The 12 Best-Tasting Protein Bars of 2024 to Help You Stay Healthy on the Go

Protein bars are a quick and easy source of energy. Try these tasty protein bars next time you need fuel for a busy day.

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Protein bars are a quick and easy way to fuel up pre- or post-workout, or for busy days on the go. Packed with protein sources, which are essential for cell repair and development, protein bars can help give you the energy you need for work, exercise and more. Still, with hundreds of protein bar brands on the market, it can be tough to try them all and find ones you actually want to eat. It can also be challenging to find protein bars that accommodate diets like gluten-free or vegan without skimping on flavor. To help make shopping for protein bars easier in 2024, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to not only the healthiest protein bars to try, but the most delicious as well.

Our Picks for the Best Protein Bars of 2024:

• Best Low Calorie Protein Bar: Orgain Protein Snack Bar
• Best Protein Bar for Breakfast: Honey Stinger Oat + Honey Bars
• Best Tasting Protein Bar: Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar
• Best Gluten Free Protein Bar: think! High Protein Bar
• Best Protein Bar for Diabetes: ONE Bar
• Best Low Carb Protein Bar: Epic Bar
• Best Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Quest Protein Bar
• Best Vegan Protein Bar: GoMacro MacroBar
• Best Crunchy Protein Bar: Promix Protein Puff Bars
• Best Soft Protein Bar: Onnit Protein Bites
• Best Protein Bar for Nut Allergies: No Nuts! Nut Free Protein Bar
• Best Cheap Protein Bar: Gatorade Recover Protein Bar

Best Low Calorie Protein Bar: Orgain Protein Snack Bar

Orgain

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 150 calories
• Protein: 10 grams
• Protein source: Organic brown rice, chia seeds, pea protein
• Carbs: 19 grams
• Fat: Five grams
• Sugars: Six grams
• Flavors: S’mores, chocolate coconut, peanut butter chocolate chunk, peanut butter, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate brownie
• Price per bar: $2
• Taste: Organic ingredients like chocolate chunks and peanut butter provide balanced flavor and sweetness
• Texture: Dense with small bits of chocolate and crunchy protein crisps

Not only are Orgain Protein Snack Bars made with plant-based protein and vegan-friendly, they’re also very low in calories, totaling just 150 calories per bar. These non-GMO snack bars are USDA certified organic and made with ingredients that are truly good for you, like brown rice protein, so you can feel equally good about adding these vegan protein bars to your diet. While Orgain Protein Snack Bars may not serve as an entire meal replacement, since they only have 10 grams of protein per bar, they make for a great high protein snack or a light source of fuel before or after a workout. Tasty flavors include Decadent Chocolate Brownie, S’mores and Chocolate Coconut. Orgain Protein Snack Bars are also very fairly priced, coming in at $1.67 per bar on Orgain’s website.

Pros

• Low calorie
• Vegan-friendly
• Made with clean ingredients

Cons

• Lower protein content
• Higher sugar content
• Won’t work as a meal replacement

Best Protein Bar for Breakfast: Honey Stinger Oat + Honey Bar

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 190 calories
• Protein: Six grams
• Carbs: 23 grams
• Fat: Nine grams
• Sugars: 11 grams
• Flavors: Oat + Honey, Chocolate Chocolate Chip Oat + Honey
• Price per bar: $2.80
• Taste: Sweet from honey and caramel, toasty from oats and quinoa
• Texture: Crumbly exterior with gooey caramel and soft interior

Rely on a protein bar to get in a solid breakfast, even on the busiest of days? Honey Stinger created the Oat + Honey protein bar especially for this. Part of their “Prepare” series of protein bars, these are made with natural ingredients to be digested easily without leaving you feeling hungry. With a flavor blend of caramel, honey, toasted oats and quinoa, it’s quite an enticing breakfast option or pre-workout snack. One thing to keep in mind is that one bar has six grams of protein per serving, so you may need to plan on other snacks in addition to this protein bar if you need more protein.

