Gluten is a type of protein present in many grains, including wheat, barley, and rye, and a gluten-free diet avoids it. However, following a gluten-free diet might occasionally include grabbing protein bars with as much sugar as a candy bar since they’re the only gluten-free choice. It’s convenient to have a nutritious, gluten-free protein bar on hand for a fast snack or meal replacement while you’re on the road. Continue reading to learn about the best gluten free protein bars and how to pick the correct one for you!
What are the Best Gluten Free Protein Bars?
To find the Best Gluten Free Protein Bars for you we have used several of protein bars without gluten and selected the absolute top 7 gluten free protein bars.
This is based on our first-hand experiences, years of practice as well as individual research on what others have to say, so that we can give you a more well-rounded review.
Feel free to scroll to the end of this article for a short buying guide and some frequently asked questions.
1. Quest Nutrition Chocolate Brownie Keto Friendly Protein Bars
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Bars in a Pack: 12 Protein Content: 20 grams Gluten-Free: Yes |
Made from high-quality ingredients containing complete, dairy-based proteins that provide your body with essential amino acids, the Quest chocolate brownie protein bars taste like freshly-baked brownies. In addition to it’s high protein content, these yummy chocolate protein bars are low in carbs, and gluten-free as well, making them perfect for anyone on a keto diet. Each Quest chocolate protein bar is packed with fiber, which gives your body a more balanced macronutrient composition. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth and brownie cravings with this protein bar without worrying about added sugars.
Pros
- Do not contain added sugars,
- Gluten-free protein bars,
- Suitable for individuals on a keto diet,
- Packed with fiber
Cons
- Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts and tree nuts,
- They might be a bit difficult to chew
2. Truth Bar Healthy Snacks Pack Diabetic Protein Bars
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.39 pounds (0.63 kg) Bars in a Pack: 12 Protein Content: 1 gram Gluten-Free: Yes Vegan: Yes Calories per Bar: 180 |
These high fiber, low carbs Truth healthy snack bars are made from organic ingredients and are certified gluten-free. Truth’s healthy snack pack features a low-sugar, all-natural protein bar with beneficial omega-3 fats and fiber for a well-balanced nutrition bar. It also features a great blend of prebiotics and probiotics that promote healthy gut flora growth and has numerous health benefits. Each Truth protein bar contains 180 calories and can serve as a good energy bar to provide enough fuel on-the-go. These Truth protein bars, on the other hand, are prepared at a facility that also processes nuts and may mistakenly include nuts, making them unsuitable for anyone who is allergic to nuts.
Pros
- A smooth combination of prebiotics and probiotics provides GI health benefits,
- Excellent snack option for a keto diet,
- High fiber content,
- Gluten-free snack bars
Cons
- May contain nuts,
- High sodium content
3. GoMacro Kids MacroBar Organic Vegan Snack Bars
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.49 pounds (0.22 kg) Bars in a Pack: 7 Protein Content: 4 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: No Vegan: Yes Calories per Bar: 110 |
The GoMacro Kids snack bar is made from organic ingredients and has an unique blend of peanut butter and chocolate, which gives it a great taste but may make it unsuitable for individuals who are allergic to nuts. Its low calories and sugar content make it an ideal snack option that can be included in a child’s lunch pack. Adults on a vegan diet may also welcome this organic vegan-friendly snack bar as a dessert choice to add variety to their diet. This organic snack bar does not contain any artificial sweeteners or harmful additives, and is also Non-GMO verified.
Pros
- Great addition to a vegan diet,
- Low calorie content makes it a healthy snack option to add to your kids’ lunch pack,
- Low fat content,
- Perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate
Cons
- Not suitable for individuals with nut allergies,
- May be tough to chew
4. CLIF BUILDERS Gluten Free Protein Bars
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Bars in a Pack: 1 Protein Content: 20 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: No Calories per Bar: 280 |
CLIF BUILDERS gluten free protein bars include 20g of plant protein manufactured from high-quality ingredients in each chocolate-flavored bar. Whether you’re at the gym or at work, each bar delivers full protein with essential amino acids to help you grow and repair muscles. Builders protein bars have a low glycemic index, which means they digest slowly and provide sustained energy. It’s also gluten-free, making it an excellent protein bar for individuals who want to recuperate after a strenuous workout while avoiding gluten in their diet.
Pros
- Gluten-free,
- Made from low glycemic-index ingredients for prolonged energy release,
- Provides essential amino acids from plant-based proteins,
- Chocolate flavour
Cons
- Contain allergic ingredients including peanuts,
- May leave crumbs while eating
5. Clif Kid ZBAR Protein Granola Bars
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.13 pounds (1.42 kg) Bars in a Pack: 30 Protein Content: 5 grams Gluten-Free: Yes |
These Clif Kid ZBAR protein granola bars are made from high-quality, nutritious ingredients that provide a balanced combination of carbs, fiber, protein, and fat to keep youngsters energized as they make the most of their time together. The ZBAR protein snack bar can be an excellent snack option for your child’s lunchbox since it’s free of substances that parents want to avoid, such as high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and synthetic preservatives. They are produced at a facility that also processes peanuts and, as a result, may contain peanuts.
