Good news: protein bars have come a long way since your main option was the PowerBar back in the 1990s! (If you ever had one of the original bars, you know what I’m talking about…) The surge in options for protein bars can be attributed to several factors, including an increased focus on eating high-protein foods, more advanced food science, and the popularization of different dietary preferences like keto, vegan, and many others.

Narrowing it down even further from the best protein bars in general, we were curious — which low-calorie protein bars rank the highest in terms of nutrition stats and first-hand experience eating them? No matter your reason for keeping an eye on your caloric intake, we’ve rounded up some of the best low-calorie protein bars to help keep you full, and even support muscle growth and recovery! (1) 

The 6 Best Low-Calorie Protein Bars of 2024

Best Low-Calorie Protein Bar Overall: Onnit Protein Bites

Best High-Protein, Low-Calorie Protein Bar: Legion Protein Bar

Best Tasting Low-Calorie Protein Bar: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar

Best Gluten-Free Low-Calorie Protein Bar: Pure Protein Bar

Best Low-Calorie Protein Bar for Weight Loss: No Cow Protein Bar

Best Organic Low-Calorie Protein Bar: Orgain Organic Protein Snack Bar

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 Low-Calorie Protein Bars

Why should you trust our opinion of the best low-calorie protein bars? Glad you asked! Our team includes experts in the health and wellness industries, from personal trainers to athletes, as well as registered dietitians. Together, our team researched and personally tested around 50 different protein bars using our tried-and-true supplement testing methodology.

Formulation: As a dietitian, I review the ingredients and nutrition labels to assess how beneficial each bar is, especially when compared against each other.

Taste: A protein bar might be on-point nutrition-wise, but that means very little if it’s not palatable. Our team of product testers tried each of the bars in our lineup and gave scores out of a maximum of 5.

Protein content: If you’re looking for a protein bar, the first thing you probably look at is the protein content, right? We assess the protein content of each bar, from the mid-range protein options to the super high-protein bars.

Added sugar: According to Healthy Food America, more than half of adult Americans eat more added sugar than the recommendation (less than 10% of total calories from added sugar). We list the added sugar for each of these low-calorie protein bars.

Sweeteners: Low-calorie protein bars are often lower in calories because they replace some (or all) of the sugar with sugar alternatives. We specify which sweeteners are used so you can determine if they fit within your nutrition goals and taste preferences.

Best Low-Calorie Protein Bar Overall: Onnit Protein Bites

We’re going to start our list with the best low-calorie protein bar overall, which is quite an honor! Our expert testers rave about Onnit Protein Bites, both in terms of taste and texture. (We don’t want something that tastes amazing but is chalky or overly chewy!)

Our product testers give Onnit Protein Bites a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for taste and texture, with one tester saying, “Whoa, these are good. It’s like I’m eating a candy bar, no joke. I let at least six people try them, and everyone gave them a 5 out of 5 for flavor. If you’re an Oreo person, use caution with the Cookies and Cream flavor: it is so good.”

Another tester weighs in on the texture, saying, “This is exactly as chewy and moist as you’d want it to be. Think of a Mounds bar — that’s what the coconut cashew flavor feels like. Definite 5 out of 5 for texture.”

The protein content isn’t super stellar at 7 to 9 grams per bar, which wasn’t lost on one of our testers: “The protein content isn’t out of this world, sure — but it’s an incredible option for a protein-based ‘healthy dessert’ when your sweet tooth starts grumbling. Plus, if for some reason you don’t like them (I don’t see why you wouldn’t), you can send anything back for your money back if it’s still half full!”

According to fellow registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, “Onnit Protein Bites put a fun spin on your traditional protein bars. They’re not super stacked with protein, but if you’re in the mood for something sweet, these protein bits are a more nutritious than a candy bar.”

Overall, I rate these bars a 3.5 out of 5. Bourgeois rates them similarly and explains: “The ingredients are listed by weight in descending order, so it’s telling that whey protein isn’t first on this product’s ingredient list. I wish there was a bit more protein per serving and better use of natural sweeteners.”

