If you are on a fitness journey, you know that finding the best tasting protein bars can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Hitting daily protein goals for muscle building can be a big hurdle.
Snacks and drinks can be an easy way to sneak extra macros into your everyday routine. But there is a catch: most of us want our food to taste good, and high protein doesn’t always equal high flavor. That is why we put together this guide to some of the best tasting protein bars on the market.
For this Elits Buzz guide, we chose an assortment of popular brands and flavors. Let’s examine the macros and share our picks for which one may deserve a spot in your gym bag! These are editorial suggestions, not hands-on test results.
Nutritional Breakdown: Comparing the Best Tasting Protein Bars
Yes, a delicious treat is the ultimate goal, but first and foremost, you need quality protein. Not all bars are created equal—even within the exact same brand. Before we get to our picks, let’s look at the nutrition facts of our contenders in the search for the best tasting protein bars.
1. David — Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Calories: 150
Protein: 28 grams
Sodium: 160 milligrams
Total Fat: 2 grams (1.5g Saturated Fat)
Total Carbs: 12 grams
The Verdict: This option is incredibly protein-dense. Over half of its macros come straight from protein, making it a powerhouse for recovery.
2. Barebells — Cookies & Cream
Calories: 200
Protein: 20 grams
Sodium: 75 milligrams
Total Fat: 7 grams (3g Saturated Fat)
Total Carbs: 20 grams
The Verdict: Above-average protein with impressively low sodium. Bonus points for having absolutely zero added sugar!
3. Built Puff — Coconut
Calories: 140
Protein: 17 grams
Sodium: 85 milligrams
Total Fat: 3 grams (2g Saturated Fat)
Total Carbs: 13 grams
The Verdict: Weighing in at just 40 grams, it’s the smallest of the bunch but still packs a solid protein punch for minimal calories. Plus, it contains collagen!
4. Power Crunch — Strawberry Crème
Calories: 220
Protein: 13 grams
Sodium: 120 milligrams
Total Fat: 14 grams (7g Saturated Fat)
Total Carbs: 11 grams
The Verdict: Lower on the protein scale compared to its peers, and slightly higher in fat and sodium. Keep this in mind if you follow a strict heart-healthy diet.
5. Quest — Sundae Funday
Calories: 210
Protein: 20 grams
Sodium: 220 milligrams
Total Fat: 10 grams (6g Saturated Fat)
Total Carbs: 25 grams
The Verdict: While it delivers 20 grams of protein, carbs make up 37% of the bar. It also carries a heavier sodium load for a 63-gram serving.
6. ONE — Hershey’s Double Chocolate
Calories: 230
Protein: 18 grams
Sodium: 85 milligrams
Total Fat: 16 grams (6g Saturated Fat)
Total Carbs: 25 grams
The Verdict: With only 1 gram of added sugar, it’s a solid choice. It also boasts added micronutrients like iron, calcium, and potassium.
7. Fit Crunch — Peanut Butter
Calories: 380
Protein: 30 grams
Sodium: 490 milligrams
Saturated Fats: 8 grams
Total Carbs: 27 grams
The Verdict: The absolute heavyweight. At 88 grams, it boasts the highest protein content (30g), but also the highest calories, sodium, fat, and carbs.
Flavor and Style: What to Expect From the Best Tasting Protein Bars
Now for the fun part! Here is a quick look at the style of each bar and who it may suit.
David (Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough)
Style: A thin bar with a cookie dough flavor.
May Suit: Cookie dough fans who want a protein-heavy option
Barebells (Cookies & Cream)
Style: A candy-bar style option with a chocolate coating and creamy center.
May Suit: Anyone who wants a protein bar that feels like dessert
Built Puff (Coconut)
Style: Small and light, coated in dark chocolate, with a marshmallow-like collagen center.
May Suit: Fans of chocolate-covered marshmallow and s’mores-style treats
Power Crunch (Strawberry Crème)
Style: Different from the rest, as it is essentially a layered wafer cookie.
May Suit: Anyone who wants something unlike a typical protein bar
Quest (Sundae Funday)
Style: A sundae-themed bar with sprinkles.
May Suit: Anyone who likes a dessert theme and is less concerned about sodium
ONE (Hershey’s Double Chocolate)
Style: A thin, double chocolate bar compared to the standard bulky bars.
May Suit: Anyone looking to scratch a chocolate itch
Fit Crunch (Peanut Butter)
Style: A large, hefty peanut butter bar at 88 grams.
May Suit: Anyone looking for a substantial, occasional dessert swap
Our Picks: Who Makes the Best Tasting Protein Bars?
Here are our picks, from last to first. These picks are editorial suggestions and were not hands-on tested, so check the nutrition facts above against your own goals.
7. Quest
With 25 grams of carbs and 220 milligrams of sodium for a 63-gram serving, this is the last one we would suggest.
6. David
This trendy brand has strong macros (28g protein for 150 calories!), so it may suit anyone who puts protein first, though we place a few other options ahead of it for variety and style.
5. Power Crunch
The wafer format makes this one unusual, but at 13 grams of protein it is lower than its peers, so it may be better as a treat than a post-workout snack.
4. Fit Crunch
It may work as an occasional swap for a decadent dessert, but at 380 calories, it may not be an everyday gym bag staple.
3. ONE
Its thin profile and 1 gram of added sugar make it an appealing option, and the added micronutrients give it a solid edge in the wellness category.
2. Built Puff
The marshmallow-like collagen center paired with dark chocolate may appeal to many, and it has a good calorie-to-protein ratio at 140 calories and 17 grams of protein.
1. Our Top Pick: Barebells
Barebells is our top suggestion. With its candy-bar style, 20 grams of protein, and no added sugar, it may be a good place to start in your search for the best tasting protein bars.
Have you found your holy grail fitness snack yet? Drop your favorites in the comments below!
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