Best Protein Bars for a Healthy Snack Gluten-Free Whole Foods and Fiber Options
Discover the best protein bars that combine taste and nutrition, focusing on gluten-free options with fiber and whole foods.
City: You can think of protein bars as grab-and-go snacks, not meal replacements. They are helpful when whole foods aren’t around or when you’re too busy to eat a proper meal. The best protein sources come with fiber, healthy fats, and other nutrients. That’s why experts say to pick whole foods instead of overly processed options. While high-protein snacks can look appealing on the packaging, they might not always be the healthiest choice.
After talking with nutrition experts about what to include (and what to skip), we found some of the best protein bars that fit these suggestions. If you want more tips about protein, check out our guide on choosing the best protein powders and knowing how much protein you need.
What Should You Look For in a Protein Bar?
Start by looking at the Nutrition Facts label. The first thing to check is the serving size because the numbers on the label apply only to that portion. For most protein bars, one bar is one serving, but it’s always good to double-check.
Scan the Calories
What’s “right” depends on how many calories you need. If you’re having it as a snack, around 200 calories is usually a good amount. If you’re trying to gain weight or want a meal replacement, you might need something close to 350 calories. But remember, experts say protein bars should not replace meals. They work best to add to whole foods that provide more nutrients than snack bars.
Check the Protein Content and Source
Experts like Jamie Mok recommend protein bars to have between 10 and 20 grams of protein. Also, it’s important to know where that protein comes from. You can get protein from milk, soy, peas, or nuts which are all effective options.
Don’t Forget Fiber
Fiber is good for stabilizing blood sugar, helping digestion, reducing cravings, and making you feel full for longer. Jamie Mok says about 5 grams of fiber in a protein bar is a good goal. Look for fiber from whole foods like nuts, seeds, or oats.
Ingredients to Avoid
In general, shorter and clearer ingredient lists are better. Some high-protein bars can taste like candy bars. Jamie Mok notes they can hide added sugar in there, sometimes over 5 grams. Always check the nutrition label and the ingredient list to spot syrups and concentrates that mean added sugars.
Many brands cut sugar by using sugar alcohols like erythritol, maltitol, or sorbitol. These have fewer calories than sugar but can cause stomach issues like bloating or gas for some people. You might be okay with one bar, but if you eat several, you might feel uncomfortable.
It’s also smart to limit bars that have lots of hydrogenated oils and long lists of artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors.
Our Favorite Protein Bars
Best Overall
RxBar is known for its Classic 12G protein bar. Made from whole foods, it has egg whites for protein, dates for sweetness, and various nuts. It’s chewy and sticky, but if that’s not your style, you can try the Nut Butter & Oat Variety Pack instead.
Highest Protein Content
David’s protein bars, named after Michelangelo’s David, promise to give you a great physique. I enjoyed the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk flavor. Though they sound gimmicky, these bars taste delicious and have no added sugars!
Best Gluten-Free
I really like Perfect Bars because they are mostly peanut butter and honey. You need to keep them in the fridge, so it’s a little less convenient. However, they taste amazing, and my kids grab these over fresh fruit sometimes!
FAQs
When is the Best Time to Eat a Protein Bar?
It really depends. If you are treating a protein bar as a snack, eat it between meals, especially if you need something to keep you going or prevent a sugar crash.
Protein bars are also great after working out. A whole meal is best for recovery, but a protein bar can help when you can’t sit down to eat right away.
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