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7 Best Protein Bars In 2023: Top Healthy Brands Reviews
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- Written by Lisandra Fields, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by
Kathy Shattler, MS, RDN
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Jacked Factory Authentic Bars
- Made exclusively with whey protein isolate.
- No sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.
- 100% money-back guarantee.
ALOHA Protein Bar
- Utilizes plant-based protein.
- Zero artificial ingredients.
- Soy and gluten-free.
Orgain Organic Protein Bar
- Organic ingredients free of chemicals.
- Plant-based protein.
- Contains 3-5 grams of sugar in each bar.
Protein bars come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, but not all are created equal. Some protein bars contain high amounts of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives, while others have minimal ingredients and are made with high-quality proteins.
The best protein bars are those that provide a balance of macronutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, to help fuel your body and support your fitness goals. Whether you are looking for a protein bar to fuel your workouts, aid in muscle recovery, or satisfy your sweet tooth while still staying on track with your diet, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best protein bars for women and men.
Best Protein Bars On The Market In (June. 2023)
- Jacked Factory Authentic Bars – Best Quality
- ALOHA Protein Bar – Best Variety
- Orgain Organic Protein Bar – Best Organic Protein
- Bullet Proof Collagen Protein Bar – Best Keto Bar
- Quest Protein Bars – Best Packaging
- RXBAR Chocolate Sea Salt – Best Ingredient Combination
- Misfits Plant-Powered Protein Bars – Best Vegan Alternative
What Are Protein Bars?
Protein bars are a type of snack bar that contains a significant amount of protein. They are designed to be a convenient and portable source of protein, which can be consumed on the go or as a quick snack between meals. Protein bars are typically made with protein-rich ingredients such as whey, soy, pea or brown rice.
In addition to protein, protein bars may contain other macronutrients[1] such as carbohydrates and fats and micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Some protein bars are designed specifically for athletes or fitness enthusiasts and may contain additional ingredients such as amino acids, caffeine, or creatine to support athletic performance or recovery.[2]
Who Should Eat Protein Bars?
Here are some groups of individuals who may benefit from incorporating protein bars into their diet:
- Athletes and fitness enthusiasts: Protein bars can provide a quick source of protein for individuals engaging in regular physical activity,[3] which can help to support muscle recovery and growth.
- Busy consumers: Protein bars can be a convenient snack option for on-the-go consumers who do not have time to prepare a meal or snack.
- Vegetarians and vegans: Protein bars made with plant-based protein sources like pea protein or brown rice protein[4] can be a good option for individuals following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
- Individuals with a low protein intake: Protein bars can help individuals who struggle to consume enough protein through their diet to meet their daily protein requirements.
7 Best Protein Bars For Muscle Gain In 2023
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are an excellent source of protein that delivers great taste and results. They are made with wholesome ingredients and whey protein isolate; these high-protein bars offer clean, filtered protein that promotes muscle growth and recovery.
- Utilizes whey isolate.
- Zero sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners.
- Made using real, natural ingredients.
- Similar to less expensive bars.
- Includes 17 grams of sugar per bar.
- High in saturated fats.
Jacked Factory is a top-notch supplement company that understands the unique needs of athletes and strives to deliver the most effective and high-quality supplements available.
These bars contain no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, making them a great addition to any diet. These bars are a guilt-free snack with a satisfying 15 grams of protein and a good macronutrient ratio of 12 grams of fat and 27 grams of carbohydrates at just 260 calories; these bars are a guilt-free snack. Additionally, they are manufactured in a certified Good Manufacturing Practices, or cGMP, facility and formulated with transparency, honesty, and care in the USA, making them a reliable and trustworthy choice for your nutrition needs.
ALOHA Protein Bars
ALOHA Protein Bars are a plant-based snack that comes in several flavors. They are made with organic ingredients and contain no artificial sweeteners or flavors.
- Excellent flavor selection and variety.
- High in fiber.
- Encourages you to make your own recipes.
- Low in saturated fats.
- Not ideal for users with nut allergies.
ALOHA’s founders had the vision to create plant-based products that are healthy for you and the environment. This vision led to developing their formula with ingredients free from non-genetically modified organisms, or Non-GMO. They are organically certified protein bars, free from gluten, dairy, and soy. ALOHA Bars are perfect for anyone who wants a delicious and nutritious snack. With a wide range of flavors to choose from, it’s no wonder customers love them.
The bars come in 11 delicious flavors and contain a blend of organic brown rice protein and pumpkin seed protein, both excellent sources of healthy fats and nutrients. Depending on the flavor, ALOHA Bars also provide a healthy serving of peanuts, tree nuts, and roasted pumpkin seeds.
These bars are a satisfying snack option that can help prevent overeating throughout the day, thanks to their ample plant-protein content.
