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. 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.

In 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 to 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, aiding in determining its suitability as a snack, meal replacement, or post-workout option. Additionally, scrutinizing the formulation helps identify potential allergens and artificial additives.

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.

Side Effects: Our testers reported any potential side effects,  like bloating, indigestion, or low energy. While this is specific to each person, 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 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, they strike the perfect balance for a satisfying snack. Plus, 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.

[Related: Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss]

Best Clean Protein Bars for Weight Loss: Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein+ Bars

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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.”

In terms of effectiveness, testers report no adverse side effects, even for individuals typically sensitive to whey protein. The incorporation of a PreB® blend of 60 plant nutrients, facilitating between 6 and 7 grams of gut-friendly fiber per bar, earns praise for its digestive benefits. 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. 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 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, if you’re looking for an alternative to candy bars or chocolate for a low-sugar, healthy treat, the cost may be worth it. 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, there is an overwhelming amount of ingredients that 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. And 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 Protein Bars pride themselves on their 100% natural ingredients and low sugar content, making them a flavorful and health-conscious choice. Among the five available flavors, three 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 piece’s’ 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.

Nick shows the label of Legion High-Protein Bars

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 meal replacement or a nutrient-dense snack. They 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

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 the structure of the protein bar. In turn, this helps keep the net carbs to around 11 to 12 net carbs per bar. 

As far as ingredients, 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 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 between 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 the 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 the net carbs over 10 grams 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 this is something you want to consume on 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 their 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 Protein Crisp Bar

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.

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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 is the total carbohydrate minus the total grams of fiber. It also tells you that this protein bar is a good source of fiber. 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,” say Meier.

As far as texture, Meier reported that even though the package says it is a “crispy” bar,  It is chewier. However, this isn’t a bad thing, 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

NuGo protein bars are a soy protein-based protein bar for weight loss that fits 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. As far as 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 are fairly high in carbs, added sugar, and total carbohydrate content. For these reasons, the testers rated this protein bar a 2.5 out of 5 for ingredients. 

Best Dairy-Free Protein Bars for Weight Loss: No Cow Dipped Bars

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 would fit most people’s wallets. At less than $2 per bar, this affordable protein bar could be a part of an everyday health routine. This is especially true 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 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 only 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. 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 protein bars are delicious and crunchy whole-food protein bar 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. While 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) 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. 

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. 

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, 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. 

Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss FAQs

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.

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