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A protein bar can provide a nutritious boost post-workout but not all bars are considered equal. Their benefits will differ, depending on the protein count, fiber content, and calories within each bar.
We delve into some of the best flavors on the market, to help you determine which protein pack might be best after you hit the gym.
What are protein bars used for exactly? These make for a popular fuel option among athletes and gym enthusiasts. People also use them for weight loss, so they’re not only for bulking up.
You may be able to rely on a protein bar for a variety of reasons, but it all boils down to what the bars contain. The ingredient list for each bar provides insight into their purpose. Whether you need a gluten-free option, something without added sugar or a plant-based bar, you’ll find something suitable for your needs.
The grams of protein within each bar is a major marker to watch for when you’re deciding which protein pack is best for you.
A bar with approximately 20 grams of protein versus 12 grams of protein is what you want to aim for if you’re looking for nutritional support post-workout. However, if you’re looking for a bar that functions as a snack or as a weight-loss tool for appetite suppression, you may be able to get away with a lower amount of protein.
For athletes and those physically active, it’s recommended to consume 1.2 to 2g of protein per kg of body weight
RXBAR makes for a modern company that caters to adults and children alike. If you have any young athletes in your family, you could score a protein bar for them as well.
Most of these bars contain 12 grams of protein and they’re gluten free to boot. Instead, they feature ingredients like oats, which are suitable for those with gluten intolerance. The protein comes from nuts and egg whites.
These bars make for a clean, simple option including three to five ingredients at maximum.
Customers rave about the natural ingredients in these 12 grams of protein products, simplicity and flavors with RXBAR.
These meaty snacks feature animal protein which isn’t your standard inclusion in a protein bar. This will satisfy meat lovers who prefer the “real deal.”
Most of these bars have around 13 grams of protein each and 1 gram net carbs only.
Other ingredients with this brand include spices like garlic powder, celery spice, and others which makes the bar a savory choice.
One user seemed quite satisfied with these bars but does note the shorter shelf life. If you intend to buy large packs at once, be aware of this.
Bulletproof brings us a unique option that contains the protein collagen, a beneficial supplement for your skin, teeth, and joints. It comes from grass-fed sources which may earn you other benefits, too.
Each bar is keto-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, and contains no GMOs. You’ll receive 7 to 12 protein grams per product. There are 7 grams of fiber in these bars, too, which is beneficial for satiation and digestion.
Bulletproof comes with a variety of reviews. One customer mentions receiving a bad batch to which the customer service team responded promptly and corrected their mishap.
All EXO protein bars are dairy-free and gluten-free and feature 14 grams of protein per bar. Even though they’re sweet, the bars are low in sugar and carbs, as well.
The most unique feature about this product, and possibly on the entire list, is that the protein comes from crickets. Yes, that’s right. EXO uses cricket powder for a complete protein, hopping on board the “bug-eating revolution” as they say.
Reviews are mixed with EXO. Some users state these bars aren’t filling, while others have a different opinion. A few individuals did state that they don’t taste “buggy” in case you’re worried about that.
Detour promotes their bars as being a great option for clean eating and aside from the few bars that feature M&M’s, that’s true.
The protein selection at Detour all feature gluten-free, non-GMO products that contain 15
grams of protein per bar. Whey protein is the protein ingredient, so while it’s a clean option, it’s not suitable for vegans.
Whey protein bars showed to have the greatest effect on lean body mass
Most people seem satisfied with Detour, especially the fact that the bars are low sugar. However, we did see a few comments about the disappointing size of the product, they’re smaller than your average bar on the market.
Zing presents an impressive array of flavors, all featuring the labels that many appreciate including gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, soy-free, high protein, high fiber, and vegan friendly.
Each protein bar contains around 10 protein grams and approximately 5 to 7 grams of fiber to boot. You also have a few options for the Keto diet, too.
Customers online sing praises for the Zoom bar selection, especially those with allergies and sensitivities. It seems more like a snack option, though, given these products only contain 10 grams of protein each.
With 20 protein grams per bar, Premier Protein is the brand to choose if you’re looking for a boost in workout recovery and support in building lean muscle.
Overall, the company is less gimmicky than some of the others, with basic packaging and facts. There’s nothing to lure you in, indicating they’re made to get the job done. They contain little sugar at around 1 to 4 grams each, with a healthy dose of fiber, too.