[Related: Protein Intake Calculator]

Best High-Protein, Low-Calorie Protein Bar: Legion Protein Bar

If you want as much protein as you can get in a bar, look no further than Legion Protein Bar. We chose Legion because it is much higher in protein than the others here. Generally, 20 grams of protein is enough to be at meal replacement protein level for most people. 

That said, the calories in Legion Protein Bars aren’t the lowest in our lineup — in fact, they are the highest-calorie of the low-calorie bars here. The reason is the higher fat content, which is around 57% more fat compared to other bars in our lineup.

Registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois is a fan. “I love that, in addition to the 20 grams of protein per bar, you also get 7 grams of fiber. Protein is getting a lot of well-deserved hype these days, but we can’t forget about fiber and all the good it does for our bodies. So many of us fall short of our daily fiber needs, and this one protein bar can provide a huge chunk of the recommended intake.”

And it’s not just about the fiber content. “As a dietitian, I also appreciate Legion’s transparency in their products,” Bourgeois explains. “They break down the percentages in their protein blend, telling customers just how much of each type of whey protein is in the blend.” Overall, Bourgeois gives these bars a 4 out of 5 for formulation.

And they taste good, too. “It’s chocolate-forward, and the chocolate chunks remind me of a Hershey’s Kiss,” our expert tester Ben Emminger says of the Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor. “I didn’t really notice any hints of peanut butter while eating it; only hints as an aftertaste.” He notes that because the bar is so dense, it takes a bit of a workout to bite into — but it’s worth it. “Each bar is 250 calories, making it a worthwhile solution for quick breakfasts or satiety in-between my normal meals.”

Like many of the best protein powders, Legion Protein Bars utilize whey protein as its primary protein source, which is a favorite for boosting muscle growth and supporting muscle recovery. (2) 

Best Tasting Low-Calorie Protein Bar: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar

Along with some of the best-tasting protein powders, Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bars are the best tasting for a reason. Our product tester Kate Meier (a certified personal trainer and member of our BarBend editorial team) raves about the flavor, saying: “Based on taste alone, I’d eat this again! I had about 8 other people try these bars, and all 8 said they enjoyed it. That’s pretty solid.”

Meier tried the peanut butter chocolate chip flavor: “Overall, it tastes like a “healthy” peanut butter bar. The flavors are there, but not fully there, like you’d get in something loaded with fat and sugar. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 for taste.” For texture, Meier gives Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bars a 4 out of 5: “For a bar advertised as “crisp,” this is a little chewy, but in a good way.”

I also like that this bar utilizes protein from high-protein vegetables like peas and are loaded with fiber and free of added sugars. Still, the amount of protein is a bit lower than I normally strive for in a protein bar, especially given the price of $3 per bar. Fellow registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois agrees, nothing: “These protein bars provide more calories from fat than protein. Considering these are considered a protein supplement, I would have expected more emphasis on protein.”

Meier also would have liked more protein, saying: “Just 11g of protein is a bummer; I would love to see that protein content higher.” 

This protein bar is low in net carbohydrates (the total carbohydrates minus the dietary fiber), which is the amount low-carb dieters usually focus on. Despite the never-ending debate on which diet is best for weight loss, studies confirm that low-carb (and low-net-carb) diets are solid options for weight loss as long as they’re sustainable and well-rounded. (3)

Best Gluten-Free Low-Calorie Protein Bar: Pure Protein Bar

We chose Pure Protein Bars as the best gluten-free low-calorie protein bars because they stand out for their incredible, candy-like taste and texture — not something people typically expect with gluten-free products!

Kate Meier, certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial team member, personally tested Pure Protein Bars and says: “We tried Chocolate Peanut Butter. I think these are probably the most candy-bar-like bar I’ve ever had. Texture is similar to something like a Snickers or a Milky Way — very nougaty (is that a word?). I give them a 4 out of 5.”

Meier summarizes her overall impression of Pure Protein Bars: “I’m someone who likes a bar for like three servings and then I hate the bar. But this is probably one bar I could see myself eating more often because I really like the taste, and it isn’t dry like many other bars are (RXBAR, Quest, etc.).” 

Despite being low in sugar, Pure Protein Bars aren’t low in total carbs, so they’re not the best for low-carb diets. Plus, they’re low in fiber, which can be a pro or con depending on your health goals and dietary preferences. 

