Best Tasting Protein Bars [2024]

Best Tasting Protein Bars – Complete Reviews With Comparison

Protein bars are a great way to give yourself a boost of energy and satisfy your appetite throughout the day, especially in the morning when you are in a rush to get to work. They’re great to keep in your bag for when you need to recharge with the perfect snack.

However, with literally thousands of different protein bars on the market, finding one that tastes good and is nutritionally beneficial can be quite a challenge. To help you, we’ve put together a list of some of the best-tasting protein bars out there.

think! High Protein Bars

Starting off our list is a classic. Think! is known for making high-quality, tasty bars that are excellent pick-me-ups throughout the day. Their signature protein bar is available in 12 different flavors and comes in packs of 10, 12, or 30. That’s a lot of variety to choose from!

Product Highlights

Think! never fails to delight us with their tasty, protein-rich, healthy foods. As you know, achieving your goals takes perseverance and energy, and when you are eating well and nourishing your body, you will feel your best and be able to take on any challenge that life throws at you.

As you may also know, protein is the building block for healthy skin, muscles, nails, and more, and the whole reason we eat protein bars in the first place is to fill up on protein. It is needed to help repair the muscles that are broken down during exercise and to build new muscle. To put it simply, protein powers our bodies from the inside out.

The great thing about Think! protein bars is their varied flavors. As we mentioned earlier, there are 12 different protein bar flavors to choose from, which allows you to find exactly the right flavor that you know you will enjoy. To make their bars even more delicious, Think! carefully sources simply clean and premium ingredients that are free of GMOs while also having their protein bars be entirely free of gluten.

Some of their most popular flavors include Berries and Creme, Chocolate & Creme Cupcake, Maple French Toast, and Creamy Peanut Butter. These flavors contain real ingredients, such as chocolate chips or chunks of real fruit, so you know that you are actually getting the nutrients you pay for – not fake, processed ingredients.

Think! also offers protein bar options with 20 grams of protein in them, which is suitable for consumers who are looking for a multipurpose nutritional bar that can serve as both an energy-boosting snack and a meal replacement when paired with something like a piece of fruit. It helps support muscle growth and recovery, build lean muscle, and make you feel full.

The Good

One of the main benefits of Think! protein bars is the variety of flavors that they are available in. There are not many other brands out there that produce quite as many different, unique flavors as this one, which makes them perfect for picky eaters or people looking to try new flavors.

What’s more, each protein bar only contains a single gram of sugar and does not contain artificial sweeteners, saccharin, sucralose, aspartame, neotame, acesulfame potassium, or advantame. This makes them perfect for folks who are monitoring their sugar intake.

The Bad

Unfortunately, you’re going to need to keep these bars cool at all times, or you’ll be left with a mushy mess when you try to open them. If you can, store them in an insulated lunchbox or another container that will be able to keep them cool.

Pure High Protein Bars

Next, we have bars from Pure that are high in protein, low in sugar, and even lower in calories. This ensures that you’re getting as much protein as possible without any of the junk that’s often packed into other protein bars. They are also free of gluten, making them perfect for folks with gluten intolerance.

Product Highlights

These tasty protein bars from Pure come in packs of 12 and are Chocolate Peanut Butter-flavored. They feature a similar ingredient makeup to the previous bars on this list, only this time, there are 2 grams of sugar in each bar instead of just 1. This is not a major difference, however, and it should not impact your diet in any significant, noticeable way.

Like the Think! bars, Pure’s bars have 20 grams of protein each, making them great energy boosters for you to snack on throughout the day. They are also extremely tasty, which is why they are on this list. Chocolate and peanut butter are two flavors that are often combined because they complement each other quite nicely – the same is true for these protein bars.

Pure bars are filled with a high-quality protein blend that provides you with both quick and sustained energy while also being full of flavor to satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time. They’re great for fueling your workout and keeping your diet balanced and nutritious while still being a delicious snack to reward yourself with.

The great thing about Pure High Protein Bars is that they are effective both pre and post-workout. You can eat one an hour before your workout to get carbs and energy before intense exertion for lean muscle support, or you can treat yourself to one after you have finished your workout to replenish your energy and aid in the process of muscle recovery.

The Good

One of the most appealing things about the Pure protein bar is its flavor. Chocolate and peanut butter is a classic combination that most people enjoy, and even if you don’t, you will be able to appreciate the simply delicious flavor of these bars. They can be eaten with your meals or in between meals to provide you with energy throughout the day.

We also appreciate that these bars can be eaten both before and after your workout and still provide you with benefits. Before your workout, they can serve as energy sustained. After your workout, they can replenish your energy so that you can carry on with your day.

