All of the brand’s flavor combos involve chocolate in some way, so they’re a great option if you’re looking to add some extra protein to your day and make your sweet tooth happy at the same time.
Protein source: Collagen, whey protein | Protein per serving: 15 grams | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Dietary preferences: Gluten-free | Flavors: Chocolate peanut butter, chocolate peanut and caramel, chocolate salted caramel
Best Savory: Pescavore Ahi Tuna Jerky Strip
Pros
- Great alternative to sweet bars
- Not too salty
Cons
If you eat animal-based proteins and want some savory options in the mix, don’t count out the humble meat stick. Kelly LeVeque, CN, a clinical nutritionist, tells SELF that jerky is a great alternative to protein bars, and Pescavore’s Ahi Tuna Jerky Strip is our current favorite.
After testing dozens of meat snacks during SELF’s Pantry Awards, we gave this one a top spot for its just-right level of seasoning. Plus, for those wary of snacking on something fishy, our tester noted that its aroma is nice and subtle.
Protein source: Ahi tuna | Protein per serving: 15 grams | Fiber per serving: 0 grams | Dietary preferences: Dairy-free, gluten-free, pescatarian | Flavors: Caribbean jerk, island teriyaki, smokey poke
More great options
While these bars didn’t make it into the winners’ circle, they still come highly recommended by experts and reviewers.
Clif Builders Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Pros
- High protein content
- Has more carbs to aid recovery
Cons
- Some reviewers notice an aftertaste
Jones tells SELF that she always has these high-protein bars from Clif in her pantry because they “offer 20 grams of complete plant protein to repair muscle, as well as carbohydrates to help replenish energy stores after a workout.” She adds that the chocolate peanut butter flavor is her favorite—we’re hungry just thinking about it.
Protein source: Soy protein | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Fiber per serving: 3 grams | Dietary preferences: Gluten-free, plant-based | Flavors: Chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate mint, chocolate peanut butter, cookies and cream, vanilla almond
Power Crunch Protein Wafer Bars
Pros
- Not too pricey
- Nice texture
Cons
- Contains sugar substitutes
As its name suggests, Power Crunch’s Protein Wafer Bars have a unique texture compared to others on our list—they’re crispy and have a delightful snap when you bite into them.
“They are my go-to emergency snack, and they don’t taste like chalk,” one SELF tester says. In addition to looking and tasting like a cookie, they cost a little less than a lot of our other picks do (another win).
Protein source: Whey protein | Protein per serving: 13 grams | Fiber per serving: 1 gram | Dietary preferences: N/A | Flavors: Chocolate coconut, chocolate mint, French vanilla crème, lemon meringue, peanut butter crème, peanut butter fudge, red velvet, salted caramel, s’mores, strawberry crème
Honey Stinger Nut + Seed Bars
Pros
- Good mix of protein and carbs
- Distinct recipe and texture
Cons
- Some Amazon reviewers find them hard to chew
If you eat Skippy straight from the jar, this one’s for you: Honey Stinger’s Nut and Seed Bars have a nut butter core and a caramel coating that’s rolled in oats and seeds (which are also a great source of healthy fats like omega-3s). You get a nice crunch, followed by a delicious, gooey middle.
They’re one of Jones’s top picks because of their combined protein and carbohydrate content, which helps provide “steady energy levels” after working out, she says. Plus, she adds that you don’t have to worry about them melting, since they don’t contain chocolate: “They hold up well [if] stored in your car in the summer.” (Or if they wind up at the bottom of your tote and stay there for a week or two—just speaking from experience.)
Protein source: Whey protein | Protein per serving: 14 grams | Fiber per serving: 1 gram | Dietary preferences: Gluten-free, kosher, vegetarian | Flavors: Almond pumpkin seed, peanut sunflower seed
Perfect Bar Refrigerated Coconut Peanut Butter Protein Bar
Pros
- Nice, soft texture
- Good mix of protein and carbs
Cons
- Pricey
- Requires refrigeration for longer-term storage
One SELF tester calls these not only “incredibly satisfying” (they contain a nice amount of carbs) but flat-out “the best tasting protein bars.” At 16 grams of protein each, they’re a solid option for active people who need a more substantial midday snack.
One thing to keep in mind if you’re stocking up: They stay freshest in the refrigerator, although you can keep them at room temperature for about a week.
