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The Best Protein Bars for Every Kind of Person

Closeup face of young sporty woman biting a nutritive energy bar outside.
Rido/Shutterstock

It may be a drop in the buck of the health supplement world to some workout fanatics out there, but the truth is that protein bars are among the most accessible and enjoyable options for every kind of athlete, weight watcher, and midday snacker. If you’re in the market for a new kind of protein bar, here are a few options we think you ought to check out.

What to Look for in Your Next Box of Protein Bars

Consider these factors when making a selection:

  • Purpose: It shouldn’t surprise you to know that there are various protein bars available that accomplish different tasks for different types of protein consumers. Some protein bars are ideal for people heading in or out of a big workout, while others enjoy them as a meal replacement in a larger effort to shed a few unwanted pounds. It’s crucial that you outline what you hope to gain from a protein bar in pursuit of ideal results.
  • Ingredients: On the back end of getting ideal results out of your purchase, it’s important to consider the ingredients and overall health nutrition that’s coming out of every bar you peel from the wrapper. You can always expect a protein bar to deliver the macronutrient in its title, but some options are heartier than others, some are cleaner, and some are sweeter than candy. Seek out options that appeal to your lifestyle.
  • Assorted Flavors: Finally, it never hurts to bring a bit of tasty range to the forefront of your protein bar selection. One of the biggest deterrents most consumers have with protein-related supplements is their association with words like “chalky,” “bitter,” or “bland.” Seek out an option that avoids the missteps of other health bar packs with the type of flavor variety that will make you want to rip open a wrapper at any time of the day.

Best for Weight Loss: Atkins Protein Meal Bars

A 1.69-ounce Atkins protein bar that features 15 grams of protein dispersed between chunks of almond, peanut butter, and a chocolate drizzle.

Arguably the leading brand in the dietary supplement movement for the last four decades, these Atkins Protein Meal Bars are the kind of delicious treats that you wouldn’t mind passing up a traditional lunch plate for. Included in this carton are five rich and crispy chocolate almond caramel flavored protein bars, each containing 15 grams of protein, 3 grams of net carbs, and 10 grams of fiber per serving. These bars perfectly accommodate people who are eating gluten-free, partaking in the Atkins keto diet, and needing a post-workout treat.

Best for Weight Loss

Atkins Chocolate Almond Caramel Bar, Keto-Friendly, Gluten Free with Real Almond Butter, 5 Count

A box of crisp and tasty protein bars that contain all the fiber and protein necessary to ease off the pounds.

Best for Weight Gain: MET-Rx Big 100 Colossal Protein Bars

Two types of chocolatey protein bars in one box

Bulking season is no joke, so if you’re looking to put on some serious mass, then check out these MET-Rx Big 100 Colossal Protein Bars. These bars contain some of the highest protein levels around, containing 30-to-32 high-energy grams per bar. These protein bars are packed the kind of vitamins and minerals athletes find most necessary in aiding the growth, strength, and recovery of lean muscles. There are 12 snacks to a package: 8 Super Cookie Crunch and 4 Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. So, whether you’re looking for a big boost after your workout or need a hearty meal replacement on the go, you’ll find plenty to love.

Best for Weight Gain

MET-Rx Big 100 Protein Bars, Meal Replacement Bars, Variety Pack - Super Cookie Crunch and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars, 12 Count, 3.52 Oz.

A 12-count box of protein bars that offer some of the highest protein levels among available workout supplements.

Best Flavor Variety: Pure Protein Bars

A variety pack which includes three types of protein bar flavors: birthday cake, lemon cake, and and salted caramel.

A massive value chock full of flavor, this variety bundle of Pure Protein Bars includes three exciting flavors between 18 bars total. Split between three packs of six bars, protein consumers get their pick of three different bundles: 1) Chocolate Peanut Caramel, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Cup; 2) Birthday Cake, Lemon Cake, Chocolate Salted Caramel; 3) Cookie Dough, Chocolate Caramel, Peanut Butter Cup. This lineup is a far cry from the flavor athletes are used to seeing, but what is familiar is the inclusion of great pre- and post-workout nutrients. Each bar contains at least 20 grams of protein, amounting to 120 grams per box and 360 grams per bundle, making for a high-energy snack that doesn’t skimp out on the flavor.

Best Organic Bar: ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Bars

A 12-count of 1.98 ounce chocolate fudge brownie protein bars.

Protein bars are inherently fixated on a user’s health, but are they always necessarily healthy? These ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Bars lay that question to rest with treats that accommodate every type of snack enjoyer, from the vegan community to the gluten-free crowd. There are eight different bar flavors, which range from crisp Vanilla Almond Crunch to silky smooth chocolate fudge brownie. Each bar features a plant-based protein derived from a blend of organic pumpkin seeds and organic brown rice to provide a clean source of energy and not one fueled by fats and excess sugar. This is an all-natural, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO health bar that really cares about what you’re putting into your body.

Best Organic Bar

Best Low-Sugar Bar: ONE MINIS Protein Bars

A 30-count of miniature donut-flavored protein bars that are half the size of standard options.

Offering users 30 miniature health bars in two unique flavors, these ONE MINIS Protein Bars know how to pack a wallop of sweet flavor in just 80 calories and under 1 gram of sugar per serving. By creating a protein bar that’s nearly half the size of a typical bar, athletes, munchers, and all who are on the go can enjoy their sugar intake in moderation while consuming 7 grams of protein to boot. This is an ideal choice not only for users who are health conscious by choice, but it’s an especially necessary option for those who must remain vigilant of their sugar intake by circumstance. In addition to Maple Glazed Doughnut, users can also select a 30-pack of Birthday Cake MINIS.

Best Low-Sugar Bar

ONE MINIS Protein Bars, Maple Glazed Doughnut, Gluten-Free Protein Bar with 7g Protein and Less Than 1g Sugar, Snacking for Fitness Diets, 0.78 Ounce (30 Pack)

This 30-pack of miniature protein bars offers two sweet flavors while containing no more than 1 gram of sugar per serving.

Hollis Mills Hollis Mills
Hollis Mills is a freelance journalist and a content writer for LifeSavvy. He has a bachelor's degree in English literature, and as an undergraduate at Texas A&M University, Hollis wrote and edited for the nationally recognized student newspaper, The Battalion. When he's not writing, you can find him complaining about Boston Celtics basketball or giving plenty of peanut butter biscuits to his always-hungry Catahoula dog, Blue. Read Full Bio »
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