7 OF THE BEST TASTING PROTEIN BARS

Whether you want to lose a few pounds, build muscle mass, or just need a quick on-the-go snack, protein bars are a convenient way to fuel your body.

To help you make the best choice for your taste buds and fitness goals, we've rounded up 7 of the best-tasting protein bars on the market.

At a Glance:

• Best Overall: Tropeaka Protein Energy Bar - Chocolate 
• Gut-Friendly: Supergut Gut Balancing Bar - Strawberry Almond
• Best Texture: Kind Breakfast Protein Bar - Peanut Butter Banana Dark Chocolate
• Peanut Butter Lovers: Tropeaka Protein Energy Bar - Peanut Butter
• Fruit Flavor: KIND Bar - Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio
• Unique Flavor: Mezcla Vegan Plant Protein Bars - Mexican Hot Chocolate
• Sweet and Spicy: Shanti Balance Bar - Mango Cashew Turmeric

Whether you want to replace your favorite candy or find a savory snack to keep you going between meals, there's a bar for you.

Let's dive in!

Protein: What You Need to Know

Protein is a macronutrient essential to building muscle, losing weight, and maintaining a healthy body. It is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle.

When you exercise, your muscles are broken down by microtears and need protein to repair and grow. Eating enough protein will help you to see results from your workouts, and it can also help to prevent muscle loss as you age.

It is important to get the right amount of protein. The average adult needs about 50g of protein daily from various sources, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and seeds. You can also supplement your daily protein intake with protein powder and bars containing  plant-based protein like brown rice protein, pea protein, soy protein isolate; whey protein; and other protein sources.

It's often recommended to eat a protein bar within 30 minutes before or after a workout

Protein Bars: An Overview

Protein bars are a convenient way to get the protein you need on the go, but they are not all created equal. Getting a poor form of protein can be just as harmful as not getting enough, so it's important to choose a protein bar that fits your needs.

Some people experience feeling bloated or having gastrointestinal issues after eating protein bars, especially if they are made with whey-based protein, which contains milk derivatives. They may also be packed with fillers, cheap quality protein, and artificial ingredients that can be hard for the body to digest. When choosing a protein bar, look for one that has about 15-20 grams of protein and is low in sugar.

On average, you shouldn't consume more than two protein bars per day, and try to eat them in combination with other sources of protein, such as lean organic meats and vegetables. It's often recommended to eat a protein bar within 30 minutes before or after a workout, depending on whether you are looking to build muscle or recover and repair your muscles after a tough workout.

Flavors and Ingredients

No one wants to sacrifice flavor, and many times protein bars can be dry, chalky, and just plain unappetizing. But with the right ingredients, you can have the best of both worlds.

There are many different flavors of protein bars on the market, so you are sure to find one that satisfies your taste buds. Some popular flavors include chocolate, peanut butter, birthday cake, and cookies and cream. If you crave something a little more savory, protein bars that taste like beef jerky or have a spicy kick could be another snack or meal replacement option.

What to Look For in the Best Protein Bars

When choosing the perfect protein bar, look for one made with real food ingredients that you can pronounce. Natural flavors, such as chocolate, vanilla, or fruit, are always a good choice. Sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or dates, are also a good way to add flavor without using artificial ingredients.

What to Avoid in Protein Bars

When choosing a protein bar, avoid ones that are packed with sugar or artificial sweeteners, such as sucralose or high fructose corn syrup, as these can cause weight gain or spikes in blood sugar levels.

Other ingredients to avoid include trans fats, artificial flavors, and preservatives. It's always a good rule of thumb to steer clear of bars that have a long list of ingredients that you can't pronounce. Fillers, such as maltodextrin and artificial flavors and colors should also be avoided.

If you have a sensitive stomach, try to avoid whey protein isolate, and it can be hard for some people to digest. Also consider looking for bars that are gluten-free, especially if you already know you have a gluten intolerance.

Now let's take a look at some of the best-tasting protein bars!

It should be noted that we are of course biased in our view, but we want to highlight in this article why you won’t go wrong with the Tropeaka Lean Protein and why it’s loved by hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Best Tasting Protein Bars

Best Overall: Tropeaka Protein Energy Bar - Chocolate

If you're looking for a nutritious and delicious protein bar that has it all, the Chocolate Protein Energy Bar from Tropeaka is a perfect choice. With organic dutch cocoa, cacao butter, and organic maple syrup, this bar is a delicious way to reach your fitness goals and get that burst of energy you need throughout the day.

