Best-Tasting Protein Bars (2024): Satisfying Brands to Help You Meet Your Protein Needs

In my experience as a sports dietitian, even the best protein bars aren’t always ideal for meeting one’s protein needs. I prefer whole foods with all of the essential amino acids like lean meat, low-fat dairy, and eggs, as they contain other nutrients in addition to protein.

RELATED: High-Protein Breakfast Ideas

However, protein bars do have their place in the fitness world. For one, they can serve as a more satiating alternative to high-sugar snacks and are more portable than most whole foods and protein shakes. So, we had our team scour the market for the best-tasting protein bars out there. They evaluated each bar based on the following criteria:

• Cost: Do the protein bars fit a wide range of budgets?
• Ingredients: Do the bars contain natural ingredients, or are they full of junk?
• Taste: Is the taste true to the name of the flavor? Do the bars taste overly sweet or artificial?
• Texture: Are the bars difficult to chew, or can you chew them without your jaw getting sore?
• Nutritional breakdown: Is there a sufficient amount of protein per bar? Are they outrageously high in carbs or fat?

Let’s see what our experts came up with. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Best-Tasting Protein Bars

• Best-Tasting Protein Bars Overall: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bar
• Best-Tasting High-Protein Bars: Legion Protein Bars
• Best-Tasting Low-Carb Protein Bars: Quest Nutrition Hero Bars
• Best-Tasting Protein Bars for Weight Gain: Jacked Factory Authentic Bars
• Best-Tasting Budget Protein Bars: Pure Protein Bars
• Best-Tasting Protein Bars for Weight Loss: EPIC Provisions Protein Bars
• Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Bars: GoMacro Bars
• Best-Tasting Low-Sugar Protein Bars: Barebells
• Best-Tasting Healthy Protein Bars: RXBAR
• Best-Tasting Keto Protein Bars: think! Keto Bars
• Best-Tasting Low-Calorie Protein Bars: Orgain Organic Protein Bars

Best-Tasting Protein Bars Overall: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bar

Good for: People looking for a bar made with all-natural ingredients and high-quality protein

Best Overall

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Protein bar with grass-fed whey protein isolate
• 15 g of protein
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives
• Available in Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Grass-fed whey protein isolate
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives
• Balanced macro profile

Cons

• Pricier protein bar
• Only one flavor
• Not as much protein as other bars

Bottom Line

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars are a protein bar with no artificial ingredients. With 15 grams of protein, the protein bar claims to have a balanced macronutrient profile—23 grams of carbs and 16 grams of fat. While the protein content could be a bit higher, the protein is high-quality, coming from grass-fed whey isolate.

Transparent Labs is a brand built on evidence-based ingredients and products that are free from fillers and other junk. We’re happy to report that their high standards carried over to their snack bars.

GGR Senior Director of Content Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor and was mostly a fan of the bar’s taste. “The peanut butter and chocolate flavor is very clean,” Kate reported. 

“I often find protein bars hard to stomach, but this bar tastes great thanks to the real chocolate that’s delicious and just melts in your mouth. It also doesn’t doesn’t have that protein-y aftertaste.” So, we rated this protein bar 4 out of 5 for taste. 

RELATED: Transparent Labs Collagen Hydrolysate Review

There are no sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners, but they have 10 to 11 grams of added sugar from honey and tapioca syrup. This is one reason they taste so good. 

Kate rated the bar a 4 out of 5 for texture. “They do dry your mouth out a little, but are still chewy and soft,” Kate said. This likely has to do with peanut butter being the first ingredient in all flavors of the Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bar.

For side effects, we gave the bar a 5 out of 5. Not only did Kate not experience anything negative, but a guy on Kate’s weightlifting team who usually doesn’t tolerate whey protein well reported no adverse effects after his taste test. 

In general, these bars have decent macros and are thoughtfully formulated, making them a solid protein snack with high-quality protein sources from egg and whey. You’ll just have to get past the price tag of $3.33 per bar, which may be pretty steep for some people. 

RELATED: What Should My Macros Be?

