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You may have seen people at the gym eating protein bars, or just people who eat them all the time, and maybe you used to think that they were just having a quick snack. However, protein bars are not just quick snacks because they are so much more. Protein bars come with a lot of different benefits for your body such as muscle building and decreased muscle recovery periods, and yes, of course, the convenience factor is a big reason.
The best protein bars are going to be those which taste good, have lots of protein, are made with healthy ingredients, and contain various other nutrients too. Those protein bars will go a long way in complementing your weight lifting and workout routine to make a healthier you. In this article, we are going to talk about why you should eat protein bars, what factors to consider when buying them, and we have a list of the top 10 protein bars for you to purchase too.
Summary: The Best Protein Bars
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Why Should I Eat Protein Bars?
There are quite a few different reasons as to why you should eat protein bars, specifically if you don’t have a very high protein diet or if you do a lot of weight lifting and working out. Let’s take a few minutes to talk about all of the different benefits that protein has for your body.
Muscle Building
One of the main benefits that protein has it that it helps you build healthy and strong muscles. Eating protein spurs on protein synthesis in your muscles and also slows down protein breakdown, thus giving you lean and toned muscles. Protein also helps to increase the level of amino acids in your body, thus helping to support muscle building. The higher quality the protein is, the more lean muscle mass you will get.
Blood Pressure
It is shown that a high protein intake can actually help reduce hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure.
Weight Loss
Another benefit of having a high protein intake is that it will help you lose weight, and one of the ways it accomplishes this is by reducing your hunger. Protein is very filling, much more than carbohydrates and glutens, thus you can get more energy and feel fuller even though you are technically consuming fewer calories. Moreover, protein also requires about 2 times as much energy to digest as opposed to carbs, thus helping you lose even more weight. Eating a certain amount of protein also helps to keep belly fat at bay by maximizing the synthesis of that protein in your body.
Bone Building
Another thing that is great about protein is that it helps to build stronger bones and can even help prevent degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis. This is because protein contains many different amino acids, substances which help to build and support healthy bone development.
Muscle Repair & Strength Gains
Protein also has the effect of increasing the strength gains that you get from weight lifting. Therefore if you want to get stronger quickly, you need to lift weights and eat a bunch of protein too. Moreover, when you lift weights for a prolonged period of time your muscles need to recover in order to actually get bigger and stronger. Protein is shown to speed up the recovery process drastically, thus allowing you to get back to the gym in a reduced amount of time.
Stronger Hair & Nails
The next thing that protein is great for is to help you have stronger hair and nails. One of the main building blocks in both hair and fingernails is protein. Therefore, having more protein in your system helps you to have stronger hair and nails, as well as helping them grow quicker too.
Getting A Better Sleep
Another thing that protein helps you with is to feel more energized throughout the day and more tired at night time. This is because protein helps to optimize the chemical transmitters in your brain and the chemicals they create, chemicals which make you feel energized throughout the day while at the same time telling your brain to sleep during the night.
Convenience
One of the biggest reasons as to why you should eat protein bars is because they are convenient. You need energy before you exercise and you need protein to heal muscles after you work out. It’s much easier to open a wrapper and eat a bar than it is to go home and cook a steak.
What To Look For When Buying Protein Bars
Before you go out and buy protein bars there are a few things that you should consider before making your purchase. Here are some of the most important things to pay attention to before you buy any particular protein bars.
Protein
Of course, since you are buying protein bars you need to make sure that the bars in question have the right amount of protein for you. Some protein bars have 3 grams per bar and some have up to 20 or even 25. Which bar you get in terms of its protein content will depend on your specific protein intake needs, but to be fair, if you are lifting weights and exercising all of the time, the more protein the better.
Extras
Protein bars, at least the good ones, will also contain things like fiber for digestions, carbs for energy, and other vitamins and minerals too. Those are all things which you should look for in a protein bar. On the other hand, some protein bars contain a lot of sugar as well as bad fats, both things which you don’t really want to consume in mass quantities, especially when you are trying to lose weight and be healthy.
