workout, as a midday snack or meal, or even as dessert. If you have periodic hunger or sugar cravings during the day, or need a boost of energy to get through the afternoon, then MacroBars are a good choice.

This product received over 400 reviews, 73 percent of which rated this product with five stars. It is also an Amazon’s Choice product.

Although some individuals may believe that the price is high, it’s worth noting that this is for a complete box of 12 bars. There may be some confusion surrounding this for some customers.

A box of 12 GoMacro MacroBars is priced at approximately $22 to $23, which equals to approximately $1.91 per bar. Considering that many nutrition bars and protein bars are priced up to $4 or $5 per bar in a retail store, you really can’t go wrong with this purchase.

The only downside that caught our attention is the amount of protein. One protein bar only provides 12 grams per serving. While this might be the perfect amount for some individuals, bodybuilders and avid athletes might disagree.

If you are looking for more protein per serving or per bar, then you may want to check out some of the other products we reviewed.

Alternative: Pure Protein High Protein Bar Variety Pack

If you love protein bars and nutrition bars, but like to switch up the flavors—or you can’t decide which flavors you love the best—then this solution might be best for you.

OUR RATING

Pure Protein offers a high protein bar variety pack with 18 bars of three delicious flavors. The top flavors include: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chewy Chocolate Chip, and Chocolate Deluxe. In fact, many individuals claim that they actually think they are eating a real chocolate bar!

But don’t be fooled by its chocolatey taste! These bars are packed with 20 grams of protein per serving. In fact, Pure Protein wins for discovering the winning combination of gluten free, high protein, and natural ingredients, without sacrificing quality or taste.

These high protein bars also deliver essential vitamins and minerals to get you through your workout or your day.

Protein is a MUST for building lean muscle mass, increasing strength and stamina, and boosting athletic performance. This is why many bodybuilders and intense athletes rely on protein supplements to aid them in their workouts.

A high-protein diet and moderate levels of carbs is the perfect blend of energy and food for the muscles.

Pure Protein makes their protein bars with healthy amounts of high-quality protein for a well-balanced and nutritious diet, particularly for those with an active lifestyle. Pure Protein high protein bars are the perfect snack to take with you on the go, or on your way to the gym.

If you are looking for a high protein bar that acts as a protein supplement for building muscle, strength, stamina and athletic performance, but dislike shakes or smoothies, then Pure Protein is the best choice.

Pure Protein high protein bars are also gluten free, making them the perfect choice for individuals with specific dietary preferences and/ or food allergies and sensitivities.

We took a look at what was in Pure Protein high-protein bars, and we discovered that they really are made with high-quality protein. Pure Protein protein bars are made with pure milk protein and whey protein isolates.

Here is a list of ingredients we found in Pure Protein high-protein bars:

Here is a summary of the pros and cons we found when reviewing Pure Protein high-protein bars:

PROs:

Cons:

Conclusion: Pure Protein High Protein Bar Variety Pack

All in all, Pure Protein high-protein bar variety pack is a great product with great-tasting flavors that are healthy and available at an amazing price. One variety pack of 18 bars is priced at only $12 on Amazon. This surprised us considering the amount of high-quality protein packed in these bars.

Although some of the ingredients might be questionable, Pure Protein certainly did their research and created a formula that is rich with whey protein isolates, protein concentrate, pure milk and dairy products and natural sweeteners.

However, because these high-protein bars do contain milk and heavy cream, they may not be best for individuals with dairy allergies or vegans. This is one of the only down sides we found to these nutrition bars.

So, if you know you already love high protein bars by Pure Protein, then this variety pack is certainly the best option for getting multiple flavors and at a great value!

2nd Alternative: thinkThin High Protein Bars, Chocolate Fudge

ThinkThin High Protein bars are another great-tasting snack and meal supplement that provides fuel, energy, and satisfies hunger cravings without the use of saturated fat, sugars or additives.

OUR RATING

The mission and core beliefs behind thinkThin is to provide a high-quality, healthy snack and meal supplement that tastes great. The team at thinkThin believes that eating healthy should taste great. So, they created a high-protein bar that does just that.

All of thinkThin’s products are made with high-quality protein that are available in a wide variety of decadent, delicious flavors. When you eat right, you look and feel your best. So, by nourishing the body with a healthy, nutritious snack, you are able to fuel a healthy, active, energetic and happy lifestyle.

ThinkThin high protein bars provide between 13 and 20 grams of protein per serving (per bar), depending on the flavor. The Chocolate Fudge flavor provides the maximum amount of protein per serving at 20 grams and less than 5 grams of sugar.

ThinkThin’s high protein bars are also organic non-GMO, gluten free, and vegan.

ThinkThin also offers a number of other nutrition bar options, such as protein and fiber bars, protein and fruit bars, protein and hot oatmeal bars and also probiotics bars.

These other nutrition bar options all range in the amount of protein, sugar, fiber and calories. Providing customers with various snack options will allow them to choose a nutritious snack that pertains to their dietary preferences and needs.

Although ThinkThin’s nutrition bars and protein bars are gluten free and vegan, they do not appear to be dairy or soy free. The Chocolate Fudge flavor is manufactured in a facility that processes peanuts, soy, milk and egg products.

So, these aren’t exactly nut-free protein bars. Therefore, individuals with dairy sensitivities or lactose allergies may need to choose a different flavor or another product.