Protein source: Peanut butter, milk, egg, rice protein | Protein per serving: 16 grams | Fiber per serving: 4 grams | Dietary preferences: Gluten-free, kosher | Flavors: Almond butter, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate hazelnut crisp, chocolate mint, coconut peanut butter, dark chocolate almond, dark chocolate chip peanut butter, peanut butter, pumpkin pie, salted caramel
RXBAR Protein Bars
Pros
- Smooth texture
- Straightforward labeling and ingredients
Cons
- Date-based recipe may not be for everyone
One SELF tester says she was pleasantly surprised by the consistency of RX Bars the first time she tried them: ”I found them easier to eat [than other protein bars], since they didn’t crumble everywhere and weren’t that hard to chew.” She also appreciates that the packaging clearly lists all ingredients (usually under 10 total) and that their taste lines up with what’s stated on the wrapper.
Protein source: Egg whites | Protein per serving: 12 grams | Fiber per serving: 5 grams | Dietary preferences: Dairy-free, gluten-free | Flavors: Blueberry, chocolate sea salt, chocolate chip, coconut chocolate, mint chocolate, mixed berry, peanut butter, peanut butter chocolate, strawberry, vanilla almond
One Protein Sampler Variety Pack
Pros
Cons
- Contains sugar substitutes
Another SELF tester has long been a fan of One Protein bars: They contain plenty of protein and come in flavors that you won’t find from most other brands (hello, fruity cereal). The cinnamon roll variety is a particular hit among Amazon reviewers—one even said it tastes just like the real thing.
Protein source: Whey protein | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Fiber per serving: 5 grams | Dietary preferences: Gluten-free | Flavors: Birthday cake, blueberry cobbler, chocolate chip cookie dough, cinnamon roll, cookies and crème, fruity cereal, lemon cake, maple glazed doughnut, marshmallow hot cocoa, peanut butter and jelly, peanut butter cup, peanut butter pie, pumpkin pie, s’mores
Orgain Organic Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars
Pros
- Vegan
- Pleasantly soft texture
Cons
- Lowest protein content on this list
- Contains sugar substitutes
Jones recommends Orgain’s bars for people with moderate activity levels because they contain 10 grams of complete plant-based protein per serving—which can help support post-workout recovery but isn’t enough for highly active people.
They’re also a great choice for anyone who wants a lighter snack to enjoy between meals: “These are pretty compact, and they have a soft, chewy texture,” she says.
Protein source: Brown rice protein, pea protein, chia seed protein | Protein per serving: 10 grams | Fiber per serving: 1 gram | Dietary preferences: Gluten-free, kosher, vegan | Flavors: Chocolate brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate coconut
GoMacro Variety Pack
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Contains carbs and fats for added energy
Cons
- Contains sugar substitutes
These tasty, chewy bars pack a lot of goodness into a tiny package, with 12 grams of protein and three grams of fiber per bar. They’re loved by vegans for their wide variety of delicious flavor combinations (we see you, salted caramel chocolate chip) and their texture, which feels a lot like a classic granola bar thanks to the addition of ingredients like oats, chocolate chips, dried fruit, and nut butter.
Protein source: Milk protein isolate, collagen, whey protein concentrate, egg white | Protein per serving: 28 grams | Fiber per serving: 2 grams | Dietary preferences: Gluten-free | Flavors: Blueberry pie, fudge brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough, cake batter, salted peanut butter, peanut butter chocolate chunk
David Protein Bar Variety Pack
Pros
- High protein content
- Nice texture
Cons
- Contains sugar substitutes
A bar with 28 grams of protein that doesn’t taste like sawdust and feel like a brick? We’re listening.
These bars from David manage to pack a combination of whey, collagen, and egg white protein into only 150 calories, meaning 75% of the calories in this bar come from protein. Impressive!
The recipe doesn’t feature much in terms of carbs or fats, so this isn’t the best bar if you’re looking for more of a meal replacement or recovery snack with a more even balance of macronutrients. But with flavors like fudge brownie and cake batter and a soft, doughy texture, these are a yummy way to get more protein in your diet fast.
Protein source: Milk protein isolate, collagen, whey protein concentrate, egg white | Protein per serving: 28 grams | Fiber per serving: 2 grams | Dietary preferences: Gluten-free | Flavors: Blueberry pie, fudge brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough, cake batter, salted peanut butter, peanut butter chocolate chunk
No Cow High Protein Bars
Pros
- High fiber content
- Dipped in dessert-like chocolate or frosting
Cons
- Contains sugar substitutes
These bars really said, “We can build muscle and make your microbiome happy at the same time, thank you very much.” They’re chock-full of fiber, with 14 (!) grams coming from soluble corn. On top of that, you get 20 grams of vegan protein, six grams of net carbs, and drool-worthy flavors like cinnamon roll and key lime pie.
