When it comes to shedding pounds, choosing the best protein bars for weight loss can make a significant difference. These bars offer a convenient and satisfying way to increase protein intake, which is crucial for supporting weight loss goals. (7) The best protein bars for weight loss are those that are low in sugar and high in protein, providing a filling snack without unnecessary calories.
When selecting the best protein bars for weight loss, it’s essential to consider factors such as protein content, fiber, and overall nutritional profile. Look for bars with at least 10 grams of protein per serving and minimal added sugars. Additionally, bars with fiber-rich ingredients like nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help keep you full longer, reducing the temptation to overeat. We’ve rounded up 10 of the best protein bars for weight loss to aid in your journey of managing weight loss and keeping it off.
The 10 Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss of 2024
- Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss Overall: Pure Protein Bars
- Best Clean Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars
- Best Tasting Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Onnit Protein Bites
- Best Low-Sugar Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Legion Protein Bars
- Best Gluten-Free Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Promix Protein Puff Bars
- Best Low-Carb Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar
- Best Vegan Protein Bars for Weight Loss: NuGo Protein Bars
- Best Dairy-Free Protein Bars for Weight Loss: No Cow-Dipped Bars
- Best Budget Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Orgain Protein Snack Bar
- Best Crunchy Protein Bars for Weight Loss: KIND Protein Bars
Editor’s note: The content on BarBend is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before beginning a new fitness, nutritional, and/or supplement routine. Individual needs for vitamins and minerals will vary.
How We Tested and Chose the Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best protein bars for weight loss available today, we’ve tested over 50 different profiles from the industry’s best brands using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Below are some of the categories and components that played into our rankings.
- Taste: If a protein bar doesn’t taste good, then you’re not going to eat it. That is why we had our testers try each protein bar to give their point of view on taste, texture, and feel.
- Formulation: The formulation of a protein bar reveals not only macronutrients but also essential vitamins and minerals, helping to determine its suitability as a snack, meal replacement, or post-workout option. Additionally, scrutinizing the formulation helps identify potential allergens and artificial additives.
- Calories: With varying caloric needs across every customer base, we always try to include products that are both lower and higher in calories. That said, for protein bars for weight loss, we ensured all bars remained below the 300 calorie mark, as most customers reading this are likely wanting to stay in a caloric deficit.
- Protein Content: In general, protein bars don’t pack as much protein as protein shakes or protein powders. For this list, we included bars that ranged from about 12 to 20 grams of protein (whereas a shakes or powder list may include options that range closer to 20 to 30 grams of protein).
- Texture: Our testers evaluated the feel of each bar, so you know what to expect: soft and chewy bars, which can make you feel like you’re enjoying a candy bar; bars that are crunchy from their natural nut, seed, and dried fruit ingredients; and some plant-based protein-based bars that may taste grainy due to the rice and pea protein powders.
- Price: When it comes to price, you should consider how much nutrition you’re getting for your money. You should also consider how much you may have to pay for shipping the product to your house, if applicable and, if applicable, how much you may have to pay to ship the product to your house.
- Side Effects: Our testers reported any potential side effects, like bloating, indigestion, or low energy. While each person’s experience is unique, we found it important to evaluate and report back anything we noticed.
Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss Overall: Pure Protein Bars
Pure Protein Bars are a budget-friendly protein bar that pack 21 grams of protein per serving, making them a perfect protein shake alternative. They're also available on Amazon Prime!
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $1.34 (12-pack), $1.28 (18-pack), $1.08 (36-pack)
- Protein Source: Protein blend of whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, and whey protein isolate
- Protein Per Bar: 19 to 21 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 16 to 20 grams
- Fat Per Bar: 4.5 to 7 grams
- Calories Per Bar: 180 to 200
- Fiber: 1g
- Available Flavors: Birthday cake, caramel churro, chewy chocolate chip, chocolate deluxe, chocolate mint cookie, chocolate peanut butter, chocolate peanut caramel, chocolate salted caramel, cookies and cream, galactic brownie, lemon cake, strawberry Greek yogurt, and a variety pack of chewy chocolate chip, chocolate peanut butter, and chocolate deluxe
Pure Protein Bars offer a blend of taste, nutrition, and convenience, earning our vote for the best protein bars for weight loss. Pure Protein Bars are the best protein bars for weight loss overall, as they offer a blend of taste, nutrition, and convenience. Each bar contains approximately 180 to 200 calories, striking the perfect balance for a satisfying snack. Plus, similar to some of the best protein powders for weight loss, they’re packed with 16 to 20 grams of protein per serving, keeping hunger at bay between meals.