One user backs up the reason these bars are made, functioning as a top-up for energy and recovery after you hit the gym. There was other positive feedback around the taste of these products, too.
Quest Nutrition brings us a protein bar that’s low in sugar, fat and contains 20 grams of protein each. Some might be lower than that, but the fiber content is high as well, up to 16 grams of fiber per product.
They’re geared towards serious athletes who need muscular and energetic support alongside their intense workouts. These Quest bars could provide a fair amount of satisfaction to tide you over until your next proper meal.
Customer reviews for Quest are mixed, mainly regarding flavor. Some users commented that a few of the bars were inedible and lacking in quality control overall. Others found that a few flavors were much better than others.
Bob’s company is known for providing wholesome products from oatmeal to other tasty edibles. Each product is non-GMO and gluten-free and comes with whole grains.
They pack only 6 grams of protein per bar, so they’re not a suitable option for muscle recovery but could work as a nutritious snack.
Most users are quite satisfied with Bob’s selection, praising the flavors and texture overall.
FitJoy promotes the branded protein bar as one of the best grain-free options. You’ll receive 20 grams of protein with each one and no artificial sweeteners or flavors are included.
The 13 grams of fiber found in these products is beneficial for digestion and satiation, too.
Users are happy with the FitJoy company. There are numerous positive comments about the taste, texture, and ease of digestion.
These high-protein, low sugar bars come with marketing geared towards gym rats. There’s 20 to 23 grams of protein in each protein bar and they might be a suitable option for those looking to lose weight, as well, given the minimal carbs included.
While most consumers seem relatively satisfied with the Carb Killa products, some note that the caramel flavors melt to the packaging and others mention false advertising around the carbs content. It can’t be verified but it’s worth keeping in mind.
These high protein options come with non-vegan and vegan-friendly choices, we’ve focused on the latter for this review.
For the vegan line, you’ll get 13 grams of protein per bar and 5 grams of sugar at maximum. Each product is non-GMO, free from artificial sweeteners, gluten-free, and without soy, as well.
Unfortunately, many of the reviews we found for Think! are mediocre at best. Most individuals found the flavors and textures unbearable, while a few found them to be just okay.
These whole food products have a lot to offer, from help with weight management to recovery after a hardcore workout. They’re not all created equal per bar though, from the protein content to whether they include nasty ingredients or not.
Where that’s concerned, you want to avoid the following when shopping for a pack:
Along with our research, we’ve gathered up some of the most frequently asked questions about protein bars from individuals on the internet.
A whole food protein bar is only as good as the ingredients inside of it, from added sugar to fiber. Would a registered dietitian approve the product? It’s something to think about while many options are likened to a candy bar.
Here are a few other things to make note of when choosing the best option for you:
This depends on the individual and what your needs are, whether you want one for a small snack or something to actually provide fuel and or act as a meal replacement.
With this in mind, choose a bar that meets your specific requirements. Read the ingredient list carefully and check out the company before purchasing.
Homemade protein bars might be better, simply because you’re in charge of the ingredient list. You have more control over the high-quality protein content and fiber, by using things like nut butter and pea protein, for example.
You can even include special ingredients, such as brown rice, almond butter, pumpkin seed, coconut shavings, and other things you’re unlikely to find in your standard store bought option.
A protein bar contains a variety of components that could make it a healthy choice, from the grams of fiber (2 grams to 9 grams on average) to grams of sugar, what types of added sugar are used, and more. Not all of them are healthy and you need to use discretion because of it.
Search for plant-based protein, grass-fed, whole foods options, and vegan-friendly ones for health concerns. Stick to something with 200 calories or less per serving with low sugar if you want a low-calorie option.
The best protein bars and bar packs will feature foods like egg whites, nut butter, whey protein isolate, grass-fed dairy, plant-based protein, and pumpkin seeds, for some examples.
They’ll feature whole foods that are heart-healthy and with high-quality ingredients all around. You’ll even find chocolate almond vegan protein bars that are low in sugar but high in protein, 4 grams won’t cut it.
For satiation post-workout, watch for the included grams of fiber and for weight loss, grams of carbs. Avoid added sugar alcohols and keep the grams of sugar low overall.
Do check where the bar is made for added safety and check with a registered dietitian if you’re unsure of the ingredients per bar. Depending on your protein intake needs, a registered dietitian may have some recommendations as well.
