10 Best Protein Bars Of 2024, According To Experts - Sun and Planets Spirituality AYINRIN
Fact Checked
Whether you’re looking to maintain lean body mass, improve muscle recovery or simply satiate hunger, a protein bar could be a great choice, with many providing over 15 grams of protein per serving. But not all protein bars are made equal, and many come with added (and questionable) ingredients.
Note: Prices are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.
Why You Can Trust Forbes Health
- Includes 15g of grass-fed protein, 23g of whole food carbs and 16g of healthy fats
- Made with peanut butter, gluten-free rolled oats, coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips
- Consists of key macronutrients required to fuel and recover
- Each box contains 12 protein bars
Best Protein Bars of 2024, According to Experts
Pure Protein Bars
- Cost per bar: $1.41 (12-pack of chocolate peanut caramel)
- 20 grams of protein per bar (may vary depending on flavor)
- Flavors include galactic brownie, caramel churro, chocolate peanut butter, chocolate deluxe, chocolate salted caramel, chocolate peanut caramel, cookies and cream, chewy chocolate chip, lemon cake, chocolate mint cookie and birthday cake
RX Protein Bar
- Cost per bar: $2.35 (mint chocolate)
- 12 grams of protein per bar (may vary depending on flavor)
- Flavors include vanilla almond, pumpkin spice (seasonal), peanut butter, banana chocolate walnut, gingerbread (seasonal), chocolate chip, coconut chocolate, strawberry, chocolate sea salt, blueberry, peanut butter chocolate, mixed berry and mint chocolate
Epic Bar
- Cost per bar: $3.17 (bison bacon cranberry)
- 7 grams of protein per bar (may vary depending on flavor)
- Flavors include bison with beef + sea salt + pepper, bison bacon cranberry, venison sea salt pepper, chicken sriracha, beef apple bacon, uncured bacon + pork, beef sea salt + pepper, beef jalapeno, beef barbacoa-inspired and chicken bbq seasoned
ONE Protein Bars
- Cost per bar: $2.00 (s’mores)
- 20 grams of protein per bar (may vary depending on flavor)
- Flavors include s’mores, pumpkin pie, peanut butter pie, peanut butter cup, peanut butter and jelly, marshmallow hot cocoa, maple glazed donut, lemon cake, fruity cereal, cookies and créme, cinnamon roll, chocolate chip cookie, blueberry cobbler and birthday cake
Barebells
- Cost per bar: $2.42 (choco hazelnut)
- 20 grams of protein per bar (may vary depending on flavor)
- Flavors include choco hazelnut, cookies and cream, chocolate dough, creamy crisp, caramel cashew, hazelnut nougat, white chocolate almond, salty peanut
THINK Bars
- Cost per bar: $2.32 (variety pack)
- 20 grams of protein per bar (may vary slightly depending on flavor)
- Flavors include brownie crunch, chocolate fudge, chunky peanut butter, cookies and créme, creamy peanut butter, lemon delight, white chocolate, chocolate mint
Power Crunch Whey Protein Bars
- Cost per bar: $1.33 (peanut butter fudge)
- 13 grams of protein per serving (may vary depending on chosen flavor)
- Flavors include red velvet, cookies and crème, strawberry crème, salted caramel, peanut butter fudge, chocolate mint, french vanilla crème, triple chocolate, chocolate coconut, lemon meringue, peanut butter crème, s’mores, wild berry crème and cinnamon roll
Aloha
- Cost per bar: $2.75 (chocolate espresso)
- 14 grams of protein per bar (may vary depending on chosen flavor)
- Flavors include chocolate caramel pecan, peanut butter cup, peanut butter chocolate chip, chocolate fudge, chocolate chip, chocolate mint, lemon cashew, coconut chocolate almond, chocolate espresso and vanilla almond, as well as a number of limited edition options
KIND Protein Bar
- Cost per bar: $1.46 (dark chocolate nut)
- 12 grams of protein per bar (may vary depending on chosen flavor)
- Flavors include dark chocolate nut and crunchy peanut butter
Rise Bar
- Cost per bar: $2.37 (almond honey)
- 20 grams of protein per bar (may vary depending on flavor)
- Flavors include almond honey, snicker doodle, chocolatey coconut, chocolatey almond, lemon cashew and sunflower cinnamon
Meet Our Panel of Experts
Our best protein bars ranking is determined by a Forbes Health panel of experts. They provided their product recommendations, along with reasons they stand out.
Kara Burnstine, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.N., C.D.C.E.S.
Nutrition / Weight Loss / Diabetes / Cardiovascular Health / Gut Health
Jose Antonio, Ph.D, F.N.S.C.A., F.I.S.S.N.