Ultimately, registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois rates these bars’ formula a 3.5 out of 5: “Pure Protein Bars get the job done, but the use of sugar alcohols and its saturated fat content may be enough reason for some people to avoid them.”

As an RD myself, I prefer protein bars with natural sugar substitutes like stevia and monk fruit sweetener over sucralose when possible because of the digestive upset some people experience. In terms of sugar alcohols, they aren’t necessarily “bad” — maltitol acts as a prebiotic, meaning it feeds the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract! (4) 

Pure Protein Bars are one of the most cost-effective protein bars in our lineup at $1.48 per bar if you buy the 48-pack. For those of you that have a nearby Costco, watch for these to go on coupon which can lower the price even more!

[Related: High-Protein Foods]

Best Low-Calorie Protein Bar for Weight Loss: No Cow Protein Bar

We chose No Cow Protein Bar as the best low-calorie protein bar for weight loss for a couple of reasons. While it’s not the lowest in calories among our lineup, the days of going solely off of calories are long gone. Instead, the higher protein and fiber content help promote satiety, which can aid in weight loss efforts. (5)

I’m a big fan of this vegan protein bar containing so much iron. Iron is a nutrient that many vegans can become deficient in, given that the most absorbable form of iron comes from animal products. (6) 

No Cow Protein Bars are free of added sugar and are high in protein with 20 to 22 grams of protein per bar. It’s also incredibly high in fiber, which makes its net carb count low enough to be keto-friendly for those following low-carb diets. Overall, I’d give the formulation a 4 out of 5, deducting a point for the sugar alcohol content. (Sugar alcohols can cause digestive upset such as gas and bloating in some people.) Fellow RD Chelsea Rae Bourgeois gives the same rating, saying: “These bars have a pretty impressive macros ratio, but the use of sugar alcohols may be a deal breaker for some people.”

One of our product testers Kate Meier (a certified personal trainer and a member of our BarBend editorial team) personally tested No Cow Protein Bars in the sampler packand has this to say: “Out of all of them, the Birthday Cake and the Chocolate Fudge were the best out of the variety pack among the people I shared them with. The flavors were just that — a flavoring, clearly not close to the real thing. It was suggested that I put one in the fridge, which actually did help the taste a little. It didn’t seem quite so dry. It does still leave that grainy feeling on your teeth, but I actually did eat the entire thing. It still wouldn’t be my go-to bar, but I do think that refrigerating helps!”

[Related: Best Vegan Protein Powders]

Best Organic Low-Calorie Protein Bar: Orgain Organic Protein Snack Bar

Surprise — our pick for the best organic low-calorie protein bar is also vegan-friendly! This bar isn’t as high in protein as some of the others in our lineup of low-calorie protein bars, but it’s also the lowest in calories with 150 calories per bar. If you’re looking for more of a snack versus something to bulk up (like the best protein powders for muscle gain), then the more modest amount of 10 grams of protein might be a perfect fit.

Registered dietitian Chelsea Rae Bourgeois likes the high fiber content (6 grams per bar), but notes that the overall formula might not be for everyone. “If you’re falling short of your protein needs and need a boost of protein between meals, 10 grams may not cut it. Plus, these bars contain added sugar and are also sweetened with sugar alcohol, which isn’t ideal for every gut.”

Overall, I’d give the formulation a 3.75 out of 5, subtracting points for the higher added sugar content given the lower protein content. I do like that the ingredients are organic and contain whole foods like almond butter and chia seeds.

What do our expert product testers have to say? They are big fans of the taste and texture, with one saying, “I had the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough flavor, and the texture really reminded me of cookie dough — that nostalgic chewiness of raw dough. Definitely 5 out of 5 from me for both taste and texture.” Another one of our first-hand testers adds, “Honestly, I didn’t expect to enjoy a vegan protein bar, but I did, quite a lot. You do get a bit of that erythritol aftertaste, but it wasn’t a bad experience by any means.”

