Protein bars are convenient on-the-go snacks to easily get the carbs, protein, minerals, and vitamins you need without having to eat a full meal. They are also a great way to support muscle repair, curb your appetite, and fuel your body after a workout. Whether you are on the go or simply don’t have time to prepare a full meal, here is a list of protein bars you might want to add to your arsenal.
no cow – Best for Special Diets
reset360 – Best Plant-Based Protein Bars
QUANTUM – Best for Steady, Jitter-Free Energy
Orgain – Best Organic Protein Bars
BUILT – Best Low-Calorie Protein Bars
ProLon – Best for Fasting Diets
Caveman Foods – Best for Paleo Hunger Pangs
PROMIX – Best for Curbing Cravings
1
no cow
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Dipped protein bars that taste just like dessert.
- Free of dairy
- Extremely low in sugar
- High in protein
2
reset360
.
Home of great protein bars and other healthy snacks.
- Healthy snacks for a busy lifestyle
- Protein shakes, protein bars, and more
- Also offers online classes for detox
3
Quantum
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Get smooth and steady energy without the jitters.
- Delivers long-lasting energy
- Designed by a sports dietician
- Made with clean organic caffeine
4
Orgain
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Organic and healthy protein bars for clean and delicious nutrition.
- Healthy alternative
- Organic nutrition you can trust
- Created by Dr. Andrew Abraham
5
BUILT
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Exceptional nutrition with delicious flavor options.
- Outstanding macro profile
- Low in calories
- Not loaded with sugar
6
ProLon
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Nourishes your body to support your fasting goals.
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
- Scientifically formulated
- Supports weight management
7
Caveman Foods
.
Stamps out hunger with the right nutrition.
- Has 10g of natural protein
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free
- Full of whole ingredients
8
PROMIX
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Curbs cravings and supports recovery.
- Has 15g of protein
- Moderately low in calories
- Only 4g of sugar
The Best Protein Bars for Muscle Gain and Energy
Protein bars are much more than just convenience and great taste. You also need to consider the size of the protein bars, their contents, and whether they fit your general lifestyle. Here’s a deeper look at the best protein bars for muscle gain and energy that you can buy online.
1
no cow
Made especially for those with special diets.
Created through a personal need from an intolerance to whey protein, no cow gets their natural flavors from purified extracts of natural sources like fruits, vegetables, and spices. They contain at least 20g of plant-based protein and only 1 gram of sugar so you can get the same taste of dessert in a healthier package. Plus, they’re vegan, non-GMO, and certified kosher and gluten-free.
no cow also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee where they will give you a full refund on your first purchase if you aren’t happy with their products.
Actual Review: “Since I don’t eat meat, I have trouble getting enough protein. No Cow bars provide the extra I need to stay healthy and give me the energy to walk four to five miles a day!” – Jean A.
Pros:
- Real sprinkles
- Great taste
- Wide variety
Cons:
- Added 30 more calories with the switch to palm oil
2
reset360
Plant-based protein bars that don’t compromise on taste.
reset360 believes that we are what we eat and thus aims to transform people’s lives with health foods that are so delicious that you’ll end up craving them. If you’re having trouble finding healthy foods that taste great at the same time, reset360 has a wide variety to suit your needs from plant-based cookies and bars to protein bars and shakes.
They also have online classes available in case you need to detox or reset your energy, hormones, or aging.
Actual Review: “These bars are so yummy that it is hard to believe that they are so healthy for you. Chewy and moist with a little crunch.” – Barb B.
Pros:
- Great taste
- Helps boost energy
3
QUANTUM
Backed by science and ensures zero jitters.
Hate getting the jitters from protein products? QUANTUM Squares is backed by science to ensure that you can enjoy their protein squares completely jitter-free. Made with real fruits, seeds, and nuts; these bars don’t have anything artificial in them. When combined with caffeine, this ensures that it is evenly absorbed for smooth and steady energy.
If you aren’t satisfied with the taste or even the energy, you can return the products and get a full refund on your purchase. That’s how sure they are of the quality that they provide.
Actual Review: “I bring QUANTUM Energy Squares on every hike to give me the boost I need!” – @hiker.hustle
Pros:
- Delicious
- Portable
- No personal allergens
- Perfect for those with dietary restrictions
Cons:
- Small in size
- Pricier than other protein bars
4
Orgain
Good and clean nutrition all throughout.
Orgain is all about good and clean nutrition. They believe that good nutrition can change lives so they provide healthy and organic foods that taste great and aren’t boring in any way.
Created by Dr. Andrew Abraham, an integrative medicine specialist and cancer survivor, Orgain’s products came to life after Dr. Abraham saw a need for nutritional shakes made from all-natural ingredients. In fact, all of Orgain’s ingredients come from real foods with hopes of making a real difference.
Actual Review: “I grew up on protein bars. Now that I am more ethically and nutrition-conscious, I’ve switched to plant-based protein and have tried EVERY bar on the shelves. These bars are SO YUMMY. They are my dessert. The chocolate chunks are to die for, and the texture is thick and very much resembles cookie dough.”
Pros:
- Dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free
- Low in sugar
- Amazing taste
Cons:
- Texture may take some getting used to
- Smaller than other protein bars
5
BUILT
Zero sugar, zero artificial ingredients, and low in calories.
BUILT Bar really stands out in terms of protein bars with its nutritional profile and a wide array of delicious flavors. It’s no wonder why so many fitness enthusiasts and trainers turn to this protein bar for muscle gain and a boost of energy.
Unlike some of the other protein bars out there, BUILT Bar isn’t loaded with sugar or artificial ingredients. They also keep their calories low, which is a bonus for those looking to lose or maintain their weight.