Testers raved about the indulgent taste of Pure Protein Bars, likening them to candy bars with a delightfully nougat-like texture. Kate Meier, part of our editorial team and a NASM-certified personal trainer who tried the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor, said, “These are probably the most candy-bar-like bars I’ve ever had.” Despite their dessert-like flavor, these bars are surprisingly low in added sugars, ranging from 1 to 4 grams per serving. “They are a little chalky, like VERY little. Not like you taste with other protein bars,” says Meier.
With an impressive selection of 19 flavors, there’s something to please every palate. If undecided, Pure Protein offers a convenient variety pack featuring three of their top-selling flavors. When it comes to affordability, purchasing in bulk from Amazon ensures a budget-friendly option, with prices averaging just over $1 per bar. Testers unanimously agreed, giving the product a stellar 4.5 out of 5 for its value.
While Pure Protein Bars boast natural ingredients like nuts, nut butter, and dried fruit, they also contain artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and sugar alcohol. While these additives may not sit well with everyone, testers rated the bars a commendable 4 out of 5 for their ingredient quality.
“Texture is similar to something like a Snickers or a Milky Way – very nougaty (is that a word),” says Meier. Her firsthand experience echoes the sentiment of many testers, who praised the bars’ ability to satisfy cravings without compromising taste or texture. We think our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D. put it best: “These protein bars get the job done, but the use of sugar alcohols and its saturated fat content may be enough reason for some people to avoid them.”
Best Clean Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars
Among our favorite protein bars, the Transparent Labs Protein+ Bar packs plenty of protein per serving and uses only grass-fed whey, alongside other clean ingredients.
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $3.33; $2.99 with subscribe and save option (12-pack)
- Protein Source: Grass-fed whey protein isolate and egg white protein
- Protein Per Bar: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 23 grams
- Fat Per Bar: 16 grams
- Calories Per Bar: 280
- Fiber: 3g
- Available Flavors: Peanut butter chocolate chip
Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars stand out as the cleanest protein bars for their natural ingredients, notably featuring real peanut butter, dairy-free chocolate chips, tapioca syrup, dates, honey, rolled oats, coconut oil, and sea salt. The protein blend, comprising egg white protein and grass-fed whey protein isolate, underscores its quality.
[Related: The Best Clean Protein Powders]
Our testers unanimously praise the bar’s clean peanut butter and chocolate flavor, devoid of unpleasant aftertaste. However, opinions diverge on texture. While some appreciate its softness and chewiness reminiscent of RXBARs, others find it slightly dry and tough to chew, possibly due to its density and nut content.
“These definitely dried out my mouth a little,” says Kate Meier, a BarBend editorial member who tried these bars and gave the texture a 4 out of 5. “But I love that there are real chocolate pieces in the bar.”
It doesn’t surprise us that, similar to when we tested the best clean protein powders, our testers report no adverse side effects of this bar, even for individuals typically sensitive to whey protein. However, opinions on ingredient quality vary slightly, with testers awarding it a respectable 3.5 out of 5.
The main drawback is the price, with each bar priced at around $3, making it comparatively expensive among protein bars. Additionally, the absence of a bulk package option limits cost-effectiveness, resulting in a moderate rating of 3 out of 5 for affordability.
Colleen Quigley, a tester, notes that while the bar delivers on its promise of peanut butter and chocolate flavor, its density and caloric content may not align with everyone’s dietary preferences, particularly those on caloric deficit diets favoring whole foods.
Our expert reviewer Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D. agreed, saying, “If you’re keeping your macro counts tight, know that this isn’t a protein bar that’ll give you a lean boost of protein. You’re getting 15 grams of protein per bar, which is fair, but check out the macronutrient ratio: 15 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat, and 23 grams of carbs. And all of that includes 5 grams of saturated fat and 5 grams of added sugar.” Despite this, the genuine ingredients and absence of artificial additives make it an attractive option for individuals seeking a cleaner protein bar alternative.
Best Tasting Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Onnit Protein Bites
Onnit’s protein bites combine the decadence of a dark chocolate coating with a great tasting center, available in three delicious flavors — Chocolate Cookie Dough, Chocolate Coconut Cashew, and Chocolate Peanut Butter. These bites contain up to 9g of grass-fed whey isolate, and 7g of dietary fiber.
