When you’re on the go and need a healthy snack, protein bars might come in useful. However, because children don’t require significant amounts of protein all at once, it is vital to select bars that are low in protein. Kids’ snack bars may help if your child is a selective eater or does not receive enough protein from meals. Protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and other elements that promote health and well-being are included in the best protein bars for kids. These snacks are great for breakfast, snacks in between meals, or anytime during the day. We’ve compiled a list of protein bars for kids that you’ll enjoy and that are also excellent for them!
What are the Best Protein Bars for Kids?
To find the Best Protein Bars for Kids for you we have used several of protein bars for young people and selected the absolute top 7 protein bars for kids.
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. CLIF KID ZBAR Organic Lunch Box Snacks
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 3.44 pounds (1.56 kg) Bars in a Pack: 36 Protein Content: 2 grams Calories per Bar: 140 |
The CLIF KID ZBAR organic lunch box snack bar is made from premium organic ingredients. Each snack bar is packed with about 8-11 grams of whole grains which can provide a good source of fiber in your kid’s diet. Although it is low in protein, it has many other minerals and vitamins that are essential to your child’s growth and development, including iron and calcium, as well as Vitamin E. ZBAR ensures that all ingredients used to produce each snack bar are cultivated and processed following soil and water quality standards, demonstrating their dedication to helping to conserve the natural environment.
Pros
- Contains a wide variety of essential minerals and vitamins,
- Do not contain artificial flavors and synthetic preservatives,
- Packed with fiber,
- Made from organic ingredients
Cons
- May contain peanuts,
- Low protein content
2. 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
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. 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
5. Blake’s Seed Based Snack Bar
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.04 pounds (0.47 kg) Bars in a Pack: 9 Protein Content: 4 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: Yes Vegan: Yes Calories per Bar: 150 |
Navigating the protein bar terrain, Blake’s Seed-Based Snack Bar stands out as an impressive contender. Carefully crafted using top-grade organic ingredients, this snack bar proves to be a health enthusiast’s best bet. Its pro-production in a nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free facility only adds to its allure. Moreover, it successfully steers clear of sesame, striking a chord with those with specific dietary requirements.
These healthy bars are a delightful way to kick-start your day, lending you the nourishment necessary to power through. With the absence of additional sweeteners, they wonderfully cater to those sporadic sweet cravings without compelling you to compromise on calories. With of a pleasant assortment of flavors, you’ll never have to wrestle with monotony. Blake’s Seed-Based bars make perfect companions for activities like camping and hiking, or as a quick hunger solution during work or school lunch breaks.
The primary allure of these snack bars lies in their organic composition, making them an ideal choice for health-conscious adults and children alike. However, bear in mind, some users may find the after-taste a tad uncharming.
Pros
- Made entirely from organic components
- Comes without added sugars
- Apt for breakfast
- Cater to both adults and children
Cons
- Possible uninviting after-taste
- Limited flavor profiles
6. Happy Tot Organics Fiber & Protein Oat Bar
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.63 pounds (0.74 kg) Bars in a Pack: 30 Protein Content: 2 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: Yes Calories per Bar: 90 |
Happy Tot Organics Fiber & Protein Oat Bars bring a delicious and healthy heart-boosting snack to your little ones. Made entirely from certified organic and non-GMO ingredients such as whole grains, these bars pack a fiber-rich punch that aids digestion and ensures optimal nutrient absorption. Though the protein content might be slightly lower compared to other options, it’s a worthy trade-off for other key gains.
These gluten-free, nut-free bars cater specifically to kids with food sensitivities or allergies, extending the benefits of a healthful snack to all children without exclusion. At the same time, they provide a potent dose of essential nutrients like calcium and iron, fostering their growth and development.
Each bar is designed to be kid-size, keeping portion control in check, although adults may find them on the small side. Ensure that bars are tightly sealed post-snack time, as they have a tendency to harden overexposure to air.
Pros
- Nutrient-dense with calcium and iron
- Crafted with organic, non-GMO ingredients
- Promotes digestion due to high fiber content
- A safe pick for gluten or nut allergies
Cons
- Might harden with exposure to air
- Size could be too small for adult appetites
7. 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 |
Discover the taste and benefits of the 100% Nut Free Dairy Free Vegan Protein Bars by No Nuts! Ideal for those with specific dietary requirements or simply anyone looking for a safe, tasty and nutritious boost, these vegan protein bars offer the powerful combination of both a snack and an energy source.