Pros:

• All-natural ingredients
• No gluten or GMOs
• Created for breakfast or pre-workout fueling on the go

Cons:

• Only six grams of protein per serving
• Higher price per serving

Best Tasting Protein Bar: Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar

Power Crunch

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 220 calories
• Protein: 13 grams
• Protein source: Whey protein and whey protein isolate
• Carbs: 11 grams
• Fat: 14 grams
• Sugars: Five grams
• Flavors: 14
• Price per bar: $1.67
• Taste: On point with a crispy wafer cookie, with sweet icing
• Texture: Crispy like wafer cookie with smooth chocolate coating

With 14 unique flavors to choose from, it’s no surprise Power Crunch whey protein bars rank as our best tasting protein bar. Whether you’re in the mood for Chocolate Mint, French Vanilla or Lemon Meringue, Power Crunch has an option for all palettes. While these tasty energy bars aren’t the lowest in fat (14 grams per bar), they do have a lower carbohydrate content of around 11 grams per bar, making them a great choice for people on keto or higher-fat diets.

Overall, their macronutrients (including protein, fat and carbohydrates) are about equal. Plus, they have no sugar alcohols, like erythritol, which are common finds on many protein bar ingredient lists that some people tend to avoid. That’s because sugar alcohols, including erythritol, can potentially cause gastrointestinal side effects. At the end of the day, Power Crunch bars remind us of our favorite childhood desserts, which is why they’re truly fun to eat.

Check out our Power Crunch review for more information.

Pros

• Made with no sugar alcohols
• 14 flavors (Chocolate Peanut Butter is my favorite)
• Keto-friendly

Cons

• Higher fat content (14 grams)
• Lower protein content (13 grams)
• Whey protein may trigger sensitive stomachs

Best Gluten-Free Protein Bar: think! High Protein Bars

think!

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 230 calories
• Protein: 20 grams
• Protein source: Soy protein isolate, calcium caseinate, whey protein isolate
• Carbs: 24 grams
• Fat: Nine grams
• Sugars: Zero grams
• Flavors: Brownie crunch, chocolate fudge, chunky peanut butter, lemon delight, creamy peanut butter, sea salt almond chocolate, white chocolate, cookies and creme
• Price per bar: $2.35
• Taste: Even-keeled sweetness and chocolate flavor
• Texture: Soft and dense, with some chocolate bits for extra bite

Those who follow gluten-free diets will enjoy think! High Protein Bars, which come in eight tasty flavors, each made with 20 grams of protein to keep you full. From White Chocolate to Chocolate Fudge, these gluten-free protein bars use soy protein and whey protein isolate combined with non-GMO ingredients to create a healthy source of energy. The best part is, each bar is made with zero grams of sugar, so they’re an excellent choice for those watching their sugar intake. The high protein content also makes think! High Protein Bars a good option for pre- or post-workout fuel.

Pros

• Compliant with gluten-free diets
• Zero grams of sugar
• No artificial sweeteners

Cons

• Whey and soy protein don't work for some dietary needs
• Contains milk and tree nuts, which are common allergens
• High carb count (24 grams)

Best Protein Bar for Diabetes: ONE Bar

ONE

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 220 calories
• Protein: 20 grams
• Protein source: Milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate
• Carbs: 25 grams
• Fat: Eight grams
• Sugars: One gram
• Flavors: Peanut butter cup, peanut butter pie, lemon cake, glazed donut, cookies and cream, cinnamon roll, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate brownie, blueberry cobbler, birthday cake, almond bliss
• Price per bar: $2.70
• Taste: Unique flavor options with level sweetness
• Texture: Some crunch from whole almonds (almond bliss); soft interior and outer coating

Monitoring your sugar intake is essential to managing diabetes, so it’s important to steer clear of protein bars that are high in sugar. There are numerous low-sugar protein bar options available on the market, but ONE Protein Bars are our favorite because of their great taste. With decadent flavors like Cinnamon Roll, S’mores and Maple Glazed Doughnut, you can enjoy your favorite desserts-turned-protein bars without the guilt (or sugar). These bars also pack in nearly 30% of the recommended fiber intake, so they help curb cravings, as well.

