12 Best Protein Bars for Women (2024): Fuel Your Fitness With Dietitian-Approved Bars

In my years as a practicing sports dietitian, protein bars have been both a blessing and a curse in equal regard. They’re a blessing in that they can be a portable, convenient, and indulgent source of protein for active individuals that can be eaten quickly and stored easily.

However, the curse comes from the fact that these little guys have become so wildly popular, that protein bars are pretty much as common as a candy bar now. And with that, I can confidently also say that I would classify most protein bars on the market today as glorified candy bars with a little bit of protein added just to, you know, keep with the theme.

This is a trap we don’t want you to fall into. Women tend to have a sweet tooth just as much as men, but research suggests¹ we have more trouble than men losing weight for various reasons. Therefore, it’s important for women to find a balance between eating responsibly and still being able to satisfy cravings. So, we put together a list of the best protein bars for women that we think active women would want to try. 

It’s also important to emphasize that protein bars do not affect men and women differently. That said, we still wanted to find products that can address pain points specific to women, when applicable. 

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.

NOTE: We intend the term “women” to include all women, including trans women. However, we recognize that almost all research on this topic has focused on cis women. For that reason, when we reference gender-based research and nutritional recommendations, we will clarify by saying “cis women.” We encourage trans and nonbinary people of all genders to check in with a trans-competent nutritionist regarding their supplements and training needs.

We’ve Raised the Bar on Protein Expertise

Penning this piece is a registered dietitian who has worked with athletes for several years, and I can tell you I’ve done an exhausting amount of work searching for the best protein bar that would make both a healthy snack and a solid source of macros to support my athletes’ performances. 

Our expert testers also wanted to bring you the best-tasting protein bars—ones that would fit your specific diet preferences and restrictions—and to just give you our honest two cents about the various protein bars. 

We wanted to make it easier for you to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right protein bar for your needs, because there are so many to choose from.

12 Best Protein Bars for Women

• Best Overall Protein Bar for Women: RXBar
• Best Protein Bar for Women Post-Workout: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein Bar
• Best Texture Protein Bar for Women: Onnit Protein Bites
• Best Meal Replacement Bar for Women: Huel Complete Protein Bar
• Best Gluten-Free Protein Bar for Women: Legion Athletics Protein Bar
• Best Budget Protein Bar for Women: Pure Protein Bar
• Best No-Sugar-Added Bar for Women: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar
• Best Low-Carb Protein Bar for Women: Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Bar
• Best Low-Sugar Protein Bar for Women: Quest Bar
• Best Protein Bar for Pregnant Women: Perfect Bar
• Best Vegan Protein Bar for Women: GoMacro Bars
• Best Organic Protein Bar for Women: Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Bars

Best Overall Protein Bar for Women: RXBar

Good for: Anyone looking for a versatile bar with minimal artificial ingredients or additives

Best Overall

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.

RXBars are known for their “No B.S.” tagline printed right on the package to really drive home their mission of providing some of the cleanest protein bars on the market. The protein source comes from egg whites, which may sound strange to you, but the result is actually a great-tasting bar that’s sweetened with dates and often has some nuts thrown in for texture. 

Each bar also contains around 23 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of protein, which means RXBars can double as both a pre-workout energy bar and a post-workout recovery snack. 

RELATED: Best Pre-Workout

Given that the bar is dairy-free, gluten-free, and free of preservatives or artificial sweeteners, it’s likely easier on the digestion system than bars with longer ingredient lists. Because there’s nothing artificial here, we scored them 4 out of 5 stars for formulation.

One reason this is our favorite overall protein bar for women is its versatility, as mentioned earlier, the transparency of the ingredients, and the lack of artificial ingredients. The combination of protein and around 9 grams of fat in each bar (depending on the flavor) can help with satiety, as well, which is the whole point of a snack bar, right?

Amanda Capritto, former GGR staff writer and expert product tester, said, “The ultra-chewy texture isn’t for everyone, and sometimes it kills the vibe for me when I don’t want to work for my food. (It really does take a while to get these down.) But, there’s no chalkiness and they aren’t dry. If you’re looking for flavor recommendations, my favorites are Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Coconut.” Ultimately, she gave these bars 4 out of 5 stars for both taste and texture.

Best Protein Bar for Women for Post-Workout: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein Bars

Good for: People who want a protein-rich snack after a tough workout

Best for Post-Workout

Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars

GGR Score: 4.18

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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.