Actual Review: “I cannot get over how amazing every bar is! But this just with the added texture from the chunks makes it a contender for sure! Go do yourself a favor and buy some!” – Emily B
Pros:
- Flavors actually taste like their flavors
- Low in calories
- Naturally sweetened
- Available in sample packs so you can taste them first
Cons:
- Quite small in size
- Can get stuck in your teeth
6
ProLon
The best companion for a fasting diet.
If you’re on a fasting diet, ProLon’s Fast Bar is here to support you on your journey. It’s the only bar so far that supports fasting goals for health and weight management.
These bars are non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free; and have been clinically tested to support fasting. Packed with flavor and healthy nutrients, they can satisfy your cravings all the way to your next meal.
Actual Review: “These bars are good tasting and soft. It has all the healthy ingredients in a good bar. 7g fiber, 5g sugar inc 3g added, 200 calories, made from nuts almonds, coconut, macadamias, and pecans. I have a sweet tooth so this helps me to stay away from candy, plus holds me over till dinner if I have one at lunch while fasting.” – Felder
Pros:
- Great taste
- Helps with weight loss and intermittent fasting
- Backed by science
- Gives an energy boost
Cons:
- Texture is quite dry
7
Caveman Foods
Chase the hunger away with Caveman Foods.
Made to satisfy your hunger, Caveman Foods’ protein bars come in four different flavors – Chocolate Salted Caramel, Double Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Almond Butter, and Salted Almond Butter. These are sweet and salty flavors you’ll end up craving for.
Each bar is filled with 10g of natural protein from egg whites, crunchy nuts, and seeds to give you the energy boost you need during the day; making them a great choice for a mid-day or post-workout snack. They’re free from soy and gluten too.
Actual Review: “I’m new to Paleo so my biggest fear is being hungry and needing something to eat… FAST, without going through a drive-through. This almond coconut bar is the answer. It is delicious! 210 calories, 14 g fat, 18 g carbs, dietary fiber 3 g, protein 5 g. It would taste great for breakfast too with a cup of strong black coffee. I will continue to buy this product and keep it in my pantry.” – LucyMay
Pros:
- Delicious flavors
- Taste just like candy
- Fits Paleo programs
Cons:
- Melts easily
- Can be messy to eat
- Not good for people with denture problems or intestinal issues
8
PROMIX
Curb your cravings with the help of PROMIX.
PROMIX offers a wide variety of protein products from whey isolate and whey protein to their protein puffs and protein bars. Best for curbing cravings and supporting recovery, these bars are both savory and sweet like a Rice Krispy and contain 15g of protein, low calories, and only 4g of sugar.
Great to eat any time of day, each box contains 12 bars. You can enjoy free shipping over $50 as well.
Actual Review: “These are great protein bars. They’re light, they’re not chewy and they have a decent calorie/ protein ratio. Perfect for grab and go snacks between meals!” – Koryn d Hayes
Pros:
- Delicious flavors
- Taste just like candy
- Fits Paleo programs
Cons:
- Quite dry in texture
How Do Protein Bars Work?
Protein bars are an easy way to add the protein, carbs, minerals, and vitamins that your body needs to your diet. If you are generally an active person or lead a busy lifestyle, protein bars can help fuel your body during the day.
Protein bars are convenient in that they are easy to pick up, easy to eat, and easy to stock up on, especially now that you can have stocks delivered straight to your doorstep.
However, it is also important to note that you shouldn’t eat too many of them or rely too much on them as actual meals are still better than protein bars in the end.
Pros and Cons of Protein Bars
For the reasons mentioned above, protein bars have become popular options as post-workout snacks and as snacks on the go. There are so many brands and flavors to choose from too. Before you start depending on protein bars too much, though, here are their pros and cons.
Pros of Protein Bars
With a busy schedule, it’s difficult to figure out whether you’re getting enough protein in – and protein bars can help greatly with this. With the amount of protein found in these bars, you can increase your muscle mass and decrease your fat stores when you exercise on a regular basis. They can also help decrease muscle breakdown when you’re on a diet.
That aside, protein bars are also a great source of energy so they can fuel your body for various activities throughout the day. Whether you need the motivation to work out or just need to stay awake for deadlines, protein bars can give you the energy you need while improving your mental focus and your mood at the same time.
If you’re too busy or tight on time to prepare a full meal, a protein bar may also work as a meal replacement, providing you with the essential nutrients your body needs.
Cons of Protein Bars
Some protein bars may contain a lot of sugar or unhealthy sweeteners that could increase your risk of diabetes, fatty liver, and obesity. As such, it would be vital for you to always check the ingredients before committing to a particular protein bar.
Another con to protein bars is that some people become too dependent on it, veering away from meals altogether to eat protein bars instead. This is not a good idea.
Tips on Choosing the Right Protein Bars for Muscle Gain and Energy
If you’re overwhelmed by the amount of brands, options, and flavors in the market, here are some tips on finding the perfect one for your lifestyle.
Check the Ingredients
First and foremost, it would be vital to check the ingredients of the protein bars you are eyeing. Good protein bars shouldn’t have any trans fats and should have less than 3g of saturated fats per serving. You should also steer clear of protein bars that have sugar as its main ingredient as this may cause gas, bloating, and laxative effects.
Figure Out Your Goals
Before stocking up on protein bars, figure out your goals first. Are you looking for meal replacements on busy days? Do you hope to gain muscle or lose weight? Figuring out your goals can help you figure out which protein bars would be a good fit for you.
Make Sure They Suit Your Tastebuds
Everybody has different tastes in terms of flavor so if a certain brand has an option where you can try their flavors before you commit, go for that. Sample different flavors until you find the right one so that eating your protein bars will actually be enjoyable for you.
