Best Vegan Protein Bar (2024): Convenient Plant-Based Protein On the Go

Protein is essential to many aspects of health, playing a role in several biological processes. While our bodies can produce some amino acids, much of our protein needs are met through dietary intake. But you may have to get creative with your protein supplements when you don’t consume animal products. Enter vegan protein bars.

Our qualified team of testers tried dozens of products to find the best vegan protein bar on the market. Our search came up with 10 outstanding products that meet a variety of health and fitness needs. These protein bars have set the bar high, and we’ve got the breakdown below.

RELATED: Best Vegan Protein Powder

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.

10 Best Vegan Protein Bars

• Best Vegan Protein Bar Overall: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bars
• Best Vegan Protein Bar for Athletes: 1st Phorm Vegan Power Pro Bars
• Best Vegan Protein Bar with Pea Protein: GoMacro Bars
• Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Bar: NuGo Protein Bar
• Best Low-Carb Vegan Protein Bar: BHU Bars
• Best Minimal Vegan Protein Bar: Larabar
• Best Vegan Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Orgain Organic Protein Bars
• Best High-Protein Vegan Protein Bar: NoCow Bars
• Best Vegan Protein Bar with Soy Protein: Misfits
• Best Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Bar: GoRaw Organic Sprouted Bar

Best Vegan Protein Bar Overall: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bars

Good for: Maximizing protein intake on the go

Best Overall

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.

Bulletproof’s protein bars harness the power of pea protein to help those who follow a vegan diet increase their protein intake. Each bar provides 11 grams of protein and 14 to 16 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the flavor. With macros like that, it’s no meal replacement, but with just 1 gram of sugar (and no added sugar!), it can be a satisfying snack without the energy crash.

RELATED: Pea Protein Benefits

In the search for the best vegan protein bar, Kate Meier, GGR head of content, and her weightlifting team tested the Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bars. All nine testers gave the protein bar their stamp of approval. Kate shared their overall experience:

“Based on taste alone, I’d eat this again! I had about eight other people try these bars, and all eight said they enjoyed it. That’s pretty solid. Just 11 grams of protein is a bummer; would love to see that protein content higher.”

Based on the team’s experience, it’s no surprise that the protein bar scored 4 out of 5 for taste. Kate tried the peanut butter chocolate chip flavor.

“There is definitely peanut butter in this bar, with just a hint of the chocolate chip. Overall, it tastes like a “healthy” peanut butter bar. The flavors are there, but not fully there like you’d get in something loaded with fat and sugar.”

In addition to peanut butter chocolate chip, Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bars come in coconut chocolate chip, chocolate mint chip, and salted caramel. Yum. As far as texture goes, it gets a 3.5 out of 5. “For a bar advertised as “crisp,” this is a little chewy, but in a good way. It’s definitely not crunchy,” says Kate.

Best Vegan Protein Bar for Athletes: 1st Phorm Vegan Power Pro Bars

Good for: Meeting increased demands from athletic training

Best for Athletes

1st Phorm Vegan Power Pro Bars

GGR Score: 3.33

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Product Highlights

• Vegan
• 15 g of protein per bar
• Gluten-free
• Proprietary vitamin blend added
• 5 flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great to help meet macro- or micronutrient goals
• Produced in the U.S.
• Unique flavors compared to other brands
• Vegan
• Good option for people who are lactose-intolerant
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• No trans fat

Cons

• A little pricier than some of their protein bar competition
• Not a huge selection of flavors available
• Kind of chalky—typical plant-based protein texture

Bottom Line

If you are lactose-intolerant or follow a vegan diet, this is one of the few protein options that is made specifically for you. 1st Phorm has worked hard to create a unique product that will fill in that gap, and with 5 tasty options, you should be able to find one (or more) that you like.

Athletes in the thick of training have an increased demand for protein—you can’t build muscle out of thin air! However, athletes following a vegan lifestyle often need to get creative with their protein intake. That’s where 1st Phorm Vegan Power Pro Bars come into play.