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $1.66; $1.41 for subscribe and save option (12-pack)
- Protein Source: Grass-fed protein blend of grass-fed milk protein isolate and grass-fed whey protein isolate; cashew butter; whey protein crisps
- Protein Per Bar: 7 to 9 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 12 to 15 grams
- Fat Per Bar: 6 to 7 grams
- Calories Per Bar: 120 to 150
- Fiber: 7g
- Available Flavors: White chocolate cookies and cream, coconut cashew and dark chocolate, cookie dough and dark chocolate, peanut butter and dark chocolate, and S’mores
Onnit Protein Bites come in five delicious flavors, offering a tasty snack to boost your nutrition. According to Kate Meier, an editorial member on our team and NASM-certified personal trainer, “Each flavor contains real chocolate, giving them a candy bar-like taste.” Meier rated the texture a perfect 5 out of 5 and the taste a 4 out of 5, praising the “chewiness and moistness.”
These protein bites cost nearly $2 each, which might seem a bit high considering their small size. (See also our picks for the best tasting protein powder.)
Still, the cost may be worth it if you’re looking for a low-sugar, healthy alternative to candy bars or chocolate. Testers give this protein bar product a perfect 5 out of 5 for price.
The only downside for the testers was that the Onnit Protein Bites contain a long list of ingredients. Although many of them are natural, the overwhelming number of ingredients could be off-putting for people with various food allergies or intolerances. Testers give the ingredients of this product 3 out of 5.
Overall, testers say that the Onnit Protein Bites are a healthy dessert option for when you might be craving chocolate or sweets. As a result, this can help people reach their weight loss goals by making each calorie you consume satisfying and full of nutrition. If for any reason you don’t like the product, the return policy is a full refund if there is at least half of the product left. And if more than half of the product is gone, you can still receive Onnit credit instead of a refund.
[Related: Protein Bars From Your Own Kitchen]
Best Low-Sugar Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Legion Protein Bars
Legion High-Protein Bar has 20g of protein, 24g of carbs, and 12 grams of fat per bar. It slots in at 240 calories, and there’s only 4g of sugar per bar, which is pretty low considering some bars have up to 20g. Plus, the protein comes from a combination of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate, which makes for a balanced, stable blend.
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $2.99 on Amazon (12-pack)
- Protein Source: Protein blend of whey isolate, whey hydrolysate, and whey concentrate
- Protein Per Bar: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 24 to 38 grams; most are in the 20’s, but S’mores is 38 grams
- Fat Per Bar: 6 to 12 grams; most are 11 to 12 except for S’mores, which are 6 grams
- Calories Per Bar: 240 to 250
- Fiber: 8g
- Available Flavors: Blueberry muffin, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate peanut butter, peanut butter jelly, and s’mores
Legion Protein Bars pride themselves on their 100% natural ingredients and low sugar content, making them a flavorful and health-conscious choice. Three of the five available flavors contain only four to five grams of total sugar, ensuring a delicious yet nutritious snack.
Ben Emminger, a member of the BarBend team, tested this protein bar and had some insightful feedback. He raved about the chocolate chips, likening them to Hershey’s kisses. “I didn’t really notice any hints of peanut butter while eating this bar, only hints as an aftertaste,” Emminger says. Although some find the texture initially dense, it softens after a few chews, with no reported side effects. Testers unanimously rate the taste at 4 out of 5 and the texture at 3 out of 5.
Our tester also appreciated the clean peanut butter and chocolate taste, emphasizing the real chocolate pieces’ delightful melt-in-your-mouth texture. Despite slight dryness, Emminger also says he found the protein bars “satisfying and easy to digest,” rating taste and texture at 4 out of 5. Our tester emphasizes the meal-like quality of the bars, highlighting their richness and the absence of artificial ingredients, which make them stand out from other options.
Despite these nuances, our tester rates the bar’s taste and texture highly at 4 out of 5, highlighting its suitability for individuals with a sweet tooth. However, she notes limitations due to personal dietary preferences, particularly regarding fat content and caloric considerations.
While both protein bars offer distinct experiences, Legion Protein Bars stand out for their natural ingredients, balanced taste, and versatility as either a very low-calorie meal replacement or a nutrient-dense snack. Our expert Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D. also really likes Legion’s transparent website and label, noting, “As a dietitian, I also appreciate Legion’s transparency in their products. They break down the percentages in their protein blend, telling customers just how much of each type of whey protein is in the blend.” Overall, these bars serve as an excellent on-the-go alternative to Legion Whey Protein Powder.
Best Gluten-Free Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Promix Protein Puff Bars
These crunchy bars are reminiscent of a rice crispy treat that's packed with protein and absent all that unwanted sugar. They're a nice change from normal chewy protein bars.