Protein source: Brown rice and pea protein | Protein per serving: 20 grams | Fiber per serving: 14 grams | Dietary preferences: Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, keto | Flavors: Birthday cake, chocolate peanut butter cup, chocolate salted caramel, chocolate sea salt, cinnamon roll, key lime pie
How we test protein bars
Original photo by SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
We tapped registered dietitians and snack-savvy SELF staffers for their picks with the best ingredients, nutritional profiles, and flavors. We’ve tried dozens of protein bars, so we can speak to the taste, texture, and how filling they are firsthand.
How to shop for protein bars
What should you look for in a high-quality protein bar?
Rizzo says a bar should contain at least 10 grams of protein in order to meaningfully boost your daily intake and keep you satisfied between meals. Jones agrees and adds that highly active people who are working to build muscle—say, by lifting heavy weights or strength training multiple times a week—should look for bars with 15 to 20 grams of protein.
In addition to quantity, you should also check the protein source in your bar of choice. Rizzo says whole-food options like eggs, seeds, and nuts are especially good. But protein isolates (which are made by separating the protein content from a food source) like whey, which comes from milk, will do the trick.
What should you avoid in protein bars?
Besides any known allergens you’re sensitive to, like eggs or whey (if you have issues with dairy), there aren’t many ingredients you need to flat-out avoid in protein bars. But there are some you should be aware of before opening the wrapper.
First, sugar alcohols (like xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, or sorbitol) and other artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes (like sucralose, stevia, or aspartame) appear on a lot of bars’ ingredient lists instead of real added sugar. They help bars taste sweet without adding many calories or causing the same kind of blood sugar spikes as regular sugar, but they can also upset your stomach and cause uncomfortable GI symptoms like gas, bloating, or diarrhea. As SELF has previously reported, the degree to which they can irritate your gut varies from person to person, but it’s something to keep in mind.
The amount of fiber in a protein bar can also have an impact on your stomach, Jones says. Fiber is good for you; it’s an important nutrient for regulating your digestion and increasing feelings of satiety. But some bars contain a lot of it, often in the form of oats, nuts, or other plant-based sources like chicory root. Eating too many grams of fiber in one sitting may cause bloating, cramping, and gas, especially if you’re not used to it.
Finally, you may want to skip a bar if collagen is listed as the only source of protein, Jones says. You don’t have to worry about it from a digestion standpoint—but collagen isn’t the best choice as far as protein supplements go because it isn’t a complete protein and it won’t adequately support your body’s recovery process, she explains.
Other than that, it’s a matter of finding the flavor, texture, and ingredient combo that works for you.
Frequently asked questions about protein bars
How much protein do I need in a day?
Protein plays an essential role in your body, Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD, author of Planted Performance, tells SELF. It supports your immune system, helps your organs and tissues function properly, and aids in repairing and building muscle—so you want to make sure you’re getting enough of it.
Sources differ on how much you need each day to get all those benefits, but the current recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is 0.36 grams per pound to avoid a deficiency. But if you exercise, you’ll likely want more to help you recover and support muscle building. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that active folks (like those who lift weights or run races) eat 0.5 to 0.8 grams per pound, as SELF has previously reported.
What are the benefits of protein bars?
While there are all kinds of high-protein snacks that you can add to your diet, bars (much like protein powders) are particularly useful if you’re busy, traveling, or grabbing a quick bite at work, Jones says. They can also make it easy to keep your protein intake steady throughout the day, which can further support muscle recovery, she adds.
Plus, if variety is key in your quest for healthy snacks, you can always find a new flavor to try.
Is it okay to eat protein bars every day?
In a word, yes, Maya Feller MS, RD, CDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Brooklyn, NY, tells SELF. If you’re short on time or have limited options, protein bars are a solid choice for getting more nutrients and staying full throughout the day. If you can, Feller recommends varying your choice of bar, so you can get a mix of protein sources and ingredients into your daily routine.
But it’s important to note that, for all their convenience, protein bars shouldn’t be your sole source of protein. “Ideally, I’d like people to eat food in its whole and minimally processed form,” Feller says.
As SELF has previously reported, most of your protein should ideally come from foods like meat, plant- or bean-based meat substitutes, eggs, and dairy. But, Feller says, this isn’t always possible—maybe you don’t live near a grocery store, or you don’t have access to a refrigerator to store your lunch at work. “When we’re buying things that are meal replacements, then we should think about: Whatzs this bar? What are the ingredients? What are the additives?” she says.
With reporting from Sara Coughlin
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