Flavor & Consistency
This may seem obvious, but many protein bars just don’t taste very good and often they have a chalky and dry consistency. If you are going to be eating protein bars every day you should really look to get bars that don’t want to make you plug your nose every time you eat them.
Additives
Another thing to keep in mind is that many protein bars contain GMOs and other compounds which you would probably rather not put in your body. Many protein bars are GMO free and those are the ones which you want to go for. Also, many protein bars are gluten free, dairy free, and are made out of all natural ingredients, all things which are preferable when it comes to these things.
Protein Bars Reviews
Our Rating
These are some truly amazing protein bars to go with if you feel like your muscles need a big boost. They definitely make for a great pre or post workout snack that will leave your muscles feeling better than ever, plus you can substitute snacks or even small meals with them too.
Design
The best part about the CLIF BUILDER’S Protein Bar is that it has an extremely high protein count. Every single bar contains over 20 grams of high-quality protein to help build and repair your muscles after a long workout routine.
Another great part about these protein bars is that they are high in their carb count, something which is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the day and especially during an intense workout. Even better is that they taste like chocolate, a flavor that nobody can argue with!
The next thing that we really like about these particular bars is that they contain absolutely no GMOs, plus have a low glycemic count and don’t contain any high fructose corn syrup, which means that they digest slowly in order to give you a high amount of sustained energy throughout the whole day. These bars also contain tons of healthy things such as a mix of 23 of the most essential minerals and vitamins that your body could need.
Value for money
You definitely get a great value when you buy these bars. A pack of 12 costs under 18 dollars, but they manage to pack just as much punch as any other protein bar. 20 grams of protein and a ton of minerals and vitamins definitely add value to these bars.
Quality
We aren’t going to argue about the quality of the CLIF BUILDER’s Protein Bar because there isn’t really anything bad to say. They contain a really high amount of protein to feed your muscles and a bunch of carbs to give you energy, not to mention that they are made out of healthy materials and are GMO free as well.
Pros
- A full 20 grams of protein per bar
- High in carbohydrates
- Provide long-term sustained energy
- Great chocolate flavor
- 23 essential vitamins and minerals
- Come in various flavors
Cons
- Not ideal for people with nut, dairy, or gluten allergies
- A little dry and chalky
Our Rating
This is another great protein bar choice to go with and it’s thanks to the fact that these things are loaded to the brim with muscle building protein.
Design
Perhaps the best part about these protein bars is that they have over 20 grams of plant-based protein in every single serving. That is more than enough protein to help build your muscles and help them recover after a grueling weight lifting routine. Something else that we really like about the PROBAR BASE Protein Bar is that they each contain 4 grams of fiber to aid in healthy digestion.
Another great thing about these particular protein bars is that they are primarily made out of chia and flax seeds, both things which are extremely healthy. Moreover, the PROBAR BASE Protein Bars are gluten free and also do not contain any GMOs, features which are great if you are really into healthy eating. There is of course also the great mint chocolate flavor that will leave you wanting more.
Value for money
You definitely get great value for the price at which these protein bars come at. They cost around 30 dollars for a 12 pack and what makes them so valuable is that they are absolutely loaded with protein and fiber too.
Quality
We have nothing bad to say about the quality of these protein bars. You really can’t go wrong with 20 grams of plant-based protein and 4 grams of fiber. These things will aid in muscle development and recovery and are very easy to digest as well.
Pros
- Great mint chocolate flavor
- GMO free
- 20 grams of protein
- 4 grams of fiber
- Gluten free
Cons
- Some people find they have a bad smell and after taste
Our Rating
If you are looking for an excellent source of protein and a great tasting snack at the same time, the Vega Sport Protein Bar is definitely a good choice to go with. It’s one of the best vegan protein bars.