Each 1st Phorm vegan protein bar provides 15 grams of protein sourced from peanut butter and pea protein. These bars pack a punch nutritionally, providing 19 to 24 grams of carbs and 15 to 20 grams of fat, depending on the flavor.

Lauren Strong, GGR staff writer, put 1st Phorm Vegan Power Pro Bars to the test. She gave them a 4 out of 5 for the formulation, as they have decent protein content for a vegan bar, but her overall impression seemed a little meh.

“Probably OK for vegans but not recommended for people who can/want to eat whey. Although 1st Phorm doesn’t advertise this anywhere on the package, it is soy free—top ingredients on both flavors are peanut butter and pea protein,” she says.

The taste of these protein bars seemed to be a hard sell, earning a 3 out of 5 from Lauren:

“These were not good IMO. These are 1st Phorm, which has a great reputation, but this is also a vegan product. Both flavors I bought are chocolate-based but taste so close to dirt it’s not even funny. The reviews are awesome on the website, but those people were probably vegan! I also want to note that 1st Phorm makes you order two entire boxes when purchasing this vegan protein bar.”

Texture scored 2 out of 5, and Lauren didn’t hold back when explaining why:

“The texture is how you’d imagine a dried cow patty would feel in your mouth. It’s so dense and dry. It even looks dry when you bite into it. It’s like little bits of dry sawdust are blended in,” she says.

Vegan athletes who can get past the taste and texture will likely be satisfied with the protein in the 1st Phorm vegan protein bars. If the flavor deters you, you can always try their vegan protein powders instead.

Best Vegan Protein Bar with Pea Protein: GoMacro Bars

Good for: Vegan athletes who do not tolerate soy protein

Best With Pea Protein

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.

It’s not uncommon for vegan protein supplements to include pea protein in their ingredient lists, but GoMacro really does it well. GoMacro MacroBars provides 10 to 12 grams of protein, depending on the flavor, but they almost taste like a candy bar.

RELATED: Best Pea Protein Powder

Frieda Johnson, GGR editor, echoes the same:

“These were one of the more popular kinds in my household,” she says. “They taste more like a cookie than most protein bars, but they also have way more carbs than most protein bars. With only 12 grams of protein and 35 grams of carbs, I would consider these a decent healthy snack with lots of organic ingredients, but I wouldn’t necessarily consider them a “protein bar.” 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.”

MacroBars are available in several unique flavors, including oatmeal chocolate chip, salted caramel + chocolate chips, peanut butter chocolate chip, mocha chocolate chip, lemon + lemon, blueberry + cashew butter, coconut + almond butter + chocolate chips, double chocolate + peanut butter chips, mint chocolate chip, banana + almond butter, peanut butter, maple sea salt, sunflower butter + chocolate, dark chocolate + almonds, and cashew caramel.

Frieda gave their taste a 4.5 out of 5, saying, “These taste pretty close to an oatmeal cookie, with the oatmeal flavor the most prominent and almost a maple syrup flavor after that. These ones were my daughter’s favorite, but everyone else in my family liked them, too.”

Texture also fared well, with a score of 4 out of 5:

“The texture is a little bit stickier than an oatmeal cookie, but not as much as a more traditional protein bar. There are actual oats and chocolate chips in it, so it has some texture.”

All of GoMacro’s bars use vegan-friendly, non-GMO food ingredients. Plus, the MacroBars are gluten-, dairy-, and soy-free, making them appropriate for athletes with any corresponding intolerances. The price per serving is higher than other vegan protein bars, and it’s worth noting that organic brown rice syrup is the first listed ingredient. This means it holds the most weight in the product and accounts for most of what you’re spending your money on.

RELATED: Best Low Sugar Protein Bars

Best-Tasting Vegan Protein Bar: NuGo Protein Bars

Good for: Those who prioritize taste in their supplement routine

Best-Tasting

NuGo Protein Bars

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Made with real chocolate coating
• Gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO  
• 10-13 grams of protein

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Taste is popular
• No sugar alcohols
• Gluten free
• Kid-friendly
• Vegan

Cons

• Some reports of damaged packaging
• High sugar count

Bottom Line

NuGo bars are an affordable protein bar made with non-GMO and gluten-free ingredients providing a moderate amount of protein and low fat count. They come in both dairy-based and vegan options.