One tester wasn’t the hugest fan of the texture, saying, “This one leaves you just a little dry in the mouth — have that glass of oat milk on standby — but otherwise, I felt totally great eating it.” Another tester sums it up with, “This is just a really great bar. I like that it’s vegan and soy-free, featuring pea protein and brown rice.”

Benefits of Low-Calorie Protein Bars

There are several potential benefits to be gained by choosing low-calorie protein bars. While eating whole, high-protein foods is the ideal situation, protein bars are a convenient option to add protein to your diet. Whether you add them to your gym bag to have as a post-workout snack or rely on them as a quick meal replacement on the fly, there are several benefits to consider.

Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar with packaging

Help meet protein needs: If you have higher protein needs for any reason (illness, post-surgery, being an athlete, etc.), then protein bars are a convenient way to add protein in a healthy snack to your diet.

Boost satiety: Protein helps boost satiety, which means it helps make you feel full for longer than if you ate just carbohydrates. If you’re looking for a convenient but filling snack, protein bars can fit the bill — many are even low-sugar or dairy-free!

Weight loss: Eating around 25 to 30 grams of protein per meal is associated with improvements in appetite, weight management, and even risk factors for heart disease! (7) So, if you’re looking to lose weight, these crispy, crunchy snacks can give you an extra satiating source of protein.

How Much Do Low-Calorie Protein Bars Cost?

The price per serving of low-calorie protein bars has quite a diverse range, from as low as $1.48 per bar to as steep as over $3 per bar. Whether or not the higher prices are worth it depends on unique factors like your budget and nutrition priorities. (You can also consider protein vs. BCAAs as an alternative if protein content isn’t your end-game goal.)

What to Consider Before Buying Low-Calorie Protein Bars

In addition to eating low-calorie, high-protein foods for things like weight loss or weight maintenance, you might find yourself in the market for protein bars. With so many options to choose from, we’ve outlined some of the more important factors to consider while searching for your “Goldilocks” of a protein bar.

A box of Pure Protein Protein Bars on a table

Protein source

Whey protein is a common ingredient in protein bars, not to mention the best whey protein powders! However, whey protein isn’t suitable for everyone. If you’re a vegan, have a milk allergy, or otherwise avoid milk, you’ll need a plant-based protein bar instead. 

Calories

It’s no surprise that calories should be taken into consideration when we talk about low-calorie protein bars. In addition to eating low-calorie, high-protein foods, protein bars can be a convenient option if you’re watching your calories while focusing on protein. The calories for protein bars vary widely, so you should choose the calorie level that you’re comfortable with given the amount of protein.

Cost

In a perfect world, budget would never be a consideration — but it’s an important factor for most of us. If you’re keeping an eye on your budget while hunting for the best low-calorie protein bars, you’re not alone. Keep in mind that you can lower the cost per serving in many instances by choosing repeat delivery or bargain hunting on sites like Amazon.

Best Low-Calorie Protein Bars FAQs

References

Kreider, R.B., Campbell, B. (2009). Protein for exercise and recovery. The Physician and Sports Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20048505/ 

West, D. W. D., Abou Sawan, S., Mazzulla, M., Williamson, E., & Moore, D. R. (2017, July 11). Whey protein supplementation enhances whole body protein metabolism and performance recovery after resistance exercise: A double-blind crossover study. Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5537849/ 

Oh, R., Gilani, B., Kalyan R. (2023, August 17). Low-carbohydrate diet. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537084/ 

Saraiva, A., Carrascosa, C., Raheem, D., Ramos, F., & Raposo, A. (2020, July 20). Maltitol: Analytical determination methods, applications in the food industry, metabolism and health impacts. International journal of environmental research and public health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7400077/ 

Zhang L; Pagoto S; Olendzki B; Persuitte G; Churchill L; Oleski J; Ma Y; (2018). A nonrestrictive, weight loss diet focused on fiber and lean protein increase. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29704862

Ems, T., St Lucia, K., & Huecker, M.R. (2023, April 17). Biochemistry, iron absorption. StatPearls [Internet]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448204/ 

Leidy HJ; Clifton PM; Astrup A; Wycherley TP; Westerterp-Plantenga MS; Luscombe-Marsh ND; Woods SC; Mattes RD. (2015). The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. The American journal of clinical nutrition. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25926512/

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