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $2.66 or $2.40 for subscribe and save (12-pack); $2.41 or $2.17 for subscribe and save (24-pack)
- Protein Source: Whey protein isolate whey protein concentrate, and egg whites
- Protein Per Bar: 15 grams for every flavor except for strawberries & cream, which has 14 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 16 to 17 grams
- Fat Per Bar: 3 grams to 4.5 grams
- Calories Per Bar: 150 for most flavors; 160 for strawberries & cream
- Fiber: 5g
- Available Flavors: Vanilla, snickerdoodle, chocolate chip, mint chocolate, blueberries & cream, strawberries & cream, coconut, birthday cake, and a variety pack option that contains equal numbers of vanilla, chocolate chip, strawberries & cream, and blueberries & cream
Promix Protein Puff Bars are a delicious and natural treat fit for the gluten-free lifestyle. The bar uses egg whites instead of flour to help stabilize its structure and optimize its protein-to-carbohydrate ratio.
These whey protein bars keep it real with natural ingredients only like tapioca, sea salt, inulin, vanilla extract, and fresh fruit. These ingredients provide a good source of fiber, four to six grams per bar, which is great for gut health. These ingredients provide a good source of fiber at four to six grams per bar, which is a great support to gut health. Another bonus is that these protein bars are low in added sugar, with 4 to 6 grams per bar. Testers gave this protein bar a 4 out of 5 for ingredients and 5 out of 5 for side effects.
Our tester, Ben Emminger, who is part of the BarBend team, also sampled this protein bar and found it thoroughly enjoyable. “I tried the Chocolate variety, and it brought to mind my favorite lunchtime snack: a chocolate-flavored Rice Krispies treat,” Emminger says. He says the texture is a bit gritty because of the rice crisps, but it’s not overbearing. As a result, he gave this protein bar a 4.5 out of 5 for taste and texture.
On the downside, because of its gluten-free status, this bar requires egg whites to keep it together. Therefore, this is not a bar for people with egg allergies and is not vegan-friendly. And with up to 17 grams of carbs per bar, this is not a keto-friendly option either.
Regarding the price, this protein bar option, even with a discount from subscribe and save, is well over $2 per bar. This may not fit every budget if you want to consume this protein bar daily as part of your health routine. Our tester gave this product a 3 out of 5 for price.
Promix Protein Puff Bars prides itself on its non-GMO and no-additives status. This is a great option if you have allergies or intolerances to ingredients like gluten or artificial sweeteners, so you can feel safe consuming your protein bar choice.
Best Low-Carb Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar
Bulletproof's Protein Crisp Bars are extremely calorie-friendly, making them an easy addition into any weight-loss or fat-loss diet. We also love the clean, whole food ingredients.
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $2.99; $2.39 for subscribe and save option (12-pack)
- Protein Source: Pea protein, peanut butter, almond butter
- Protein Per Bar: 11 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 14 to 16 grams; 3 to 6 net grams of carbs
- Fat Per Bar: 8 to 10 grams of total fat, 2 to 3.5 grams of saturated fat
- Calories Per Bar: 150 to 170
- Fiber: 9g
- Available Flavors: Peanut butter chocolate chip, coconut chocolate chip, salted caramel, and chocolate mint chip
The Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar is a keto-friendly, gluten-free, and dairy-free option ideal for anyone trying to limit their carb intake. Depending on the flavor, these protein bars contain between four and six net carbs per bar. Net carbs, while not always accurate, are the total carbohydrate minus the total grams of fiber and half the grams of sugar alcohol. Each bar contains 9 to 10 grams of fiber from natural sources like pea protein, peanut butter, inulin, and prebiotic tapioca fiber.
Kate Meier, a member of our editorial team and NASM-certified personal trainer tried these protein bars. She noticed the peanut butter right away. “This bar definitely has peanut butter, with a hint of chocolate chip. It tastes like a ‘healthy’ peanut butter bar. The flavors are there, but not as rich as in something with more fat and sugar. I’d rate it 4 out of 5 for taste,” says Meier.
Regarding texture, Meier reported that even though the package says it is a “crispy” bar, It is chewier. However, this isn’t a bad thing, and they give the bar a 4 out of 5 rating.
At $3 per bar, the Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar is a little on the expensive side and might not fit some budgets. As a result, testers give this product a 3 out of 5 for price.
Meier expressed a desire for a higher protein content in the ingredients, stating that “just 11 grams of protein is a bummer; would love to see that protein content higher.” Considering this and the sugar alcohol content, Meier rated the ingredients 3.5 out of 5.