Best-Tasting High-Protein Bars: Legion Protein Bars

Good for: Those with higher-than-normal protein needs

Best High-Protein

Legion Athletics Protein Bar

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Blend of whey and milk protein 
• Plant-based carbs, fats, and prebiotic fiber
• Third-party tested
• No proprietary blends
• Money-back guarantee

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All natural
• Non-GMO
• Third-party tested
• Money-back guarantee
• NSF-certified
• FDA-inspected, cGMP facilities

Cons

• Too hard for some
• Contains stevia and erythritol (a sugar alcohol)
• 4 g of added sugar

Bottom Line

If you are looking for an all-natural protein bar and do not mind a little added sugar, the Legion Athletics Protein Bars are available in two popular flavors.

Legion earned its spot here because, no matter which flavor you decide to enjoy, you can count on the amount of protein being 20 grams every time. This was no accident, either. Given Legion’s reputation for evidence-based formulations, they are likely aware that science has shown¹ that 20 grams of protein is the optimal amount for hypertrophy and recovery. 

We recruited GGR Senior Director of Content Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, to taste test Legion’s protein bars. She gave them a 5 out of 5 for side effects, as she didn’t have any issues. However, the texture could have been better based on her experience. 

“At first glance, you’re expecting them to be chewy and moist,” Kate said. “But they’re actually kinda dry.” So, we rated them a 3 out of 5 for texture. The taste was slightly better, earning a 4 out of 5 rating. After trying the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Kate reported, “The chocolate isn’t very profound; the advertised flavor is pretty mild, in general.” 

However, she found the Chocolate Peanut Butter bar to be way better. “The chocolate comes through way more and it has a much stronger flavor,” Kate observed. For flavor, these bars use three different types of sweeteners: monk fruit extract, stevia, and erythritol. If you’re sensitive to any of these sweeteners, you’ll want to avoid these protein bars.

One final thing worth noting is these bars are high in fiber and contain 6 to 9 grams of prebiotic fiber from tapioca and chicory root. This isn’t a common feature of protein bars, so people who like to stay on top of their gut health will likely appreciate it. 

RELATED: Best Prebiotic Soda

Best-Tasting Low-Carb Protein Bars: Quest Nutrition Hero Bars

Good for: Those following keto or another low-carb diet

Best Low-Carb

Quest Crispy Hero Bars

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Coated protein bar with a crispy center
• 15-18 grams of protein per bar
• 5 different flavors available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Keto-friendly
• Gluten-free
• Taste positively reviewed by customers
• At least 15 grams of protein per serving

Cons

• Contains sucralose
• Some customers don’t like the new recipe
• Processes in facility that also processes eggs, wheat, sesame, peanuts, and tree nuts
• Customers noted orders arrived melted in summer

Bottom Line

Quest Hero Bars have a crispy cereal center and a flavored coating. Each bar has at least 15 grams of protein. Customer reviews were generally positive and found the protein bars tasted good, however, some found them too sweet.

Quest protein bars have become a popular brand among active individuals, especially as an economical source of a whey protein snack. Their Hero bars are different from the familiar texture we know and love, though, and have a little crunch that GGR Performance Editor and certified personal trainer Anthony O’Reilly found “amazing.”

“The crispy texture is the best of any protein bar I’ve ever had. It’s pleasant to chew. The Hero bars remind me of cereal bars,” Anthony said. He rated the texture a perfect 5 out of 5.

Anthony gave Quest Hero bars 4.5 out of 5 stars for taste. “The icing on the Birthday Cake bars tastes very artificial, but the Chocolate Caramel Pecan flavor is much better. It tastes like fall. Blueberry Cobbler is also a good choice.”

RELATED: Quest Protein Powder Review

Because they use artificial sweeteners, Quest Hero bars are also keto-friendly with only 3 grams of net carbs. That said, they also contain sugar alcohols and allulose, which both have been shown to cause gastrointestinal distress when eaten in excess. 

For example, one study² suggests eating more than 0.4 grams per kilogram of body weight of allulose can cause side effects like nausea, abdominal pain, headache, and diarrhea. For a 120-pound person, this adds up to about 21 grams of allulose, and one Quest Hero bar can contain up to 13 grams. So, even though these guys are tasty, we recommend not going nuts on them. 