For a convenient snack to munch on on your way home from the gym, Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein Bars are an excellent choice. They don’t contain any artificial preservatives, but they don’t have to be refrigerated, so you can easily keep them in your gym bag. They’re also free of common allergens (though they are produced in facilities that also handle nuts and gluten) and don’t contain GMOs or artificial sweeteners, making them ideal for female gym-goers who can’t tolerate these ingredients.

They are a bit low in protein, with just 15 grams per bar. If you prefer more protein after training, you may want to shake up a post-workout drink with a scoop of your favorite protein powder to boost your intake.

You likely won’t need much else for these protein bars to hold you over until your next meal, however. With 280 calories and 16 grams of fat, they only earned 3.5 stars for formulation. Kate Meier, GGR’s senior director of content, said, “This is basically a whole meal. It’s NOT low-fat. But I like how clean the formula is! No junk, just real ingredients. That’s the biggest selling point for me on these.”

Kate scored the bars 4 out of 5 stars for taste and texture. She noted the texture was a little dry but still soft and chewy due to the use of dates. “They have a clean peanut butter and chocolate taste,” she added. “Plus, the pieces of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate are a real delight.”

If you normally have digestive issues after eating protein bars, you’ll likely be pleased to know that the Transparent Labs bars are gentle on the stomach. Kate also had four of her friends try them, and no one experienced negative side effects afterward.

Best Texture Protein Bar for Women: Onnit Protein Bites

Good for: Folks looking for a protein-rich snack with a smooth texture

Best Texture

Onnit Protein Bites

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Ingredients from 60 plants 
• Whey protein from grass-fed cows 
• 7-9 g of protein, depending on flavor

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Nutrients from 60 plants
• Subscribe and save 15%
• Also sold individually so you can try flavors

Cons

• Contains the allergens soy, tree nuts, milk, and sesame
• Very mixed reviews on the new formula
• Users say chocolate coating melts easily and gets messy

Bottom Line

Onnit Protein Bites have 7 to 9 grams of protein from grass-fed cows and contain nutrients from more than 60 plants. However, the new formula is very divisive with some users loving it and some hating it.

The texture of Onnit Protein Bites is reminiscent of a candy bar—so much so that our product tester, GGR senior director of content Kate Meier, likened the Chocolate Coconut Cashew flavor to a Mounds bar. They also taste great. While we typically rate products on a scale of 1 to 5, Kate actually gave these protein bites a 10 out of 10. “These are delicious. I had half a dozen people try them, and we all loved all of the flavors,” she noted.

Each bar only has around 7 grams of protein, so it’s more of a snack than a high-protein meal. But it can help satisfy cravings for something sweet. It’s also just enough to hold you over for a short time when you’re really hungry but still need something quick and convenient until you can eat a full meal. 

If you look at the ingredients list, you may feel overwhelmed by how long it is. But many of the ingredients are sourced from fruits and vegetables, so they’re not all bad. We still recommend getting plenty of real fruits and vegetables in your diet, but the Onnit Protein Bites are a good choice if you want a protein-rich snack with more whole food sources than other protein bars.

It’s also important to note that each bar has around 7 grams of fiber. You probably won’t want to eat more than one a day, especially if you get a lot of fiber from the rest of your meals. Consuming too much fiber in a day may cause symptoms of digestive distress, like bloating or gas.

Best Meal Replacement Bar for Women: Huel Complete Protein Bar

Good for: Those looking for a weight loss meal replacement

Best Meal Replacement

Huel Complete Protein Bar

GGR Score: 2.8

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Product Highlights

• Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan 
• Claimed to be a nutritionally complete snack 
• Each bar contains 27 vitamins and minerals 
• 200 calories per bar

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Micronutrient blend
• Solid macro split
• All-natural ingredients
• Gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan

Cons

• Must order 2 boxes
• Price is high
• Review on taste are mixed

Bottom Line

If you are looking for an all-natural, vegan protein bar that is high in protein but lower in carbs and sugars, the Huel Complete Protein Bars may be a good choice for you.

Huel is a 100% vegan product free of GMOs, gluten, lactose, and added sugars. The brand prides itself on using only natural ingredients despite the bars having a shelf life of up to 9 months.

The reason it makes our list as the best meal replacement bar is the perfect balance of calories and macronutrients, which led to a formulation rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Each bar contains about 200 calories, but has 20 grams of protein, 17 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of fat. If you are looking for the best protein bars for women for weight loss, this ratio of macronutrients would be excellent for you.