Design
One thing that you are really going to like about these protein bars is that each bar has a full 15 grams of plant-based protein. Now that is a lot of protein for just one bar. Even better is the fact that they are chocolate and peanut butter flavored, which means that not only will they give you a protein boost, but they also taste amazing too.
Another thing that you should like about these protein bars is that they also contain 2.5 grams of BCAAs and 2 grams of glutamine, both which serve to build and repair muscle tissue, something that is essential after a long and strenuous workout routine. Perhaps the best part about the Vega Sport Protein Bars is that they are vegan and made from whole food ingredients, plus they do not contain any genetically modified ingredients.
Value for money
The value for the price of these protein bars is pretty good indeed. For under 35 dollars you get 12 bars which should last you roughly 2 weeks. When it comes to protein bars, that is a pretty good price indeed, especially considering how much protein each of them contains.
Quality
We can’t argue with the quality of these protein bars because they are healthy, they help repair tissue, and they have a whole lot of protein inside of them, not to mention that they are free of GMOs too.
Pros
- 15 grams of protein per serving
- Contain BCAAs and glutamine for muscle repair
- GMO free
- Vegan friendly
- Taste fantastic
Cons
- Chalky texture
- Contain a lot of sugar
Our Rating
These protein bars are definitely one of the top choices out there and it’s thanks to the loads of protein they contain, the high amount of carbs, the ton of vitamins they have, and the fact that they are ideal for people with all sorts of diets.
Design
We are giant fans of these protein bars and one of the reasons for that is because they are free of any and all GMOs, they are certified vegan, they are absolutely gluten free, and they are made out of 100 percent all natural plant based ingredients.
Another thing that we really like about these particular protein bars is that they contain up to 25 percent of your daily needs of 11 different vitamins, making these bars extremely healthy. Speaking of 11, these bars also contain 11 grams of protein in each bar, giving them great muscle building and repair capabilities.
The next great aspect is that the Vega Protein+ Bars have a ton of veggies and healthy greens included in them, a factor which means that these things contain 4 grams of fiber or 25 percent of your daily needs.
Value for money
For something like 20 dollars for a pack of 12, you can’t go wrong with the Vega Protein+ bars. They contain more protein, vitamins, and nutrients than you could ever need in a simple snack like this. Not to mention that they have a great chocolate and peanut butter flavor, something which everyone can definitely appreciate.
Quality
The quality of these protein bars is fantastic. They have a really nice flavor, they can be substitute snacks and small meals, plus of course they are fully loaded with protein and a bunch of healthy vitamins and minerals too.
Pros
- 11 vitamins and minerals
- 11 grams of protein
- 4 grams of fiber
- Great taste
- Vegan friendly
- GMO free
- Gluten free
Cons
- A little dry and chalky
- Somewhat high in sugar
Our Rating
These are some really great protein bars because they are healthy, they are tasty, and they will provide you with more than enough protein and nutrients to keep you and your muscles fuelled all throughout the day.
Design
Something that is really great about these protein bars is that they contain only natural and healthy ingredients. The RXBAR Protein Bar is made out of egg whites, nuts, dates, and a bunch of other natural things too.
Even better is the fact that these protein bars do not contain any added sugar, gluten, soy, dairy, and are GMO free as well. This makes the RXBAR great for a variety of people who are trying to stick with a very healthy diet.
We are also pretty big fans of these particular bars because each bar contains 12 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs, and 200 calories, making them perfect for a pre or post workout snack that will give you energy and build your muscles too. Perhaps the best part about these protein bars is that they have a chocolate sea salt flavor, a flavor which we are very fond of.
Value for money
The value for the price of these protein bars is really good. They cost just under 30 dollars for a box of 12 bars and each bar is loaded with protein and other healthy things too, not to mention that they taste really good as well.