Here is a complete list of ingredients that we found in thinkThink high protein bars:

ThinkThin high protein bars definitely ranked high on our list for the best protein bars. Here is a list of the top pros and cons we found when reviewing thinkThin high protein bars:

PROs:

CONs:

Conclusion: thinkThin High Protein Bars, Chocolate Fudge

All in all, although thinkThin offers a solid line of nutrition bars, the high protein bars—particularly the Chocolate Fudge flavor—received the most positive reviews. ThinkThin high protein bars received over 2,500 reviews, 55 percent of which rated thinkThin Chocolate Fudge high protein bars with five stars.

Although thinkThin high protein bars may not be the best product for individuals with food allergies, many happy and satisfied customers claimed that thinkThin high protein bars are their new favorite snack and meal replacement option!

ThinkThin high protein bars are also reasonably priced. One pack of 10 high protein bars is priced at only $12 to $13. There is also a 30-count pack available and in different flavors, such as Brownie Crunch and Caramel Fudge.

3rd Alternative: CLIF BUILDER’S Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bar

CLIF bars have been around for years. CLIF is probably one of the most reputable and well known brands we will review in this article. CLIF is known for providing high-quality, high-protein bars and nutrition bars to serve as a quickly, healthy alternative for busy athletes.

OUR RATING

Although CLIF has marketed to athletes and bodybuilders over the years, promising them a delicious and sweet snack that satisfies hunger and sugar cravings, their market has changed over the years.

Today, families, food lovers, and parents have also come to love slipping a CLIF bar in a backpack, a purse or gym bag—keeping a box in every household.

CLIF has devised a truly genius way to pack high amounts of protein along with delicious chocolate and peanut butter into a single bar. With over 20 grams of complete protein, amino acids, and other nutrients to help with your physical fitness and muscle growth goals, you would never believe that it isn’t a real chocolate bar.

CLIF also takes pride in using non-GMO sources and ingredients to provide a true, pure, and sustainable food product. Each CLIF recipe is made with the best possible nutrition to meet the daily needs of every individual and athlete. CLIF uses 35 percent organic and sustainable ingredients in their recipes, such as oats, almonds, and dates.

One CLIF bar provides 20 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber and 21 grams of sugar and 29 grams of total carbs. One CLIF protein bar provides 280 calories.

Although CLIF claims to use organic and natural ingredients, we have to admit that we raised our eyebrows when we looked at the nutritional information. Yes, these bars are certainly high in protein, but they are also high in carbs, sodium, fat and sugars.

The carbohydrates can be explained, however. Using pure oats are often naturally high in carbs, but they are also typically high in fiber. However, the fiber count seems relatively low, which is a little disconcerting…

Here is a complete list of ingredients in CLIF high protein bars:

In short, we found a handful of pros and cons when reviewing CLIF high protein bars.

PROs:

Cons:

Conclusion: CLIF BUILDER’S Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars

After researching this product in greater detail, CLIF BUILDER’s high protein bars are a huge favorite among men, women, and families. Although CLIF has been marketed to athletes over the years, more and more families are keeping boxes of CLIF bars in their homes.

And with 20 grams of pure protein per serving, athletes certainly will see muscle growth and muscle repair.

Because CLIF bars are meant to provide proper nutrition for individuals, they are often higher in calories. This is because they are made with ingredients that boost energy levels (carbohydrates, such as brown rice, flour, and oats), they may not be the best option for individuals who are on a low-calorie diet or have a gluten allergy.

CLIF also mentions that their products may be processed with and/ or may contain peanuts, nuts, wheat and dairy foods. Therefore, these may not be the best option for individuals who are looking for nut-free protein bars.

All in all, CLIF bars are a huge favorite. And with over 2,000 customer reviews, we had to include this high protein bar on our list. Out of the 2,000 customer reviews, 68 percent rated CLIF chocolate peanut butter protein bar with five stars. Not bad!

Finally, CLIF bars are also reasonably priced. Even with containing high-quality, organic ingredients, the price is still relatively reasonable. A box of 12, 2.4-ounce bars is priced at approximately $14 to $15.

Yes, this is slightly higher than some other products we have reviewed, but the bars themselves are also larger in size.

 

Conclusion: What Are the Best Protein Bars for Me?

As we mentioned above, many brands claim that they offer the best protein bar with the highest amount of protein. However, the protein sources as well as the other ingredients might be questionable at best.

Some protein bar brands might claim that they are high in protein, but are really packed with saturated fat, sugars, additives and other unnecessary ingredients that compromise the overall health and integrity of the protein bar. Suddenly that overpriced protein bar isn’t as healthy as you thought…

One of the primary reasons why we chose Quest bars as our top pick for the best brand of protein bars and the best nutrition bars is that they carefully selected the protein sources and protein content in their protein bars. One Quest bar provides 20 grams of pure protein isolate, amino acids, and dietary fiber in a single bar.

This blend of ingredients and important nutrients is really the key for supporting an active lifestyle, and making healthy snack and meal replacement choices.

In conclusion, of course, we can only suggest the best protein bars and energy bars that are worth trying. At the end of the day, the best tasting protein bars for you really depend on your taste preferences, your own dietary preferences and sensitivities, and your health and fitness goals.

Another reason why we are huge fans of protein bars and nutrition bars is that they are a healthy meal and snack choice that is easy to grab and take with you on the go. By supplying the body with pure, healthy, and organic ingredients, you will look and feel your best.

For example, some products are gluten free, vegan, and soy and dairy free options whereas others aren’t.  We tried our best to find the best protein bars and protein bar brands that are healthy, quality, and that customers truly loved.