RELATED: Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss

The calories are still relatively low, so the bar can fit easily into a calorie-deficit diet. Furthermore, the protein content of this bar is high enough to promote satiety while the ratio of other macronutrients mimics a low-calorie meal. As an added measure, Huel added 27 vitamins and minerals, and some extra nutrients in a calorie deficit is always critical to ensure the reduced intake is still nourishing for your body. 

It is important to note that this product contains 5 grams of chicory fiber and sugar alcohols for some calorie-free sweeteners. These two compounds have been known to have a laxative effect if eaten in excess and Huel even has a warning about this on their product page. GGR editor Frieda Johnson, who tried these bars, gave them 2.5 out of 5 stars for side effects because she noticed some digestive troubles after having one. Thus, we recommend limiting yourself to just one of these bars daily. 

Frieda was, unfortunately, disappointed in the taste. “I really wanted to like these because the protein content is impressive for a vegan bar. Unfortunately, they taste really bad,” she said. “The coating is very waxy and tastes strongly of sugar alcohol. I tried two different flavors and I’m not sure I could’ve told you what flavors they were supposed to be if it hadn’t been written on the box.” 

The ratings on the company website are high, but since they are for all of their products, it’s hard to tell what other people thought about the taste of the bars, specifically. 

Best Gluten-Free Protein Bar for Women: Legion Athletics Protein Bar

Good for: Athletes who rely on lab-tested protein sources

Best Gluten-Free

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.

We have already established ourselves as huge fans of Legion’s protein powder (and their fruity cereal Whey+ is personally my favorite thing in the world right now) and their gluten-free protein bars are no different. 

RELATED: Legion Whey Protein Review

Like all Legion products, their protein bars have transparent ingredients all cited with science on Legion’s website, and are all-natural and low in sugar. For this reason, our product tester rated their formulation a solid 4 out of 5. They also contain 9 grams of prebiotic fiber, which can support a healthy gut. Be careful here, though—if you have two or more of these bars in a day, that much fiber can cause some stomach distress. 

That said, they make our list because they contain 20 grams of whey protein, which is about the same amount as a serving of the common protein shake. Only with this bar, you get the satisfaction of actually eating something, which all of us need sometimes!

Every Legion protein bar is tested in an ISO 17025-accredited lab to determine what it contains and what it doesn’t. You’ll know exactly what you’re eating, which is important for athletes who are likely drug tested. If you fall under this category and aren’t getting your protein from lab-tested sources, then you’re at risk of putting banned or harmful substances in your body. 

Honestly, if you were my athlete, I’d definitely yell at you for not being more selective. Luckily, I’m giving you the ideal choice right here! I’m sorry to say that Legion’s flavor choices for their bars aren’t nearly as diverse as their other supplement offerings, but the protein and carb content make it a great post- or even pre-workout snack for people on the go. 

GGR senior director of content and personal trainer Kate Meier tried out these bars and had this to say about them: “These are pretty good, both taste and macro-profile-wise. I didn’t want to finish the cookie dough bar (it didn’t taste dough-y enough for me), but I wanted to finish the chocolate peanut butter one. And 20 grams of protein is a good selling point for me, especially a higher-calorie bar like this.”

She also noted that the bars were drier than expected and gave them 3 out of 5 stars for texture. She was, however, impressed by the no-returns-necessary return policy that gives you a full refund if you don’t like the bars.

Best Budget Protein Bar for Women: Pure Protein Bars

Good for: Individuals who eat protein bars often and need an economical brand

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.

Protein bars are not only delicious to indulge in, but they can be a valuable tool for weight gain or just snacking your way closer to your protein numbers. That said, if you like protein bars (and we hope you do, that’s why you’re here), eating them all the time can get pretty expensive. 

Luckily, Pure Protein bars will only run you about $1.34 a bar, which is in line with the cost per scoop of most whey protein powders. This is a huge win since whey protein powder is generally considered one of the most cost-effective ways to supplement protein intake.

RELATED: Best Protein Powder

You won’t find yourself skimping on the protein amount, either. Pure Protein bars use both whey and soy to boost the high-quality protein content to 20 grams a bar (their Chocolate Deluxe flavor has 21 grams). Amazon reviews also give the consensus that all of the flavors taste great. GGR senior director of content and expert product tester Kate Meier scored them 4 out of 5 stars for taste and texture. “I think these are probably the most candy-bar-like bar I’ve ever had. They are a little chalky—like VERY little—not like you taste with other protein bars. Texture is similar to something like a Snickers or a Milky Way,” she reported.