Best Vegan Protein Bars for Weight Loss: NuGo Protein Bars
The NuGo Dark Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Bar is an under 200 calorie snack that is a great replacement for higher-calorie items.
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $1.50 on Amazon (12-pack)
- Protein Source: Soy protein
- Protein Per Bar: 13 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 25 grams; 15 grams added sugar
- Fat Per Bar: 6 to 8 grams of total fat; 3.5 to 4 grams of saturated fat
- Calories Per Bar: 200
- Fiber: 2g
- Available Flavors: Chocolate chip, coconut, mint chocolate chip, mocha, peanut butter cup, pretzel with sea salt, and combo packs of coconut and chocolate chip, coconut and peanut butter cup, and coconut and pretzel with sea salt
NuGo protein bars are soy protein-based protein bars for weight loss that fit just about any lifestyle, including those who follow a vegan lifestyle. These plant-based protein bars contain natural flavors like tapioca and agave syrups, sea salt, dark chocolate, and brown rice crisp instead of artificial flavors and sweeteners. And with sweet and salty flavors, there is just about something for everyone.
Testers report that these protein bars have a delicious taste, especially the mint chocolate chip flavor that they compare to thin mint cookies. Regarding texture, the testers report a crispy rice texture that is not too gooey and not too dry. Testers gave this protein bar a 5 out of 5 for taste and texture.
[Related: Best Vegan Protein Powder]
Our testers report no side effects after eating this protein bar. And as far as price, this protein bar is budget-friendly at less than $2 per bar. Testers gave this bar a 5 out of 5 for side effects and a 4.5 out of 5 for price.
The only category that was rated low by our testers was the ingredients. This is because NuGo Protein Bars contain various syrups, contributing to the fairly high added sugars and total carb content. For these reasons, the testers rated this protein bar a 2.5 out of 5 for ingredients. Our expert Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D. agreed, also rating the formulation a 2.5 out of 5, and noting, “The added sugar and lack of fiber in these bars are such a bummer.”
Best Dairy-Free Protein Bars for Weight Loss: No Cow Dipped Bars
The No Cow Protein Bars come available in various flavors, and have 20 grams of plant protein.
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $2.33 on Amazon (12-pack)
- Protein Source: Protein blend of pea protein and brown rice protein
- Protein Per Bar: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 24 to 27 grams total of carbs, 14 to 15 grams of fiber
- Fat Per Bar: 6 to 7 grams total fat; 3.5 to 4 grams saturated fat
- Calories Per Bar: 200
- Fiber: 14g
- Available Flavors: Birthday cake, chocolate mint cookie, chocolate peanut butter cup, chocolate salted caramel, chocolate sea salt, chocolate sprinkled donut, cinnamon roll, frosted gingerbread cookie, key lime pie, strawberry shortcake, and a variety pack consisting of two each of birthday cake, chocolate sea salt, chocolate peanut butter cup, chocolate salted caramel, chocolate mint cookie, and key lime pie
Let’s just kick things off with the highlight here: Our expert Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, R.D. was very impressed with these bars. “There might not be any dairy in the No Cow Dipped Bars, but that doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing your protein intake when you eat them,” says Bourgeois. “You get an impressive 20 grams of protein per bar, along with many other important nutrients.” No Cow Dipped Bars comes in 10 dessert flavors without any dairy. Each bar has only four net carbs.
Kate Meier, a NASM-certified personal trainer and part of our team, shared how she and a group tried these protein bars. “Six of us tasted different flavors like birthday cake and chocolate peanut butter cup from the sampler pack. We liked birthday cake and chocolate fudge the most. We could eat the whole bar, but it wasn’t our absolute favorite,” Meier said.
The testers noted that the flavorings tasted artificial compared to natural ones derived from whole food ingredients. “Out of all the flavors, birthday cake and chocolate fudge were voted the best. While we could finish the entire bar, it wasn’t our top choice. You can tell they’re trying to match the flavor on the label, but it’s just artificial flavoring, far from the real thing,” says Meier.
However, of them all, the testers did prefer the dipped bars over the non-dipped ones and found that freezing the bars before eating helped improve the dry and grainy texture. Overall, testers rated this protein bar 4 out of 5 for taste and 3.5 out of 5 for texture.
These protein bars are high in fiber as well, which helps bring the net carbs number down and supports gut health. The net carbs per protein bar are within keto-friendly standards, but unfortunately, the sugar alcohols and stevia added to lower sugar content also left an unpleasant aftertaste on our testers’ palates. Testers gave this protein bar a 4 out of 5.