Let’s be real—if something doesn’t taste good, we’re less likely to eat it, and if we don’t eat it, it can’t do our bodies any good. But that’s not an issue when it comes to the NuGo Protein Bar because it’s our top pick for the best-tasting vegan protein bar.

RELATED: Best Tasting Protein Bars

Frieda Johnson, GGR editor, put them to the test and gave them a thumbs up and a 5 out of 5 for taste:

“These are amazing! The mint chocolate chip flavor tastes like Thin Mints! My whole family agreed that these were the best-tasting ones we tried. You can really tell that they use real dark chocolate instead of the fake, waxy stuff most brands use.”

She went on to say, “These are the only vegan protein bars I tried that I would seriously consider buying again. They are reasonably priced and taste amazing. They are not super high in protein, but I can live with that. If you want the experience of eating Thin Mint cookies, but vegan, gluten-free, and with added protein, I can’t recommend these enough.”

Their high carb-to-protein ratio earned them a 2.5 out of 5 for formulation. Depending on the flavor, each bar provides only 11 to 13 grams of protein and 25 to 27 grams of carbs. The carbohydrates may outweigh the primary focus of a protein bar, but they also contribute to the delectable taste and texture.

Frieda gave NuGo Protein Bars 5 out of 5 for texture, saying, “I really like the texture. They have a crispy rice texture, covered in chocolate that really is like eating a candy bar or cookie. Not too gooey and not too dry.”

RELATED: Best Protein Cookies

Best Low-Carb Vegan Protein Bars: BHU Protein Bars

Good for: Vegan athletes monitoring their blood sugar levels

Best Low-Carb

BHU Foods Refrigerated Protein Bars

GGR Score: 3.93

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Product Highlights

• Refrigerated plant-based protein bars sweetened with monk fruit
• Consistency of cookie dough 
• Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, no sugar alcohols, no cane sugar, no artificial ingredients
• Protein derived from vegan pea protein powder
• 10 flavors include peanut butter and jelly cookie dough, strawberry cheesecake dough, chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough, white chocolate macadamia cookie dough, double dark chocolate cookie dough, chocolate coconut, snickerdoodle, caramel peanut butter chocolate chip, and mint double dark chocolate chip

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Texture of cookie dough
• No sugar alcohols
• No artificial ingredients
• Convenient option

Cons

• Many do not like the newest recipe of these bars
• Inconsistent taste of bars depending on batch received

Bottom Line

If you are a fan of cookie dough and looking for a bar that is both keto-friendly and able to satisfy that sweet craving, the BHU Foods Refrigerated Protein Bars may be for you.

The primary purpose behind a protein bar is *drumroll* to increase your protein intake. However, many protein bars are carbohydrate-dense, which skews their calorie content and affects blood sugar levels. So we set out to find the best low-carb vegan protein bar, and we found BHU Protein Bars.

Lauren Strong, GGR staff writer, tested BHU Protein Bars and gave them her stamp of approval:

“Great bar! The one thing is this bar is only convenient at home because you have to keep them refrigerated and when you eat them you can tell your fingers start to warm the bar up.”

They get a 3.5 out of 5 for formulation, as each bar only provides 7 to 13 grams of protein, depending on the flavor. However, they have a low sugar content with only 1 to 3 grams of net carbs and around 15 grams of fiber—hence our top pick for the best low-carb protein bar.

RELATED: Best Low-Carb Protein Powder

And low-carb doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice taste. BHU Protein Bars are sweetened with healthful monk fruit. The taste absolutely didn’t disappoint, earning a 5 out of 5 score. “Taste is great. They are super easy to eat. Flavor on the label was actually how the bar tasted, with a creamy texture. Dessert-tasting without being too sweet,” says Lauren.