In any case, you can get up to 18 grams of protein from these bars and they aren’t crazy on calories. They could definitely help someone who tracks their macros meet their protein needs without sabotaging the rest of their diet. 

RELATED: How Much Protein Can Your Body Absorb?

Best-Tasting Protein Bars for Weight Gain: Jacked Factory Authentic Bars

Good for: Individuals looking for a high-calorie bar without a lot of artificial junk

Best for Weight Gain

Jacked Factory Authentic Bars

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Manufactured in the U.S.
• No artificial sweeteners
• Contains whey protein isolate
• 15-16 g  of protein per bar
• Very strict quality control system in place

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Whole-food protein bar
• Use to refuel and recover energy from workouts or life in general
• Great taste and texture
• 7 flavor options
• Made with whey protein isolate
• Made with real honey (no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols)

Cons

• A little higher in calories than some competitor bar options
• Some customers didn’t feel that the protein content was high enough for the calorie count
• High in sugar

Bottom Line

Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are made with whey protein isolate, real nut butters, and honey for a whole-food yet convenient protein option. Although they’re high in calories compared to other options, that’s the tradeoff for refraining from using artificial sweeteners and ingredients.

Even if you’re not looking for a meal replacement, which is what these bars are designed to be, Jacked Factory Authentic Bars would make great snack bars for those trying to put on mass. They’re an ideal supplement for a high-calorie diet. The main ingredient in Authentic bars is peanut butter, a staple for those pursuing healthy weight gain. Also, each bar has at least 260 calories.

We had these tested by Nicole Davis, certified personal trainer and GGR head of content who gave them a 5 out of 5 for taste. “If you love peanut butter, these will be to die for. They’re really good,” Nicole said. “You can also taste the honey they’re sweetened with … there’s none of that aftertaste you get from artificial sweeteners.”

RELATED: Best Protein Powder Without Artificial Sweeteners

“They’re a little crumbly, but also moist and soft,” Nicole continued. She also noted that she had no side effects after her taste test. So, we gave the bars a 5 out of 5 in both texture and side effects.

Peanut butter isn’t the best protein source, but fortunately, Jacked Factory Authentic Bars also have whey protein isolate. So, while they can go a long way in helping you hit your calorie goals and macro numbers, we don’t recommend making them your main source of protein supplementation. 

Best-Tasting Budget Protein Bars: Pure Protein Bars

Good for: Cost-conscious consumers who don’t mind longer ingredient lists

Best Budget

Pure Protein Bars

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Low-sugar
• Gluten-free
• 20 g of protein per bar
• Great taste and flavor options
• Affordable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Packed with protein that helps you feel full and reduce cravings
• Great price for overall quality of product
• Gives you fuel to keep an active lifestyle going
• Variety of flavor options to satisfy any sweet-tooth
• Tastes like candy

Cons

• The specific carb and calorie count will vary by flavor
• Uses artificial flavoring
• Includes artificial sweeteners
• Some customers felt these had a bit more aftertaste than other bars

Bottom Line

If you are trying to keep a diet that is balanced and are struggling to get enough protein in, this would be a great bar to add to your shopping cart, online or in person. Pair it with a piece of fruit, maybe a healthy carb, and a glass of water and you have a great meal on the go.

It’s almost unheard of that you can get a high-protein, low-sugar bar for about $1.69. And yet, Pure Protein bars make those dreams a reality, supplying 20 grams of protein and a low amount of added sugar in each bar. You may be able to get them even cheaper at your local Costco, as these little guys happen to be the premier protein bar of the warehouse grocery store. 

Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, tested these bars for us. Her reaction was generally positive. Despite the sugar alcohols and extra ingredients, she reported no side effects, so we gave them a 5-out-of-5 rating in that category. 

For taste, we rated them a 4 out of 5. “It tastes like a straight-up candy bar, more so than I’ve ever had with any other protein bar,” Kate said. “The texture reminds me of a Snickers or Milky Way bar, but it’s a tad bit chalky.” Thus, we rated the Pure Protein bars a 4 out of 5 for texture. 