The good news is that the No Cow Dipped Bars did not cause any side effects for our testers. However, it’s important to note that if you are sensitive to sugar alcohol, you may have some digestive side effects after eating this protein bar. Testers gave this protein bar a perfect 5 out of 5 rating for side effects.
Price-wise, this protein bar may not fit everyone’s wallet. At more than $2 per bar, this protein bar may not be the most affordable option for an everyday health routine. However, the cost may be justifiable if you are sensitive to dairy, gluten, and/or soy and need to find a protein bar to eat that is safe for you. Testers gave this protein bar a 3.75 out of 5.
Best Budget Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Orgain Protein Snack Bar
Orgain Protein Snack Bars are a great on-the-go snack that provides a hit of protein. They’re also helpful as a quick post-workout snack. Each bar has 10g of vegan protein sourced from rice and peas as well as low sugar with no artificial flavors or preservatives.
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $1.42 on Amazon; $1.13 on the first subscribe and save order; $1.99 on the Orgain website, and $1.69 with subscribe and save option
- Protein Source: Orgain organic protein blend™ of organic brown rice protein, organic pea protein, organic rice flour, and organic ground chia seeds
- Protein Per Bar: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 18 to 19 grams
- Fat Per Bar: 5 to 7 grams total fat; 1 to 3 grams saturated fat
- Calories Per Bar: 150-160
- Fiber: 1g
- Available Flavors: Chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter chocolate chunk, chocolate brownie, chocolate coconut, S’Mores, and peanut butter
Orgain Protein Snack Bar is a plant-based protein bar that can fit nearly every budget. For less than $2 per bar, this protein bar provides a lot of nutrients for the price. With six delicious flavors, these USDA organic and non-GMO protein bars are free of preservatives, and artificial anything, as well as gluten, dairy, lactose, and soy. Because of this, these protein bars can fit just about any healthy lifestyle. Our testers gave this bar 4 out of 5 for price.
Our testers enjoyed the taste of this protein bar, especially the chocolate chip cookie dough. In addition, they said “the texture is soft and chewy like a cookie,and leaves some dryness in the mouth after eating.” Testers gave this protein bar a 5 out of 5 for taste, texture, and side effects.
The main downside to this protein bar is that it does not contain as much protein as other protein bars. This may explain why it is a bit lower cost than other protein bar products. Also, Orgain Protein Snack bars contain the sugar alcohol erythritol, which may not be tolerated by some people. Testers gave this protein bar a 3.5 out of 5 for ingredients.
Overall, the Orgain Protein Snack Bars are an ideal snack option for those on a plant-based diet or those who can’t tolerate dairy or soy. Still, if you need a higher protein content or a meal replacement bar, this may not be the right protein bar for you.
Best Crunchy Protein Bars for Weight Loss: KIND Protein Bars
KIND Zero Snack Bars stand out for their irresistibly crunchy texture and nutrient-rich ingredients, including heart-healthy nuts and indulgent chocolate drizzle. With a high fiber content sourced from chicory root and tapioca and no artificial sweeteners or added sugar, these bars offer a satisfying and guilt-free snacking option for those craving crunch without compromising on taste or nutrition.
Specs
- Price Per Bar: $1.16 to $1.18 on Amazon for 12 to 24 packs, respectively; $0.93 to $0.95 on the first subscribe and save order
- Protein Source: Peanuts, almonds, peanut butter, and soy protein isolate
- Protein Per Bar: 4 to 7 grams
- Carbohydrates Per Bar: 16 to 18 grams total of carbs, 3 to 7 grams of fiber
- Fat Per Bar: 10 to15 grams of total fat; 3 to 4 grams of saturated fat
- Calories Per Bar: 170 to 200
- Fiber: 3g
- Available Flavors: Peanut butter dark chocolate, dark chocolate nuts and sea salt, cranberry almond, caramel almond and sea salt, dark chocolate mocha almond, dark chocolate almond and coconut, dark chocolate cherry cashew, and maple-glazed pecan and sea salt
KIND protein bars are delicious and crunchy whole-food protein bars made from ingredients you can see. With real nuts, nut butter, and dried fruit, this protein bar is a refreshing change from the more processed protein bars on the market. If you’re craving a crunchy snack, this protein bar is a way to get that mouthfeel without the unhealthy additives and artificial ingredients in chip or snack products.
Our testers said they “enjoyed the peanut butter dark chocolate flavor and the chocolate drizzle on top.” They also enjoyed the harder nut-based texture and said it was easy to throw in a to-go bag without falling apart but still had a pleasing mouthfeel. The harder texture is a nice variation from most protein bars which have a very chewy and soft texture. Testers gave this protein bar a 4.5 out of 5 for taste, a 4 out of 5 for texture, and a 5 out of 5 for side effects.
