Looking for a quick on-the-go munch or post-workout bite? Protein bars are a portable snack that are great when you're in a pinch and need something to eat quick. But the protein bar aisle has become saturated with countless choices and lofty nutrition claims that can be overwhelming to decipher. And just because something has the word "protein" in it does not make it automatically healthy.
So what makes a protein bar worthy of being on your grocery list? As a registered dietitian, ingredients are always at the forefront of any testing I do. After analyzing dozens of protein bars in our Good Housekeeping Institute's Nutrition Lab, our choices focused on protein bars with a readable list of ingredients and a whole grain or whole food (i.e. nuts, oats, legumes, etc) as the first ingredient.
We capped calories at 300 per bar, and looked for choices with no more than 10 grams of added sugar. In order to be considered a protein bar, we required at least 10 grams of protein per serving. We also feel that fiber is important to help keep you full and balance out the bar, which is why all choices on our list have at least 3 grams of fiber or more per serving. We also tried to keep sodium counts under 300mg per bar.
After careful consideration, we rounded up our top choices for the best protein bars of 2020:
1Organic Plant Based Protein Bars
This new-kid-on-the-block vegan protein bar is not to be missed. Packed with wholesome ingredients and no sugar alcohols or stevia, it's a vegan and low-carb option that's also USDA organic. Peanuts and pumpkin seed protein are the star of the show.
Nutrition Facts (1 Bar): 240 cal, 12g fat, 85mg sodium, 24g total carb, 13g fiber, 4g total sugar, 14g protein
2PROTEIN From Real Food Bars
Don't be fooled by its granola bar facade! This crunchy snack from KIND actually packs in 12 grams of plant-based protein and only has 6 grams of added sugar. We love the taste and texture on this nutty and chocolatey bar.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar): 250 cal, 17g fat, 125mg sodium, 17g carb, 5g fiber, 6g added sugar, 12g protein
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3Organic Plant Based Protein Bar
Vegan protein bars can be hard to come by, and organic ones are even tougher to find. We love the chewy texture on this chocolate chip cookie dough flavored protein snack bar from Orgain that boasts 10 grams of plant-based protein and is both vegan and soy-free.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar): 140 calories, 5g fat, 125mg sodium, 20g carb, 3g dietary fiber, 5g total sugar, 4g added sugars, 10g protein
4Gluten-Free, Low-Sugar Protein Bars
ONEamazon.com
With flavors like Birthday Cake and Pumpkin Pie, this bar will not only cure your sweet tooth but it'll also pack in a protein punch post-workout. These bars are super flavorful and have 20 grams of protein, which is far more than most on the market. They now also come in minis for a portion-controlled treat.
Nutrition Facts: 220 cal, 8g total fat, 140mg sodium, 24g carb, 8g fiber, 1g total sugar, 0g added sugar, 20g protein
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5LAYERS Layered Protein Bar
RXBAR's newest innovation is chewy, gooey, and nutrient-dense. Packed with 14+ grams of protein, it boasts a wholesome ingredients list and is sweetened with dates and honey. It has that candy bar taste and texture, but only 4 grams of added sugar.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar, Peanut Butter Chocolate): 250 cal, 14g total fat, 180mg sodium, 20g carb, 3g fiber, 13g total sugar, 4g added sugar, 15g protein
6Omega-3 and Grass-Fed Whey Protein Bars
The first ingredient in this protein-packed bar is grass-fed whey protein concentrate. It's packed with fiber (7 grams to be exact) and only 4 grams of added sugar. Plus, it has a great flavor and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids as well.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar): 200 cal, 7g total fat, 120mg sodium, 22g total carb, 7g fiber, 5g total sugar, 4g added sugar, 14g protein
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7Protein Bar
Of course we love the traditional RXBAR protein bar as well. Made with real ingredients that you can pronounce, these bars load up 12 grams of protein and are also gluten-free. Plus, they are free from added sugar and sweetened instead with dates.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar): 210 cal, 9g total fat, 260mg sodium, 23g total carb, 5g fiber, 13g total sugar, 0g added sugar, 12g protein
8Plant-Based Protein Bars
ZING BARSamazon.com$21.99
Designed by registered dietitians, these chewy bars are completely plant-based and boast a strong 10 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber. The Dark Chocolate Coconut Vitality Bar features macaroon-style shaved coconut and tastes like an almond joy.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar): 210 cal, 11g total fat, 55mg sodium, 24g carb, 7g fiber, 9g total sugar, 10g protein
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9Protein & Superfruit Bars
THINKTHINamazon.com
Not only does this yummy bar from thinkTHIN have 10 grams of protein and fiber, but it also contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. This gluten-free and non-GMO choice is both sweet and tart from the combination of chocolate, pomegranate, and cherry.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar): 230 cal, 9g total fat, 140mg sodium, 30g carb, 10g fiber, 8g total sugar, 10g protein
10Performance Bar, Almond Butter Chocolate
EPIC PROVISIONSamazon.com
These performance bars from EPIC are all made with six ingredients or less. They get their sweetness from dates and protein content from egg whites and nuts. This bar is also gluten-free and great for pre or post-workout snack.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar): 210 cal, 7g fat, 180mg sodium, 25g carb, 4g fiber, 19g total sugar, 0g added sugar, 12g protein
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11Nut Butter Protein Bars
BOBO'Samazon.com
You may be familiar with Bobo's oat bars, but their new protein bars deliver great nutritionals and flavor. With a strong 11 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and only 7 grams of added sugar, it's perfect for an on-the-go snack.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar): 270 cal, 11g fat, 60mg sodium, 39g carb, 4g fiber, 7g added sugar, 11g protein
12Vegan Cookie Dough Protein Bar
This plant-based, low-sugar bar is top-rated on Amazon and comes in a variety of flavors. It's a gluten-free, plant-based, low-sugar option that's both soft and tasty. We like that the protein blend comes from fava beans and brown rice, and that is has a whopping 11 grams of fiber.
Nutrition Facts (1 bar): 220 cal, 7g fat, 210mg sodium, 29g carb, 11g fiber, 10g total sugar, 15g protein
13Plant Based Protein Bars
SUPER POP SNACKSamazon.com$34.99
The first ingredient in this soft bar is almond butter, which helps to pack in 10 grams of plant-based protein per bar. You'll find actual dried blueberries throughout and a nice flavor, with no dairy or soy in the ingredient list.
Nutrition Facts: 260 cal, 13g fat, 50mg sodium, 23g total carb, 4g fiber, 11g total sugar, 10g protein
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