RELATED: What to Look for in Protein Powder

The low price and lack of sugar come with the cost of a pretty lengthy ingredient list across all flavors of Pure Protein bars. The list includes various types of flour, artificial colors, stabilizers, and more. If this doesn’t deter you, though, these are a solid, tasty, cost-effective way to get your protein in. 

Best-Tasting Protein Bars for Weight Loss: EPIC Provisions Protein Bars

Good for: Those pursuing fat loss who need a bar with good macros

Best for Weight Loss

EPIC Nutrition EPIC Bars

GGR Score: 4.85

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Product Highlights

• Grass-fed jerky bars
• Paleo-friendly
• Whole30-compliant
• Dairy-free
• Gluten-free
• 8-15 g of protein per bar

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very unique protein bar option
• Great to pack for outdoor hikes and activities or bring on-the-go
• Appeals to many different lifestyles including paleo, Whole30, keto, and dairy-free
• Great flavor combos
• Soft texture (not like regular beef jerky)
• 9 flavor options
• Humane grass-fed beef sources

Cons

• Have a different texture than typical protein bars
• Not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
• Some flavors are kind of greasy

Bottom Line

When you think of protein bars you might consider the word sweet, but savory and spicy probably wouldn’t normally come to mind. EPIC Nutrition is working on changing that up and improving meat-based protein options on the market while also maintaining a high level of respect for the animals and environments that they live in.

There are minimal ingredients which make these bars almost pure protein and, as you can see, the quality of meat included is high, but so is the price tag at an eye-watering average of just over $4 per bar. That said, if you aren’t hurting budget-wise, these can make for a novel snack for those on a keto, paleo, or Whole 30 diet. 

We had EPIC Provisions tested by Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, former senior staff writer at GGR. “Every bar flavor I’ve tried of EPIC, I’ve loved,” Amanda remarked. “The Bison bacon Cranberry is my favorite of all time, but Chicken Sriracha and Venison Sea Salt Pepper are right behind it on my list. If you eat meat, EPIC bars are generally a good buy, as each flavor has a robust and balanced flavor.”

RELATED: The Best Creatine Alternatives to Help You Build Muscle

With feedback like that, we had to give EPIC bars a 5 out of 5 for taste. We only gave them a 4 out of 5 for texture, though. “Depending on the natural moisture of the protein source, the bars vary in terms of toughness,” Amanda said. Given the all-natural goodness of the bars, though, Amanda had no digestive issues after eating them, so we gave them a 5 out of 5 for side effects. 

EPIC bars are the most expensive protein bars on our list, at around $4.11 per bar. Another big thing to consider is that they aren’t very large, so there’s not that much protein. The highest-protein bar contains just 12 grams. They’re neither a practical nor cost-efficient way to get your protein in if you have high protein needs. 

Still, we crowned them the best for weight loss because the minimalist formulation also translates to minimal carbohydrates and calories, which is ideal for anyone on a cutting cycle. 

Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Bars: GoMacro Bars

Good for: Individuals looking for a clean protein bar without any animal products

Best Vegan

GoMacro Bars

GGR Score: 3.6

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Product Highlights

• Derived from plant-based ingredients
• Certified organic, vegan, kosher, and sustainably sourced 
• Low FODMAP, non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free
• 12 grams of protein
• Lots of flavor options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sustainably sourced
• Vegan
• 100% all-natural ingredients
• Large variety of flavors
• Gluten, dairy, and soy free
• Non-GMO

Cons

• High sugar count
• Texture is not for everyone

Bottom Line

GoMacro Bars are a sustainably sourced protein bar jam-packed with nutrient-dense, plant-based foods and available in 16 flavors.

GoMacro was launched in 2004 after one of the founders, Amelia Kirchoff, wanted to spread the benefits of balanced, plant-based eating. Their bars use brown rice protein and pea protein instead of animal-based protein sources and contain plenty of other high-quality ingredients, like pumpkin seeds and gluten-free oats.

We had GoMacro bars tested by Frieda Johnson, NASM-CNC, ISSA-SET. She didn’t have any issues after eating them, so we gave them a 5 out of 5 for side effects. She also generally liked the flavor of the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip bars, so we gave them a 4.5 out of 5 for taste. “It’s pretty close to an oatmeal cookie, with the oatmeal flavor being the most profound followed by the maple syrup flavor,” Frieda said.

RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Bar

Frieda rated the texture a slightly lower 4 out of 5, saying, “It’s not like your typical protein bar and the texture is a little stickier than an oatmeal cookie.”

The best part is that GoMacro bars are free of many common allergens. They’re organic, non-GMO, nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free and low-FODMAP. Plus, the price of about $2.20 per bar is pretty reasonable considering their high-quality formulation. 

Best-Tasting Low-Sugar Protein Bars: Barebells

Good for: Those who want something that tastes like a candy bar without the added sugar

Best Low-Sugar

Barebells Protein Bars

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• High-protein bars offered in a range of both plant-based and milk-based options
• No added sugar 
• Created in 2016 in Sweden as a healthy alternative to snacks and desserts which mimic a candy bar texture 
• Plant-based flavors: Salty peanut, hazelnut nougat
• Milk protein blend flavors: Cookies & cream, chocolate dough, caramel cashew, salty peanut, creamy crisp, hazelnut nougat, white chocolate almond, and crunchy fudge
• Nutritional counts vary by flavor but average around 8–10 g of fat, 19–27 g of total carbohydrates, 6–7 g of fiber, 1 g of sugar, 6 g of sugar alcohol, and 15–20 g of protein

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well-reviewed taste
• Variety of flavors
• Plant-based options
• Candy bar–like texture

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Contains sucralose

Bottom Line

Barebells Protein Bars are one of the few protein bars on the market that effectively mimic the texture of a candy bar, delivering a high-protein and low-to-no sugar snack alternative.

Keeping the sugar content low with the use of sugar alcohols, Barebells protein bars have quickly made a reputation for themselves as some of the tastiest bars out there. Every time I hear this bar come up in gym conversation, it’s always in the context of how delicious they are.

A lot of that has to do with the chunky, crispy texture of the traditional Barebells protein bar (there’s also a soft version). GGR Head of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, rated the texture a 5 out of 5, saying, “The nougat and the chocolate coating make it nice and crunchy on the outside while keeping it soft and chewy on the inside. It’s great!”

She also gave a 5 out of 5 for taste after trying the Chocolate Dough flavor. “To be honest, I was shocked,” Nicole reported. “Legit tastes like a candy bar. There is a nice crunch inside, and the chocolate coating outside tastes just like real chocolate.”

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Diabetics

A big downside to these bars is they melt very easily, which is why they’re delivered in temperature-controlled packaging if you order them online. We don’t recommend keeping them in your car in the summer. They still have a solid amount of protein for how good they taste, though, and are becoming increasingly easy to find in grocery stores. 

Best-Tasting Healthy Protein Bars: RXBAR

Good for: Those looking for a minimally processed, dairy-free bar with high-quality protein

Best Healthy

RX Nutrition RXBAR

GGR Score: 4.85

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Product Highlights

• Simple ingredients
• 12 g of protein per bar
• Gluten-free
• Kosher
• Variety of flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No artificial flavors
• Great for traveling as they don’t need to be refrigerated or warmed up
• Flavors range from fruity to chocolate to satisfy all cravings
• Made with simple, easy-to-understand ingredients
• No artificial ingredients

Cons

• A different texture that some might have issues with (very chewy)
• Not a full meal replacement
• Not for those with nut allergies

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a protein bar that you can keep in your drawer at work, in the glove box of your car, and in your purse or gym bag, this is a great option. These are a great way to get protein in between meals as well as during outdoor activities, or busy travel days.

There are no added sugars or sweeteners in RXBARs. Their appeal comes from the notorious feature of every ingredient being able to fit on the front of the package so you know exactly what you’ll be eating at a glance. 

Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, tested these babies and gave them a 4 out of 5 for taste. “I enjoy all of the flavors of this bar and I’ve tried most of them,” Amanda remarked. “There are no artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors, so you don’t get that fake aftertaste. The flavors are sweet, but not overly so.”