"As a Dietitian, Nutritionist & Recipe Developer, Tropeaka ticks all of my boxes! Whole foods, quality ingredients, and eating in a way that makes you feel good are central to my food philosophy, and to find a company that compliments my values is so refreshing," a certified dietitian agrees with us in her review!

Pros

• High in certified organic plant protein that is perfect for an energy boost throughout the day
• A great option for pre and post-workout nutrition that will help you tone & build lean muscle
• Contains a blend of MCT oil & BCAAs for performance 
• Contains digestive enzymes, making it easily digestible & non-bloating

Things to Consider

• Contains peanuts and nuts, so avoid this bar if you have nut allergies

Best Feature

This is the perfect bar for great workout performance. It contains Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) for toning and building lean muscle, MCT oil for a healthy source of good fats, and organic pea protein isolate for all your energy and protein needs!

Price & Rating

• Price: $36.85 USD for a box of 12 bars
• Rating: 5 ⭐️ (361 site reviews)

Recommendation

Best tasting protein bar overall for those who want simple flavors and the added benefits of BCAAs for toning and building lean muscle.

Gut-Friendly: Supergut Gut Balancing Bar - Strawberry Almond

If you have tummy troubles, you know you’ll need to find a good gut-friendly protein bar. This bar is made with resistant starch that balances gut microbiome and reboots metabolism. It can help improve digestion, sleep, inflammation, and more.

Customers say, "The Supergut bars hit the spot - a good tasting and filling snack that is good for you."

Pros

• 10g of prebiotic fiber for good gut balance
• 0g added sugars
• keto-friendly

Things to Consider

• Only 10g of protein, so not a suitable meal replacement
• At $39 for a box of 12, they’re on the more expensive side
• Contains almonds which some are allergic to. 

Best Feature: Powered by resistant starch 

Resistant starches can balance immune and inflammatory responses, leaving you feeling healthier, sleeping better, and maintaining healthy weight

Price & Rating

• Price: $39 USD for a box of 12 bars
• Rating: 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from the brand website, but no specific customer reviews

Recommendation

Best for those who need gut-friendly options.

Best Texture: Kind Breakfast Protein Bar - Peanut Butter Banana Dark Chocolate

It can be hard to come by a plant-based protein bar that doesn't taste gritty or grainy. Reviewers of the Kind Breakfast Protein bars love the texture and describe it as soft and chewy.

Pros

• Flavor and texture: a soft and chewy texture with delicious peanut butter flavor
• Gluten-free, kosher, and vegan
• Made with 100% whole grains
• Affordable: 16 bars is $17.25 USD

Things to Consider

• High in sugar, with 7g and only 8g of protein
• Reformulated bars are smaller in size then they used to be

Best Feature: A texture you can handle!

This breakfast bar doesn’t taste gritty or chalky, making it a go-to for those who are sensitive to textures.

Price & Rating

• Price: $17.25 USD for a box of 16 bars
• Amazon Rating: 4.8 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (72 reviews)

Recommendation

These bars are a good choice for those who are sensitive to textures.

Peanut Butter Lovers: Tropeaka Protein Energy Bar - Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a popular flavor for snacks, desserts, and most protein bars, and for a good reason. Not only is it delicious, but it's also packed with nutrients essential for a healthy diet. If you're a peanut butter lover, you will love the Tropeaka Protein Energy Bar in Peanut Butter.

One customer recommendation says, "I love the peanut protein bars, they are a tasty, healthy snack. I take them to work, for me I love them right out of the fridge, yummmm!"

Pros

• Made with 100% natural organic peanut butter and organic pea protein - great for vegan diets or those with sensitive stomachs and/or skin
• Refined-sugar free & sweetened with organic maple syrup
• Contains a blend of MCT oil & BCAAs (performance and growth of muscle mass) and digestive enzymes (easily digestible and non-bloating)

Things to Consider

• Not many flavors for those who like to experiment

Best Feature: Increased energy production!

Helps your body absorb iron which in turn helps to increase your energy production. You'll be able to power through your workout or the rest of your day with ease.

Price & Rating

• Price: $36.85 USD for a box of 12 bars
• Rating: 4.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (282 site reviews)

Recommendation

The best protein bars for those who want a vegan and organic snack that helps them create the boost of energy they need to get through the day without caffeine.

Fruit Flavor: KIND Bar - Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio

Do you prefer fruit-flavored snacks? If so, then the Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio KIND Plus Protein Bar is a great option. This bar is made with real fruit and nuts, giving you a nutritious and delicious snack.

