"The protein bar section of the grocery store can look a little like you’re browsing the candy display. Colorful wrappers and words like “chocolate chip cookie dough” and “peanut butter cup” can leave you salivating for whatever is most appealing, forgetting about the ingredient label. While intentionally indulging is an important part of a healthy diet, the problem with protein bars is that consumers are not eating them as a mindful dessert but rather under the guise that they’re a health food. The truth is not every protein bar is created the same. Many of the bars on the shelf include little to no protein, added sugars or seed oils that can cause inflammation in some, and allergens like nuts, soy, dairy, or gluten that can leave you feeling bloated and tired.
The good news is so many protein bars on the market contain clean ingredients, plenty of protein, and options for those with dietary restrictions. After scouring grocery stores and websites, I’ve done my research to find the best protein bars on the market for every type of diet because, let’s be real, we all want a healthy snack that will keep us sustained when we’re on the go.
The Best Clean Ingredient Bar
Perfect Bar
Perfect bars at first seemed a little too perfect to be true for me. They taste amazing, contain at least 12 grams of protein, and are made with all-natural ingredients that have to be stored in the fridge because they don’t use artificial sweeteners as binders. In fact, some contain 20-plus superfoods per bar. But the sugars always scared me off. Eighteen grams of sugar, including 12 grams of added sugars for the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough bar, seems like a scary number. But after doing some research, I’ve learned those sugars come from ingredients like honey, cocoa, dark chocolate, maple syrup, and mixed berries. Not all sugars are created equal, and natural sugars can have nutritional benefits. Honey and maple syrup contain antioxidants like iron, zinc, calcium, and potassium. While everything in moderation is key, Perfect Bars are a great option if you’re looking for a clean-ingredient bar.
The Best Gluten-Free Bar
Rxbar
Rxbars have been one of my favorite protein bars for a long time now because, as the packaging says: They are made up of real ingredients and “No B.S.” Their main ingredients include egg whites, almonds, cashews, and dates, and they contain 12 grams of protein per bar. They also have a wide range of flavors, from Blueberry to Coconut Chocolate, that actually taste good. There are no artificial flavors. Instead, they source spices, fruits, and plants for natural flavoring. At 200 calories per bar, Rxbars are also in the average calorie consumption range for a protein bar.
The Best Low-Sugar Bar
IQ Bar
If you are someone who wants to monitor their sugar intake, including natural sugars, IQ Bars are the perfect choice. They only have 1 gram of sugar per bar and include no added sugars. Now, you might think no sugar means a chalky, protein-like taste, but IQ Bars still include ingredients like cocoa, unsweetened chocolate, and cocoa butter for flavor options like Almond Butter Chip, Chocolate Mint Chip, and even Matcha Chai. IQ Bars include 12 grams of protein per bar.
The Best “Dessert” Option
Mid-Day Squares
If you’re looking for more of a dessert than a snack, this is the option for you. I discovered Mid-Day Squares a couple of years ago and have been a fan ever since. I love them because they are a great protein snack when you don’t feel like consuming a whole protein bar. With 6 grams of protein and made with real ingredients like dark chocolate, cashew butter, organic sugars like maple syrup, and organic fava bean protein, they are the perfect substitute for an afternoon sweet treat. I swear they taste like eating a piece of chocolate. With five different flavors to choose from, including cookie dough, crunchy peanut, peanut butter, brownie batter, and almond crunch, you won’t be disappointed.
The Best Allergen-Free Bar
Alio Protein Bar
Most protein bars are not allergy-friendly, especially if you have a nut allergy, as many contain nut butter and different types of nuts. However, Alio has created a protein bar that is free from the top nine most common allergens. They are vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO, peanut-free, tree nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free, egg-free, sesame-free, seafood-free, and seed oil-free. The bars contain 15 grams of protein per bar and 2 grams of sugar per bar, which comes from allulose (a naturally occurring sugar) and glycerin (a type of carbohydrate called a sugar alcohol).
The Best Vegan Bar
B.T.R. Nation
As someone who consumes only plant protein powder, I’ve found it hard to find a good protein bar that has a high level of plant-based protein, but B.T.R. Nation checks all the boxes. At 15 grams of plant protein and no added sugars, it’s a great option for those on a vegan diet. Some of their main ingredients include almond butter, cocoa butter, cashews, and chicory root fiber. What I also love is that their bars include adaptogens like Organic Reishi Extract and Organic Reishi Mushrooms. They also don’t include any seed oils, which can be highly inflammatory.
The Best Dairy-Free Bar
GoMacro Bar
I’m here to say that GoMacro bars might be the best-tasting bars on the market, or at least in the top three. They are vegan and gluten-free and use brown rice syrup as their main sweetener. They are on the higher calorie count for a protein bar at 270 calories per bar and contain 12 grams of protein per bar. While I love these bars for all of their different flavor options (oatmeal chocolate chip is my favorite) and for containing only natural ingredients, they can be quite heavy, so with that said, if you’re really hungry or are looking for a post-workout bar, these are a great choice.
The Best High-Protein Bar
Papa Steve’s Protein Bar
At 20 grams of protein per bar, Papa Steve’s Protein Bars are the perfect post-workout snack. Their main protein source is whey protein, but the bars also contain ingredients such as dates and almond butter, along with organic apples and puffed brown rice. There are no added sugars, and they are free of soy and wheat. The bars are also advertised as “No Junk,” indicating that all the ingredients are real food, as opposed to additives. You can order them online, but they are also sold at Whole Foods.
The Best Nut and Seed Bar
Elemental Superfood Bar
Trail mix lovers, this one’s for you. Elemental seed bars are packed with every type of nut and seed you can imagine to create a great-tasting bar that also has around 6-8 grams of protein per bar, depending on the flavor. Elemental only uses real ingredients and natural flavors, including dark chocolate, peanut butter, honey, and sea salt. Their flavor selection ranges from dark chocolate and peanut butter to blueberry cashew and lemon, so there’s something for everyone. They are a great choice for a snack with a little bit of a protein boost.
Calissa Kirilenko, Breathwork Facilitator & Contributing Wellness Writer
Calissa is a Wellness Writer for The Everygirl who specializes in covering subjects surrounding mental health, meditation, and self-care. She is also a Certified Breathwork Facilitator and works with clients to heal through the power of their breath.
Feature graphic images credited to: Haley Johnson, Dupe | Katie Huber-Rhoades, Dupe | Nicole Schaller, Dupe | Maria Dilley, Dupe | Perfect Bar