These Protein Bars Actually Taste Good and Keep You Full
Finding the best protein bar for you can be overwhelming with so many choices on the market, not to mention their lofty nutrition claims. This popular snack can make a great and convenient solution on the go, but many options on the shelves seem to have nutrition facts and ingredient lists that more closely resemble a candy bar.
Protein is a necessary building block that helps cells grow and repair. The nutrient can be found in a variety of foods from animal-based products like chicken to vegan sources like edamame, and meeting your protein needs is typically easy to achieve if you are eating a variety of foods. A mix of protein from foods that come from plant and animal sources is ideal.
But if you're looking for a quick dose of protein on your way to work or post-workout, a protein bar can be a simple and efficient way to meet your needs. While many might associate the word “protein” with health, a lot of these bars can be full of sugar, artificial ingredients and saturated fats. That's why food and nutrition experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab analyzed dozens of protein bars, closely evaluating ingredients, nutrition facts labels and flavor profiles. We then had real-life taste testers sample the products for feedback on flavor, texture, consistency and more. After careful consideration, we rounded up our top choices for the best protein bars of 2022.
Our top picks:
You can learn more about how we evaluate protein bars — including tips for selecting the best protein bar for you — at the end of this guide. Looking for other delicious and nutritious snacks? Check out the latest winners of the Good Housekeeping 2022 Healthy Snack Awards.
ALOHA
amazon.com
$18.60
Many protein bars contain whey protein, but Aloha manages to create a delicious protein bar that is completely vegan and utilizes a blend of brown rice protein and pumpkin seed protein instead of animal-derived whey. Coming in at 14 grams of protein per bar, this option is also low-carb and free from sugar alcohols and stevia (though some options do contain monk fruit as a sweetener).
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip was a top-rated flavor in our tests, but other honorable mentions were Chocolate Fudge Brownie and Chocolate Mint. Seasonal flavors like Pumpkin Spice also performed well with our testers. We love that the vegan bars are also organic and contain 10 grams of filling fiber.
Testers gave them top scores across the board, raving about the great taste and perfect texture, especially for a plant-based bar. One tester said, "We thought this was one of the best protein bars we've ever tasted!" Another commented that the bars were "easy to bite and easy to chew. It did not have the sawdust texture of most protein bars."
KIND
amazon.com
$17.47
KIND bar fans will love this mega version that is 25% bigger than the original KIND bar and boasts 12 grams of plant-based protein per serving. With only 6 grams of added sugar, the bar is free from artificial flavors and preservatives.
Our registered dietitians love that peanuts and almonds are the first ingredients. The bar is also a good source of fiber too with 5 grams per serving. They are also gluten-free and low in sodium, which is something to take note of since many protein bars sneak in excessively high levels of sodium.
Testers said that the bar felt substantial and tasted delicious, noting that the bars didn't have any artificial aftertaste like many other protein bars on the shelf. Crunchy Peanut Butter and Double Dark Chocolate Nut were top-rated flavors among our testers.
Orgain
amazon.com
$14.84
Finding a good quality organic protein bar that tastes great can be a challenge. But these organic chewy bars from Orgain pack in 10 grams of plant-based protein at only 150 calories per bar.
The protein blend in these bars contains organic pea protein and organic brown rice protein. They even manage to sneak in organic chia seeds, and our experts love that the bars are also naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Testers enjoyed the texture of the bar saying that it wasn't too hard but didn't fall apart either. Many added that it wasn't too sweet, and the cookie dough flavor was the most popular with our panel.
No Cow
amazon.com
$29.99
This new chocolate-dipped protein bar line from No Cow is high in fiber and plant-based protein. You'll find a blend of pea protein and rice protein that packs in at least 20 grams of protein per serving without any dairy, which is a protein level on par with most whey protein bars.
Testers liked that it delivered a ton of protein without whey and also said that the chocolate coating felt decadent. The fiber and protein combo creates a very satisfying bar — just be sure to hydrate before and after eating to aid in the digestion of the fiber.
Dipped Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup and Dipped Chocolate Sprinkled Donut were both tester favorites, as well as Dipped Key Lime Pie. Although the bars contain palm oil, the brand says that they are extremely selective when choosing a palm oil supplier and that their palm oil is considered certified sustainable by the RSPO (Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil).
RXBAR
amazon.com
$23.37
This popular snack brand focuses on wholesome foods and simple ingredient lists. These tasty bars come in a wide variety of flavors and are loaded with 12 grams of protein thanks to nutrient-dense egg whites.
Our registered dietitians point out that these delicious bars are sweetened with dates for binding purposes and contain no added sugar. Plant-based and mini options are also available that were both hits with members of our panel.
Testers said that the bars were very tasty and satisfying, and one described it as "the perfect snack." Chocolate Sea Salt and Peanut Butter Chocolate were both top picks with testers. But the sheer volume of different flavors is what really wowed us, since RXBAR offers everything from Blueberry and Banana Chocolate Walnut to Mint Chocolate and Coconut Chocolate.
Zing Bars
amazon.com
$27.87
Designed by a team of registered dietitians, these chewy bars are completely plant-based and boast a strong 10 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber. They blend nuts, seeds, brown rice and almond protein for a nutrient-dense base.