KIND protein bars are affordable at just over $1 per bar to make it a practical part of your daily health routine. Testers gave this product a 4 out of 5 for price.
The only slight downside is that the KIND bars are low in protein at 4 to 7 grams of protein per bar and are fairly high in fat content. Also, some flavors may be less than 10 grams of net carbs, but several are not. Testers gave this bar 4 out of 5 for ingredients.
Benefits of Protein Bars for Weight Loss
Protein bars can be a healthy snack or a great post-workout boost. Some protein bars taste so good that they can help satisfy your sweet tooth instead of reaching for a candy bar. Others can boost your energy during workouts. For all these reasons, protein bars can support weight loss efforts.
- Filling: Protein bars, with their high protein content, can help satiate your hunger in between meals. This quality may be enhanced if the product also contains a good source of fiber. This is because protein and fiber-rich foods help to stabilize blood sugar levels. (1) (2) When our blood sugar is stable, we will have less cravings in between meals. (3)
- Satisfying: The delicious flavors that protein bars come in can help satisfy most palates. There are sweet flavors for those trying to fight sugar cravings. On the other hand, some protein bars contain fruit and nuts for those who want a bar with more whole-food ingredients.
- Energy Boosting: The high protein content of some protein bars, especially plant-based proteins can help improve sleep quality, which may help reduce daytime fatigue. (4) This can help you work out longer and gain lean muscle mass during resistance workouts. (5) Plus, protein can help support energy levels by helping to stabilize blood sugars. (1)
How Much Do Protein Bars for Weight Loss Cost?
Protein bars come in all price ranges. You might be able to find some affordable protein bars, but they usually aren’t made from the highest-quality ingredients. Those with added compounds to support energy and muscle growth may cost more but will provide more value than other products. How much you spend on a protein bar for weight loss will depend on your budget and health goals.
| Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss Overall | Pure Protein Bars | $1.34 (12-pack), $1.28 (18-pack), $1.08 (36-pack) |
| Best Clean Protein Bars for Weight Loss | Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars | $3.33; $2.99 with subscribe and save option (12-pack) |
| Best Tasting Protein Bars for Weight Loss | Onnit Protein Bites | $1.66; $1.41 for subscribe and save option (12-pack) |
| Best Low-Sugar Protein Bars for Weight Loss | Legion Protein Bars | $2.99 on Amazon (12-pack) |
| Best Gluten-Free Protein Bars for Weight Loss | Promix Protein Puff Bars | $2.66 for a one-time purchase and $2.40 for subscribe and save option for a 12-pack; $2.41 for a one-time purchase and $2.17 for subscribe and save option for a 24-pack |
| Best Low-Carb Protein Bars for Weight Loss | Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar | $2.99; $2.39 for subscribe and save option (12-pack) |
| Best Vegan Protein Bars for Weight Loss | NuGo Protein Bars | $1.50 on Amazon (12-pack) |
| Best Dairy-Free Protein Bars for Weight Loss | No Cow-Dipped Bars | $2.33 on Amazon (12-pack) |
| Best Budget Protein Bars for Weight Loss | Orgain Protein Snack Bar | $1.42 on Amazon; $1.13 on the first subscribe and save order; $1.99 on the Orgain website, and $1.69 with subscribe and save option |
| Best Crunchy Protein Bars for Weight Loss | KIND Protein Bars | $1.16 to $1.18 on Amazon for 12 to 24 packs, respectively; $0.93 to $0.95 on the first subscribe and save order |
How to Choose the Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss
Choosing the best protein bar for weight loss is not just picking the one with the most five-star reviews or the one on sale. There are many factors you should take into account before buying a protein bar product. These factors include protein content, calorie content, added ingredients, price, and taste.
Onnit Protein Bites in testing
- Protein Content: For weight loss support research shows that meals should contain at least 25 to 30 grams of protein. (6) If you’re using protein bars to replace meals, then this means you should choose a protein bar with similar protein content. However, if you’re using the protein bar as a snack, you may opt for a lower protein option half of this amount.
- Calorie Content: Just like with protein content, the calorie content in the protein bar you choose will depend on what you’re using the protein bar for. If you’re looking for a meal replacement, then you should a protein bar with similar calorie content as your average meal. However, if you’re using the protein bar as a snack, aim for about half your meal calories. Most protein bars range between 100 and 200 calories.