Pros
- Do not contain artificial flavors and synthetic preservatives,
- It is certified gluten-free,
- Provides your kids with energy on the go,
- Has a crispy, kid-friendly texture
Cons
- Made in a peanut processing facility and may contain peanuts,
- Contains added sugars
6. No Nuts! 100% Nut Free Dairy Free Vegan Protein Bars
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Bars in a Pack: 4 Protein Content: 12 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: Yes Vegan: Yes |
This vegan protein bar from No Nuts is nut-free and dairy-free. It is produced in a nut-free and gluten-free facility, allowing most individuals with nut allergies to enjoy at the same level. Each pack has a variety of protein bar flavors supported with added sugars, allowing you to try new flavors while still getting the same quantity of nutrients. These dairy free protein energy bars will become one of your new go-to vegan protein bars to help you through those post-workouts or as a quick snack to pack in your bag.
Pros
- Do not contain allergic ingredients such as nuts,
- Gluten-free bars,
- Do not contain dairy ingredients for those who maybe lactose intolerant,
- Suitable for people on vegan diet
Cons
- Price may be a little steep,
- Includes added sugars
7. Orgain Organic Kids Energy Bar
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.88 pounds (0.4 kg) Bars in a Pack: 10 Protein Content: 2 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Vegan: Yes Calories per Bar: 130 |
Each pack of Orgain Organic Kids energy bar contains 10 protein snack bars made from high-quality ingredients including organic whole grains. Packed with fibers and protein, this snack bar provides enough fuel to keep kids active without excess sugar content. Each snack bar is USDA-certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, non-dairy, and vegan-friendly. It also contains minerals such as iron and calcium, as well as vitamin D, which have immense benefits on children’s health and development. This organic protein bar can be an excellent choice for on-the-go meals, quick breakfasts, lunch box snacks, or light snacking.
Pros
- Cholesterol-free,
- Provides your kid with some essential minerals and vitamins,
- Good addition to your vegan diet,
- Made from organic ingredients
Cons
- It may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies,
- May have an after-taste
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 7 Best Gluten Free Protein Bars, our absolute top pick is Quest Nutrition Chocolate Brownie Keto Friendly Protein Bars.
If you have the money, you can go for Truth Bar Healthy Snacks Pack Diabetic Protein Bars which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the GoMacro Kids MacroBar Organic Vegan Snack Bars.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying gluten free protein bars
Flavours
Protein bars come in flavors such as dark chocolate, cookie dough caramel, mint, apple pie and more. You can choose a flavor of protein bars by your taste preference. However, there are some with a lot of artificial flavouring or sweetener, which could make it more unhealthy.
Allergens
Protein bars are a really good option as a snack and for fulfilling your protein needs. However, most of the protein bars contain one or more common allergens like gluten, fish, peanuts, milk, soy protein, eggs, and nuts. If you are allergic to any one of these options or you are a vegan, then be careful to research and look at the ingredients of the protein bar before buying any.
Gluten free options
Protein bars are a really good source of healthy protein and a quick healthy solution for your hunger pangs. However for those who cannot consumer gluten, you may suffer from gluten allergy and your immune system will trigger an autoimmune response in the small intestine. For handling this issue, there are many gluten-free protein bars in the market which contain a blend of numerous ingredients such as whey and milk protein, brown rice, pea, rice flour, and chia seeds.
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Sugar content
Opting for a protein bar to replace a snack is a good habit to nurture. But in some cases, many protein bars in the market are a candy bar in disguise. A protein bar should contain ideally low-fat content and high protein content to give you the most benefits. So if you want a good and nutritious protein bar, aim for a bar not more than 5-8g of sugar per bar.
Questions and Answers About gluten free protein bars
Is it OK to eat 2 protein bars a day?
It depends on how active is your lifestyle, your body requirements, and your body type. Normally it is acceptable and good to eat one or two bars a day if the bars are rich in nutrition, have natural content and have minimal sugar. But take into consideration that excess of anything can be dangerous. Excessive protein intake can cause several anomalies in the body such as headache, nausea and intestinal discomfort, etc
Should I be wary of calories and sugar in protein bars?
Yes, should be mindful about the fat and sugar content on your protein bars for the well-being of your body. Some protein bars have just 15g of protein and 29g of sugar which is more than a chocolate bar. You should choose a protein bar with no more than 6 to 8 grams of sugar. Any amount above this convert your sugar bar into an unhealthy snack
When should runners eat protein bars?
Protein bars are recommended after a workout because they help in building any slight muscle fibers tear because of running. A bar rich in carbohydrates is usually recommended instead of a protein bar before 45 mins of workout because protein sugars and fiber slow down the digestive system. In addition to that, no two bodies are the same and in most of the runners, it is observed pre-workout protein cause GI disturbances. If your workout window is more than 90 minutes you can take an energy-rich source such as an energy drink in between the run.
How many calories are in a good protein bar for women?
The recommended and safe amount of calories for an average female consumption of a protein bar is 130-200 calories. But if you want to gain weight and it is recommended by your nutritionist to increase your calories intake, then you can go for a bar with high-calorie content.
