Protein bars are becoming more readily available, and they are frequently seen as the simplest and fastest method to refuel, particularly while you are on the go. There are so many options now that it might be difficult to choose the best one. Many bars, for example, include just as much sugar as protein — a component that may easily add inches to your waistline rather than to your muscles. Here, we’ll be looking at the best tasting protein bars in terms of both flavor and nutrition.
What are the Best Tasting Protein Bars?
To find the Best Tasting Protein Bars for you we have used several of flavour protein bars and selected the absolute top 6 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. CLIF BUILDERS Gluten Free Protein Bars
| Specs |
|---|
| 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
2. Built Bar 18 Pack Protein and Energy High Protein, Whey and Fiber Bars
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 2.2 pounds (1 kg) Bars in a Pack: 18 Protein Content: 17 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Calories per Bar: 130 |
Built Bar high protein energy bars are soft, fluffy, and coated with finely blended exotic chocolate, unlike the normal protein bar, which is thick, granular, and tough to chew. The protein bars do not contain artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives. Each box contains a variety of flavours for you to enjoy a different experience with every bar. Each protein bar is prepared with ingredients that are low in carbs, gluten-free, and rich in protein. Although the texture may be a bit too sticky when chewing, Built Bar high protein energy bar is still a favorite of professional fitness coaches and fitness fans alike, thanks to its superior nutritional profile and wide variety of tasty flavors.
Pros
- No artificial flavoring or colouring,
- Gluten-free,
- Contains a variety of flavors,
- Low calorie count makes it a healthy choice for a snack
Cons
- The texture may be a bit too sticky when chewing,
- It may not melt easily in the mouth
3. No Nuts! 100% Nut Free Dairy Free Vegan Protein Bars
| Specs |
|---|
| 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
4. Quest Nutrition Chocolate Brownie Keto Friendly Protein Bars
| Specs |
|---|
| 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
5. Blake’s Seed Based Snack Bar
| Specs |
|---|
| 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 |
This Blake’s seed based snack bar is made from high-quality organic ingredients. They are made in a nut-free, gluten-free facility and are also dairy-free and sesame-free. They are great additions to your breakfast and they provide you with essential nutrients for the day. Despite the unpleasant after-taste some individuals may experience, this seed-based snack bar will fulfill your sweet craving without the use of additional sweeteners. This variety pack features a range of flavors to pick from if you get bored and need a change of flavour. Blake’s seed-based snack bars are an excellent choice for camping, hiking, or during lunch breaks at work or school.
Pros
- Do not contain added sugars,
- Great breakfast addition,
- Suitable for both adults and kids,
- Made from organic ingredients
Cons
- May have an unpleasant after-taste
6. N!CK’S Keto Snack Bar Krispi Nougat
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.54 pounds (0.7 kg) Bars in a Pack: 12 Protein Content: 15 grams Nuts-Free: No Calories per Bar: 190 |
N!CK’S chocolate hazelnut cream and crunchy snack bar coated in rich chocolate is made with quality ingredients and offers a delightful, satisfying snack. It has a high protein content that can provide you with enough on-the-go fuel to keep you energized throughout the day. N!CK’S snack bar is also an excellent keto-friendly snack bar with its combination of low carbs (4g net carbs), healthy fats, protein, and amazing flavor. It is however made in a facility that also processes nuts, so it may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies. It also has a low calorie count and no added sugars, which can make it a great snack candy bar to indulge in without worrying too much about gaining too much weight.
Pros
- No added sugars,
- Rich chocolate coating,
- No chalky protein aftertaste,
- Keto-friendly snack bar
Cons
- Not suitable for individuals with nut allergies,
- It may not be suitable for a vegan snack
Verdict
To sum up, out of the top 6 Best Tasting Protein Bars, our absolute top pick is CLIF BUILDERS Gluten Free Protein Bars.
If you have the money, you can go for Built Bar 18 Pack Protein and Energy High Protein, Whey and Fiber Bars which is our premium pick.
However, there’s nothing wrong with going for the budget option, which we found to be the No Nuts! 100% Nut Free Dairy Free Vegan Protein Bars.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying 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.
Not recommended for
Protein bars are a good source of energy and essential nutrients for everyone. But in some cases, it is not good for some people with specific health conditions. If you are a diabetic patient, then you should avoid taking the conventional protein bars as it might contain too much artificial sweeteners and sugars. If you are suffering from Amyloidosis, protein in these bars can also affect your body adversely and can damage your heart, liver spleen, and GIT. So its important to be careful and consult your doctor as well.
Vegan options
Protein bars are a beneficial and convenient snack. However, if you are a vegan, you should look for a vegan protein bar that doesn’t contain ingredients such as yogurt powder or milk. They are many plants-based protein bars such as soy or brown rice bars. Similarly, there is also an alternative of nut-based protein bars where the origin of protein is nuts and seeds. These bars are specially designed for vegan people.
Cost per bar
Protein bars come in various level of quality and range, and their price depends heavily on the ingredients. Some bars are designed specially for diabetic people while others are power bars designed for athletes. Their prices vary depending on their flavor and ingredients but most of the protein bars can cost between $1- $8 per bar.
Questions and Answers About protein bars
How soon before a workout should I eat a protein bar?
There is no hard and fast rule for protein intake. Pre-workout protein bars give you energy and essential amino acids for your body and muscles. As we don’t want to feel heavy before a workout so we can eat a protein bar almost 30-60 mins before the workout. The intake of protein bars entirely depends on body needs and may vary from person to person but as we don’t want to feel heavy and bloated before a workout.
Can I eat protein bar everyday?
Yes, a protein bar is a healthy snack for daily consumption. You can consume a protein bar every day but make sure you are consuming a healthy and nutritious protein bar and not a sugar loaded candy disguised as a bar. Some protein bars have high-fat, sugar content and calories which can lead to diabetes, obesity, and several other diseases. Before buying any protein bar, review its nutrition values and sugar content.
Does protein bars raise blood sugar?
Raise of blood sugar level from consuming a protein bar depends entirely on the protein bar you are consuming. Some protein bars are rich in natural ingredients and low in sugar and cholesterol as well. Such protein bars don’t have any significant effect on blood sugar levels. If the protein bar is rich in sugar and ingredients such as corn syrup, instead of providing essential nutrients it can increase blood sugar levels above normal and can harm the body.
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
