What is the Best Protein Nutrition Bar?

Nutrition bars are the ultimate snack. Specifically made for those who are health conscious and on the go, they can be seen as absolute life savers if you are running low on time and need to fill your stomach with something healthy. We’re all sick of eating chips and unhealthy snacks, so what should we stock up on in terms of nutrition bars?

We found the top 10 nutrition bars out there, taking into consideration the cost, ingredients list, and the overall quality of their nutritional information. Flavors are also important which we have listed for you to see your options. Let’s check it out.

Benefits of Nutrition of Bars

Living in this society, on-the-go is less of a rarity and more of a daily routine. Although many of us enjoy cooking great meals when we can, the chances of having time every single day to do so can be slim. This is particularly true if you are an avid gym-goer, hold responsibilities like going to school, working full time\multiple jobs, or merely maintaining a family and raising children. There are healthy alternatives than just going to a drive-thru or making a liquor store run for some chips and sodas. Nutrition bars are exceptional in terms of health and quickness.

• Convenient for on-the-go individuals who don’t have time to cook every single day
• Are nutritionally sound as compared to most snacks found in stores
• Help you reach that protein gram goal
• Typically low in calories to aid in weight loss
• Can be quite tasty yet remain healthy as opposed to typical candy bars

The Top Nutrition & Protein Bars Our Research Has Found

• Quest Nutrition Protein Bars
• KIND Nuts & Spices Bars 
  When deciding on the Nutrition bar for you, always take into consideration: your diet goals, budget, and ingredients included in the bar.
• Pure Protein Bars
• Clif Bars
• Balance Bars
• Larabar
• MET-RX  Meal Replacement Bars
• Atkins Advantage Bars
• Luna Bars
• Power Crunch Protein Energy Bars

Which Nutrition Bar is the Best?

The list can be quite long but many of these are subjective in terms of a few factors: What does your diet look like? Do you need the lowest calorie bar possible in order to preserve your intake for the day? How much protein do you need? Are you looking to gain weight and build muscle? What is your budget? What flavors are available? How strict are you in terms of the ingredients included in the bar? Do you have any allergies?

Keep these questions in mind while you are skimming this list and comparing the nutritional info and cost.

Quest Nutrition Protein Bars

We list Quest Bars as our first nutrition bar because of how much we love them. They are however one of the most expensive bars on the market, coming in at about 2 bucks a pop. So why are they so expensive? Just take a look at their nutrition information. One of the highest protein per calorie bars with a whopping amount of fiber. The carbs and fiber are stated to cancel each other out (fiber is digestible), meaning the net carbs are only around 4-5 grams each bar. The flavors are endless as you can see by our list. The only downfall of this bar is the price, but if you’re able to afford it, it is a must. We recommend the chocolate brownie, cookie dough, and double chocolate chunk flavors. Check out our review on their Cookies and Cream flavor.

• Price per bar: $2.08
• Ingredients (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Chocolate Brownie):

Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate), Isomalto-Oligosaccharides (100% Prebiotic Fiber), Water, Cocoa, Natural Flavors, Almonds, Lo Han Guo, Sea Salt, Sucralose

• Flavors available:

Vanilla Almond Crunch | Chocolate Peanut Butter | Apple Pie | Cinnamon Roll | Chocolate Brownie (Recommended!) | Strawberry Cheesecake | Mixed Berry | Coconut Cashew | Peanut Butter Supreme | Lemon Cream Pie | Peanut Butter & Jelly | Banana Nut Muffin | Choc. Chip Cookie Dough (Recommended!) | Double Choc. Chunk | White Choc. Raspberry | Cookies N’ Cream (New)

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Chocolate Brownie):

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KIND Nuts & Spices Bars

This bar has been promoted by Dr. Oz himself. The ingredients list back up their particular trademarks of the KIND bar: All natural, non GMO, gluten free, no sugar alcohols, low gylcemic and sodium, no trans fats no sulphur dioxide and no hydrogenated oils. Only 5g of sugar (natural sugar) included in the bar, these bars contains nuts, nuts, and more nuts. Very wholesome bar with some unique flavors if you need a change from the typical ‘chocolate brownie’ nutrition bars (if you’re a chocolate and nut lover like me). This is a healthy bar for a decent price. We recommend the Madagascar vanilla almond. Be aware that it does have dairy included (milk powder) for those who may be lactose intolerant.