Quality
The quality of these particular protein bars is superb. They are healthy for everyone to eat, they don’t contain too much sugar, fat, or sodium, and they have more than enough protein and carbs to give you the strength and energy you need to get through a tough exercise routine.
Pros
- Great flavor
- GMO free
- No soy, dairy, or gluten
- 12 grams of protein per serving
- 4 grams of carbs per serving
- Healthy and all natural ingredients
Cons
- A little hard to chew
Our Rating
If you want some great tasting protein bars that are kind of a like a spicy jalapeno trail mix infused with amino acids and protein, then the STRONG & KIND Protein Bars are definitely a good choice for you.
Design
Something that you should like about these particular protein bars is that they have a great flavor and taste like a savory trail mix that has been infused with a spicy jalapeno flavor, making them a great substitute for things like chips and pretzels.
We really like these protein bars because they contain 10 grams of protein for every serving, plus each bar also contains all 9 essential amino acids to keep you strong and healthy. On a side note, the protein in these bars comes from almonds, seeds, and pea protein, all of which are healthy, plus these bars are soy and whey free as well.
They are great for building your muscles and rejuvenating your body after an intense exercise session. Another thing that is great about the STRONG & KIND Protein Bars is that they are low sodium to limit your salt intake, plus they are also GMO free to ensure your safety.
Value for money
These protein bars have a pretty good value for their price. While they may not contain quite as much protein as some other bars, they do only cost around 15 dollars for a 12 pack of them. Then there is also the fact that they have added amino acids too.
Quality
You really can’t argue about the quality of these protein bars because they have more than enough protein to give your muscles a big benefit, and the amino acids only serve to make you even healthier. The quality is also raised thanks to the fact that the protein is plant based, they contain no GMOs, and are low-sodium too.
Pros
- Great savory taste
- No GMOs
- Low sodium
- 10 grams of protein per serving
- 9 amino acids in every bar
- No MSG
- Whey and soy free
Cons
- Some people don’t like the spicy taste
- Bars are shorter than those found in grocery stores
Our Rating
These protein bars make for a great option if you want a sweet snack loaded with protein, one that is also gluten free and doesn’t contain too much sugar either.
Design
These make for some great protein bars and while they may not contain quite as much protein as some other options, they do make up for it. These KIND bars contain 7 grams of protein, which is not that much, but they do also contain a lot of fiber for good digestion and plenty of carbs to fuel you throughout your day.
Another thing we really like about these protein bars is that they are low in sodium, don’t contain too much sugar, contain no trans fats, no hydrogenated oils, no sulfur dioxide, no gluten, and are GMO free as well.
As you can see, these bars are very healthy, contain a ton of great ingredients, and won’t overload you with sugar, fat, or salt either. There is also the fact that these KIND protein bars are made of nuts and chocolate which means that they taste fantastic too.
Value for money
These bars cost somewhere around 15 dollars for 12 bars, making them a very affordable find indeed. Not only are they affordable, but their value is great too and it’s thanks to the fact that they have enough protein to supplement snacks, plus they are healthy overall.
Quality
We are a big fan of these bars and it isn’t just because of their great taste. Sure, they don’t contain quite as much protein as other bars, however they have more than enough carbs and fiber too, not to mention they won’t overload your sugar, fat, or salt intake for the day. Of course, there is also the fact that these things taste really good too.
Pros
- 7 grams of protein per serving
- Good source of carbs and fiber
- GMO free
- Low sodium
- Low sugar count
- Taste really good
- No trans fats or hydrogenated oils
Cons
- Fairly low protein count
- Bars are shorter than those sold in grocery stores
Our Rating
These protein bars are really high in quality and will definitely give you the protein boost that you are looking for.
Design
This is a protein bar that you can appreciate and it’s thanks to the fact that it is certified organic by the USFDA, it is gluten free, it is soy free, it is kosher, it does not contain any GMOs and it is certified vegan as well. This makes the GoMacro Organic Protein bar great for people no matter what their diet restrictions are.