Same with texture—5 out of 5. Lauren highlighted the protein bar’s soft doughy texture, saying it was almost buttery to bite into!

The keto-friendly protein bars are offered in various chocolatey flavors, including dark chocolate coconut almond, chocolate chip cookie dough, and peanut butter white chocolate, among others. Fans of the ever-popular peanut butter cup candy may like BHU’s peanut butter chocolate chip flavor.

Best Minimal Vegan Protein Bars: Larabar

Good for: Those who prefer whole food sources without artificial ingredients

Best Minimal

LARABAR

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Fruit and nut bar
• Minimal ingredients
• 26 flavors 
• Vegan
• Dairy-free
• No artificial ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fair Trade Certified cocoa and coffee
• No preservatives, fillers, or colorings
• Good source of fiber
• Flavor variety

Cons

• Not high in protein
• High in fat
• No suitable for keto
• Nut suitable for nut allergies

Bottom Line

LARABAR offers a minimal ingredient snack bar in 26 different flavors running from Key Lime Pie to Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. You can purchase a single LARABAR at grocery stores like Food Lion, Publix, and Whole Foods. You can also buy LARABAR in bulk from Amazon.

Sometimes, less is more, and Larabar gets that with their vegan protein bars. They are made from plant-based ingredients, including fruits, nuts, and spices. But the ingredient lists are short—some as few as two ingredients, but no more than seven.

Frieda Johnson, GGR editor, purchases the Larabar vegan protein bars regularly and was willing to share her experience:

“These are one of the snacks I purchase fairly regularly. I like to keep one in my bag for when I’m on the go and need a quick snack that feels like dessert.”

Frieda gave Larabars a 5 out of 5 for taste, saying, “I’ve tried a lot of different flavors and I’ve liked them all. My favorites include Double Chocolate Truffle, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Apple Pie.”

While they may be a good snack to eat in a pinch and their list of natural ingredients may appeal to some, they have a very low protein content. For that reason, its formulation scored a mere 1 out of 5. Each bar provides 3 to 6 grams of protein, with a much higher carbohydrate and fat content. 

Because these vegan bars use whole foods, they have a satisfying consistency. They earned a perfect 5 out of 5 for texture.

“They are chewy with bits of nuts and fruit in them, depending on the flavor. I’ve never had issues with them being too dry or any of the other issues I sometimes have with bars,” says Frieda.

Larabar protein bars are sold at many retailers, but their cost per serving is quite affordable through Amazon. At around $1.00 per bar, it’s a cost-effective and convenient snack.

Best Vegan Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Orgain Organic Protein Bars

Good for: Those counting calories on a vegan diet

Best for Weight Loss

Orgain Organic Protein Bar

GGR Score: 4

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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.

If your health goals include weight loss, Orgain’s plant-based bars might be worth a try. Lauren Strong, GGR staff writer, tested the Orgain Organic Protein Bars and was surprised by how much she liked them since she’s not vegan and is used to whey protein bars:

“Very surprised how much I liked this bar considering it’s vegan. There is a little of that after-taste you get from some of these artificial ingredients like erythritol.”

Overall, the Orgain Organic Protein Bar has good macros, so it gets 3.5 out of 5 for its formulation. With 10 grams of protein per bar, it has a good protein-to-calorie ratio—ideal for those tracking energy intake and expenditure.

Of course, trying to lose weight doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor. Orgain’s plant-based protein bars get a 5 out of 5 for both taste and texture. Lauren even highlighted the protein bar’s delicious taste, despite its unique ingredients:

“Really good and this was a vegan bar (soy-free) with pea and brown rice proteins.”

She went on to say, “I liked the texture, it resembles the texture of cookie dough, (soft, chewy, raw-doughy) which is nice because it matches the flavor. Not sure how this ultra-compressed texture will do with the other flavors.”

