Whole-food ingredients: Whether they're used to flavor or sweeten, the best protein bars only use whole food or natural ingredients—no artificial ingredients allowed. That great taste would be for nought if Barebells hadn’t also nailed the texture of the bars as well, with each being just the right level of gooey to satisfy without straying into the annoyingly chewy category that many protein bars fall into.

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Also, in lots of protein bars you’ll find that makers swap out natural sugars for sugar alcohols such as sorbitol and xylitol as they bring down the calorie count. These substances can cause an upset stomach for lots of people, so take a look at the ingredients list if your gut is particularly sensitive. Keep in mind that nutritional needs can vary depending on many factors, including your age, sex, activity level, and health status. Cookie Dough: Protein Blend (27%) ( Milk Protein, Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate (Milk)), Hydrolysed Gelatine, Chocolate Flavoured Coating (Milk) (14%) (Sweeteners (Isomalt, Sucralose), Non-Hydrogenated Palm and Palm Kernel Oil, Whey Powder (Milk), Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, Wheat Flour, Emulsifiers ( Soy Lecithin, Polyglycerol Polyricinoleate) Flavouring), Humectant (Glycerin), Fructo-Oligosaccharide, Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Vegetable Oil (Rapeseed), Soy Nuggets (Isolated Soy Protein, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Tapioca Starch), Sweetener (Maltitol, Stevia), Flavouring, Sodium Chloride, Antioxidant (Natural Mixed Tocopherols). verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Many varieties of protein bars are loaded with added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and other additives, which may negate many of the potential health benefits that they have to offer. For best results, opt for a protein bar that is low in added sugar and free of artificial ingredients and preservatives. What is the best protein bar for women? Engel S, et al. (2018). Effect of whole milk compared with skimmed milk on fasting blood lipids in healthy adults: a 3-week randomized crossover study. Iraki J, et al. (2019). Nutrition recommendations for bodybuilders in the off-season: A narrative review. Protein sources: Ideally, choose a protein bar made from high quality protein sources, such as whey or protein derived from whole foods like nuts, seeds, or egg whites.

Rosenberg S, et al. (2016). Effects of dairy products consumption on health: benefits and beliefs —A commentary from the Belgian bone club and the European society for clinical and economic aspects of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal diseases. Fiber: Look for a protein bar with at least 3 g of fiber per serving. In addition to supporting gut health and regularity, high fiber foods can help keep you feeling full between meals.Miketinas DC, et al. (2019). Fiber intake predicts weight loss and dietary adherence in adults consuming calorie-restricted diets: The POUNDS Lost (Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies) Study. However, it’s best not to use protein bars to regularly replace more nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits and vegetables. grams sugar maximum: The best protein bars have no more than 13 grams of sugar, with a few exceptions that made the list (and the experts explain why).

Low to no synthetic or isolated fiber: "Ingredients I watch out for and advise athletes avoid (especially around the times they're training as they can cause bloating, gas, abdominal pain) include artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols like maltitol, erythritol, and xylitol, and large amounts of synthetic fibers like soluble corn fiber or chicory root," adds Asche. Crevier B, et al. (2017). Short communication: Production of cottage cheese fortified with vitamin D.Different protein bars contain different types of protein, as reflected in our ranking. Many protein bars feature whey protein (a type of protein sourced from milk) or a protein blend of whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate. Ismail SR, et al. (2018). Systematic review of palm oil consumption and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Carbone JW, et al. (2019). Dietary protein and muscle mass: Translating science to application and health benefit.Aloha Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is a great choice for women, as it contains a good amount of protein and fiber in each serving, along with 35% of the Daily Value (DV) for iron, a nutrient that women typically require in higher amounts. Are protein bars good for building muscle mass? Moon J, et al. (2020). Clinical evidence and mechanisms of high-protein diet-induced weight loss. https://www.jomes.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.7570/jomes20028