The 8 Best Protein Bars, According To Dietitians
Here's how to choose the ideal protein bar for you.

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Protein is an essential part of your daily diet. Along with carbohydrates and fat, it's one of the main nutrients our bodies need to function. And protein bars can make it easy to get enough of the nutrient, whether you're in need of a quick snack or recovery after exercising.
"Protein bars can be an amazing on-the-go balanced snack that gives you the energy boost you need—and a simple way to get in protein!" said registered dietician Emily Suttle. But she adds, they can be more processed than other forms of protein like meat, beans, eggs, dairy, nuts and seeds.
But how do you choose the best protein bar? Walk through any grocery store, and you can be overwhelmed with dozens of brands. It can be difficult to recommend the best one, as no single bar will be the ideal pick for everyone. It'll vary based on your intended use, health, and dietary restrictions. Before we get into recommendations from registered dietitians, here are some of the things you should consider when choosing a protein bar:
What Is Protein And How Much Do You Need?
Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is one of the three major macronutrients. "It is essential for our skin, hair, nails, bones, and muscles, as well as hormone production and cellular processes," said Suttle. "It is important to include protein in every meal and snack because it can help minimize blood sugar spikes from carbohydrates, increase the satiety of our meals and snacks, and prevent sugar and carb cravings throughout the day."
How much protein one needs varies person to person and is based on factors like gender, age, and activity level. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, people who are consuming 2,000 calories daily should have 5.5 ounces of protein foods per day. Suttle said that while the USDA's Recommended Dietary Allowance for protein is 0.8 grams of protein for kilogram of body weight, this is just a recommendation for a sedentary person.
People who are more active, like athletes, may need more protein to support muscle repair and growth, said dietitian nutritionist Lauren Manaker.
What to Look For In A Protein Bar
What you look for in a protein bar will vary based on your lifestyle, diet, allergies, overall health, and what exactly you're looking to get out of the protein bar. Is it a snack to keep you satiated between meals? Are you using it as a post-workout snack? For some, sugars and carbohydrates might not be as much of a concern, while others might be looking to steer clear of sugars. Do you want a minimally-processed bar with natural ingredients or do you just care about the protein count? Manaker recommends looking for one that has at least 10 grams of protein and is low in added sugars.
Here are some other things you should consider when picking the best protein bar:
Ingredients
"Be mindful of processed added ingredients such as artificial sweeteners, artificial dyes, and colors, or unhealthy oils," said Brittany Werner, registered dietician nutritionist and Director of Coaching at Working Against Gravity. She said to look for ingredients that you recognize. "Many bars are made with oats, nuts, and dried fruits as their main ingredients. You’ll want to avoid as many overly processed additives such as artificial sweeteners and excess filers," she said.
Type of Protein
"The type of protein in a bar can greatly influence its nutrition benefits," said Bree Phillips, registered dietician at UCSF Health and owner of The Art of Appetite. And there's a variety to choose from, including whey and egg whites or vegan protein options like pea, soy, brown rice, and hemp. Each have different health and amino acid profiles.
Type of Sweeteners
Protein bars can be sweetened with different types of sugars, both natural and artificial. What you choose might depend on your diet and whether you want to consume artificial sweeteners. "Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, while containing nutrients, can still provide a significant amount of calories," said Manaker. "Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, often have fewer calories but may affect gut health or have other side effects."
Now, here are recommendations for the best protein bars from several dietitians.


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