For women in particular, especially those looking for a meal replacement, Pure Protein bars contain enough calories, carbs, and protein to function as one. However, we only gave them 3 out of 5 stars for formulation because they contain some sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners, which some people don’t tolerate. If you eat these regularly, just make sure the food you consume throughout the rest of the day is nutrient-dense. 

Best No-Sugar-Added Protein Bar for Women: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar

Good for: Those looking for a carb-conscious protein bar

Best No-Sugar-Added

Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly
• Each bar delivers 11 g of pea protein, 1 g of sugar, and 4 g of net carbs
• Available flavors include: Salted caramel, peanut butter chocolate chip, coconut chocolate chip, chocolate mint chip
• Peanuts and peanut butter are sourced and tested to meet EU compliance for toxins

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Convenient
• Several flavor options
• Only 1 g of sugar
• Gluten- and dairy-free

Cons

• Not everyone like the taste of the pea protein
• Stevia and monk fruit may cause stomach issues for some

Bottom Line

Available in four flavors, the Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bars provide 11 grams of protein in a low-carb and convenient treat.

In the health world, Bulletproof (yes, like the coffee) has become known for their diet plan that suggests having 50% to 60% of your daily calories come from fats, 20% from protein, and the remaining 20% to 30% from vegetables while avoiding grains and sugar. Thus, they have formulated products to help consumers meet these guidelines.

Now, can I say I endorse their diet rules? Not really. But if this is the type of diet that works for you, their Bulletproof bar certainly helps to make adhering to it easier with only 1 gram of sugar and 4 grams of net carbs.

Bulletproof recommends 30 to 150 grams of net carbs daily, which is not quite in the keto range, but still would take some planning. With this bar, though, you could enjoy it as a sweet treat and still have quite a bit of wiggle room in the carb department with whatever you decide to eat for the rest of the day. 

Without the carbs, the 160 calories in the bar come from pea protein and peanut products to give the bars a soft texture with some chocolate chips and protein crisps thrown in for some crunch. The number of grams of protein per bar (11) could have been a little higher, so we rated them a respectable but still low score of 3 out of 5. But given the bar’s low calories despite containing healthy fats, we’re willing to overlook it. 

GGR senior director of content Kate Meier tried the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bar and said she wished the protein content was higher, but liked the taste. “Overall, it tastes like a ‘healthy’ peanut butter bar,” she said. “The flavors are there, but not fully there like you’d get in something loaded with fat and sugar. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 for taste.”

RELATED: How Much Protein Do I Need?

Best Low-Carb Protein Bar for Women: Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Bar

Good for: People who have multiple food allergies or sensitivities 

Best Low-Carb

Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Sprouted Bars

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Only 5 all-natural, nutrient-rich ingredients
• Available in 2 sizes 
• Nut-free, gluten-free, and soy-free
• Non-GMO, vegan, and organic

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Only 5 ingredients
• No artificial sweeteners or additives
• Nut-free, gluten-free, and vegan
• Convenient
• 2 sizes available

Cons

• Taste is not sweet enough for everyone
• Not as much protein as other bars

Bottom Line

If you are looking for an all-natural snack made with nutrient-dense ingredients, the Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Sprouted Bars are a solid option.

When you’re eating for specific body composition goals, it’s hard to craft a meal plan that works, especially when following a low-carb diet. Companies like Go Raw make it easier by offering products that contain nutritious ingredients and are macro-friendly.

Their pumpkin seed bar uses only five simple, easy-to-understand ingredients. Because the sole protein source comes from seeds, the bar is free of nuts, gluten, and dairy, and is non-GMO. Basically, it contains zero of the most common allergens and is naturally sweetened with dates and agave nectar. 

At 270 calories per bar, it’s on the high end in the calorie department, but that is the typical feature of snacks that include seeds due to the high content of monounsaturated, heart-healthy fats. They also have the lowest protein content of any bar on our list (3 grams), so they earned just 2.5 out of 5 stars for formulation.

The pumpkin seeds the bar is made from are sprouted pumpkin seeds. Ever heard of or eaten something called a “pepita”? Same thing! The sprouting process also gives the seeds a crunchy texture that is not as profound as non-sprouted pumpkin seeds, but both types are packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, zinc, and manganese. 