Exercise and Sports Science / Sports Nutrition
Kara Collier, R.D.N., L.D.N.
Nutrition / Metabolism / Glucose
Toby Amidor, M.S., R.D., C.D.N, F.A.N.D.
Food / Nutrition / Food Safety
Leslie Bonci, M.P.H., R.D., C.S.S.D., L.D.N., F.A.N.D.
Sports nutrition
Jennifer Fiske, M.S., R.D.N., L.D.
Nutrition
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Protein Bars of 2024
To determine our best protein bars ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team consulted a panel of six accredited nutrition experts on their top picks. Star ratings were determined solely by the editorial team, based on price per bar and a number of expert panelist recommendations, as well as the amount of protein, calories, carbohydrates and sugar provided in each bar.
What Are Protein Bars?
Protein bars are foods designed to provide a hefty amount of protein per serving, and can be consumed as a snack or meal substitute, depending on the calorie content. Protein bars can feature protein derived from whey or casein, or plant-based proteins sourced from ingredients like soy and beans.
Protein bars can vary widely in terms of nutritional content, and some are more akin to a sweet treat than a healthy, protein-packed supplement option. Other nutritional information to look for when shopping for a protein bar include its sugar and fiber content, as well as any trans or saturated fats.
What Do Protein Bars Do?
Protein bars provide an extra punch of protein, and the bars in our ranking range from providing 7 to 22 grams of protein per bar (it’s worth noting that the body can typically only digest about 20 to 40 grams of protein at a time). Some protein bars feature additional nutrients such as fiber, omega-3s, magnesium and zinc.
Research suggests that consuming protein bars pre- or post-exercise may aid in faster muscle recovery, which can help to improve athletic performance and reduce muscle damage.
Health Benefits of Protein Bars
Protein is a nitrogen-containing substance formed by amino acids that plays a vital role in the human body. It serves as the major structural component of muscle and other tissues, provides energy, helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and produces hormones, enzymes and vitamins. What’s more, protein-rich foods often include other important nutrients, such as B vitamins, magnesium and zinc.
Increased protein consumption can also benefit athletic performance, as it helps speed up muscle recovery, reduce muscle loss and build lean muscle mass. It can even help you maintain a healthy weight.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Protein Bars
Protein bars are generally safe for most healthy individuals. However, consuming too much protein may increase an individual’s risk of kidney stones and is typically not recommended for individuals with chronic kidney disease.
Additionally, upping your protein intake without increasing physical activity may lead to weight gain due to an increase in daily calorie consumption.
Who Are Protein Bars Best for?
While the majority of U.S. adults get enough protein through diet alone, supplementing with protein bars can be beneficial for people who exercise strenously, lift heavy weights or those who are looking to support muscle growth, and they can be a healthier snack alternative to a sugar-laden granola bar. Others who may benefit from additional protein in their diet include older adults, as muscle loss can occur with age, and upping your protein intake can support strength and lean body mass. Women under the age of 19 are also at risk for low protein intake.
Can Kids Eat Protein Bars?
Although protein bars should not replace whole food meals and snacks, they are often a healthier alternative to foods from vending machines or fast food drive-thrus. Children can consume adequate amounts of proteins from foods like lean meats, eggs, dairy products, nuts and seeds.
How Much Protein Should I Consume Per Day?
The amount of protein you need daily depends on factors like your age, weight, sex and activity level. However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides the following general recommendations for daily protein intake for adults:
| Men 19-30 years old | 6 ½ to 7 ounces |
| Men 31-59 years old | 6 to 7 ounces |
| Men 60+ years old | 5 ½ to 6 ½ ounces |
| Women 19-30 years old | 5 to 6 ½ ounces |
| Women 31+ years old | 5 to 6 ounces |
For reference, 1 ounce of protein is equivalent to one slice of deli meat, one egg, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, one falafel patty or a quarter-cup of cooked beans.
Is It Healthy to Eat Protein Bars Daily?
Experts largely recommend prioritizing protein derived from whole foods, such as almonds and lean meats. Whether eating a protein bar daily is considered “healthy” is largely dependent on how much protein you’re already receiving from diet alone.
For example, if you’re already receiving the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein for your age group, excessive protein intake through sources like protein bars won’t provide much benefit. However, if you’re struggling to meet the RDA of protein through diet alone, it could be a healthy alternative. Just keep an eye on the nutritional content of protein bars, as they can include excessive amounts of sugar, trans or saturated fats, all of which are not good for your overall health.
Those with kidney disease should also check with their health care provider before adding a protein supplement—such a protein bar—to their daily diet.
Can a Protein Bar Act as a Meal Replacement?