Best High-Protein Vegan Protein Bar: NoCow

Good for: Vegan athletes who need to significantly increase their protein intake 

No Cow Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Plant-based protein bar 
• Non-GMO, gluten-free, keto-friendly, dairy-free 
• 12 flavors available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12 flavors
• Certified gluten-free
• Subscribe and save 10%
• Vegan
• Soy-free

Cons

• No variety pack available
• Contains erythritol, which may cause an upset stomach
• Reportedly bad customer service
• Mixed reviews on taste

Bottom Line

No Cow’s protein bars are a vegan and gluten-free option with 20–22 grams of protein but with extremely mixed reviews on flavor.

If you’re on the hunt for a plant-based bar with maximum protein content, check out NoCow’s protein bars. Listen to their nutrition facts: 20 grams of plant-based protein, 1 gram of sugar, and 15 grams of fiber. *Insert chef’s kiss* Formulation gets a 5 out of 5.

Kate Meier, GGR head of content, and her weightlifting team put NoCow bars to the test and gave them a 3 out of 5 for taste.

“Out of all of them, the birthday cake and the chocolate fudge were voted as best. For the most part, we could eat the entire bar, but it wouldn’t be our favorite thing. You can tell there is an attempt to fulfill the flavor on the label, but it’s just that—a flavoring, clearly not close to the real thing. It was suggested that I put one in the fridge—doing that and will update back.”

Kate went on to say, “I do think that the dipped bars taste a little better than the plain ones, because the “dip” adds a little more moisture and better texture.”              

Frieda Johnson, GGR editor, also tried NoCow bars and decided she wouldn’t buy these again based on the flavors alone:

“As someone who eats more dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, etc. than most people on my team, these were about what I expected; not the best I’ve ever tried, but not the worst, either. Some of the flavors have a really strong stevia/sugar alcohol aftertaste, in my opinion (although my family was split 50/50, with half of us not noticing it and half being bothered by it). We all agreed that the Birthday Cake flavor was the best, and it actually tasted pretty good with less of the aftertaste of the other flavors. We thought the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough was the worst.”

Texture scored 3 out of 5, with Kate mentioning, “These are on the dry side. Some are dipped, some are “naked”; they all have that nougat-like texture, but because they are dry, it is mealy, not moist. I noticed with three of the bars that my teeth felt grainy while I was eating these; definitely suggest having water on hand.”

But remember how Kate was going to report back after letting the protein sit in the fridge for a bit? She’s good on her word!

“Update: I put the dipped chocolate fudge brownie bar in the fridge, and that actually did help the taste a little. It didn’t seem quite so dry. It does still leave that grainy feeling on your teeth, but I actually did eat the entire thing. It still wouldn’t be my go-to bar, but I do think that refrigerating helps!” says Kate.

Best Vegan Protein Bar with Soy Protein: Misfits

Good for: Athletes who prefer soy protein sources 

Best with Soy Protein

Misfits Plant-Powered Protein Bars

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Vegan
• Low in sugar
• 15 g of protein per bar
• Gluten-free
• Plant-based protein

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Suitable for a variety of diets
• Plant-based protein
• Rich flavors
• Many flavors to choose from
• Only 1 g sugar

Cons

• Contains sugar alcohols
• Texture is somewhat dry and chalky
• Some buyers felt the flavor is overrated

Bottom Line

These multi-textured bars use plant-based protein and provide a total of 15 grams per bar. While they’re suitable for a variety of diet types, be aware that these bars contain sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive upset in some people.

Vegan protein supplements often use soy protein, but not all do it well. We think Misfits hit it out of the park with their Plant-Powdered Choc Protein Bar. Each bar provides 15 grams of protein sourced from a blend that includes pea protein isolate, soy protein isolate, and soy protein nuggets made with tapioca starch.

Amanda Capritto, CPT and nutrition coach, tested Misfits’ Plant-Powdered Choc Protein Bars and awarded them a 3 out of 5 for formulation. With a protein content of 15 grams and carbs knocking on 20 grams’ door, the ratio leaves you wanting more from your protein bar.