Pros

• Only one gram of sugar per bar
• High protein content (20 grams)
• Unique, dessert-based flavors

Cons

• Not very budget-friendly
• Milk and whey protein isolate may not work for some
• Made with artificial sweeteners

Best Low Carb Protein Bar: EPIC Bar

iHerb

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 100 calories
• Protein: 11 grams
• Protein source: Wagyu beef
• Carbs: Three grams
• Fat: Five grams
• Sugars: Six grams
• Flavors: Nine
• Price per bar: $2.49
• Taste: Meaty, umami-focused with slight saltiness
• Texture: Tough and very chewy 

Our favorite low carb protein bars don’t follow the traditional model of dessert-based flavors, but instead take on a more savory approach. EPIC Protein Bars are made with real meat—like bison, chicken, venison and beef—in order to offer animal-based sources of protein. Great for those on low carb, keto or grass-fed diets, EPIC bars come with rich, flavorful tastes that those who don’t like sweets might enjoy. There are even spicy flavor options, like Chicken Sriracha. Made with just a handful of ingredients, these protein bars are low in calories and even lower in carbohydrates. They’re also Whole30 approved.

Pros

• Savory and spicy flavor options
• Animal-based protein sources
• Made with simple ingredients, such as meat, fruits and spices

Cons

• Not suitable for vegan diets
• Pricier than many protein bars
• Low protein content (11 grams)

Best Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Quest Protein Bar

GNC

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 190 calories
• Protein: 22 grams
• Protein source: Milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate
• Fat: Seven grams
• Sugars: One gram
• Flavors: Peanut butter brownie smash, s’mores, birthday cake, blueberry muffin, double chocolate chunk, cookies and cream, oatmeal chocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate brownie
• Price per bar: $2.92
• Taste: Full-bodied flavor with proprietary cookie and chocolate pieces
• Texture: Soft, almost gooey

Quest Bars come in a variety of flavors and rank top on our list as the best protein bar for weight loss. With 21 grams of protein in each bar and coming in low in sugar and carbohydrates, these tasty protein bars can be a great asset for those with weight loss goals. As a high source of protein, Quest Bars can help you stay full and alleviate any cravings. They can also double as a healthy alternative to a candy bar. In addition, Quest Bars have low sugar alcohol content, which can be helpful for weight loss and overall health since foods high in sugar alcohol content can cause bloating and upset stomach.

If you're interested in these protein bars, check out our in-depth Quest Bars review for more information. 

Pros

• More than a dozen flavor varieties, including my favorite, Cookies & Cream
• Made with prebiotic fiber, which helps promote gut health
• Two grams of sugar or less in each protein bar

Cons

• Some people may have trouble digesting whey protein isolate
• Flavors may be too sweet-tasting for some
• High fiber levels can create a grainy texture that some may not like

Best Vegan Protein Bar: GoMacro MacroBar

GoMacro

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 290 calories
• Protein: 11 grams
• Protein source: Peas and sprouted brown rice
• Carbs: 39 grams
• Fat: 11 grams
• Sugars: 14 grams
• Flavors: Salted caramel and chocolate chips, dark chocolate and almonds, cashew caramel, mocha chocolate chip, maple sea salt, blueberry and cashew butter, sunflower butter and chocolate, banana and almond butter, lemon, double chocolate and peanut butter chips, peanut butter, oatmeal chocolate chip, coconut-almond butter-chocolate chips, peanut butter chocolate chip, mint chocolate chip
• Price per bar: $3
• Taste: Fresh flavor and good sweetness from all-natural ingredients
• Texture: Soft with small pockets of chewy flavor from chocolate chips and nuts

Blended with almond butter, coconut milk and plant-based protein, GoMacro MacroBars are made entirely from vegan-friendly plant sources. They use a protein blend made out of sprouted brown rice and pea proteins, and each bar contains around 11 grams of protein, making it a great snack or quick source of energy.