Something else we really like about these particular protein bars is that each bar contains roughly 11 grams of protein, which is close to one fourth of your daily needs in just a few bites. These bars are also quite high in carbs, iron, calcium, and fiber, making them quite healthy indeed.
They have a ton of essential nutrients and minerals which will greatly benefit your body. Another great aspect about these protein bars is that they are full of complex carbs in order to give you a steady energy supply throughout the whole day.
Value for money
These bars cost just under 30 dollars for a pack of 12 and for all of the high-quality nutrients and protein they provide, they are definitely well worth the price. They are healthy, they taste good, and they still don’t cost nearly as much as some other options available on the market.
Quality
You definitely are not going to fret about the quality of these protein bars. They have more than enough protein and carbs to keep you going, plus they have quite a few other essential nutrients too, not to mention that they taste pretty good too.
Pros
- Vegan friendly
- GMO free
- Gluten free
- Kosher
- 11 grams of protein per bar
- Full of carbs and other nutrients
Cons
- Contain a lot of sugar
- Fairly dry and hard
Our Rating
If you like protein bars, don’t want to pay too much, and love great tasting snacks, then the Health Warrior Chia Bars definitely make for a really good option.
Design
We really love these protein bars, and while they may not actually contain all that much protein, only 3 grams per bar, that is still enough to give your muscles a strength boost and also help to reduce recovery time as well. On the other hand, these bars do contain a whole lot of Omega-3 a very healthy substance that your body needs to stay in good shape.
Another thing that we like about these bars is that they also contain a whole lot of fiber to aid in healthy digestion. Plus they also don’t contain too many calories, which is great for people who are watching their weight. Even better for watching your weight is the fact that these bars do not contain very much sugar.
Being made out of chia makes these bars very healthy, not to mention that they also come in 3 great flavors. Plus these things are kosher, vegan friendly, free of all GMOs, and are gluten free as well.
Value for money
These protein bars have a pretty good value for their price. A 15-pack of them only costs around 15 dollars, so money-wise, you really can’t go wrong. They contain a fair amount of protein as well as fiber in order to keep you healthy and active, value which no one can argue against.
Quality
We are a pretty big fan of these protein bars because they are made with quality ingredients that only serve to make you healthier and much more energetic. These things definitely make for a really good snack. Being GMO free, gluten free, vegan friendly, and full of nutrients definitely adds to the quality of these protein bars.
Pros
- Great taste
- 3 different flavors
- Lots of Omega-3
- Contain a high dose of fiber
- GMO free
- Vegan friendly
- Gluten Free
Cons
- Fairly low protein count
- Each bar is quite small
Our Rating
This is a really food protein bar and it’s thanks to the fact that it contains things like magnesium as well as other healthy nutrients, plus of course protein too, not to mention the fact that they are quite affordable too.
Design
One of the things that we like the most about the Larabar Gluten Free Snack Bar is that it is made out of only 2 ingredients so you know exactly what you are eating, those ingredients being cashews and dates, ingredients which supply you with 6 grams of protein with every bar. This gives these protein bars a delicious savory and sweet flavor that everyone can enjoy.
Another thing we really enjoy about these bars is that even people with strict diets can eat them because they are minimally processed, they are gluten free, they are soy free, they are vegan friendly, and they are dairy free as well. Perhaps one of the best parts about these protein bars is that they contain a whole lot of magnesium, a substance which is essential for you to stay healthy.
Something which we love about these protein bars is that they are all made out of fair trade ingredients, which means that the people who produced them were all paid fair wages. Moreover, the wrapper that this bar comes in is made out of recycled materials and can be recycled when you are done with it as well.
Value for money
For somewhere around 15 bucks for a pack of 16 you can’t go wrong with these protein bars. They have a great value thanks to the protein, magnesium, and other healthy nutrients they contain, plus the flavor of them is simply delicious. They do really great as a snack and to fuel up both before and after workouts.