Orgain Organic Protein Bar
Orgain Organic Protein Bars are handy as meal replacement options or mid-afternoon pick-me-up snacks. The bars have a chewy texture and are generally enjoyable.
- The ingredients are balanced in macronutrients.
- Mixes well with any kind of liquid.
- Plant-based, non-GMO ingredients.
- Some users might find it too sweet.
- Limited flavors.
- Contains erythritol.
Orgain offers protein bars that can assist in meeting your daily protein requirements, maintaining energy levels, and improving your metabolism. Their commitment to providing clean and wholesome nutrition is reflected in the ingredients of their vegan protein bar, which includes 10 grams of organic plant-based protein derived from brown rice, pea, and chia seeds.
Each Orgain Protein Bar provides 1 gram of organic dietary fiber and only 6 grams of sugar, making it ideal for those striving towards weight loss and fitness goals. Unfortunately, it also contains erythritol, an artificial sugar recently linked to an increased incidence of strokes.[5]
With only 140 calories per bar, it’s a great snack option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
Orgain bars cater to various dietary restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, lactose-free, kosher, soy-free, and non-GMO. Regarding taste and texture, Orgain’s organic protein bars do not disappoint. They have a chewy texture and come in various flavors, although it may require a few trials to find the perfect flavor to suit your taste buds.
Bullet Proof Collagen Protein Bar
Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars are a popular choice among health-conscious consumers who prioritize nutrition and seek to power their days with quality protein.
- Made with high-quality collagen protein.
- High in fiber.
- May aid in weight management.
- Keto-friendly.
- Relatively costly.
Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars are crafted using grass-fed collagen protein, which delivers a substantial 11 grams of protein per bar. The same type of collagen protein present in their standard Collagen Protein powder is used. Note that collagen is not a complete protein and does not contain all nine essential amino acids.
In addition to collagen protein, these bars contain other wholesome ingredients that contribute to a healthy diet. Cashew butter and medium-chain triglycerideoil are included for their healthy fat content, and inulin is added to improve the fiber quality. With 8 grams of fiber per serving, these bars can help support healthy digestion and early satiety. Furthermore, every bar is under 200 calories and contains only two grams of added sugar.
If you have a sweet tooth, you might find these bars particularly appealing. They come in four different flavors. The recently improved cookie-like texture of these bars provides a less crumbly eating experience with each bite. The Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars are further marketed as having the potential to enhance the health of your skin, bones, and joints, primarily due to the incorporation of grass-fed beef collagen protein.
Quest Protein Bar
With a high amount of fiber and protein and only one gram of sugar in a low-calorie bar, Quest Bars may appear to be the perfect snack.
- Rich in fiber and supplemented with calcium.
- Available in multiple flavors.
- Rich texture.
- Limited nutritional value.
- Contains stevia.
One of the key strengths of Quest Protein Bars is its ability to deliver unique textures and flavors in every bar. Each flavor is designed to have distinctive components that enhance the overall taste experience.
Regarding nutrition, Quest Protein Bars are consistently high in protein, ranging from 20-21 grams per bar. Across the bars, there is a slight variance in calorie content, with bars containing 170-210 calories. Fat content also varies, with bars ranging from 4.5-10 grams and carbohydrate content ranging from 20-22 grams. The fiber content ranges from 12-16 grams, while the sugar content is relatively low, ranging from 1-3 grams.
Its sweetening agent is stevia which has recently been found to alter the gut microbiome.[6] It is one of the safer sweeteners to use as it does not alter sugar metabolism. More study is needed to determine whether the effect on the microbiome is harmful or beneficial.
RXBAR Chocolate Sea Salt
RXBAR stands out in the market for offering protein bars made with whole food ingredients that are readily available in major retailers.
- Tasty flavor options.
- Made with 100% whole food ingredients.
- Available in most stores and commuting hubs.
- Unique packaging.
- High-calorie content.
- High price tag.
- Contains 13 grams of sugar per bar.
RXBAR Chocolate Bar is studded with chocolate chunks and sprinkled with sea salt. You’ll find the combination of sweet and salty flavors to be perfectly balanced, and appreciate the fact that the bar is made with wholesome, real ingredients.
Athletes and consumers alike appreciate the simplicity of RXBAR Chocolate Sea salt’s ingredients. In fact, each bar prominently displays its main ingredients on the front of the package as part of the branding. The ingredients themselves are mostly whole foods that one would normally eat on their own.
RXBARS derive their protein primarily from egg whites, which are considered a “complete” protein source due to their inclusion of all nine essential amino acids. These amino acids are the foundation for muscle growth, making egg whites an excellent choice for sustained muscle-building endeavors.
Misfits Plant-Powered Protein Bar
For those seeking weight loss, Misfits Plant-Based Protein Bars may be an excellent option. They are low in calories and sugar and enriched with green tea extract, which may aid in fat-burning and weight maintenance.
- Delicious taste.
- Ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
- Limited sugar content.