GoMacro bars are soft and chewy and available in 14 flavors, including Cashew Caramel, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, and Dark Chocolate and Almonds, among others. Accommodating numerous dietary needs, including dairy-free and low FODMAP, GoMacro MacroBars use high sourcing standards to guarantee their bars are organic and full of whole ingredients. While these energy bars have a lot of carbohydrates, you can rest assured that the carbohydrates come from clean sources, since these bars are USDA certified organic. Plus, all 12-pack purchases come in compostable trays, so they’re good for the earth as well.

Pros

• 12-packs come in compostable trays
• Organic ingredients
• Accommodates vegan, gluten-free, kosher, soy-free and dairy-free diets

Cons

• Very high in carbohydrates (39 grams)
• Higher sugar content (14 grams)
• Not the most affordable bars on the market 

Best Crunchy Protein Bar: Promix Protein Puff Bars

Promix

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 150 calories
• Protein: 15 grams
• Protein source: Whey protein
• Carbs: 16 grams
• Fat: 3.5 grams
• Sugars: Four grams
• Flavors: Vanilla, chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, mint chocolate chip, blueberries and cream
• Price per bar: $2.69
• Taste: Lightly sweet and very chewy
• Texture: Light and made to mimic a crunchy marshmallow Rice Krispy treat

If you consider yourself to be a texture person and love a good crunch from your protein bar, look no further than the Promix Protein Puff Bars. These squares aren’t just aesthetically appealing with their rice cereal treat look, but made to be tasty too. There are three other flavors to choose from outside of the Rice Krispy’s traditional vanilla, including snickerdoodle, mint chocolate chip, chocolate chip, plus blueberries and cream. Each is 150 calories and 15 grams of whey protein to keep you full or fuel your workout.

Pros:

• Unique, dessert-like protein bar that’s not too sweet
• 15 grams of grass-fed whey protein per serving
• Natural ingredient list

Cons:

• Expensive cost per serving

Best Soft Protein Bar: Onnit Protein Bites

Onnit

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 140 calories
• Protein: Eight grams
• Protein source: Whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate
• Carbs: 14 grams
• Fat: Six grams
• Sugars: Five grams
• Flavors: Cookies and cream, s’mores, chocolate cookie dough, chocolate coconut cashew, chocolate peanut butter
• Price per bar: $3.29
• Taste: Chocolate-forward and sweet
• Texture: Smooth coating and chewy interior; some flavors may have a slight texture more than others

Not a fan of crunchy protein bars? Onnit Protein Bites are small, soft protein bars that give you a pop of flavor and protein. Each comes with a sweet outer chocolate coating that houses a smooth, soft center. These mini protein bars also provide a snack-size portion of grass-fed whey protein isolate, ranging from seven to nine grams depending on the flavor. Onnit’s Protein Bites also contain MacroNOURISH, a blend of over 60 plant-based nutrients. With flavors like cookie dough with dark chocolate and s’mores, these are sweet options to pick up when you’re hungry for something more indulgent.

Pros:

• Soft, miniature protein bars containing up to nine grams of protein
• Contains fruit and vegetable blend for extra vitamins, minerals and nutrients

Cons:

• Higher price per serving

Best Protein Bar for Nut Allergies: No Nuts! Nut Free Protein Bar

Amazon

Nutrition facts:

• Calories: 180 calories
• Protein: 12 grams
• Protein source: Soy protein isolate
• Carbs: 29 grams
• Fat: Five grams
• Sugars: Eight grams
• Flavors: Caramel mocha, lemon crème, chocolate, blueberry and vanilla
• Price per bar: $2.66
• Taste: Sweet with chocolate coated bottom and icing drizzle
• Texture: Soft and chewy, very similar to a granola bar

It can be very challenging to find a protein bar that checks all the ingredient boxes you’re looking for, especially if you’re trying to avoid nuts. No Nuts! Nut Free Protein Bar goes above and beyond cutting out nut products, so much so that their facility does not process any nuts or nut products. They also cut out any allergens such as dairy, eggs, gluten and GMO products. These vegan bars use soy and pea protein isolate to amount to 12 grams of protein per serving.