The Bad

Unfortunately, because these Pure bars are flavored with peanut butter, they’re going to trigger an allergic reaction in anyone who is allergic to peanuts. It’s an unfortunate downside to an otherwise fantastic bar.

Pros

• Low calories
• Gluten-free
• Suitable before & after workouts
• Can be eaten with meals or between meals

Cons

• Can trigger peanut allergy

Gatorade Whey Protein Bars

Gatorade is known for its energy drinks, so it only makes sense that they would come out with protein bars. These protein bars are available in a great selection of flavors and also come in different package sizes so that you don’t waste your money buying dozens when you only need one.

Product Highlights

Like the previous protein bars on this list, Gatorade protein bars contain 20 grams of protein, making them perfect for fueling your body throughout the day. They’re great for athletes or for people who are just trying to increase their daily protein intake. However, the devil is in the details, as these bars also contain 30% more calories than a Snickers bar, as well as 28 grams of sugar.

We all know that whey protein can be a great way to boost your protein intake, and Gatorade knows this, as well. They state that their protein bar can fuel muscle recovery thanks to the protein contained within the whey, as well as the high content of carbs. Unfortunately, many of the other ingredients in this bar are variants of sugar, like palm oil, palm kernel, and cane syrup.

Sugar does not mean the end of the world, though. Many of us are already eating too many empty calories that have added sugar, even if we are on a special diet. There are many necessary fats contained within sugary foods, which makes it harder to eat nutritious foods that fit within our daily goals for caloric intake.

Gatorade’s whey protein bars are designed to be eaten after you have finished your workout. The high-quality milk and whey protein is meant to help you rebuild your muscles for athletic recovery, and the 44 grams of carbs contained within replenishes your energy and gets you ready for the next workout, whenever that may be.

The Good

The Gatorade protein bar was scientifically developed for athletes, and each bar contains enough carbs and protein to encourage muscle regrowth and provide fuel throughout the day. Not only does this make them great for people who work out frequently, but it also makes them suitable for folks who are just trying to get some more energy throughout the day.

The bars are also available in a variety of flavors, including Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Caramel, Cookies & Creme, Chocolate Pretzel, S’mores, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and more. This means that everyone will be able to find a flavor that they enjoy.

The Bad

Like we mentioned previously, these protein bars contain more calories than a Snickers bar, which means they may not be as healthy for you if you are on a diet. It also means that eating one every day might not be the best thing to do if you are watching your weight and trying to stay healthy.

Pros

• High in protein
• Includes whey protein
• 44g of carbs
• Developed scientifically for athletes

Cons

• High caloric content

Atkins Protein Meal Bar

The Atkins Protein Meal Bar is designed to provide you with lasting energy, as well as all the nutrients your body needs to ensure that you can reach your athletic goals. This is a great option for people who are trying to lose weight but still want to maintain their energy in a healthy, tasty way.

Product Highlights

Atkins is a brand that has been around for decades, and people around the world have been successful at losing weight by using Atkins products and following the Atkins diet. Weight loss is not just about reducing the amount of food you are consuming each day but also making sure that you are eating the right foods.

What was once a fad diet has become a lifestyle that helps people maintain good health and avoid health issues, not the least of which is obesity. The Atkins Protein Meal Bar can boost your energy, help you lose weight, and speed up your metabolism to promote further weight loss. The brand focuses on using high-quality ingredients, and when paired with an exercise routine, these bars can help you reap the rewards of clean eating.

The taste of the Atkins protein bar is a point of contention. While some people think that they taste amazing, there are just as many people who feel that the taste of the bar is terrible. We understand that this kind of nutritional supplement is not always going to taste the best, but there are several flavors to choose from, so you should be able to find one you like.

The flavors include Chocolate, Blueberry Greek Yogurt, Peanut Butter Granola, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Chip Granola, and more. They are available in packs of 5, 6, or 8, allowing you to purchase your preferred amount.

The Good

While the taste of some of the flavors of the Atkins bar might be lacking, it makes up for it in terms of consistency. The texture of this bar is generally more pleasant than a lot of other protein bars on the market.

The bars also contain plenty of protein, as well as a healthy dose of fiber, so that you are getting the energy you need to get through your day while keeping your gut happy and healthy. They’re perfect for a low-carb diet thanks to their 3 net grams of carbs and 1 gram of sugar per bar.

The Bad

As we have already mentioned, some of the flavor options available are lacking in the taste department, but this is still a topic of debate. Some people love the flavors, while others hate them, so it’ll be up to you to decide whether you like them or not.

