20 Best Healthy Protein Bars for Weight Loss

 

20 Best Healthy Protein Bars for Weight Loss 

Before we get into the list, it’s important to note that the perfect protein bar does not exist. If they are higher in protein and low in sugars, it’s probably because they use sugar alcohols. And if they are made with whole ingredients, then the sugar content is usually a little higher because they do use dates and other fruits to sweeten the bars. Keeping this in mind, let’s get into it!

This list is not exhaustive and these are listed randomly without being in a particular order.

1. RXBAR

RXBARs are pretty popular. The ingredients are printed on the cover of each bar making it one of the most eye catching protein bars out there. They are made with simple ingredients and are a great post-workout or on the go snack. However, they do contain egg whites which may not be ideal for vegans and vegetarians. 

Nutrition Facts: 12g protein, 5g fiber, 0g added sugar, calories 210 

2. GoMacro 

GoMacro bars pride themselves on being “bigger than a bar”. They are organic, vegan and consist of simple ingredients. They also have around 12g of protein per bar but added sugars can be a little high. However, the added sugars are from real sugar and not artificial sweeteners which may not be a bad thing as artificial sweeteners can cause some gut discomfort for some. 

Nutrition Facts: 11g protein, 2g fiber, 12g added sugar, calories 290 

3. Quest 

Quest Protein Bars are also one of the popular options out there. They are high in protein and fiber making them a good bar between meals or post workout. 

Nutrition Facts: 21g protein, 15g fiber, 1g Sugar, calories 190

4. Hungry Buddha

Hungry Buddha is a great plant-based protein bar for all lifestyles. It does not contain a high protein content but is one of the healthier options out there.

Nutrition Facts: 9g protein, 14g fiber, 1g sugar, calories 170

5. One

These ONE bars are not only high in protein but also fiber! It is a great snack to feel full post workout or during the day. 

Nutrition Facts: 20g protein, 8g fiber, 1g sugar, calories 210

6. Perfect Bar

These Perfect Protein Bars are not only a great source of protein but also taste good! Although these bars are refrigerated, they can last up to 1 week out of the fridge making them a great on the go snack. 

Nutrition Facts: 15g protein, 5g fiber, 12g sugar, calories 330

7. Pure Protein

Pure Protein bars are lower in sugar than other bars. They are a good snack for those trying to lose weight or build muscle. They also have 20 grams of protein and are only around 200 calories making them one of the better choices if your goal is weight loss. 

Nutrition Facts: 20g protein, 1g fiber, 2g sugar, calories 200

8. Misfits

These Misfits Chocolate S’Mores bars are also plant-based and vegan. They contain 15g of protein making them a great on the go snack! 

Nutrition Facts: 15g protein, 10.3g fiber, 3g sugar, calories 205  

9. Epic Performance Bar

Epic are known for their meat bars but recently added their non-meat Performance bar! They are made with simple ingredients with 12g of protein and 0 grams of added sugars. If you want a ‘natural’ approach to protein bars, these bars are a great alternative and are a personal favorite.

Nutrition Facts: 12g Protein, 3g fiber, 0g added sugar, calories 210

10. Aloha 

These Aloha bars are made with great ingredients. They are plant-based which is perfect for those who cannot consume gluten or dairy. Although they do not have the highest protein content, they are still a great choice. 

Nutrition Facts: 14g protein, 10g fiber, 3g added sugar, calories 240 

11. Rise Bar

These Rise bars are a great bar if you do not like peanut butter protein bars. They are high in protein and made with 3 simple ingredients, including honey. This means that they are going to be a little higher in sugar content but the sweetener is honey, which in my opinion is a winner. 

Nutrition Facts: 20g protein, 4g fiber, calories 280

12. Lenny & Larry’s

The Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Cookie-fied Bar by Lenny & Larry’s is made with plant-based protein. These bars are small, but are packed with 12g of protein. They are smooth, crunchy with a hint of sea salt!

Nutrition Facts: 12g protein, 5g fiber, 6g sugar, calories 170 

13. Simply Protein

These Simply Protein bars are great for that 3pm hunger crash as well as being plant-based. They contain 13g of fiber and 11g of protein making them a very filling snack. 

Nutrition Facts: 11g protein, 13g fiber, 0g added sugar, calories 190

14. G2G 

These G2G bars are great if you hate the after taste of protein bars in general. They do not have artificial ingredients. They are a great on the go or post workout snack.

Nutrition Facts: 18g protein, 4g fiber, 15g added sugar, calories 300

15. :Ratio

If you are looking for options with low carbohydrates, these :Ratio Crunchy Bars are a great choice. They are packed with almonds and pumpkin seeds so they really deliver on healthy fats. This bar is great to satisfy hunger between meals and helps reduce cravings throughout the day due to the higher fat content.

Nutrition Facts: 12g protein, 3g fiber, 0g added sugar, calories 220 

16. Built Bar

These bars are a great craving satisfier! They are one of the best tasting protein bars out there. Built Bars are low in calories with 17g of protein which make it a great sweet snack. 

Nutrition Facts: 17g protein, 6g fiber, 4g sugar, calories 130

17. Luna 

Luna Protein Bars come in many different flavors. This Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough bar is lower in calories with an acceptable amount of protein! 

Nutrition Facts: 12g protein, 2g fiber, 14g sugar, calories 180 

18. Think!

Think! bars are high in protein and do not contain any artificial sweeteners which are great if you hate the after taste of protein bars. They are also gluten free making them a better option for those who cannot consume gluten. 

Nutrition Facts: 20g protein, 1g fiber, 0g sugar, calories 230

19. Clif

These Clif Builder Bars include 20g of protein making it a great bar for both weight loss and craving suppressor. They are also inexpensive! 

Nutrition Facts: 20g protein, 2g fiber, 12g sugar, calories 180

20. Kirkland

Kirkland Signature Protein Bars are loaded with protein and fiber making them a great everyday snack. They are also gluten free and made with real chocolate pieces for added sweetness and texture. 

Nutrition Facts: 21g protein, 10g fiber, 2g sugar, calories 190 

Healthy Protein Sources from Whole Foods

Even though this post discusses protein bars, I wanted to include some whole food high-protein options.

The richest sources of dietary protein are meats, poultry, fish and shellfish, eggs, milk and Greek yogurt. Protein can also be found in many plant-based sources including beans and legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. These are all foods that are easy to include in a healthy balanced diet so if you eat a variety of them daily, you most likely get enough protein from your diet. 

Bottom line 

With so many options on the market, it can be very overwhelming trying to find a healthy protein bar that tastes good and helps with weight loss. However, because protein tends to be the hardest macronutrient to get in to our diet as it usually requires preparation, many people find protein bars to be so convenient. Having a protein bar every now and then when you’re in a pinch will not sabotage your weight loss goals, but I would highly recommend getting your protein intake from whole sources whenever possible.