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Our editor, registered dietitian, and protein bar aficionado tried more than 25 of the most popular brands on the market. Read her picks of the 9 best protein bars.
Protein bars are a popular snack and can be a simple and tasty way to squeeze more protein into your daily diet. However, not all protein bars are created equal.
Many varieties of protein bars are loaded with added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other additives, which may negate many of the potential health benefits that they have to offer.
Healthline Nutrition editor and registered dietitian, Kelli McGrane put 28 protein bar brands to the test to see which ones are worth your money.
A note on price
General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($–$$$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $1.80 to $3.20 per count, though this may vary depending on where you shop and whether you get a discount for bulk orders.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $2.00 per count
- $$ = $2.00–$2.75 per count
- $$$ = over $2.75 per count
Need help deciding? Here is a quick look at how our top picks compare:
*Note: The think! Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Keto Protein Bar contains 4 g of net carbs.
- Nutritional content: I looked for bars with at least 10 grams (g) of protein, 3 g of fiber, and 12 g or less of added sugar per serving. Because calorie needs vary, I included bars with 180–270 calories.
- Ingredients: I paid close attention to ingredient lists, prioritizing bars with minimal amounts of artificial additives such as flavorings, sweeteners, and preservatives.
- Availability: All the bars below are available throughout the United States and can regularly be found in at least one nationwide grocery store.
- Taste test: During the initial round of testing, I tried multiple flavors from 25 brands over the course of 2 weeks. During testing, I considered whether the overall taste and texture made a bar satisfying to eat. I also noted whether the bar kept me full for more than an hour. I’ve since tried 3 additional brands and came away with a new favorite (hint: it requires refrigeration).
- Price: I included products to suit a range of budgets.
All brands and products below were also thoroughly vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
People often use protein bars to increase their intake of protein, an important nutrient
Protein is also essential for
Protein bars are a great way to help round out your diet, particularly if you have increased protein needs or might have trouble getting enough protein in your diet, which might be the case if you’re vegan or vegetarian.
They’re also a convenient and portable snack option that you can bring almost anywhere, whether you’re traveling, hiking, or simply short on time when you leave the house in the morning.
No Cow Chunky Peanut Butter is our pick as the best protein bar for weight loss, as it’s low in calories but high in protein and fiber.
TRUBAR Smother Fudger Peanut Butter and think! Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Keto Protein Bar are two other good options for weight loss, both of which contain less than 200 calories per serving.
It is OK to enjoy protein bars in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Swapping a protein bar in for other snacks in your daily diet is fine and can be a great way to bump up your protein intake.
However, it’s best not to use protein bars to regularly replace more nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits and vegetables.
For best results, opt for a protein bar that is low in added sugar and free of artificial ingredients and preservatives.
Aloha Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is a great choice for women, as it contains a good amount of protein and fiber in each serving, along with 35% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron, a nutrient that women typically require in higher amounts.
Protein bars can be an easy and convenient way to bump up your protein uptake, which is important for increasing muscle mass. In fact, it’s often recommended to consume a high protein snack or meal, such as a protein bar, within 1–2 hours of exercise to support muscle growth.
Protein bars also contain carbohydrates, which can increase strength and improve body composition when paired with protein as a pre- or post-exercise snack.
Because taste is subjective, it’s hard to definitively say which protein bar tastes the best. However, after our extensive testing, we found Perfect Bar Layers to be one of the tastiest, especially for peanut butter fans.
Aloha Protein Bars and TRUBAR are also worth considering for their dessert-inspired flavors.
Protein bars can be a great addition to a healthy, well-rounded diet and an easy way to increase your protein intake and support your wellness goals.
However, not all protein bars are created equal, and many varieties may be high in calories, added sugar, and artificial ingredients.
Check the nutrition label and consider your budget, dietary needs, and personal preferences to find a protein bar that’s right for you.