She did make a note about their density, though. “Due to how dense they are, some might find the bars feel heavy in their stomach, but I didn’t have a problem.” We rated them a 5 out of 5 for side effects. 

RELATED: What Are the Different Types of Protein Powder?

The texture may also take some getting used to, which led to Amanda giving them a 4-out-of-5 rating in this category. “RXBARS are super chewy, like they’ll get stuck in your teeth,” Amanda said. “Candy like caramel and gummy bears are my favorite, so I didn’t mind the texture. But I know that won’t fly with most people, which is why I knocked off a star.”

I have personally never been a fan of these bars. They taste a bit too health food-y for me and the texture wasn’t my favorite. Still, for people who are used to and prefer minimally processed snack bars, RXBars are a smart choice. 

Best-Tasting Keto Protein Bars: think! Keto Bars

Good for: Individuals who want a bar that’s satiating but low in carbs

Best Keto

Low Carb think! Keto Bars

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Keto-certified by the Paleo Foundation 
• 10 g protein, 4 g net carbs
• Available in four flavors
• Non-GMO and kosher ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Taste is popular
• Keto-friendly
• Kosher and non-GMO
• No artificial colors or flavors

Cons

• High fat content
• Contains stevia
• May melt in transit

Bottom Line

The Low Carb think! Keto Bars are available in four popular flavors and make for a great on-the-go snack for those following a keto diet.

The flavors of think! Keto Bars aren’t the fanciest, but with only about 10 grams of net carbs per bar, they can make for a great snack for those living that low-carb life. GGR Senior Staff Writer Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, volunteered to give them a try.

He gave the taste a rating of 4 out of 5, saying, “I was surprised not to detect any flavor of sweeteners or stevia, but the peanut butter and chocolate were definitely there.” Caine continues about the texture. “I liked the texture overall, even if the inside is a bit dry, but I did enjoy the crunch from the peanuts and the outer, chocolate coating.” 

He rated the texture a 4 out of 5. Furthermore, despite these bars being pretty high in fiber and containing sugar alcohols, Caine didn’t report any digestive issues. So, we gave them a perfect 5 out of 5 for side effects.

RELATED: What Is the Keto Diet?

Best-Tasting Low-Calorie Protein Bars: Orgain Organic Protein Bars

Good for: People seeking an organic, vegan snack with multiple protein sources

Best Low-Calorie

Orgain Organic Protein Bar

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Gluten-free
• Kosher
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• USDA certified organic
• 10 g of protein per bar

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Balanced ingredients for steady energy
• Affordable price point
• 100% plant-based
• Great reviews for flavor and texture
• Affordable compared to other options

Cons

• Some customers felt the size of the bar was too small and would prefer a full meal-replacement option
• Lower in protein than some of its competitors
• Contains sugar alcohols
• Not suitable for those with tree nut or peanut allergies

Bottom Line

If you have any soy or dairy dietary restrictions, this bar is a good protein option to keep on hand for snacks. The combination of low sugar and high protein is a great way to support satiety in between meals.

Organic and vegan sports nutrition supplements are among Orgain’s specialties. Plant-based protein supplements have a general reputation for being an acquired taste. Amazon reviews for the Orgain Organic Protein bars would agree, but our tester Lauren Strong, GGR senior staff writer and certified personal trainer, didn’t echo these sentiments.

“For a vegan bar made with pea and brown rice protein that’s also soy-free, I have to say it was pretty good,” Lauren reported. “The texture of the bar is a lot like cookie dough, which I liked because it matched the flavor—nice, soft, and chewy.” 

Based on this feedback, we gave the Orgain bars a 5 out of 5 for both taste and texture. However, Lauren did say that the texture was a bit dry. Outside of that, she didn’t have any bad side effects, so we gave the bars a 5 out of 5 in this category. 

There are only 150 calories per bar, whereas most bars hover around 200. This plant-based protein snack would be ideal for those trying to lose weight and reduce their intake of animal products—as long as you’re okay with the minimal protein content (10 grams per bar). 

There are only two flavors, though. So if you’re not a fan of fudge or chocolate, you may want to stick with Orgain’s protein powder. 