Taste scored a little better with a 3.75 out of 5.

“While these are much better than most vegan protein products I’ve tried, they’re still not great. I think I was disappointed because the marketing photography is so bomb and these look delicious online. They look so sad compared to the photos online. So maybe had these not been overhyped in my head, I would’ve liked them better. Definitely taste the xylitol in the Cookie Butter flavor,” says Amanada.

And if you like variety in your protein bar’s texture, you won’t be disappointed with Misfits. They scored a 4 out of 5 for their texture. What kinds of texture do these bars offer? Amanda broke it down perfectly:

“Texture is where these shine. There are a variety of textures in one bar, which I really like. You have the confectionary coating, a thin chewy layer, and then the main nougat-y layer which has some crunchies in it.”

Best Gluten-Free Vegan Protein Bar: GoRaw Organic Sprouted Bar

Good for: Vegan athletes with a gluten intolerance

Best Gluten-Free

Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Sprouted Bars

GGR Score: 4.1

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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.

Those with a gluten intolerance may need a gluten-free, vegan protein bar that doesn’t contribute to inflammation or discomfort. Packed with nutrient-dense sprouted seeds and other wholesome ingredients, GoRaw Organic Sprouted protein bars might be your answer.

Frieda Johnson, GGR editor, tried these protein bars and shared her experience:

“I really like these. They aren’t very high in protein, at only 3 grams, but the fats and carbs are mostly from seeds, so they’re a nice, healthy snack. They’re small, so one isn’t enough if you’re really hungry, but it’s a more convenient equivalent to eating a handful of nuts or seeds as a light snack that’s high in healthy fats.”

Taste and texture both get a 4 out of 5, with Frieda saying, “These are good! 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.”

GoRaw Organic Sprouted Bars are only available in two flavors—pumpkin seed and spirulina sesame. Both flavors contain just a handful of ingredients, all soy-, GMO-, nut- and gluten-free. The pumpkin seed bar is marketed to have plant-based superfoods, which help keep the fat and carb content low.

GoRaw protein bars only contain 2 to 3 grams of protein, depending on your flavor. There is a larger size bar available that includes 6 to 9 grams of protein, although the GoRaw website didn’t have any in stock at the time of testing. 

Other Vegan Protein Bars We Researched

In our search for the best vegan protein bar, we tried dozens of products. You know we don’t do anything halfway around here! While not all of the products could fit on our list, we felt that some still deserved recognition—and maybe a few warranted a slight warning.

Rise Bars: While we liked the non-vegan version of these bars, the vegan kind was very dry, hard, and crumbly—like tightly compressed sawdust.

Evo Hemp bars: We liked these, actually—if you’re in need of a hemp protein bar, try this one!

ProBar: With 11 grams of protein but 400 calories in a bar, we just thought the macros were a bit off—they are tasty, though. 

Dang Bars: We like the taste of these, but we’re not fans of the texture—they’re dry. If you can get past the chalky texture, these bars contain nutrient-rich ingredients like sunflower seeds and chicory.

Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars: We didn’t care for the taste or texture of these.

Huel Complete Nutrition Bar: Not fans of the taste here: They are coated with a “cocoa coating” that is very waxy and tastes strongly of sugar alcohol.

Garden of Life Fit Plant-Based Bar: These are solid for a vegan protein bar but not better than any on this list.

How We Picked and Tested the Best Vegan Protein Bars

We didn’t take it easy on the protein bars we tested. In our search for the best protein bars for a vegan lifestyle, we tried dozens of products, analyzing them on a professional and personal level. We are a team of certified personal trainers, registered dietitian nutritionists, coaches, and athletes, all with fitness and health goals similar to yours.

Like you, we want to be the best versions of ourselves, and we know that the products we consume matter. We selected products that satisfied high standards and met a variety of needs. We considered the macronutrient ratios, ingredient lists, taste, texture, and cost.

Benefits of Vegan Protein Bars

Vegan protein bars offer a list of health benefits.