Whether a protein bar is an appropriate meal replacement is dependent on the calorie content of the bar. If you’re having a protein bar as a snack, you’ll want to aim for a bar with less calories, while if eating as a meal replacement, aim for a bar on the higher end.
Do Protein Bars Work for Weight Loss?
Dietary protein can support weight loss in a number of ways: it can lead to increased satiety (feeling fuller longer), it helps preserve lean body mass during caloric restriction, it increases the thermogenic effect of food (the amount of energy it takes to digest that food) and it’s harder to store in the body as excess fat, according to the National Association of Sports Medicine.
If you’re consuming protein for weight loss, aim for a two to one or one to one ratio of protein to carbs in a protein bar.
- Includes 15g of grass-fed protein, 23g of whole food carbs and 16g of healthy fats
- Made with peanut butter, gluten-free rolled oats, coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate chips
- Consists of key macronutrients required to fuel and recover
- Each box contains 12 protein bars
Are There Vegan or Plant-Based Protein Bars?
Different protein bars contain different types of protein, as reflected in our ranking. Many protein bars feature whey protein (a type of protein sourced from milk) or a protein blend of whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate.
Meanwhile, plant-based protein is exactly what it sounds like, featuring protein derived from plants. It can include protein from peas, brown rice, hemp seeds, chia seeds, soy and various nuts. There are a number of high-quality, plant-based protein bars out there. In fact, one protein bar on our ranking, Aloha, is vegan-friendly and Rise also offers vegan options. These bars feature plant-based protein sources as opposed to whey, including brown rice, pea, hemp seeds and sunflower seeds.
The biggest difference between animal-based protein and plant-based protein is that animal-based proteins are considered a “complete” protein, because they have all nine essential amino acids. Not all plant-based proteins contain all nine essential amino acids, so if you opt for plant-based protein, aim to get a variety of it.
How to Choose the Best Protein Bar for You
When perusing for a protein bar to add to your pantry, consider the following:
- The amount of protein per serving
- The type of protein featured
- The amount of added sugars
- The amount of fiber
- Any additional nutrients
- Whether the protein bar has additives, fillers or preservatives
- The quality of the ingredients
- The cost
And remember that just because something is marketed as a protein bar, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily healthy—be sure to read the nutrition label and ingredients list closely.
What Should You Avoid in Protein Bars?
When it comes to protein bars, it’s important to closely read nutrition labels to ensure that you’re not consuming any unwanted ingredients. Consider the following protein bar ingredients that some individuals may want to avoid:
- Fats and carbohydrates: Aim for a protein bar that’s low in saturated fats and processed carbohydrates.
- Added sugars: Experts recommend making sure that a bar does not contain more sugars than protein.
- Allergens: Individuals with dairy allergies may want to opt for a protein bar that contains plant-based proteins like soy, peas or chia seeds rather than whey or casein.
- Non-protein ingredients: Depending on personal preference, check for any additives that you may want to avoid like artificial sweeteners or thickening agents.
Get A Clean And Tasty Source Of Energy
Protein+ bars from Transparent Labs contains 15g of grass-fed protein, 23g of whole food carbs, and 16g of healthy fats and other key macronutrients required to fuel and recover.
On Transparent Labs' Website
Summary: Compare the Best Protein Bars of 2024
| PRODUCT | FORBES HEALTH RATINGS | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Protein Bars | 5.0
| Shop Now On Amazon |
| RX Protein Bar | 4.9
| Shop Now On Amazon |
| Epic Bar | 4.8
| Shop Now On Amazon |
| ONE Protein Bars | 4.7
| Shop Now On Amazon |
| Barebells | 4.7
| Shop Now On Amazon |
| THINK Bars | 4.7
| Shop Now On Amazon |
| Power Crunch Whey Protein Bars | 4.7
| Shop Now On Amazon |
| Aloha | 4.6
| Shop Now On Amazon |
| KIND Protein Bar | 4.6
| Shop Now On Amazon |
| Rise Bar | 4.6
| Shop Now On Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the healthiest protein bars available?
Which protein bar has the most protein per serving?
Are protein bars good for you?
When should you eat protein bars?
How long do protein bars last?
Are protein bars good for gaining muscle mass?
Are protein shakes or protein bars healthier?
Sources
References
Next Up In Nutrition
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.
Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.
Jessica is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience in both lifestyle and clinical health topics. Before Forbes Health, Jessica was an editor for Healthline Media, WW and PopSugar, as well as numerous health-related startups. When she isn't writing or editing, Jessica can be found at the gym, listening to a health or true crime podcast, or spending time outside. She also really enjoys bread (even though she's not supposed to eat it).
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.