GGR editor Frieda Johnson has had food allergies and intolerances her whole life, so she understands the struggle when it comes to finding an allergy-friendly snack that’s both convenient and healthy. “I really like these,” she said, giving them a 4 out of 5 for both taste and texture. “They pretty much just taste like pumpkin seeds, but with a little bit of sweetness from the dates and agave nectar. I like them for a snack when I don’t want something too sweet or rich like most bars. They’re like a more convenient equivalent to a handful of seeds or nuts for when you want something to toss in your bag and take with you.”  

Best Low-Sugar Protein Bar for Women: Quest Bar

Good for: Individuals looking for a great-tasting bar with little added sugar

Best Low-Sugar

Quest Nutrition Protein Bars

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Gluten-free
• Low-sugar
• 16 flavor options
• 17-21 grams of protein depending on the flavor
• Low net carbs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great product to keep your macronutrients on target
• Simple, grab-and-go snack
• Gluten-free helps with dietary restrictions
• Low in sugar
• Very filling

Cons

• Chewy texture isn’t for everyone
• Uses sugar alcohols, which can upset digestion
• The company recently changed the formula a bit and several customers didn’t like the change
• Can get too soft if gets too hot (like in a car or gym bag)

Bottom Line

Quest Nutrition has been serving the health and protein market since 2010 and they continue to give people high-quality products. They offer some unique flavors in their bars not seen by competitors such as White Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Sprinkled Donut, and Lemon Cake.This is one of the few bars that is actually recommended to stick in the microwave for about 15 seconds to produce a rich, tasty treat. Using a high-quality dairy-based protein, Quest Bars are dense and chewy in texture.These bars fall pretty well right in the middle as far as price point so you don’t have to break the bank to get your protein in consistently. You will want to pay attention to the ingredients as many of the customers who have used Quest for a long time were not fans of the newer formula, although if you don’t have anything to compare it to, you might find you like it just fine.

Quest nutrition bars are currently the #1 best seller in sports nutrition protein bars and have been an ubiquitous name in protein snacks for some time. Reviewers of Quest’s protein bars seem to agree that Quest has been successful in their mission to create products that reduce sugar and carbs without sacrificing taste.

RELATED: Best Protein Chips

They also use low-calorie sweeteners like sucralose and stevia, so they can deliver the great taste Quest is known for without added sugar. There are 7 to 15 grams of fiber per serving, the same amount of fiber found in three oranges! Our expert reviewer, former GGR staff writer and personal trainer Amanda Capritto, scored them 4 out of 5 for side effects. “I feel fine if I have one of these every so often, but in the past when I’ve had one every day for multiple days in a row, I did notice some bloat that wouldn’t go away,” she reported.

Without the carb profile, I can’t say I recommend Quest bars as a good pre-workout choice. But because they contain 18 to 21 grams of milk protein (depending on the flavor), they’re definitely a great snack for post-workout recovery. In our opinion, they have to rank as some of the best low-sugar bars simply because they offer a whopping 28 different flavors, and they tend to be pretty tasty, too.

Amanda used to love these bars, specifically the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, before she got too burned out from eating them too frequently. After taking a hiatus of six years, however, she was pleased to discover that they taste exactly as she remembered and rated them a 4 out of 5 for taste. “They’re protein bars, so it’s not like eating a real cookie, despite what the customer reviews might indicate. However, for a snack with 20 grams of protein, 12 grams of fiber, and only 1 gram of sugar, it’s not half bad,” she said.

To get the full scoop on these bars, check out our Quest Protein Bar review.

Best Protein Bar for Pregnant Women: Perfect Bar

Good for: Pregnant people wanting a clean protein bar that can aid in healthy weight gain

Best for Pregnant Women

Perfect Nutrition Perfect Bars

GGR Score: 3.4

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Product Highlights

• Whole food protein
• 20+ superfoods included in each bar
• USDA certified organic
• Non-GMO
• 17 grams of protein per bar
• Soft, crumbly texture

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Certified kosher, organic, and gluten-free
• Holds a low glycemic index
• Great snack full of protein and nutrients for an active lifestyle
• Unique superfood blend that no other brands have in their protein bars
• Soft texture
• No artificial ingredients

Cons

• Must remain refrigerated
• Some customers had to order replacements if orders took too long to arrive
• Delivered in a box with ice packs, which is kind of cumbersome
• Hard to find full boxes in stores (usually sold as singles)

Bottom Line

Packed with protein, superfoods, and an organic honey binder that holds it all together, you won’t even realize that you are eating an ultra-nutrient-dense snack. Although the need for refrigeration is inconvenient, it’s worth the hassle for the flavor and nutritional profile.