Plant-Based Protein Keeps You Fuller For Longer

Vegan protein sources, like nuts and seeds, are high in fiber. And since fiber takes longer to digest, vegan protein bars can keep you fuller for longer. This can help with weight loss efforts and support a healthy gut. Many people even rely on vegan protein bars as a healthy post-workout snack.

RELATED: Protein Snack Ideas

Plant-Based Protein Can Support Energy Levels

Many people question if whey protein contributes to feelings of fatigue. On the other hand, plant-based proteins are easy to digest, freeing up blood flow to other important systems in the body. When your body can spend less energy digesting a protein bar, it has more energy to supply to your workout or day-to-day life.

Plant-Based Protein Can Support a Healthy Gut

Research points to a connection¹ between a plant-based lifestyle and a healthy GI system. The rich nutrient profile of vegan foods supports a healthy gut microbiome by increasing beneficial microflora and reducing inflammation. And since most vegan protein bars prioritize whole food ingredients, many include prebiotic dietary fiber that feeds the good gut bacteria while also avoiding the use of artificial sweeteners that can contribute to GI distress.

Plant-Based Protein is Rich in Nutrients

Those who follow a vegan lifestyle know how meticulous you need to be to ensure you meet your nutrient needs without the use of animal products. Vegan protein bars typically utilize various whole food sources, providing a plethora of nutrients. Vegan bars can be rich in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support good overall health.

Dosing and Interactions 

Vegan protein bars can fit into a well-balanced diet when consumed mindfully. However, they should not regularly serve as meal replacement supplements, especially those that have a lower protein content. If you have questions about incorporating plant-based protein bars into your diet, consider reaching out to a registered dietitian nutritionist for personalized guidance. An RDN can help you maximize your nutrition intake to pursue your health goals and avoid any potential interactions.

RELATED: Best Meal Replacement Shakes

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Vegan Protein Bars

When searching for a vegan protein bar, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the most nutritious bar:

Ingredients

Carefully read the list of ingredients and opt for those with recognizable ingredients. Choose a vegan protein bar with natural, whole-food ingredients, and avoid those with artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and additives.

Protein Content

We can’t overlook the importance of a protein bar’s protein content. Check the nutrition facts to ensure each bar provides enough protein per serving to meet your health goals. Compare the calorie-to-protein ratios and account for the carbs and fat provided.

Protein Source

Plant-based protein sources include pea protein, brown rice protein, hemp protein, and soy protein. Though it may take some trial and error, look for protein sources that your body can tolerate.

RELATED: Different Types of Protein

Fiber Content

Fiber plays a significant role in overall health. Adequate fiber intake is essential for gut health, blood sugar control, and cardiovascular health. A good vegan protein bar should contribute to your daily fiber intake.

Sugar Content

Pay mind to the sugar content in your vegan protein bars. Many protein bars can be high in added sugars, so look for bars with a low sugar content. Opt for vegan bars that are sweetened with natural sources like stevia, monk fruit, dates, and agave.

Brand Reputation

Brand reputation holds a lot of weight in the search for the best vegan protein bar. You want to trust the company that manufactures such a substantial part of your healthy diet. Look for brands committed to quality, safety, sustainability, and ethical sourcing.

Price

Budget always plays a role in grocery shopping—especially these days! Compare prices among varieties and remember that high-quality ingredients and certifications may increase the price per serving. Find a balance between quality and cost that works for your budget.

Vegan Protein Bars: FAQs

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. Glick-Bauer M, Yeh MC. The health advantage of a vegan diet: exploring the gut microbiota connection. Nutrients. 2014;6(11):4822-4838. Published 2014 Oct 31. doi:10.3390/nu6114822

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD

Chelsea Rae Bourgeois is a registered dietitian nutritionist with several years of experience working in the clinical setting. Once a track and field athlete in the Southeastern Conference, she now finds joy in combining her passions as a health writer to help people embrace their wellness through nutrition and fitness. When she’s not writing, you can find her outside with her kids or dancing to Dolly Parton in the kitchen.

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