• Price per bar: $1.41
• Ingredients (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt):

Mixed nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts), chicory root fiber, honey, palm kernel oil, cocoa powder, sugar, crisp rice, non GMO glucose, soy lecithin, sea salt, milk powder, vanilla extract

• Flavors available:

Cashew & Ginger Spice | Dark Chocolate Chili Almond | Dark Chocolate Cinnamon Pecan | Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt | Madagascar Vanilla Almond | Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt | Variety Pack | Kind PLUS Bars

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt):

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Pure Protein Bars

These protein bars are more of a bar that you can find at a grocery store. They are one of the cheapest bars we could find with a decent protein content of 20 grams per bar. The Pure Protein ingredients list is relatively long and daunting, including numerous artificual flavoring and processed ingredients. However, if you’re okay with the long ingredient list, these are definitely an extremely affordable bar. They are also offered in gluten free.

• Price per bar: $1.05
• Ingredients (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Chocolate Deluxe):

Protein blend (whey protein hyrolysate, whey protein isolate), coating (malitol, factioned palm kernel oil, whey protein concentrate, cocoa powder (processed with alkali), calcium carbonate, soy lecithin, natural flavors, sucralose), hydrolyzed collagen, cocoa powder, glycerin, water, milk, protein isolate, milk chocolate drops (sugar, whole milk powder, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, milk fat, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor), malitol syrup, peanut flour, calcium carbonate, natural flavor, vitamin and mineral blend (ascorbic acid, d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, niacinamide, tricalcium phosphate, zinc oxide, copper gluconate, d-Calcium pantothenate, vitamin A palmitate, pyridoxine, hydrochloride, thiamin monitrate, riboflavin, folic acid, biotin, potassium iodide, cyanocobalmin, sucralose, almond butter, wheat germ

• Flavors available:

Chocolate Peanut Butter | Chewy Chocolate Chip | Chocolate Deluxe | S’mores | Chocolate Peanut Caramel | Double Chocolate Vanilla Crunch | Peanut Marshmellow Eclipse

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Chocolate Deluxe):

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Clif Bars

Clif bars have been a huge hit ever since they came out. Extremely popular and available in most grocery stores, these bars are very cheap in price for a decent quality ingredient list. There are some processed and artificial flavoring included, but not as much as the Pure Protein Bars. These aren’t too rich in protein either, typically having around 10 grams. They are also high in carbs but have a very low fat content. Great flavors…some of the most variable available.

• Price per bar: $1.00
• Ingredients (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Chocolate Chip):

Organic brown rice syrup (soy rice), organic roasted soybeans, organic soy flour, organic rolled oats, organic toasted oats, chocolate chips (dried cane syrup, unsweetened chocolate, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract), organic cane syrup, ClifCrunch (organic oat fiber, apple fiber, insulin), organic date paste, organic soy butter (organic roasted soybeans, organic soybean oil, salt), organic sunflower oil, molasses powder, sea salt, natural flavors, cinnamon

• Flavors available:

Banana Nut Bread | Chocolate Chip | Crunchy Peanut Butter | Chocolate Almond Fudge | Chocolate Brownie (Recommended)| Black Cherry Almond | Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch  | Carrot Cake | Peanut Toffee Buzz | Blueberry Crisp | Cool Mint Chocolate | Apricot | Iced Gingerbread | Maple Nut | Spiced Pumpkin Pie | Oatmeal Raisin Walnut | White Chocolate Macadium Nut (Recommended) | Coconut Chocolate Chip

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Chocolate Chip):

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Balance Bars

Balance bars are stated to have that “40-30-30” nutrition macro-nutrient ratio (40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat). The 15 grams of protein in most of these bars are relatively stable considering their calorie intakes are lower than most (just 10 less than Quest bars). This is a great bar for weight less and calorie management and include “23 essential minerals and vitamins”.