Ideal for those looking for a high-calorie bar to support their calorie surplus during pregnancy, Perfect Bars are a delicious choice. I once had my fridge packed with these bars when I was in a bulking cycle and I could not wait for my post-workout treat. They have such an addictive cookie dough consistency—in fact, our expert product tester, former GGR staff writer Amanda Capritto, gave them 4.5 out of 5 stars for texture!

When you’re pregnant in the first trimester, it’s generally not recommended to gain more than 5 pounds. However, in the second and third trimesters, it’s advised that weight gain happens at a rate of between 0.5 to 1 pound per week, assuming you were a normal weight prior to pregnancy.

Most people hold the misconception that they should avoid gaining weight during pregnancy to “bounce back” easier after delivery, but this is a shortsighted way of thinking. For optimal nutrition, optimal development, and lowered risk of morbidity and mortality in mothers and infants, gynecologists and nutritionists actually advise pregnant women to gain excess weight².

RELATED: Exercise During Pregnancy

It’s essential for pregnant people to get these calories from whole foods to gain weight in the healthiest way possible while nourishing themselves and the baby. At 330 calories from minimally processed, organic, whole food ingredients, Perfect Bars are the best protein bars for pregnant women. They’re even sweetened naturally with organic honey and get their protein from eggs and nut butters like almond and peanut. However, we only gave them 2.5 out of 5 stars for formulation. With just 10 to 17 grams of protein and around 20 grams of fat, they’re not super macro-friendly.

Just know that these bars are not exactly portable. Sure, you can take them with you, but considering they need to be refrigerated, it’s not one of those bars you can’t just keep in the cup holder of your car for weeks at a time. 

Pregnant women should take note of this, especially when considering the risks of foodborne illnesses, which can have disastrous consequences. So, if this becomes the bar of your choice, please read and follow the instructions for storage and consumption carefully. 

Best Vegan Protein Bar for Women: GoMacro Bars

Good for: Plant-based eaters who don’t mind a high-calorie snack

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.

Known for its high-quality, sustainably sourced, plant-based ingredients, GoMacro bars are known for their quality and taste. What I really love about them is their texture and how you get little chunks of the actual whole foods on the ingredient list. You can literally see the pumpkin seeds! Our product tester and GGR editor Frieda Johnson gave them 4 out of 5 stars for texture, noting that they were sticky but not as bad as other protein bars.

Even though plant-based protein sources are notorious for lacking essential amino acids³ in notable amounts, and essential amino acids are crucial for gaining and maintaining muscle, the combination of sources used by GoMacro is special. 

Rice and pea proteins are incomplete proteins (meaning they lack all nine essential amino acids) on their own, but when combined, they produce an amino acid profile very similar to whey to create a complete protein⁴.

This makes GoMacro a game-changer for people who engage in resistance training, but need to get in high-quality protein to support their strength and lean mass while on a plant-based diet. 

A big downside of these bars—and one reason we gave them a score of just 2.5 out of 5 stars for formulation—is the high fat content. Plant-based sources of protein like nuts and seeds also are high in fat. Though these fats are heart-healthy, they do bump up the calorie count quite a bit per serving. 

For example, GoMacro’s Banana + Almond Butter flavor delivers 11 grams of protein, but 12 grams of fat and 280 calories. So, this bar would not be an ideal protein source for ladies seeking weight loss, but would be a great resource for bulking up. 

Frieda tried the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip bar and gave them 4.5 out of 5 stars for taste. “These taste pretty close to an oatmeal cookie, with the oatmeal flavor the most prominent and almost a maple syrup flavor after that,” she said. “While I wish they had more protein in them, I do really like that they’re organic, vegan, and gluten-free, and the brand has some cool eco-conscious packaging, such as the compostable tray the bars come in.”   

RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Powder

Best Organic Protein Bar for Women: Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Bar

Good for: Those who want an organic protein snack from a trusted brand

Best Organic

Orgain Organic Protein Bar

GGR Score: 3.5

Check Price

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.

Orgain is a leader in plant-based protein products. In fact, having worked for the Pac-12 for years, I happen to know that Orgain is the main source of protein supplements for the athletes at Stanford due to their reputation. 

That’s one of the reasons we found it to be the best organic protein bar. It’s also a great choice for vegans given that the protein is sourced from both rice and pea protein. It also contains fiber and chia seeds, which can help with satiety. That’s a needed feature in any snack choice. 