Structured perfectly for the health-conscious, these bars are guaranteed nut-free and dairy-free, which in essence, are suitable for those with nut allergies or lactose intolerance. Intriguingly, they’re produced in a facility that’s nut-free and gluten-free, ensuring the product consistency is maintained for inclusive dietary needs – a big win for those of us who tend to have sensitivities or allergies.
What sets these bars apart is the variety of flavors in each pack coupled with the reassurance of nutritional balance. Each bar comes loaded with additional sugars to help rejuvenate you after strenuous activities such as your post-workout sessions or to serve as a quick snack during your busy day. With such features, this No Nuts! protein bar might inevitably become your new favorite go-to protein snack.
Pros
- Nut-free manufacturing process reduces allergy risk
- Gluten-free and dairy-free for inclusive diets
- Assortment of flavors in each pack
- Enriched sugars for energy boosts
Cons
- Higher price point might be a constraint for someContent includes added sugars, which might be a concern for low-sugar diets
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 7 Best Protein Bars for Kids, our absolute top pick is CLIF KID ZBAR Organic Lunch Box Snacks.
If you have the money, you can go for Clif Kid ZBAR Protein Granola 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 protein bars for kids
Allergens
Are you eyeing protein bars as a convenient snack that fuels up your protein intake? Great idea! But hold on – did you know many protein bars come armed with common allergens such as gluten, fish, peanuts, milk, soy protein, eggs, and nuts? If allergies have you dancing around these elements or you’re living that vegan lifestyle constantly on alert for hidden animal products, this is crucial information.
My takeaway? Awareness is key. Don’t hesitate to take that extra minute to carefully study ingredients of any protein bar before it lands in your shopping cart. It adds up to ensuring a nutritious snack doesn’t transform into an adverse reaction.
Flavours
Delving into the world of protein bars, one might be delighted with the selection of flavors available. Dark chocolate for the cocoa lover, cookie dough caramel for the sweet tooth, mint for a fresh twist, and apple pie for a classic comfort. Your personal taste preference can guide your choice. However, it’s not just the taste journey that matters. It’s worth noting that some of these pleasing tastes may come spiked with artificial flavorings or sweeteners, undermining the purpose of a healthy snack. So, when it’s time to pick your protein bar, check the label – great taste is a plus, but remember, healthiness comes first.
Not recommended for
While protein bars may seem like the ideal on-the-go snack given their nutrients and energy boost benefits, they might not dovetail with everybody’s health situation. To clarify, Diabetics, for instance, should think twice before grabbing these seemingly healthy snacks. Many conventional protein bars conceal a hefty stash of artificial sweeteners and sugars that could seriously mess with glucose levels. Similarly, folks grappling with Amyloidosis, a condition marked by protein buildup in the body’s tissues, need to be cautious. The additional protein in these bars could exacerbate their situation, potentially impacting the heart, liver, spleen, and gastrointestinal tract adversely. Hence, it’s paramount to weigh your health status before incorporating protein bars into your diet. And remember, when it comes to health eats, there’s no harm in seeking advice from your personal healthcare provider.
Cost per bar
When considering the cost per protein bar, a few factors come into play. Primarily, it depends on the quality and specifics of ingredients. For instance, some of these tasty morsels of energy are designed with conditions like diabetes in mind, and others are power-packed for those committed to sports and physical training.
The variety of flavors also plays a significant role in determining the price. Simply put, some ingredients are more costly than others. To give you a general understanding, protein bars will usually set you back between $1 and $8 per bar. So, when you’re shopping, it’s a good idea to take into account your needs (flavor, specific dietary requirements, or energy needs), find a bar that fits those, and then see if the price aligns with your wallet.
Questions and Answers About protein bars for kids
Which ingredients to avoid when buying protein bars for kids?
Be cautious of protein bars with high sugar content like corn syrup and malt syrup when shopping for kid-friendly options. Since children have specific nutritional needs, it’s crucial to select bars with a low Glycemic Index (GI), promoting slower digestion and proper nutrient intake.
Does protein bars raise blood sugar?
The impact of protein bars on blood sugar depends on the composition. Bars with mostly natural, low-sugar components usually won’t spike your glucose levels. Conversely, those loaded with sugar or corn syrup can significantly boost these levels.
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?
Indeed, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the sugar and calorie levels in protein bars. Beware of bars that contain excessive sugar, often exceeding even a regular chocolate bar, while providing only 15g of protein. Select protein bars with up to 8g of sugar, anything more tips the balance from healthy snack to diet detriment.
