The 15 Healthiest Protein Bars

Protein bars are everywhere. They’re calling your name from next to the cash register at every deli, cafe, and drugstore. They’re in vending machines and layered on gas station and grocery store shelves. They’re even offered as snacks on airplanes.  Because they’re a dime a dozen, it is easy to grab the most convenient option thinking it is a “healthy snack” without realizing that you’re actually choosing a glorified candy bar. Figuring out the healthiest protein bars is a difficult chore and we’re here to make it a little easier. What Makes a Protein Bar Healthy? Most protein bar options are just plain unhealthy. Many contain added sugar (often in multiple forms) and the protein is often low-quality and highly processed. They may also contain additives like artificial flavors and unhealthy preservatives. So, how can you tell if a protein bar is actually worth the convenience? Below are our top tips for determining the healthiest protein bars, deciphering the ingredients list and the things to look for as you scan nutrition labels. Tips to Help You Pick the Healthiest Protein Bar Protein should come from minimally processed sources such as egg whites, nuts and seeds, brown rice protein, fava bean protein, pea protein, hemp protein, almond butter, peanut butter and grass-fed meats. We recommend steering clear of protein bars that contain protein isolates which may contain unnecessary (and downright unhealthy) additives. The total amount of protein also matters. Make sure sugar is far down on the ingredients list—if at all. Do your best to avoid added sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, fruit juice concentrates, molasses and syrups. Look for the sweetness to come from whole food ingredients like apples, dates, goji berries or other fruits. Steer clear of artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose. Sugar alcohols such as erythritol, sorbitol, mannitol and xylitol (if an ingredient ends in an -ol, it’s probably best to ditch the bar) can cause some unpleasant GI symptoms so we recommend avoiding them. Better options for non-nutritive sweeteners are monk fruit and allulose. Additional ingredients should be real foods, not fillers. Watch out for ingredients like carrageenan, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and color additives. Along with protein, aim for a good balance of healthy fats and fiber. Look for bars that are low in hydrogenated oils and trans fat, and contain nuts and seeds to provide healthy unsaturated fats. The ideal bar will also have at least 3 grams of fiber. Although we are not calorie counters it is still important to be conscious of calories. Ensure the overall calorie count of your protein bar doesn’t exceed 250-300 calories. That’s a lot of information to *digest*, so to help you figure out which to reach for, we unwrapped dozens of the most popular brands and evaluated the ingredients, nutrition facts, and, of course, flavor. RELATED: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth without Added Sugar Important: Think of the options below as mini-meals if you don’t have a lunch break between meetings or need a quick protein source after an intense workout.  A few of the options below are not perfectly aligned with the recommendations we shared, they’re still some of the healthiest protein bar options out there for when you are in a pinch. So, we recommend sticking to whole foods as much as possible and only grabbing these when you’re in a bind. The 15 Healthiest Protein Bars 1. Aloha Coconut Chocolate Almond The Ingredients: This bar has a longer list of ingredients, and while we’re not big fans of vegetable glycerin, there are some great ingredients found in this plant-based protein bar. The first ingredients are brown rice protein and pumpkin seed protein, which makes it stand out from other bars on this list. Pumpkin seeds are a great source of healthy fats and nutrients like iron, calcium and beta-carotene. The Flavor: The coconut flavor will add a tropical twist to your day! The Nutrition Facts: The Aloha Coconut Chocolate Almond bar will give you 14g of protein, 4g of heart healthy monounsaturated fats, 32mg of calcium and 2mg of iron. $29.99 for a box of 12, amazon.com 2. Clif Whole Lotta The Ingredients: These bars do pack a bit more sugar (from dates!) than the other bars on this list. The source of protein is organic pea protein, which is typically less processed than the soy protein alternative. The variety of nuts and seeds pack this bar with phytonutrients and micronutrients including magnesium, copper, zinc, iron and manganese, to name a few.  The Flavor: Clif bars were made for endurance exercise, so they can be a bit sweet. This line of bars comes in an assortment of flavors to satisfy these sweet cravings including Tart Cherry Almond and Roasted Peanut Chocolate. The Nutrition Facts: You’ll score 10g of plant-based protein, around 10g of unsaturated fats and around 4g of fiber in 240 calories (depending on which flavor calls your name). RELATED: The Essential Guide to Plant-Based Protein $24.00 for a box of 12, amazon.com 3. EPIC Chicken Sesame BBQ The Ingredients: This healthy protein bar is made with high-quality lean chicken and whole foods like hemp seeds, garlic, and ginger. These foods are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory superstars. The organosulfur compounds in garlic may help inhibit anti-inflammatory enzymes and ginger acts as a natural remedy for nausea and bloating. The Flavor: EPIC is reclaiming the traditional beef jerky category with this line of jerky-inspired meat bars. Thumbs up for when you’re craving something savory versus sweet. The Nutrition Facts: This superstar bar packs 15g of protein in just 120 calories and contains only 3g of sugar. $28.99 for a box of 12, amazon.com 4. EPIC Peanut Butter The Ingredients: We’re sticking with EPIC brand for one more rec. If you’re not into the whole meat bar thing, this alternative option is a great (and delicious) solution made with only five ingredients: Dates, peanuts, egg whites, peanut oil, and sea salt. The Flavor: Peanut butter, need we say more? These bars boast