Our nutrition pros appreciate that each bar is packed with protein, fiber, heart-healthy fats and essential nutrients. The bars are also a source of prebiotic fiber to support digestion. Mini bar options are available too.
The chocolate-covered bars were a standout in our tests for not only their delicious flavor but also their powerful punch of antioxidants. Dark Chocolate Coconut was a top pick, with testers saying it tasted just like an Almond Joy and was "one of the best protein bars I've ever had."
good!
amazon.com
$25.99
Our testers tended to gravitate toward chocolate-covered bars, which is why this bar from good! was another top pick in our tests. Not only is it plant-based but it's also high in fiber and top-rated on Amazon.
The gluten-free and dairy-free bar stood out to our experts for its custom protein blend of fava bean protein and brown rice protein. You'll find almond butter and cocoa powder among other nutritious ingredients in each bite.
Testers said that they were not only great tasting but also very filling and liked the soft texture. The bars accommodate a lot of dietary restrictions, making them a favorite for the whole family. Cookie Dough and Birthday Cake were both tester favorites.
88 Acres
amazon.com
$28.99
Those with food allergies will appreciate that 88 Acres uses a specially dedicated bakery that is free from peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy and sesame. They also pride themselves on sourcing ingredients from single-source suppliers to reduce the risk of cross-contamination with allergens whenever possible.
Not only is this vegan bar free from the top eight allergens, but it's also packed with 12 grams of plant-based protein thanks to organic pumpkin seeds. The Certified Gluten-Free offering was a hit with testers who liked that the bars weren't overly sweet and met their dietary needs.
"I was surprised about how they tasted," said one tester. "I would have never picked them up at the store. After tasting them I will be picking up a few and also giving some to friends."
ONE Brands
amazon.com
$29.94
With flavors like Birthday Cake, Maple Glazed Donut and Pumpkin Pie, this bar will not only cure your sweet tooth but it'll also pack in a protein punch post-workout. These bars are super flavorful and have 20 grams of protein, which is far more than most on the market. They now also come in minis for a portion-controlled treat.
The Certified Gluten-Free pick has no added sugar and manages to pack in 9 grams of fiber too for a filling treat. The bars do contain sucralose, but they are the last ingredient which means the smallest amount by weight.
Testers couldn't get enough of the tasty flavors that felt decadent and had the perfect soft texture. "The best tasting protein bar we've tried," one tester said, and many remarked that they left no weird aftertaste that is common with many protein bars on the market.
IQ BAR
amazon.com
$24.99
These innovative bars are completely vegan and low-carb and designed to contain nutrients like omega 3s, lion's mane, flavonoids and choline to support brain and body health.
The keto-friendly bars are low in sugar too and come in at 180 calories. Our tester panel was impressed that the bars are free from sugar alcohols and manage to pack in superstar nutrient-dense ingredients while also tasting great.
Testers like that the bars were delicious and offered a fresh texture too. Many commented on the wholesome ingredient list and liked that almonds or peanuts were the first ingredients depending on the bar.
Our food and nutrition experts, including registered dietitians in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab, rigorously evaluate thousands of snack samples year-round. For protein bars, we specifically looked for choices with no more than 300 calories per bar and a maximum of 10 grams of added sugar. In order to be considered a protein bar, we required at least 10 grams of protein per serving.
We also feel that fiber is important to help keep you full and balance out the bar's nutrition, which is why we prioritized choices with 3 grams of fiber or more per serving. Sodium counts were kept under 300mg per bar, too.
The second part of our tests involved real-life testers just like you. We sent the bars to testers across the nation for feedback on taste, texture and overall flavor profile and quality.
These Protein Bars Actually Taste Good and Keep You Full
Finding the best protein bar for you can be overwhelming with so many choices on the market, not to mention their lofty nutrition claims. This popular snack can make a great and convenient solution on the go, but many options on the shelves seem to have nutrition facts and ingredient lists that more closely resemble a candy bar.
Protein is a necessary building block that helps cells grow and repair. The nutrient can be found in a variety of foods from animal-based products like chicken to vegan sources like edamame, and meeting your protein needs is typically easy to achieve if you are eating a variety of foods. A mix of protein from foods that come from plant and animal sources is ideal.
But if you're looking for a quick dose of protein on your way to work or post-workout, a protein bar can be a simple and efficient way to meet your needs. While many might associate the word “protein” with health, a lot of these bars can be full of sugar, artificial ingredients and saturated fats. That's why food and nutrition experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab analyzed dozens of protein bars, closely evaluating ingredients, nutrition facts labels and flavor profiles. We then had real-life taste testers sample the products for feedback on flavor, texture, consistency and more. After careful consideration, we rounded up our top choices for the best protein bars of 2022.
Our top picks:
You can learn more about how we evaluate protein bars — including tips for selecting the best protein bar for you — at the end of this guide. Looking for other delicious and nutritious snacks? Check out the latest winners of the Good Housekeeping 2022 Healthy Snack Awards.
Our nutritionists share the best protein bars for women and the best protein bars for men that still taste great and can help with muscle gain and weight loss.
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