The main difference between this vegan protein bar and those of other brands is that it does not contain any soy, which means people who are sensitive to it or cautious about it need not worry. It is also free of gluten, GMOs, dairy, or lactose.

There are only 10 grams of protein in this bar, which doesn’t make it a rich source of protein and led to us scoring it just 2.5 out of 5 stars for formulation. However, if you’re looking for a plant-based, organic bar from a brand you can trust, Orgain is what we would recommend. 

GGR senior staff writer and expert product tester Lauren Strong tried these bars. As a non-vegan, she was surprised by how much she liked them. She thought the flavor was good and liked the texture, giving the bar a perfect 5 out of 5 in both categories. “It reminded me of cookie dough—soft, chewy, and raw-doughy—which was nice because it matched the flavor,” she reported.

Other Protein Bars for Women We Researched

Protein bars have long been a way to both satisfy a sweet tooth without sabotaging diet goals and function as a shelf-stable tool to reach macro goals. Nowadays, protein bars are more widely available than ever before. With so many options, narrowing it down to this list was pretty difficult, so here are some products that are good, they just weren’t quite the right fit for this list.

• NuGo Protein Bars
• No Cow Protein Bars
• Rise Bar

How We Picked and Tested the Best Protein Bar for Women

Our selection of protein bars has something for everyone, whether you’re looking to lose weight or simply find the tastiest snack to help meet your goals. The following criteria were used by our testers to select the brands on our list:

Cost

We wanted to present options that were wholesome, but affordable. After all, if you are going to search for a new favorite protein snack and find it, we anticipate you’re going to want to enjoy it often. If that’s the case, it would be a pretty expensive habit to regularly snack on something with a hefty price tag. So, we wanted to present options with a great value for your money, and present a variety of options to fit a variety of budgets. 

Ingredient Quality

Though high-protein food items that are meant to have a long shelf life and need no refrigeration will often have some preservatives, we wanted to give you options that have as little of them as possible. We also looked at the amount of whole food and familiar ingredients to keep your health in mind. 

Taste

The reason we at GGR actually test the products we recommend is very simple: We want to help people find products that taste good! 

A protein bar can help you build muscle, control hunger, and function as a solid snack—and not be worth the calories you just ingested because it just tastes so darn bad. There are bars like that out there. Not naming names, but I promise you they are out there. So, we tried to pick bars that had a nice balance between nutritional benefits and flavor. 

Protein Amount

There are plenty of “protein” bars available that actually contain a measly amount of protein, as little as 4 grams. Well, that’s not going to do much for your gains and it certainly isn’t going to be much help with satiety or hitting your numbers. To make our list, we selected bars that contained significant amounts of protein for the source of protein they contained.

Benefits of Protein Bars for Women

That’s right—deliciously chocolate-covered bars with some creatively added protein can have benefits! Here are some we identified:

Suitable For Low-Carb Diets

When it comes to low-carb diets, it can be quite challenging to stick to the principles if you don’t choose your meals and snacks carefully.

Due to most conventional low-carb diets only allowing an intake of 50 grams of carbs per day with some allowing as little as 20, I wouldn’t blame most women from just training themselves to forget that sweet foods even exist. That’s because fitting those foods into a low-carb diet can be so hard! 

Luckily, innovations in food science are making it easier and easier for people to enjoy their favorite foods, and protein bars are no different. The industry is obviously aware that eating low-carb is common for active individuals. So, many protein bars (and many on this very list) have made an effort to deliver mostly protein unlike similar snacks like granola bars. 

Thus, we are left with a pretty good collection of options when it comes to bars that are higher in fat and protein but still taste great due to the calorie-free sweeteners that are used, so the carbs can easily be taken out and you can still fit a little treat into your day.

Aids in Satiety

One of the things that makes protein bars so awesome is that you have the ability to indulge in something that reminds you of candy while still preventing overeating at the same time. Most snacks we enjoy are high in carbs, but low in protein, and often leave us feeling hungry again soon after. This is not a good snack.

Protein bars, however, can help to control that hunger, especially if your chosen brand is high in fiber and high protein. Both of these compounds digest slowly in the stomach, so you can feel fuller for longer. 

Promotes Higher Protein Consumption

When it comes to changing body composition, it is not uncommon for me to recommend to my athletes to eat as much protein as they can possibly fit into their diet safely, especially if the goal is fat loss while preserving performance. 

