Nutritionist-Approved Healthy Protein Bars For a Satisfying and Filling Snack On the Go
Satisfy your cravings for snacks by eating these clean and healthy protein bars. Find out which protein bars make the list.
“Natural” is often used on food labels, but what exactly does it mean? The FDA considers the term “natural” to mean that nothing artificial, including all colors, has been included in, nor has been added to, any food that would not normally expect to be found in that food.
We believe that the best natural energy bars are free from artificial sweeteners. Many of these nutritional bars are USDA organic. They contain real, wholesome foods that fuel your body, so you can be confident about adding them to your diet. Here are some of the healthiest protein bars to grab when hunger strikes.
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RX Bars are the best overall snack bar for a simple ingredient list, including egg whites, almonds, cashews, and dates. Each bar contains 12g of protein, 7g of healthy fat, and 5g of fiber to keep you full for longer.
All of the natural flavors listed in the ingredient list are derived from oils and extracts sourced directly from spices, fruits, or plants. They're dense, so if you prefer a chewy texture, these may be the best choice for you.
RX Bars come in a variety of flavors to satisfy a range of tastes, including real Chocolate Sea Salt; Blueberry; Peanut Butter; Coconut Chocolate coating; and Mixed Berry. They also offer seasonal varieties, so you can skip out on the pumpkin spice latte loaded with sugar and get a Pumpkin Spice RX Bar instead.
Best Savory Protein Bars
Wanting something more savory? Healthy Warrior pumpkin seed protein bars believes that better health begins with the right ingredients—in this case, organic pumpkin seeds, wildflower honey, milled quinoa (not refined), black pepper, turmeric (not refined), coconut oil, and sea salts.
This bar is made from high-quality meat and whole foods that are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. The best snack for on-the-go snacking, EPIC Wagyu Beef Steak Strips provide a delicious and satisfying snack that packs 6 grams of protein per serving!
Made with 100% grass-fed wagyu beef, this steak strips are the perfect way to keep fueled during your errands. With EPIC, you can trust that you're getting the highest quality ingredients without sacrificing taste. So grab an EPIC Wagyu Beef Steak Strip and fuel up with flavor!
If you're looking for healthy, easy-to-pack snacks, then think Kate's Bars. Each bar is made using organic and non-GMO ingredients. The flavors taste just as delicious as they sound, and they're packed with nutrients so you won't be hungry for long.
Kate’s story is simple! From mountain to farm, the Tram bar origins reflect the company‘s mission of staying true to its roots. They strive to provide great products made with wholesome ingredients from responsible, organic farms.
Kate's bars will make your mouth happy for sure! And the combination of carbs and protein keeps you playing...for hours! We like to play for hours....less work more play!
Best Budget Bars
Made with whole rolled oats, almonds, pecans, and walnuts, Earnest Eats Bars are a great breakfast or snack that's also affordable. They're softer and less dense than most other energy bars on the marketplace. Each bar contains 230 calories, 12 grams of fat (4 grams of which are saturated), 4 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein.
These bars boast 190 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids, helping lower the risk of heart diseases and supporting brain health. They also contain whole grains, giving you a steady source of fuel for energy.
If you skip breakfast, you might end up eating too much later in the day, which could lead to overeating. Make sure to pack some of these snacks in your bag for the days when you don't have time to make a full meal before leaving the house. This product helps others by donating a portion of its sales to an organization that provides aid to refugees.
Thunderbird Bars are certified paleo, vegetarian, gluten-free, soy-free, and contain no sugar. They are made with wholesome ingredients such as fruits, nuts, seeds, and extra virgin coconut oil. They work together to give you energy so you can get through tough workouts or power through those afternoons.
The Hemp Sunflower Protein Bar provides 250 calories, 20 grams of fat, 18 grams of carbs, and 8 grams of protein. Try their Coffee Macadamia flavor as an afternoon snack instead of drinking coffee. This bar contains 5 mg of caffeine per serving compared with the 95 mg in an 8 oz cup of coffee, so there’s no caffeine crash later in the afternoon.
