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 |
Crafted from premium ingredients, the Quest Chocolate Brownie protein bars offer a blend of full, dairy-based proteins, vital for supplying your body with necessary amino acids. With an authentic taste resembling a freshly-baked chocolate brownie, these bars deliver more than just flavor. A major selling point is their high protein content alongside low carbohydrates and, importantly, they’re gluten-free. This balance makes them a great option for those following a keto diet or looking for healthier snack alternatives.
Each Quest bar is fiber-rich, giving your body a balanced ratio of macronutrients. This benefit allows you to maintain your dietary goals without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. Furthermore, they’re free from added sugars, allowing you to feed your sweet tooth guilt-free. Whether you’re mid-workout or in need of a quick snack on the go, these bars deliver on nutritional value whilst satisfying your chocolate brownie cravings.
However, it’s noteworthy that they’re produced in a facility processing peanuts and tree nuts, making them potentially unsuitable for individuals with certain allergies. Some users have also found them to be somewhat tough to chew.
Pros
- High in protein, low in carbohydrates
- Gluten-free and keto-friendly
- Fiber-filled for balanced nutrition
- No added sugars
Cons
- Prepared in nut-processing facility
- Can be slightly tough 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 low-carb, high-fiber delights are crafted using organic ingredients and hold a gluten-free certification that makes them a guilt-free nibble. The Truth snack pack introduces an all-natural protein bar that’s not just low-sugar, but also comes enriched with valuable Omega-3 fats and fiber. Deploying nutrients strategically, these bars aim to balance your nutrition in the most compact way possible.
Each of these 180 calorie Truth protein bars packs a substantial energy punch, making them a fitting choice for maintaining momentum on the move. The star of these bars is the stellar mix of prebiotics and probiotics, vigorously promoting healthy gut flora and adding numerous health benefits to your everyday snack. However, while these protein bars are power-packed, they come with small caveats. They are produced in a facility that also processes nuts, so some traces might inadvertently end up in the mix. This makes it an unsuitable choice for those with nut allergies.
Pros
- Perfect balance of prebiotics and probiotics for gut health,
- Great on-the-go energy source,
- High-fiber and gluten-free fit for all diets,
- Ideal low-sugar option for keto enthusiasts
Cons
- Potential inadvertent nut content,
- Slightly higher sodium levels than usual
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 |
Meet the GoMacro Kids MacroBar; it’s organically concocted with a delightful blend of peanut butter and chocolate. Maintaining a tantalizing flavor palette, this bar stays true to its promise of being a healthy snack, making it a unique find in the world of fitness foods. It’s not just kids who can enjoy its tempting taste; adults pursuing a vegan lifestyle will find the MacroBar to be a refreshing break from usual vegan diet options, serving as a delicious, guilt-free dessert.
Augmenting its appeal, the bar’s low sugar and calorie content make it an attractive, waistline-friendly snack that can be easily stashed in a child’s lunch box. With meticulous attention to nutritional value, the MacroBar is free from any artificial sweeteners and harmful additives, ensuring you receive the benefit of pure, unadulterated health benefits. Bathed in an organic ethos, the MacroBar stands as a proud Non-GMO offering, giving you another reason to add it to your cart!
Product highlights lie in its carefully curated ingredients list and its keen focus on creating a snack bar that is not just palatable but also promotes fitness. However, it is worth noting that individuals with nut allergies may need to steer clear due to its peanut content. A potential downside could also be a somewhat tougher texture that may make it a challenge to chew.
Pros
- Delightful organic vegan snack bar,
- Low in calories and sugar,
- Free from artificial sweeteners and additives,
- Non-GMO
Cons
- Not suitable for nut allergy sufferers,
- Possibly 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 |
Striving for the right balance between taste and health, CLIF BUILDERS have crafted their Gluten Free Protein Bars as a dynamic flavor-packed companion for your fitness journey. Embedded with a whopping 20g of high-quality plant-derived protein, these chocolate-y bars stand as a powerhouse of nutrients. They serve both as muscle building agents and energy suppliers.
Whether you’re hitting the gym or slogging through a long day at work, these bars ensure the maintenance of muscle health. Besides, they’re infused with essential amino acids that facilitate growth and tissue repair.
One of the stand-out features of CLIF BUILDERS Gluten Free Protein Bars is their low glycemic index. This means they gradually release energy, maintaining your vitality over time. Crafted to be gluten-free, these bars are an ideal protein source for those avoiding gluten while needing a sustainable energy boost.
Remember, while these bars offer vast benefits, they might not suit everyone, especially individuals with specific allergies. Take this into account while deciding if these bars align with your fitness goals.
Pros
- Gluten-free and versatile Low glycemic index for steady energy supply
- Packed with 20g plant-based proteins
- Infused with essential amino acids for muscle repair
- Delicious chocolate flavor
Cons
- Contains allergens like peanuts
- Could produce 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 |
Introducing ‘Clif Kid ZBAR Protein Granola Bars’, the harmony of wholesome ingredients and taste. Loaded with an ideal blend of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, protein and healthy fats, these bars fuel active children to seize the day. I highly regard the manufacturer’s focus on health as they sidestep the use of high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, and synthetic preservatives.
These hearty snack bars, free of any gluten, come in a child-friendly, crispy texture that your kids are sure to love. They can be conveniently stowed in a lunchbox or rushed in as a quick snack between soccer practice and music lessons.
One potential downside though, the bars are processed in a facility that manages peanuts, which means they might carry traces of this allergen. Moreover, if you’re monitoring your child’s sugar intake, keep in mind these bars do contain added sugars.