RELATED: Orgain Simple Plant Protein Review

Other Protein Bars We Tried

Not every product we test makes it to our final lists. Below are some protein bars we tried but didn’t include above for various reasons.

• No Cow Protein Bars – Ultimately, our testers didn’t enjoy these bars and wouldn’t buy them again. “This is a dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, keto-friendly bar. So you have to take that into consideration when thinking of taste; if you don’t regularly eat products like this, you might be surprised at the taste (or lack there of),” said Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1.
• Perfect Bar – Former GGR senior staff writer and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto liked the taste of the Perfect Bar, but having to refrigerate them means they’re not an ideal on-the-go snack.
• ONE Protein Bars – Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and certified personal trainer, liked these for the most part, though she thought some flavors like Birthday Cake tasted too artificial.
• Power Crunch Bars – Nicole eats these regularly, but for a protein bar, the 14 grams of protein per bar is lower than we’d like to see.

How We Picked and Tested the Best-Tasting Protein Bars

From protein shakes to snack bars, you can believe us when we say it’s our pleasure to test out some of the most common products on the market for you. However, we didn’t just put the bars you see above on our list because we love the way they taste. Here is some other criteria that went into our decisions. 

Convenience

One of the biggest appeals of protein bars is that they are way more portable and convenient than protein powder. You don’t need any shaker bottles, milk, or other liquids. Just unwrap the bar and you get your 20 grams of protein in a few bites. We tried to recommend bars that don’t need to be refrigerated and have a killer taste. 

Fat Content

Some bars have a higher fat content than others because they use ingredients like peanut butter as a protein source. Some may also contain milk solids to help improve the texture and flavor. Products like Kind bars and Barebells may also contain actual nuts. Even though these are healthy fats, they can ratchet up the calorie count quickly.

RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Creating an Optimized Pre-Workout Smoothie

While this may not matter to certain individuals, it’s something to consider if you track macros or performance. Fat tends to sit in the stomach longer than other macronutrients. Consuming too much fat pre-workout can hinder performance³ unless the workout is low-intensity.

Ingredient Quality

It is common for high-protein foods that have a long shelf life and don’t require refrigeration to contain some preservatives and additives, which make for longer ingredient lists. However, we wanted to give you options with the least ingredients. 

Additionally, we considered how many whole food sources and familiar ingredients you’d find in the product. We also determined whether the included ingredients serve a purpose to support your fitness goals and overall health. 

Benefits of Protein Bars

Compared to protein shakes, protein water, and everything else we have out there, protein bars have their own set of benefits that make them popular among the active community (or anyone looking for a convenient, on-the-go snack). Here are some of those benefits. 

Encourages Protein Intake

On those days you’re just sick of grilled chicken and want something you can sink your teeth into that isn’t protein shakes, protein bars come to the rescue. They are often some variety of chocolate, peanut butter cup, or caramel goodness, which makes you forget that you’re kinda actually eating a supplement. 

RELATED: High-Protein Foods for Muscle-Building

When you have daily protein needs to hit, having a variety of protein sources in your diet can prevent you from getting bored with your meals. If one of those sources is a crispy, sweet treat you don’t have to feel guilty about, hitting your macros becomes much easier. 

Meal Replacement for Weight Loss

A large body of evidence shows how effective a meal replacement can be in helping one lose weight. Two separate clinical trials⁴ showed that people who substituted their meals with a meal replacement, such as a protein bar, lost 5% more weight than those who didn’t use a meal replacement.

The key to implementing this strategy is to pick the right protein bar to keep you full without consuming too many calories. To mimic a real meal as closely as possible, meal replacements must have a substantial amount of fat, protein, and carbohydrates (unless you’re following a low-carb diet).

Aids in Hunger Control

Diets that are higher in protein have been shown to help reduce cravings by promoting a feeling of fullness, or satiety. Protein digests much more slowly⁵ in the stomach than the other two macronutrients (fat and carbohydrates). 

RELATED: Best High-Protein Foods to Add To Your Diet

This makes protein bars a more ideal snack between meals instead of junk food. The latter tends to be higher in carbohydrates and lacks fiber or protein, which results in fast digestion and you feeling hungrier sooner. 

