Protein bars have made a home at the checkout counter of every grocery store, gas station, and drugstore. They seem like the perfect on-the-go snack if you’re trying your best to avoid the abundance of unhealthy snacks conveniently shelved right next to them. However, most options are just plain awful for your body. They usually contain more artificial sweetener than protein, and the protein is normally low-quality and over-processed. Not to mention additives like artificial flavors and preservatives.
So yes, consuming high-protein snacks can help preserve and build muscle, increase feelings of fullness, reduce feelings of hunger, and encourage weight loss. We just need to make sure all of the other ingredients are clean so that we can reap the full benefits. This is exactly why our top picks are all made with healthy sources of protein and the additional ingredients are real, clean food, not fillers!
RXBAR, Maple Sea Salt
Per bar: 220 calories, 10 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 260 mg sodium, 22 g carbs (5 g fiber, 14 g sugar), 12 g protein
Key Features:
- Whole food ingredients: egg whites, pecans, cashews, and dates
- More of a savory taste due to the salt on top
- Not made from whey protein
Drawbacks:
- Fairly high amount of sugar (due to the whole food ingredients)
- Very chewy and sticky
KIND Sweet and Spicy Bars, Thai Sweet Chili
Per bar: 230 calories, 16 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 125 mg sodium, 15 g carbs (3 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 10 g protein
Key Features:
- Gluten Free, Non-GMO, Kosher
- High fiber, plant-based protein content
- Unique taste with creamy and crunch flavor
Drawbacks:
- Only 10g of protein
- Not safe for those with nut allergies (contains almonds)
GoMacro Macrobar, Sunflower Butter and Chocolate
Per bar: 260 calories, 9 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 50 mg sodium, 37 g carbs (4 g fiber, 11 g sugar), 10 g protein
Key Features:
- Nut Free, Gluten Free, Soy-Free, Non-GMO, Kosher, Vegan, and Organic!
- Perfect blend between chewy and crunchy texture
- CHOCOLATE!!!
Drawbacks:
- Only 10g of protein
Go Raw Organic Superfood Protein Bar, Zesty Lemon
Per bar: 260 calories, 10 g fat (2 g saturated fat), 60 mg sodium, 25 g carbs (2 g fiber, 16 g sugar), 12 g protein
Key Features:
- Vegan, Gluten Free, Nut-Free, Paleo Friendly, Non-GMO, and 100% Organic
- Contains macronutrient balance of fiber, iron, and protein
- 12g of protein from watermelon seed
Drawbacks:
- Limited varieties
Oatmega, Chocolate Coconut Crisp
Per bar: 200 calories, 7 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 120 mg sodium, 22 g carbs (7 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 14 g protein
Key Features:
- Gluten-Free & Non-GMO
- 14g of whey protein from grass-fed cows
- Added fish oil for Omega-3 boost (Don’t worry, it doesn’t taste fishy.)
- Flavor Variety
Drawbacks:
- Whey protein contains lactose that may upset sensitive stomachs