Nevertheless, due to the satiating effect of protein we just talked about, it can be difficult to get enough protein by eating food alone. Therefore, when you have a macronutrient goal to meet, you must incorporate protein foods into your day in a strategic manner.

In my experience, the most effective strategy for achieving protein needs is to ditch the high-carb snacks for something rich in protein, like a protein bar. Not only can this break up a monotonous diet of chicken breast and salmon with something a little more palatable, but it’s more portable and convenient to store than most other protein foods. 

Dosing and Interactions 

If protein bars are consumed in moderation, there is no evidence that they can cause any serious side effects. However, many protein bars manipulate their formulation to make the bars taste great without much added sugar. 

To achieve this, the bars are often sweetened with natural sweeteners like stevia and sugar alcohols, which when consumed in excess have been shown to cause many gastrointestinal side effects, including abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Protein Bars for Women

Ready to go out and find your new favorite protein treat? Well put those keys down for just a moment while we tell you what to look out for in a quality protein bar. 

Protein Source and Amount

This is the biggest one. I can’t tell you how many times an athlete has brought a new protein bar to me asking if it’s fine as a post-workout, only for me to see that it’s loaded with sugar, full of saturated fat, and only offers a measly 8 grams of protein. 

So, to avoid selecting what could essentially be a Snickers bar sprinkled with a little whey protein, you want to make sure you’re being economical with your calories. If the bar is high in calories, but relatively low in protein, it might not be optimal, especially for if you’re trying to lose weight. 

Also, if the bar has more grams of fat than grams of protein and the main source of protein isn’t a nut or seed, I say find something else. After all, you are trying to buy a protein bar, not a fat bar. 

Calorie Content

Previously when I said “be economical with your calories” I meant that you should analyze the nutrition facts on your nutrition bars carefully. Try to find protein bars that have a good ratio of calories to protein. Now, if you’re a girl who is trying to bulk up and want to use protein bars to help boost your daily calorie intake, this rule doesn’t apply as much.

For everyone else, however, a bar with a low protein content and a high calorie count is not ideal. So, keep your goals in mind and read your labels carefully to make sure you’re consuming your daily calories wisely by choosing an efficient protein source in your bar. 

Type of Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols are more popular than ever in protein bars because it makes it a sweet treat, but can still be advertised that it is low in sugar because these sweeteners do not contain calories 

If you don’t have a problem with these products, then great! But we do have to warn you. A high consumption of sugar alcohols⁶ is known to cause significant digestive discomfort. 

Studies show that most people can tolerate up to 20 grams of sugar alcohols in a day before they start seeing symptoms, but that same study also says it can vary from person to person. So, if you are a person known to enjoy multiple protein bars in a day and that bar happens to be heavily sweetened with sugar alcohols, you could find yourself in a literal mess.

So, check the nutrition facts label for the presence of sugar alcohols or the ingredient list for something ending in -ol like sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, lactitol, isomalt, or maltitol. If they are present, you’re probably fine, but definitely be aware of how your tummy reacts to multiple servings in a day.

RELATED: What Is Erythritol?

FAQs About the Best Protein Bars for Women

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. Aronica L, Rigdon J, Offringa LC, Stefanick ML, Gardner CD. Examining differences between overweight women and men in 12-month weight loss study comparing healthy low-carbohydrate vs. low-fat diets. Int J Obes (Lond). 2021;45(1):225-234. doi:10.1038/s41366-020-00708-y
2. Dolatian M, Sharifi N, Mahmoodi Z, Fathnezhad-Kazemi A, Bahrami-Vazir E, Rashidian T. Weight gain during pregnancy and its associated factors: A Path analysis. Nurs Open. 2020 Jun 17;7(5):1568-1577. doi: 10.1002/nop2.539
3. Church DD, Hirsch KR, Park S, et al. Essential Amino Acids and Protein Synthesis: Insights into Maximizing the Muscle and Whole-Body Response to Feeding. Nutrients. 2020;12(12):3717. Published 2020 Dec 2. doi:10.3390/nu12123717
4. Gorissen SHM, Crombag JJR, Senden JMG, et al. Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids. 2018;50(12):1685-1695. doi:10.1007/s00726-018-2640-5
5. Gammone MA, Riccioni G, Parrinello G, D’Orazio N. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: Benefits and Endpoints in Sport. Nutrients. 2018;11(1):46. Published 2018 Dec 27. doi:10.3390/nu11010046
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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