Pros:

• No allergens, particularly nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten and GMOs
• Vegan
• 12 grams of protein per serving

Cons:

• May taste too sweet for some people
• Not suitable for those with soy allergy

Best Cheap Protein Bar: Gatorade Recover Protein Bar

Gatorade

Nutrition facts

• Calories: 350 calories
• Protein: 20 grams
• Protein source: Whey protein isolate and crisp
• Carbs: 41 grams
• Fat: 13 grams
• Sugars: 29 grams
• Flavors: Chocolate chip, chocolate caramel, chocolate pretzel, cookies and cream, mint chocolate chip, peanut butter chocolate, s’mores
• Price per bar: $1.50
• Taste: Very sweet and chocolate focused
• Texture: Dense and crumbly interior

Protein bars can get pricey, so if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, look no further than Gatorade Recover Protein Bars. Sponsored by the NFL, NBA and MLB, these inexpensive bars are designed to help fuel muscle recovery and rebuilding. They come in seven flavors that include Chocolate Chip, Cookies & Cream and Chocolate Caramel. Each bar is packed with 20 grams of protein, but they’re also high in sugar, calories, fat and carbohydrates, and some customers say they taste too sweet.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• High protein content (20 grams)
• Good for muscle rebuilding

Cons

• High sugar content (29 grams)
• Higher calorie count (350 grams)
• Includes ingredients you may want to avoid, like corn syrup and palm oil

Why Are Protein Bars Considered Healthy?

Protein bars are considered healthy for a number of reasons. They can help curb your appetite and reduce cravings, which can be helpful for busy people who don’t have time to sit down and eat a whole meal. Protein bars also have antioxidant effects, which can help prevent or slow damage to cells. They can lower levels of homocysteine (an amino acid used to make protein) in your body, which is helpful because having too-high homocysteine levels can increase your risk for heart disease; increased homocysteine levels can also be a sign of a vitamin deficiency that may require dietary changes or a multivitamin supplement.

Protein bars also allow you to increase your protein intake, which can help reduce your chances of developing diabetes. That’s because higher protein intake helps you lower your blood sugar. However, this is only true of high-protein bars that have high levels of fiber as well. On the contrary, high-fat snack bars that are low in protein do the opposite, and can actually cause your blood sugar to spike. If you’re still unsure how protein bars could affect your unique nutritional needs, it’s always a smart idea to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to discuss your health goals.

Depending on the type of protein bar you buy, one single protein bar can contain as much as 30 grams of protein, which provides you with almost the same amount of protein as eating a 3.5 ounce serving of chicken breast. While protein shakes can also help you up your protein intake, they aren’t as convenient as grabbing a protein bar on the go.

What Nutritional and Ingredient Standards Should I Look For?

Ingredient quality

A good place to start when searching for the best protein snack bars is evaluating your individual needs and health goals. Whether you opt for whey protein options versus plant based, having an idea of where the brand is sourcing their ingredients is integral to fully understanding ingredient quality and what you're putting in your body. Artificial ingredients that are chemically derived, such as preservatives, sweeteners or colors, should be skipped if possible since they don’t contribute any nutritional value.

Sugar

Chances are you are using protein bars as fuel, and copious amounts of added sugar can negatively affect your progress towards your fitness goals or even long term health. Many protein bars use natural sweeteners, such as stevia or monk fruit, to provide good flavor without any potentially negative side effects.

Additives

The point of protein bars is to target one key element your body needs: protein. While many bars will add in nutrient-dense ingredients for additional benefits, there are plenty that also throw in needless fillers and artificial sweeteners for flavor or to help you feel more full. Ultimately, these fillers are often cheap shortcuts that skimp on beneficial ingredients, and do not help you progress with your fitness goals or health.