- Added Ingredients: It’s important to look for added ingredients for many reasons. For one thing, you should make sure the protein bar you choose does not contain any ingredients you are allergic to or cannot tolerate like sugar alcohols You should also make sure the protein bar does not contain any food products that you know you don’t like the taste of, such as artificial sweeteners.
- Price: You will want to choose a protein bar that you can afford so you can buy and consume it on a regular basis. This means you should decide when you’re going to eat your protein bar and how many times per week you will consume it. Then, you can calculate how much you will spend each month on certain products. If you’re looking to eat a protein bar daily, then buying protein bars in bulk boxes and/or with a subscribe and save option will be the most effective.
- Taste: You should always make sure that you should like the taste of the protein bar you’re buying. For example, if you prefer a less sweet protein bar, then aim for a product with more whole food and natural ingredients. However, if you’re looking for a protein bar to replace your sweet treat cravings, choose a whey protein or plant-based protein-powder based bar with fun flavors you will enjoy.
Protein Bars for Weight Loss FAQs
What is the best protein bar for weight loss?
The best protein bar for weight loss is one that contains sufficient protein and other nutrients to help you feel satiated at or in between meals. Research shows that higher protein intakes are linked to more successful body weight reduction outcomes. (7) After testing dozens of bars and working with a registered dietitian, we have chosen Pure Protein Bars and Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars as among the best.
What is the best tasting protein powder for weight loss?
According to testers, the best tasting protein powders for weight loss are those with more natural ingredients. These types of protein bars will not have an aftertaste like those that contain any artificial sweeteners or flavors. However, what protein bar tastes best differs for everyone. We personally tried dozens of bars and found the best tasting protein bars for weight loss are Onnit Protein Bites.
Are protein bars better than protein powders for weight loss?
Protein bars and protein powders can both be good support for weight loss. It will all depend on your preference for a liquid or solid protein option. Adding protein bars and powders into your weight loss regimen could be helpful, and make sure you don’t get bored of them.
Is protein better before or after a workout for weight loss?
The amount of protein you consume matters much more than the time at which you consume the protein. However, consuming protein up to two hours after your workout may help stimulate muscle protein synthesis. (8)
References
- Reynolds, A. N., Akerman, A. P., & Mann, J. (2020). Dietary fibre and whole grains in diabetes management: Systematic review and meta-analyses. PLoS medicine, 17(3), e1003053.
- Morell, P. and Fiszman, S. (2017) Revisiting the role of protein-induced satiation and satiety, Food Hydrocolloids, Volume 68, Pages 199-210, ISSN 0268-005X.
- Wyatt, P., Berry, S.E., Finlayson, G. et al. Postprandial glycaemic dips predict appetite and energy intake in healthy individuals. Nat Metab 3, 523–529 (2021).
- Wirth, J., Lin, K., Brennan, L. et al. Protein intake and its association with sleep quality: results from 3 prospective cohort studies. Eur J Clin Nutr (2024).
- Nunes, E. A., Colenso-Semple, L., McKellar, S. R., Yau, T., Ali, M. U., Fitzpatrick-Lewis, D., Sherifali, D., Gaudichon, C., Tomé, D., Atherton, P. J., Robles, M. C., Naranjo-Modad, S., Braun, M., Landi, F., & Phillips, S. M. (2022). Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults. Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle, 13(2), 795–810.
- Lonnie, M., Hooker, E., Brunstrom, J. M., Corfe, B. M., Green, M. A., Watson, A. W., Williams, E. A., Stevenson, E. J., Penson, S., & Johnstone, A. M. (2018). Protein for Life: Review of Optimal Protein Intake, Sustainable Dietary Sources and the Effect on Appetite in Ageing Adults. Nutrients, 10(3), 360.
- Hansen, T. T., Astrup, A., & Sjödin, A. (2021). Are Dietary Proteins the Key to Successful Body Weight Management? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Studies Assessing Body Weight Outcomes after Interventions with Increased Dietary Protein. Nutrients, 13(9), 3193.
- Jäger R, Kerksick CM, Campbell BI, Cribb PJ, Wells SD, Skwiat TM, Purpura M, Ziegenfuss TN, Ferrando AA, Arent SM, Smith-Ryan AE, Stout JR, Arciero PJ, Ormsbee MJ, Taylor LW, Wilborn CD, Kalman DS, Kreider RB, Willoughby DS, Hoffman JR, Krzykowski JL, Antonio J. International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: protein and exercise. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017 Jun 20;14:20. doi: 10.1186/s12970-017-0177-8. PMID: 28642676; PMCID: PMC5477153.
