Protein Bars We Also Tested

We tested over 20 of the best protein bars, but only eight impressed us enough to make our final list of recommendations. The following options have some notable features, but ultimately didn't meet our rigorous testing requirements.

• RXBAR's Protein Bars are reasonably priced; however, we didn't like the taste, which was overly sweet, or the sticky, dense texture, which got stuck in our teeth

• GoMacro's Organic Vegan Protein Bars are organic, vegan, and gluten-free, which we appreciate. However, the flavor tasted artificial and weak, and we also didn't enjoy its overly chewy texture.

How to Pick the Best Protein Bars

• Ingredients: When picking a protein bar, the fewer ingredients, the better. We suggest aiming to select a bar with fewer than 10 ingredients. When possible, choose bars made from whole food ingredients that you can recognize, like nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dried fruit. This will help ensure you are also getting a variety of other nutrients, like vitamins and minerals.

• Protein: When searching for a protein bar, look for a bar with more grams of protein than grams of sugar. Also, consider the source of the protein. If you prefer plant-based or vegan products, a nut or seed-based bar is likely best for you. If you want a higher-protein bar, choose one that includes a protein powder such as whey, hemp, pea, or brown rice protein. Koch recommends looking for a bar containing around 10 grams of high-quality protein for snacks. For a meal replacement, she suggests looking for one with 20 to 30 grams of protein, ideally.

• Sugar: Choose a bar that uses natural sweeteners, such as fruit, and aim to select a bar with less than 10 to 15 grams of total sugar at most. If you have diabetes or are at risk for diabetes, you may want to consider protein bars with sugar substitutes or artificial sweeteners. However, be cautious, as high doses may cause stomach issues.

• Fiber: Choose a bar with 3 or more grams of dietary fiber. Plant-based bars tend to be higher in fiber. If you are not used to consuming a lot of fiber, you may want to start slowly to avoid any digestive distress. When consuming fiber, it's always important to stay hydrated to avoid any discomfort.

• Calories: Protein bars range in calories from approximately 100 to 300. Consider your needs when selecting a bar. If you're choosing a bar as a small snack, you may want a lower-calorie option, whereas if you are using a bar as a meal replacement, you may want a bit more paired with fruit, yogurt, or other snacks.

How We Tested Protein Bars

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here. We support supplements that are evidence-based and rooted in science. We value certain product attributes that we find to be associated with the highest-quality products. Our team of experts has created a detailed, science-backed methodology to choose the supplements we recommend.

In addition to our research, we tested over 20 of the best protein bars, serving them as directed by the manufacturer. When testing, we evaluated each product for the following key criteria.

• Flavor: We taste each protein bar, noting how accurate it is to the flavor advertised on the packaging. We also make subjective notes on whether the flavor is good or bad, the strength of the flavor, and if we feel it is overly sweet or salty.

• Texture: We review the texture of each protein bar, noting if it's thin and smooth, clumpy, grainy, or otherwise unpleasant.

• Aftertaste: We note if any of the bars leave an aftertaste in the mouth after eating them, and note if it's unpleasant, how long it lingers, and if we had to eat or drink something after to mask the aftertaste.

• Smell: Upon opening the protein bars, we assess how the bar smells, including salty, sweet, or chemical, and note any pleasant or unpleasant aromas. We also assess whether the smell is consistent with the flavor listed on the packaging and if the smell impacts the bar's flavor when we eat it.

• Nutrition: Our nutrition editors analyze each product based on the quality of ingredients, including protein, calories, fiber, sugar, and fat, as well as other nutrients added.

• Value: We assign a value score without checking the product's price until after reviewing it in all other key categories. We then ask ourselves if we'd purchase it at full price or only buy it on sale. Would we recommend it to friends and family?
  

Our Experts

We consulted experts at each stage of our research, testing, and reporting process. The following experts helped us better understand which key features to look for in a high-quality protein bar and what to avoid. While we select products independently, expert input helps inform our decisions.

• Allison Koch, MS, RD, CCSD, LDN, board-certified specialist in sports dietetics (CSSD), with a focus on endurance athletes

• Holly Klamer, MS, RDN, registered dietitian with experience in many areas, including supplements, personal training, and sports nutrition

• Amy Fischer, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian who covers a wide range of health and wellness-related content, including nutrition, fitness, and supplements

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you eat protein bars?

You can eat a protein bar at any time of the day, but they are especially helpful for when you need a protein and energy boost on the go—so they're good to have in your gym bag for a quick snack after working out. Protein bars can serve as a meal substitute when a nutritious, well-balanced meal is unavailable; however, it's essential to consider your individual energy and nutrition needs.

What's the healthiest protein bar?

Healthy protein bars typically avoid added sugars and artificial ingredients. For a healthy combination of protein, fiber, and fats, consider protein bars with whole ingredients like Elemental Superfood Protein Bars, Rise Protein Bars, or ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Bars.

Is eating a protein bar every day okay?

Eating a protein bar every day is generally considered okay, however, they shouldn't act as your main source of protein or nutrition. Be sure to discuss your protein and nutritional needs with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Shushy Rita Setrakian, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian and Verywell Fit writer who is skilled at spotting the latest nutrition trends and research and breaking down what they mean for supplement and food choices. For this roundup, she combed through the results of our protein powder test and sifted through the notes on taste, aftertaste, nutrition, and independent verification to identify the best options.

Additional reporting contributed by Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN

Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and Verywell Fit writer who has covered nutrition and fitness topics and tested products, including bone broth, Greek yogurt, protein bars, and fitness equipment. She uses her expertise to recommend highly effective products to Verywell Fit readers.