Protein source

Just like protein powder and other protein supplements out there, picking out the best protein source is a critical part of not just getting a healthy protein bar, but pushing you towards your goals. When choosing whey protein or other animal-derived ingredients, searching for terms like “grass-fed” and “organic” can help ensure you’re getting the most nutrition out of your protein bar. Similarly for plant-based options, researching the specific kind of plant protein, such as brown rice or peas, can help you narrow down your search.

Calories

Calories are another crucial factor to keep in mind when picking out a nutrition bar. Higher calorie protein bars are best for those who are burning a lot of calories, such as endurance sport athletes or those who want a substantial meal replacement. Be sure to also evaluate how many of those calories are derived from fats, sugars and carbohydrates, as you may be trying to avoid your intake of those items.

Protein Bar vs Granola Bar

While both kinds of bars serve as filling, delicious snacks, there are some differences between the two. Granola bars usually rely on a combination of oats, fruit, nuts and even chocolate for a well-rounded approach to fiber and protein. Protein bars on the other hand, are made with protein amount and source top of mind. Protein bars may also be more filling based on the kind of protein used, such as whey protein or plant-based protein.

How We Chose the Best Protein Bars

We selected the best protein bars based on quality of ingredients, cost, each protein bar brand and customer feedback. In doing this, we heavily research the vast field of protein bars to see what the most impactful products are based on efficacy and affordability.

Protein Bar FAQs

Can a protein bar replace a meal?

While eating balanced meals with protein, fat and carbs is the easiest way to see what’s on your plate, a protein bar can replace a meal if needed. As long as protein bars have close to the recommended 25 to 30 grams of protein that healthy adults are advised to consume three times a day, they can suffice as a meal replacement. Still, be wary of protein bars high in carbs or added sugar, since regularly consuming high levels of carbs can raise your blood pressure over time. (Still, carbs are important for a balanced diet, so it will ultimately depend on how many carbs you consume throughout the day.) If your protein bar has less than 25 grams of protein, you may want to consider adding a second small protein source to your meal, such as greek yogurt or a boiled egg, to reach the recommended amount.

Can protein bars make you gain weight?

A protein bar could potentially make you gain weight, depending on the type of protein bar you buy. Regularly consuming protein bars high in calories alongside other high-calorie meals could cause weight gain, especially if you aren’t getting enough physical activity to burn off those excess calories. Protein bars high in sugar can also be detrimental to weight loss or maintenance. If you’re still unsure about how your favorite protein bars could affect your weight, it’s best to consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist; these experts can help you find a protein bar that’s right for your needs.

How much protein do I need each day?

Adults should consume 25 to 30 grams of protein three times a day for optimal health. Other research shows that healthy adults can safely consume up to one gram of protein per pound of body weight per day.

Related Post: 17 Ways to Get More Protein in Your Diet

Are protein bars considered processed food?

Technically, protein bars are considered processed foods. That’s because processed food is defined as any food that has been “altered in some way during preparation.” But just because protein bars fall into the processed food category doesn’t mean they’re necessarily bad for you. Like any non-whole food, they should be eaten less frequently, but as long as you’re buying protein bars that are high in protein, low in sugar and made with minimal whole-food ingredients, they can be a healthy addition to your diet.

When should you eat protein bars?

There’s no right or wrong answer as to when you should eat a protein bar. Eating a high-quality protein bar can be a quick and easy source of fuel before or after a workout. You can also eat protein bars as a meal replacement or snack if you’re on the go and don’t have time for a whole meal. Eating protein before bed can assist with muscle growth and building strength, so if muscle gain is your goal, you may want to eat a protein bar after a dinner low in protein. Just be sure your pre-sleep protein bar is low in sugar, since eating sugar before bed can affect sleep quality.

Is protein powder or a protein bar better?

Protein bars are often fortified with more nutrients, fiber and carbohydrates than protein powder, so they’re better as meal replacements or snacks. Protein powders can be used in a meal replacement shake if they’re blended with foods high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, but they’re more typically used to increase protein intake before or after workouts with the goal of muscle gain.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.