Bearded Brothers energy bars is a great vegan protein bar, containing plant-based protein, made from minimally processed ingredients. Each bar has 190 calories, 4 grams fiber, and 5 grams protein, making it the ideal snack.
The star ingredients include dates, almonds (which are rich in vitamin E), dried blueberries, chia seeds, raw vanilla, (which contains antioxidants), and sea salt. Blueberries contain high levels of antioxidants which neutralize free radicals and protect DNA.
Try one of their special flavors like the Ginger Peach. The convenient variety pack includes raspberry lemon, vanilla pecan, almond butter chocolate, coconut mango, and maca chocolate.
The GoMacro Protein Bars are made from real organic ingredients, including seeds, nuts, nut butter, puffs, dried fruit, pea protein, brown rice protein, and flaxseed. These bars contain 270 calories, 9 grams fat, 3 grams fiber, and 10 grams protein. They can sustain you for longer intervals between meals.
One thing to note about this bar is that it contains organic brown rice syrup. Brown rice syrup is an organic sweetener and binder derived from cooking brown rice. It's a natural, low-sugar protein bar but it's still considered an added sugar so it should be consumed in moderation
GoMacro makes selecting bars easy. They offer a tool where you can choose any dietary restriction you might be following. It will direct you towards the bars that meet your specific requirements, including nut-free/gluten-free/dairy-free/fodmap-friendly options.
Best Natural Protein Bars
Made with all-natural ingredients, Larabars are whole, real foods, and contain no artificial ingredients. It includes dates, almonds, dried fruits, cocoa powder, coconut flakes, vanilla extract, and salt. All of the bars contain dates, which provide a source of natural sugars plus the added benefits of fiber.
Fiber slows down the absorption rate of natural sugars, so they don't cause the same spike (or drop) in blood sugar as an artificial sweetener would. With no artificial flavors, only made with real cashews, chocolate coconut, chocolate chips, and cherry pie, this bar is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
How We Choose Healthy Protein Bars
Real Ingredients
Make sure to read the nutrition label and list of ingredients before buying energy bars. Healthy ingredients like nuts, seeds, oats, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, nut butter and fruits, and spices are healthy protein bars, best when eaten in their natural state, so look for products that contain delicious flavors in their original form.
Low on Sugar
Choose products with less than 15 grams of sugar. Natural bars may have higher amounts of sugar than others on the marketplace, but it's best to choose bars sweetened with natural sugars like dates, honey, and agave.
Protein and Fiber
Choose bars with at least 3 grams of protein and at least 5 grams of fiber to keep you full for longer and help give your muscle strength.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes a nutrition bar healthy?
The ingredients are what make an energy bar healthy. They're a convenient way to fuel yourself during your busy day. To find a nutritious energy bar, look at the ingredients list. Choose a bar that has a shortlist of familiar foods, like nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
You also want to take into account the sugar, fat, fiber, and protein content of your energy bar when choosing one. Choose a bar that has less than 5 grams of added sugar and saturated fat, and is a good source of fiber.
What to avoid in nutrition bars?
Avoid energy bars that contain sugar substitutes. Sugar alcohols are added to energy bars to sweeten them without adding a lot of calories. Though safe to consume in moderation, your body cannot completely break down sugar alcohol, which may cause gas and bloating if consumed in excess.
How do nutrition bars work?
Energy bars may provide you with the energy and protein you need before your workout. They may also temper your hunger between meals. They're a convenient, nutrient-rich snack that supports your overall health.
Though they are natural, healthy whole foods, you should be mindful of the calories in energy bars. These bars may contain up to 300 calories. Unless you need the additional calories for weight gain, you should replace snacks or a portion of one meal with an energy bar. Eating too many energy bars may cause unwanted weight gain.
Natural Protein Bars for You
Rx Bars provide protein punch and healthy fats from real foods making them the ideal choice for fueling you on the go. They also come in various flavors and are widely available in grocery stores, gas stations, and airports, making them an affordable option for a nutritious snack whenever you're traveling.