Dosing and Interactions 

As long as protein bars are consumed in moderation, there is no evidence that they can cause serious side effects. However, bars sweetened with sugar alcohols are a different story. Consuming these sweeteners in excess can cause GI distress⁶, including gas, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Protein Bars

You can’t know what a bar tastes like by looking at it, but here are some things you can look out for while scouting out labels for your next favorite snack. 

Added Sugar and Sweeteners

Excessive consumption of sugar alcohols can cause substantial digestive discomfort if you aren’t careful. One clinical review⁶ showed that in most cases, people can tolerate up to 20 grams of sugar alcohols per day before they start experiencing symptoms, but this varies from person to person. To help prevent or reduce digestive issues, you’ll want to avoid chomping on protein bars with sugar alcohols all day long. 

You should, therefore, check the nutrition facts label for sugar alcohols or the ingredients list for anything ending with -ol, such as sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, lactitol, isomalt, or maltitol. 

RELATED: What Is Erythritol?

Grams of Protein

A protein bar isn’t really worth eating if it doesn’t deliver enough protein. The ideal amount of protein in a bar is around 20 grams, but it may be lower depending on the other ingredients included. Either way, you want to pick a bar with the amount of protein that makes sense for your needs or how urgently you need to curb cravings between meals. 

Calorie Count

The importance of a protein bar’s calorie content largely depends on your specific fitness goals. You don’t want a bar with 300+ calories if you want to lose weight.

However, if you’re looking to put on mass, it’s not wise to pick a low-calorie bar because you’d need to eat several of them to meet your calorie needs. Always check the number of calories in each bar when reading the nutrition label. 

FAQs About the Best-Tasting Protein Bars

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. Areta JL, Burke LM, Ross ML, et al. Timing and distribution of protein ingestion during prolonged recovery from resistance exercise alters myofibrillar protein synthesis. J Physiol. 2013;591(9):2319-2331. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2012.244897
2. Han, Y., Choi, B. R., Kim, S. Y., Kim, S. B., Kim, Y. H., Kwon, E. Y., & Choi, M. S. (2018). Gastrointestinal Tolerance of D-Allulose in Healthy and Young Adults. A Non-Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients, 10(12), 2010. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10122010
3. Muscella A, Stefàno E, Lunetti P, Capobianco L, Marsigliante S. The Regulation of Fat Metabolism During Aerobic Exercise. Biomolecules. 2020;10(12):1699. Published 2020 Dec 21. doi:10.3390/biom10121699
4. Guo X, Xu Y, He H, et al. Effects of a Meal Replacement on Body Composition and Metabolic Parameters among Subjects with Overweight or Obesity. J Obes. 2018;2018:2837367. Published 2018 Dec 26. doi:10.1155/2018/2837367
5. Moon J, Koh G. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020;29(3):166-173. doi:10.7570/jomes20028
6. Mäkinen KK. Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals. Int J Dent. 2016;2016:5967907. doi:10.1155/2016/5967907

Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD

Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD is a sports dietitian and the head of performance nutrition for the NBA G League Ignite. In addition to working with pro athletes, Destini has ghostwritten four weight loss and wellness cookbooks. She also authors online content covering fitness and nutrition topics.

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In my experience as a sports dietitian, even the best protein bars aren’t always ideal for meeting one’s protein needs. I prefer whole foods with all of the essential amino acids like lean meat, low-fat dairy, and eggs, as they contain other nutrients in addition to protein.RELATED: High-Protein Breakfast IdeasHowever, protein bars do have their place in the fitness world. For one,  » Read more about: Best-Tasting Protein Bars (2024): Satisfying Brands to Help You Meet Your Protein Needs  » Read more

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In my experience as a sports dietitian, even the best protein bars aren’t always ideal for meeting one’s protein needs. I prefer whole foods with all of the essential amino acids like lean meat, low-fat dairy, and eggs, as they contain other nutrients in addition to protein.RELATED: High-Protein Breakfast IdeasHowever, protein bars do have their place in the fitness world. For one,  » Read more about: Best-Tasting Protein Bars (2024): Satisfying Brands to Help You Meet Your Protein Needs  » Read more