• Price per bar: $1.22
• Ingredients (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Dark Chocolate Crunch):

Soy protein isolate, invert evaporated cane syrup, tapioca syrup, dutched cocoa, factionated palm kernel oil, chicory root fiber, unsweetened chocolate, sunflower oil, water, casein, whey protein isolate, tapioca starch, calcium caseinate, natural flavor, soy lecithin, salt, maltodextrin, whey

• Flavors available:

Cookie Dough | Dark Chocolate Crunch | Gold Caramel Nut Blast | Peanut Butter | S’mores | Sweet & Salty Peanut Butter | Double Chocolate Brownie | Mocha Chip | Mint Cookie | Dark Chocolate Coconut | Chocolate Raspberry | Variety Pack

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Dark Chocolate Crunch):

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Larabar

Now that’s a simple ingredient list. Larabars are excellent if you’re looking for something exceptionally clean. One bar is stated to be equal to 1/2 cup of fruit. These are gluten free, non-GMO, kosher, vegan, soy free and dairy free. Amazing for those who are strict with ingredients and are conscious of what goes into their body, let alone individuals who need to be wary of certain allergens. Many flavors are available (typically fruity ones), being great for an after lunch or dinner snack to count as your desert.

• Price per bar: $1.25
• Ingredients:

Dates, almonds, unsweetened (insert fruit here — depends on the bar)

• Flavors available:

Apple Pie | Banana Bread | Blueberry Muffin | Cappuccino | Carrot Cake | Cashew Cookie | Cherry Pie | Chocolate Cherry Torte | Chocolate Chip Brownie | Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | Coconut Cream Pie | Key Lime Pie | Lemon Bar | Peanut Butter & Jelly | Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip | Peanut Butter Cookie | Pecan Pie

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Cherry Pie):

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MET-Rx Meal Replacement Bars

MET-Rx Meal Replacement bars are not for those who are cutting their calories. Among the different bar flavors, the calories range from 380-410 per bar! The higher calorie count allows for more protein, with most of these having around 30 grams per bar. Typically stated as a meal replacement bar, use these if you aren’t going to have time for a meal or if you’re trying to gain weight or bulk up. Also check out the ingredient list as it is quite long, something telling within itself. A little more expensive than most (about the same as Quest Bars) but considering it can replace an entire meal, the price can be worth it depending on your goals.

• Price per bar: $2.07
• Ingredients (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Super Cookie Crunch):

Soy cocoa crisps (soy protein isolate, cocoa processed with alkali, tapioca starch), vanilla cream topping (high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, milk protein isolate, fractionated palm kernel oil, soy lecithin, natural flavorts), corn syrup, chocolate flavored coating (sugar, vegetable oil, cocoa powder, whey powder, nonfat milk powder, soy lecithin, natural vanilla), milk chocolate drops (sugar, whole milk, powder, chocolate liquor, cocoa butter, milk fat, soy lecithin, natural vanilla flavor, canola oil, cocoa processed with alkali, METAMYOSYN protein blend (whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, dried egg white, L-Glutamine), glycerin, water, natural flavors, palm oil, fructooligosaccharaides, vitamin and mineral blend, peanut flour, salt, dipotassium phosphate, xanthan gum, natural almond butter, wheat germ

• Flavors available:

Super Cookie Crunch | Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough | Crispy Apple Pie | Chocolate Fudge | Peanut Butter Cookie Dough | Rocky Road Cookie Dough | Sweet & Salty | Chocolate Toasted Almond | Super Cookie Crunch

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Super Cookie Crunch):

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Atkins Advantage Bars

We’ve all heard of the Atkins diet, but what about the actual products? You don’t necessarily need to be on the particular diet in order to eat one of the bars. In fact, they’re quite nutritious, coming in at only 200 calories a bar with 16 grams of protein. Their flavors are probably the most impressive out of all of the bars (besides Quest), including chocolate in almost all of the flavors. Only 1 gram of sugar (they get by with some artificial flavoring in there) and “19 vitamins and minerals”, this bar is pretty darn healthy if you’re looking to maintain or lose weight. The leading factor for Atkins diet is low card, and this particular bar has a net carb count of 3-5 grams. It is an average bar at a decent price.

