I love protein bars for a quick breakfast during the week, especially after I’ve just worked out. They’re a great way to refuel while logging in to work for the day – quick, easy and (hopefully) nutritious. However, it’s hard to find the perfect combination of nutrition facts and ingredients. Obviously, the perfect protein bar depends on what you’re trying to put in, and keep out of, your body. You can’t have it all!
Ideally I’d say the less ingredients, and less processed, the better. But, that’s not as easy while also keeping the cost low and meeting desired highs/lows in nutrition facts. For example, I’ve been trying to eat bars that are high in protein while low in carbs and sugar.
As for the actual ingredients, most protein bars have some sort of nuts in them. This makes it especially hard for anyone with a tree nut or peanut allergy to find their perfect bar. While I don’t personally have an allergy, one of my kiddos does. So, I need to be careful and clearly note any that contain said allergen and ensure they’re off limits.
Lots to consider. Here are some of my favorites right now!
Atkins Protein-Rich Meal Bar, Peanut Butter
Heavenly strong peanut butter taste. More on the pricey side compared to others in this group. Keto friendly.
- Protein: 16 g
- Total Carbs: 18 g
- Net Carbs: 4 g (total carbs – fiber – glycerin)
- Sugar: 1 g Calories: 220
- Fiber: 6 g
- Box of 5 bars: $7.98
- Unit price: $1.60
Nature Valley Blueberry Nut Protein Bar
Tasty combination of blueberry and nuts. I’ve had a hard time buying recently – they keep selling out and substituted at the last minute in my grocery pick-up order! Inexpensive choice.
- Protein: 10 g
- Total Carbs: 16 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Calories: 190
- Fiber: 5 g
- Box of 5 bars: $3.48
- Unit price: $0.70
RXBar: Peanut Butter Chocolate
Still a good taste but chewy and distinctly different texture than the other (more processed) bars. More pricey compared to others in this group.
- Protein: 12 g
- Total Carbs: 23 g
- Sugar: 14 g
- Calories: 210
- Fiber: 5 g
- Box of 4 bars: $6.48
- Unit price: $1.62
Atkins Protein-Rich Meal Bar, Blueberry Greek Yogurt
Delicious Greek yogurt and blueberry combination. Hard to find sometimes. Mid-range price. Keto friendly.
- Protein: 14 g
- Total Carbs: 21 g
- Net Carbs: 4 g (total carbs – fiber – glycerin)
- Sugar: 3 g
- Calories: 190
- Fiber: 9 g
- Box of 5 bars: $7.80
- Unit price: $1.56
KIND Protein From Real Food: Caramel Nut
Flavorful caramel is a good change of pace from other options. More natural choice of ingredients. Kind of crunchy but also chewy. Mid-range price.
- Protein: 12 g
- Total Carbs: 18 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Calories: 240
- Fiber: 5 g
- Box of 5 bars: $7.69
- Unit price: 1.54
Nature Valley Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Protein Bar
Good tasting chocolate peanut butter combo. Received as a grocery substitute and enjoyed. Inexpensive choice.
- Protein: 10 g
- Total Carbs: 15 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Calories: 190
- Fiber: 6 g
- Box of 5 bars: $3.49
- Unit price: $0.70
Nature Valley Coconut Almond Protein Bar
The coconut is tasty and good for variety. Another grocery substitute, this one surprised me. Inexpensive choice.
- Protein: 10 g
- Total Carbs: 15 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Calories: 200
- Fiber: 5 g
- Box of 5 bars: $3.49
- Unit price: $0.70
Quick Comparison of My Top Protein Bars of the Moment
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