Pros

• Suitable for weight loss
• High in protein
• Minimal carbs
• Good texture

Cons

• Flavors may not be tasty to everyone

Quest High Protein Nutrition Bar

Last but certainly not least, we have one of the most popular nutritional protein bars on the market right now – the Quest High Protein Nutrition Bar. These bars are packed full of protein, making them great for people on a diet who are looking to increase their protein intake or for people who want a boost of energy before working out.

Product Highlights

There are actually two versions of your average Quest bar. The first is sweetened with sucralose and lo han guo, while the other is sweetened using stevia and erythritol, which is a sugar alcohol. Lo han guo is a sweetener that most people are unfamiliar with – it is a fruit that is native to northern Thailand and southern China.

A special process is used to isolate the fruit’s sweet component and create an extract, which is then used in products like the Quest bar to sweeten them while still avoiding adding a single calorie to the mix. Erythritol, on the other hand, is a sugar alcohol, which means that it could be harmful to your digestive system if you have a sensitive stomach.

There are several flavors to choose from when it comes to the Quest bar, including Cookies and Cream, Maple Waffle, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Birthday Cake. These flavors are generally universally liked, but if you happen not to like them, you might be a little bit disappointed. The bars are made from complete dairy-based proteins that provide your body with 9 essential amino acids, making them both tasty and nutritional.

Quest bars also contain 18 grams of fiber each, which means that they can be great for improving your digestive health, especially if you are someone that struggles with constipation. However, these bars can be quite addictive thanks to their delicious taste, so try not to overwhelm your system with tons of fiber!

The Good

One great thing about the Quest bar is that you can heat it up and turn it into a warm, delicious treat. This is especially effective with the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor, as the chocolate chips melt due to the warmth and leave your tastebuds dancing with delight.

You can also use Quest bars in your cooking and baking. They are great for making treats like fruit cups, muffins, cupcakes, and other baked goods, and they pair nicely with dessert fruits and treats.

The Bad

If you are someone who enjoys snacking on one or two protein bars at a time, then these might not be the bars for you due to their high fiber content. They can give you stomach cramps and problems if you eat too many at once.

Pros

• No artificial sweetener
• No sugar
• High in fiber
• Provides the body with 9 essential amino acids

Cons

• Can cause stomach issues if eaten in “bulk”

Buyer’s Guide

It’s important to know exactly what you should be looking for in a protein bar before you go out and buy dozens of them. Here’s a short buyer’s guide to help you out.

Ingredients

If you are looking for a truly healthy protein bar, there are several ingredients you should be looking for. For starters, a low-carb bar should contain less than 20 grams of carbs per bar. When it comes to protein, look for ingredients like pea and whey proteins, and your bar should also have at least 3 grams of fiber.

Flavor

A good protein bar should be able to taste good without using any unhealthy artificial ingredients or sweeteners. Look for natural sweetening agents like the ones found in the Quest bar.

Protein

Each body requires a different amount of protein to be healthy. The average American will need 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of their body weight, but if you are an athlete who exercises each day for about an hour, you will need up to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of your body weight. A good protein bar will have about 20 grams of protein per serving, which is more than enough for most people.

Allergen & Safety Information

Many protein bars contain ingredients like nuts, milk, and gluten to improve their taste and texture. If you have an intolerance to any of these ingredients, then you should be sure to look for protein bars that do not contain them.

Price vs. Value

You’ll notice that many of the bars we mentioned in this list are sold in packs of varying quantities. The more bars in a pack, the more expensive that pack will be. If you don’t eat 30 protein bars a month, then you shouldn’t purchase a pack of 30 bars every month. Instead, should opt for a smaller quantity. This will save you money in the long run.

FAQs

How are protein bars made?

Protein bars are generally made from milk, yogurt powder, or dairy proteins like whey, while others are plant-based. Some contain egg whites, while others contain seeds and nuts as their primary source of protein. They are made in factories in large batches and are then cut and wrapped individually.

What are protein bars good for?

In addition to providing you with protein and carbohydrates, the majority of protein bars on the market can be excellent sources of micronutrients, like iron, potassium, B vitamins, and calcium. They are good for fueling your body before and after a workout and can sometimes promote weight loss.

How many calories are in a protein bar?

Most protein bars will contain about 400 calories, but there are low-calorie options available for those monitoring their caloric intake.

How many protein bars can I eat in a day?

You should try not to eat more than two sugar-free protein bars each day. If you do, make sure that you eat them as far apart as possible within a 24-hour period.

How long do protein bars last?

Protein bars generally last for 12 months on the shelf or in your pantry. Try not to eat them after their expiration date.

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks! Those are some of the tastiest protein bars the world has to offer. We hope that we were able to help you find your new favorite bar!