Pros
- Made without artificial flavors or preservatives
- Certified gluten-free offering
- Acts as a great energy-booster for active children
- Kids love their crunchy texture
Cons
- Potential risk of peanut contamination
- Contains added sugar
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 |
Meet the No Nuts! 100% Nut Free Dairy Free Vegan Protein Bars. Tailored for those who love fitness, these protein bars are nut-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Craftily crafted in a nut-free and gluten-free facility, these bars ensure maximum inclusivity by catering to people with allergies. From workout buffs to busy office workers, it caters to a wide range of dietary restrictions without compromising on the tasty factor.
In every packet, you’ll encounter a palette of exciting flavors, compiled with the indispensable addition of natural sugars. This eclectic mix allows you to experience a variety of taste sensations while maintaining that consistent supply of essential nutrients. For those long coding hours, strenuous workout sessions, or simply an easy grab-and-go snack, these protein bars never fall short.
The defining characteristic of these bars lies in their slick approach to accommodate varied diets. Nut-allergic individuals, the lactose intolerant, and vigilant vegans can partake in this nutritious indulgence without worry.
Pros
- Safe for nut allergies
- Gluten-free formula
- Safe for lactose intolerant individuals
- Cater to vegan diets
Cons
- Slightly premium pricing
- Contains 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 |
The Orgain Organic Kids Energy Bar is like a miniature powerhouse, neatly packed into a snack-sized treat. This gem is made up of 10 protein bars, each meticulously crafted from top-quality, organic whole grains. A resource of abundant fiber and protein, these munchies fuel kids’ energy, providing ample sustenance they can pack away, without overdoing it on the sugar content.
Each bar is armed with USDA-certification, reassuring parents that it’s genuinely organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, non-dairy, and even vegan-friendly. No small feat for any snacking contender in the present market. This doesn’t mean it skimps on nutrition, though. With a robust blend of minerals like iron and calcium, along with vitamin D, these bars doubly serve as a beneficial supplement to children’s health and development. For those times when you’re on the move, Orgain Organic bars perfectly fit the bill for sudden hunger pangs, hasty breakfasts, or even lunchbox additions.
The thumb rule to remember here is descriptives such as “high-quality” or “best” are qualifiers, not guarantees. What these bars definitely are is a convenient, quick-fill option to bridge the gap between bigger meals, offering children an organic, nutritious snack. It’s undeniable, though, they pack quite a punch for such a compact size.
Pros
- Packed with essential minerals and vitamins
- A great option for vegans
- Manufactured from 100% organic constituents
- Zero cholesterol present
Cons
- Could potentially trigger nut allergies
- Possible 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
Let’s get this straight – the flavor gamut for protein bars is broad, and with choices from indulgent dark chocolate to a comforting apple pie, they’ve got all our sweet cravings covered! But remember, your favorite bar should taste good without tipping the scales into unhealthy territory. So if you spot artificial sweeteners or flavorings in the ingredients list, it’s best to trade it for a healthier alternative. Taste matters, but your wellness is the ultimate priority.
Allergens
For sure, protein bars make a great go-to snack and they can also help you meet your daily protein goals. However, be aware that they may contain some usual allergens such as gluten, fish, peanuts, milk, soy protein, eggs, and nuts. If these are on your list of things to avoid due to allergies – or if you’re sticking to a vegan diet – then it’s absolutely critical that you do your homework on the ingredients included in the protein bars you want to snag. Depending on your individual dietary needs and preferences, understanding the key allergens in protein bars is essential before you slide them into your shopping cart.
Gluten free options
Ensuring proper sustenance while adhering to dietary restrictions, like gluten intolerance, should not feel like an uphill battle. Protein bars can provide an excellent source of protein when hunger strikes. For those dealing with gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten triggers an unpleasant autoimmune response in the small intestine. But don’t worry, the market has got you covered.
Plenty of gluten-free protein bars have stepped into the spotlight, bustling with a myriad of nutritious ingredients. Expect to see whey and milk protein, brown rice, pea, rice flour, and chia seeds on the ingredient list. Not only do these delectable bars cater to your dietary requirements, but they also pack a punch in terms of protein content. So, with gluten-free protein bars, you’re in good hands.
Sugar content
Stashing a protein bar in your bag as a wholesome snack swap is a fitness-friendly habit to develop. A word of caution, though; some protein bars on offer are nothing more than glorified candy bars! The ideal protein bar should be a potent source of protein while keeping fat content in check. It’s also vital that you stay sugar-smart when picking your protein bar – aim for one with no more than 5-8 grams of sugar.
Questions and Answers About gluten free protein bars
Is it OK to eat 2 protein bars a day?
It’s generally safe to consume two protein bars daily, given they’re nutritionally balanced and low in sugar. Remember though, higher protein does not always translate to better health. Too much protein intake can lead to discomfort, so always align your consumption with your activity levels and bodily needs.
Should I be wary of calories and sugar in protein bars?
Definitely, it’s crucial to note the sugar and calorie content in your protein bars. Some of them pack a sugar punch as much as a candy bar, despite having only 15g of protein. Aim to pick a protein bar with a maximum of 6-8g of sugar to keep it from becoming an unhealthy snacking option.
When should runners eat protein bars?
For runners, protein bars serve best as a post-workout snack to repair minor muscle fiber tears. Prior to a run, a carbohydrate-loaded bar is advisable 45 minutes beforehand since proteins, sugars, and fiber can impede digestion. Also, pre-workout proteins have been noted to possibly trigger GI issues in many runners. If your exercise routine extends beyond 90 minutes, keep an energy-packed source, such as energy drinks, handy during the regimen.
How many calories are in a good protein bar for women?
Opt for protein bars with approximately 130-200 calories, if you’re an average active woman. For weight gain plans, endorsed by your diet consultant, you may need a bar with more calories.