Pros

• Made with whole nuts, seeds, and dried fruits
• The pomegranate, blueberries, and pistachios provide a sweet and tart flavor
• Can be found in most grocery stores, health shops, and convenience stores.

Things to Consider

• Less protein than other bars. There is a Protein Plus option but they can be difficult to find.
• Flavors tend to get discontinued after a while and can be hard to find if there's one you really love
• Better used for a snack and not a meal replacement option
• Contains nuts, so beware for allergies. 

Best Feature: Naturally-derived protein!

Protein comes from the whole ingredients used like nuts and seeds instead of protein powders.

Price & Rating:

• Price: $17.50 USD for a box of 12 bars
• Amazon Rating: 4.7 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (11,905 reviews)

Recommendation

These bars are great for those who aren't looking for a full protein supplement for workouts, but more of a healthy snack that gives a boost of protein to their diet.

Unique Flavor: Mezcla Vegan Plant Protein Bars - Mexican Hot Chocolate

If you’re looking for a unique flavor that goes beyond the typical chocolate or peanut butter that you see in a lot of protein bars, check out Mezcla Vegan Plant Protein Bars. They come in unique flavors like Mexican Hot Chocolate and Japanese Matcha Vanilla so you have a little variety in your protein bar routine.

"These bars didn’t have the usual artificial protein flavor. They feel more like a candy bar snack than a protein snack. The price was the only thing I didn’t like." according to one reviewer.

Pros

• Unique flavors that you won’t find with other brands
• Contains premium chipotle sourced directly from Mexico 
• The company donates a portion of their profits to organizations fighting food insecurity in the places they source from.

Things to Consider

• Pricy, at $25 USD for a box of 8 bars
• Low in protein for the price, with only 10g of protein per bar

Best Feature: Unique flavors!

The flavors of this protein bar will keep you on your toes!

Price & Rating

• Price: $25 USD for a box of 8 bars
• Amazon Rating: 4.4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (281 reviews)

Recommendation

Best for those who want variety in flavor.

Sweet and Spicy: Shanti Balance Bar - Mango Cashew Turmeric

If you prefer a little bit of everything; a combination of sweet and spicy, then the Mango Cashew Turmeric Shanti Balance Bar is a great option. This bar is made with mango, cashews, and turmeric, giving you a sweet, savory, and spicy snack all in one.

A customer review states, "I've lost count of the number of protein/superfood bars I've tried in my life. I first found these bars in a grocery store in Hawaii and literally rejoiced after my first one."

Pros

• Helps with quick recovery, supports your joint and muscle health, fights inflammation, and boosts your immune system
• Can be used as a meal replacement option or a snack
• Interesting flavor options that you can't get in other protein bars

Things to Consider

• Spices could potentially be strong and overpower the flavor of the nuts and fruit
• Chia seeds can be very hard (according to some reviewers)
• Not available in single bars, so you aren't able to try a flavor before fully committing
• Beware for nut allergies. 

Best Feature: Health benefits from turmeric!

Turmeric is known to be great for neutralizing free radicals in the body (unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing health effects and aging).

Price & Rating

Price: $33.00 USD for a box of 12 bars

Amazon Rating: 3.9 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (22 reviews)

Recommendation

Best for those who love spices and interesting flavors and want additional health benefits outside of building muscle or losing weight.

Making Protein Bars At Home

If you want to steer clear of store-bought options and get creative in the kitchen, you can opt to make protein bars at home!

The most important ingredient is a quality protein powder. We, of course, like Tropeaka's Lean Protein in Chocolate because the blend of organic plant-based proteins not only helps you tone and build lean muscle but it's also great for muscle recovery. They are full of BCAAs, as well as nine essential amino acids, and easily digestible and non-bloating.

While homemade protein bars are often healthier than store-bought options, they can be tricky to perfect and may not last as long. If stored correctly, they will last about a week in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Be sure to pay attention to the ingredients list and nutrition facts before purchasing a protein bar

Final Thoughts

Protein bars are a convenient way to reach your fitness goals. Whether you're looking for a post-workout snack or a nutritious meal replacement, there's a protein bar out there for you.

While there are so many amazing options, there are also a few not-so-great ones. Good flavor doesn't always come from the most high-quality ingredients - some of the best protein bars on the market contain unhealthy additives.

Be sure to pay attention to the ingredients list and nutrition facts before purchasing a protein bar. And, if you're feeling adventurous, you can make your own at home!

What's your favorite protein bar?

What Do You Think?

So there you have it, the best-tasting protein bars on the market. We hope you found one to suit your needs!