Quality
There is nothing to complain about when it comes to the quality of the Larabar Snack Bars. They are easy to digest, and they taste great too.
Pros
- Great taste
- Simple ingredients
- GMO free
- Gluten free
- Vegan friendly
- 6 grams of protein per serving
- Contain lots of magnesium
Cons
- Fairly low protein count
- Very dry and chewy
The Best Protein Bars For Anybody
Not all protein bars are the same, and not all protein bars are suited for all people, therefore we quickly want to go over what the best protein bars in terms of certain aspects.
The Best Tasting Protein Bars
To be honest, not all protein bars taste very good, but some of them can definitely tickle your taste buds. In terms of taste, the best protein bars we would recommend are the Vega Sport protein bars, the Health Warrior Chia Protein bars, and the PROBAR BASE Protein bar.
The Best Protein Bars For Weight Loss
Protein bars can be pretty high in their sugar content as well as their carb content, making many of them less than ideal for people who would want to lose weight. However for people that want to build muscle and lose weight at the same time, the KIND bars and the RXBAR protein bars make for some really good choices.
The Best High Protein Bars (Best For Protein Content)
These are protein bars, so you definitely want to get protein bars that are very high in their protein content. If you are looking for protein bars solely for their high protein count, the Clif Builder’s protein bars, the PROBAR Base bars, and the Vega Sport protein bars all make for ideal high protein options.
The Best Low Carb Protein Bars
Carbs do provide you with energy, but carbs are not always a good thing and sometimes you may want to avoid eating too many. In terms of protein bars with a low carb count, the RXBAR bars, the Health Warrior Chia bars, and the KIND bars, all make for good choices.
The Best Low Sugar Protein Bars
Sugar is of course a substance that will cause you to gain weight if you eat too much of it, so you don’t want your protein bars to contain too much. In terms of low sugar options, the RXBAR Bars, the Health Warrior Chia Bars, and the Larabar Bars are all good choices to go with.
The Best Organic Protein Bars
Many people nowadays are concerned with eating only organic foods and if you are one of those people, then you should try to go for the GoMacro Bars.
The Best Natural Protein Bars
When it comes to eating natural ingredients you really can’t go wrong. In fact, many of the choices we have included in our selection of the top 10 protein bars contain natural ingredients. Some of the best natural choices to go with include the PROBAR BASE bars, The Vega Sport protein bars, the Vega Protein+ bars, and the RXBAR bars.
The Best Gluten Free Protein Bars
Some people can’t handle gluten and that is just how it is. Many protein bars contain gluten, but that is not the case for all of them. If you are looking for gluten free protein bars, you can try going with the PROBAR BASE bars, the Vega Protein+ bars, the RXBAR bars, the Larabar bars, and the Health Warrior Chia bars.
The Best Paleo Protein Bars
Eating a paleo based diet essentially means eating all natural foods that have not been processed, pretty much like prehistoric people ate before the advent of processed food. If you are looking for good paleo bars to go with, you can go with the Larabar protein bars, the Health Warrior Chia Bars, and the RXBAR Bars.
The Best Vegan Protein Bars
If you are a person who does not eat any animal products, you are going to want to get protein bars that are vegan friendly. Luckily for you, there are plenty of those on our list, and they include the Larabar protein bars, the Health Warrior Chia Bars, the GoMacro Bars, the Vega Protein+ bars, and the Vega Sport Protein bars.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a ton of different options in terms of the best protein bars out there. Which one is best for you does depend on your own needs and what you want the bars to have in them. Just keep in mind that you should consider how much protein the bar in question has, what other nutrients it contains, what it doesn’t or shouldn’t contain, and of course what it tastes like too. Protein bars come with a long list of benefits which you should definitely not ignore. We would obviously recommend choosing one of the above options because they are the best choices out there.
If you have any questions or comments about protein bars, feel free to leave us a note and we will do whatever we can to address your needs!