- Not ideal for anyone allergic to soy.
- Contains the sugar alcohol xylitol and stevia.
Misfits protein bars offer 11 different flavors and have excellent nutritional value. A single serving provides 3.8 milligrams of iron (21% of the Daily Value) and 40 mg of calcium (3% DV).
Additionally, they contain 12 grams of chicory root and beet fiber, both renowned for their prebiotic benefits. In terms of taste, they’re exceptional and one of the best protein bars for diabetics among all the protein bars we reviewed.
Despite their small size, each protein bar contains 15 grams of pea and soy protein. However, the downside of Misfits bars is their relatively high cost. Additionally, some people may not appreciate the fact that they are sweetened with xylitol and stevia, which can result in a somewhat bitter aftertaste. Furthermore, the presence of sugar alcohols may cause digestive discomfort for some people.
Health Benefits Of Eating Protein Bars
Protein bars can provide various health benefits. Here are some of them:
Increased Protein Intake
Protein bars are a convenient and easy way to increase your daily protein intake, which is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as overall health.
Weight Management
Protein bars can help with weight management by keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time, which can reduce cravings and prevent overeating. This is especially true for bars that contain a significant amount of fiber.
Convenience
Protein bars are a convenient snack option that can be easily carried with you on the go, which can help you avoid unhealthy fast food options.
Muscle Recovery
The high protein content in protein bars can help with muscle recovery after exercise, which can improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury.
Nutrient Intake
Many protein bars are fortified with vitamins and minerals, which can help to fill nutrient gaps in your diet.
Downsides Of Protein Bars
Protein bars can be high in added sugars, saturated fats, sweeteners, and calories. When you consume a lot of sugar and calories, you can develop issues such as weight gain[7] and heart disease.[8] Secondly, protein bars can bring about digestive issues for some people due to their high fiber[9] or sugar alcohol content.[10] This might lead to discomfort, bloating, and other digestive problems. When you rely too heavily on protein bars as a source of nutrition, you can suffer nutrient deficiencies since they don’t provide all the essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for a healthy diet.
How To Choose The Best Protein Bars
Choosing the best protein bar can be a daunting task with so many options available on the market. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best protein bar for your needs:
Protein Content
Look for a protein bar that contains at least 10 grams of protein, but ideally 15-20 grams. This will help to provide a sustained release of energy and keep you feeling full for longer.
Nutritional Value
Settle for the best protein bars for muscle gain that balances macronutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It should also provide micronutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Low Sugar
Look for a protein bar that is low in added sugars. Some bars contain as much as 20 grams of sugar, which can negate the benefits of the protein and lead to weight gain.
Calories
Choose a protein bar that fits your overall diet plan and provides appropriate calories for your needs. A typical protein bar should have a well-balanced calorie content.[11]
Ingredients
Read the ingredient list carefully and choose a protein bar that contains high-quality ingredients. Look for bars that use natural ingredients and avoid those that contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Final Thought
In conclusion, protein bars are a convenient and tasty way to supplement your daily protein intake, but it’s crucial to choose wisely. We, however, recommend Jacked Factory Authentic Bars as one of the best protein bars for men and women alike. The variety of delicious flavors and balanced macronutrient profile make them an excellent option for individuals looking to maintain a healthy diet and active lifestyle.
However, it’s essential to remember that the best protein bars for weight loss should not be a substitute for a balanced diet. By combining strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and a well-rounded diet, you can achieve your fitness goals and optimize your health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protein bars can be worth buying if you have trouble meeting your daily protein needs or need a convenient snack on the go. Choosing a high-quality protein bar that meets your nutritional needs and tastes good is important.
Here are seven of the best protein bars bodybuilding options in the market today: Jacked Factory Authentic Bars, Aloha Protein Bars, Orgain Organic Protein Bars, Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars, Quest Protein Bars, RXBAR Chocolate Bar, and Misfits Plant-Based Protein Bars.
Protein bars can be suitable for children, but it’s important to choose a bar that is specifically formulated for kids and meets their nutritional needs. Additionally, children should only consume protein bars in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other foods.
Protein bars can be a part of a weight loss plan if they are used to replace unhealthy snacks and the number of calories in the bar still keeps you in an overall calorie deficit for the day, but they are not a magic solution for weight loss.
Protein bars can be consumed at any time of the day when you need a quick, convenient snack or are struggling to meet your daily protein needs. They can be particularly useful before or after a workout to help support muscle recovery and growth.
Yes, it is. However, it’s important to remember that protein bars should not be your sole source of nutrition and that it’s important also to consume a variety of other healthy foods to ensure you meet all of your nutritional needs.
Protein bars, like any food, can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess of your daily caloric needs. Additionally, some protein bars may contain added sugars or other ingredients that can contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively.
+ 11 sources
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Written by:
Lisandra Fields, Health Writer
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
