Protein Bars Directory

Protein bars are the most popular category of high-protein snacks, and for good reason. They’re portable, shelf-stable, nutritionally dense, and available in countless flavors and formulations. Whether you need a quick breakfast, post-workout recovery, or a satisfying snack, there’s a protein bar perfect for your needs.

Top Protein Bars

Best Overall: Quest Nutrition

Quest Nutrition Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough sets the standard with 20g protein, only 1g sugar, and legitimately delicious taste. Their keto-friendly formulation makes them perfect for low-carb diets.

Best Clean Label: RXBAR

RXBAR Chocolate Sea Salt takes the clean eating approach with visible ingredients: dates, egg whites, nuts. No added sugar, no artificial anything - just whole food nutrition delivering 12g of egg white protein.

Best Texture: Built Bar

Built Bar Double Chocolate revolutionized protein bars with a light, marshmallow-like texture covered in real chocolate. At only 130 calories with 17g protein, it’s perfect for low-calorie diets.

Most Innovative: Legendary Foods

Legendary Foods Tasty Pastry brings toaster pastry nostalgia with 20g protein and 5g net carbs. Heat it up for an authentic breakfast treat that won’t derail your keto diet.

How to Choose the Right Protein Bar

By Protein Content

15-17g Protein:

• Built Bar - 17g, unique texture
• Great for general snacking and light meals

18-20g Protein:

• Quest Nutrition - 20g, keto-friendly
• Legendary Foods - 20g, low carb
• Ideal for post-workout or meal replacement

10-12g Protein:

• RXBAR - 12g, whole food ingredients
• Perfect for clean eating enthusiasts

By Dietary Type

Keto & Low-Carb:

• Quest Nutrition bars - 4g net carbs
• Legendary Foods pastries - 5g net carbs
• Browse all keto protein snacks

Vegan & Plant-Based:

• Check our vegan protein snacks section
• Plant-based protein sources

Gluten-Free:

• Most protein bars are naturally gluten-free
• Quest, RXBAR, and Built are all certified

Paleo:

• RXBAR - dates, nuts, egg whites
• See all paleo-approved snacks

By Protein Source

Whey Protein:

• Fast-absorbing, complete amino acids
• Quest Nutrition - whey and milk protein isolate
• Built Bar - whey protein
• Browse whey protein snacks

Egg White Protein:

• Clean, whole food source
• RXBAR - pure egg whites
• See more egg white protein products

Plant-Based:

• Vegan-friendly, sustainable
• Explore pea protein snacks

Protein Bar Nutrition Guide

Key Metrics to Consider:

Protein-to-Calorie Ratio:

• Aim for 10% or higher
• Built Bar - 13% (17g/130cal)
• Quest - 10.5% (20g/190cal)

Sugar Content:

• Low-carb bars: 1-2g sugar
• Clean label bars: 10-15g (from dates/honey)
• Quest - only 1g sugar

Fiber:

• Look for 5g+ for digestive health
• Quest bars - 14g fiber
• Legendary Foods - 15g fiber

Net Carbs:

• Keto-friendly: under 5g net carbs
• Calculate: Total Carbs - Fiber - Sugar Alcohols = Net Carbs

When to Eat Protein Bars

Pre-Workout

• 1-2 hours before exercise
• Provides sustained energy
• Choose moderate protein (12-15g)

Post-Workout

• Within 30-60 minutes after training
• Supports muscle recovery
• Opt for higher protein (18-20g)
• Quest and Legendary Foods excel here

Meal Replacement

• 15-20g protein for satiety
• Look for added fiber
• Pair with fruit or vegetables

Snacking

• Between meals to curb hunger
• 10-15g protein adequate
• RXBAR perfect for this

Top Protein Bar Brands

Quest Nutrition

Industry leader in low-carb, high-protein bars. Known for excellent macros and legitimately good taste. Also makes protein chips.

RXBAR

Clean label pioneer with transparent ingredients. Perfect for whole food enthusiasts. Owned by Kellogg’s but maintains quality standards.

Built Bar

Innovator in texture with their unique marshmallow-like bars coated in real chocolate. Best low-calorie option.

Legendary Foods

Pushing boundaries with protein pastries and other creative formats. Excellent for keto dieters wanting variety.

Storage and Freshness Tips

Temperature:

• Most bars: room temperature is fine
• Built Bars: refrigerate for best texture
• Hot cars: can cause melting and texture issues

Shelf Life:

• Typically 6-12 months unopened
• Check “best by” dates
• Opened bars: consume within days

Travel:

• Most bars are TSA-friendly
• Pack in carry-on for flights
• Great for hiking, camping, road trips

Common Questions

Are protein bars healthy?

Depends on the bar. Choose options with:

• 10g+ protein
• Whole food ingredients (RXBAR)
• Low added sugar (Quest)
• Minimal artificial ingredients

Can protein bars help with weight loss?

Yes, when used properly:

• High protein increases satiety
• Can replace higher-calorie snacks
• Help maintain muscle during calorie restriction
• Built Bars are great low-calorie options

Best tasting protein bars?

Taste is subjective, but top-rated include:

• Quest Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• Built Bar Double Chocolate
• Legendary Foods Tasty Pastry

Explore More Protein Snacks

• Protein Chips - Crunchy, savory alternatives
• Jerky - Meat-based protein snacks
• Protein Cookies - Soft-baked treats

Or browse by diet:

• Keto-Friendly
• Vegan
• Paleo
• Gluten-Free

Return to High Protein Snacks Directory | Compare all protein snack categories

All Protein Bars - Complete Directory & Buying Guide