• Price per bar: $1.39
• Ingredients (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Chocolate Chip Granola):

Protein blend (soy protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate, glycerin, polydextrose, palm kernel oil, chocolate flavored chips processed with alkali, cocoa butter, soy lecithin, vanilla extract, hydrolyzed gelatin, whole grain rolled oats, malitol, sunflower oil, roasted almonds, cellulose, cocoa powder (processed with alkali), calcium carbonate, natural and artificial flavors, vitamin mineral mix (numerous vitamins and minerals)

• Flavors available:

Chocolate Chip Granola | Chocolate Peanut Butter | Caramel Chocolate Nut | Cookies N’ Cream | Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut Crunch | Triple Chocolate | Dark Chocolate Decadence | Marshmellow Mudslide | Caramel Chocolate Nut

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Chocolate Chip Granola):

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Luna Bars

Made by Clif, the Luna Bars are stated to be ‘made for women’, although there is no exact requirement for this. Stated to be rich in antioxidants, the ingredient list pretty well-rounded, having less processed and artificials than most bars on the market. These bars trademark with having the Core 4 nutrients: calcium, vitamin D, folic acid and iron. A more health conscious bar for a decent price, with a less daunting list of ingredients than others.

•  Price per bar: $1.33
• Ingredients (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Nutz Over Chocolate):

LunaPro (soy rice cirsps (soy protein isolate, organic rice flower), organic toasted oats (organic rolled oats, organic dried cane syrup), organic soy flour, organic flaxmeal), organic brown rice syrup, coating (organic dried cane syrup, organic cocoa, palm kernel oil, organic palm kernel oil, organic soy lecithin, organic vanilla), organic peanut butter (organic peanuts, salt), inulin, organic peanut flour, natural flavors, organic oat syrup solids, vegetable glycerin, sea salt, various vitamins and minerals

• Flavors available:

Blueberry Bliss | Peanut Butter Cookie | Chocolate Chunk | Caramel Nut Brownie | Chocolate Peppermint Stick | Iced Oatmeal Raisin | Lemon Zest | Nutz Over Chocolate | Peanut Butter Cookie | S’mores | Coconut Dipped Chocolate | Nut & Cranberry | Peanut Honey Pretzel | Sunrise Blueberry Yogurt | Sunrise Vanilla Almond | White Chocolate Macadamia

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Nutz Over Chocolate):

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Power Crunch Protein Energy Bars

Although including a few artificial and processed flavorings, the Power Crunch ingredient list is relatively smaller, having a mediocre protein content of about 14 grams per bar. The deciding factor for this bar is the low carbohydrate content, each bar having merely 10 grams per bar! Great for those who are on low-carb diets as well as merely for losing weight — only around 200 calories per bar. The flavor list isn’t too full of options, but come with the standard flavors we all love.

• Price per bar: $1.24
• Ingredients (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Cookies & Creme):

Proto Whey protein blend (micro peptides from High-DH hydrolyzed whey protein, maltodextrin, whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate), enriched flour (wheat flour, niacin, malted barley, reduced iron, riboflavin, thiamine mononitrate, folic acid), palm oil, sugar, palm kernel oil, dextrose, corn flour, soy lecithin, natural flavors, caramel color, sucralose, cocoa processed with alkali, salt, baking soda, stevia leaf extract

• Flavors available:

Cookies & Cream | Peanut Butter Fudge | Triple Chocolate | Peanut Butter Creme | French Vanilla Creme | Wild Berry Creme

• Nutrition information (Note these slightly differ per flavor – The following is their Cookies & Creme):

Back to table

 The Verdict

As we compare and contrast the various nutrition and protein bars out there, it comes down to simply marking your list: your diet goals, macro-nutrient necessities, budget (doing the math, a $2 per bar 12 pack can run you $24, lasting a few weeks if you have one a day. That can run you to about 50$ a month), and taste for flavors. Use the chart to sift through which options you’d like in the bar, but try to make sure you are conscious of the ingredient lists. Do you mind having a few processed or artificial flavorings in your bar? Or are you strict and need something with less than 10 ingredients? Lastly, if you’re looking for some soy-free products, check out our post here.

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Jake

Executive Writer at MYMReview

There are tons of blogs out there, specifically who review products -- but do they actually try them personally? Jake enjoys not only doing the research you don't feel like doing but ensures he tries the product himself -- for a significant amount of time -- in order to give you the best information you need when deciding on products to purchase.

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