Who doesn’t love cookies, especially when they supply extra protein to fuel our gains? At BarBend, we worked with our expert testers and registered dietitians to evaluate the best protein cookies. Whether you’re looking for a post-workout snack, a midday pick-me-up, or a healthier alternative to traditional cookies, these are basically the best protein bars in cookie form and offer a convenient, nutritious, and delicious way to hit your macros. 

Our comprehensive review outlines some of the best protein cookies based on our testing process. We evaluated these cookies against criteria including price, formulation, taste, protein source and content, calories, and flavors.

The 6 Best Protein Cookies of 2024

Best Protein Cookie Overall: Legion Protein Cookie

Best Gluten-Free Protein Cookie: Onnit Protein Bites

Best Protein Cookie for Weight Loss: Promix Protein Puff Bar

Best Vegan Protein Cookie: Lenny and Larry’s Complete Cookie

Best Tasting Protein Cookie: Quest Cookie

Best High-Protein Cookie: Jocko Molk Protein Cookie

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.

Best Protein Cookie Overall: Legion Protein Cookie

If you’re looking for solid high protein, low-calorie foods to add to your diet no matter what your nutrition and fitness goals are, try Legion Protein Cookies. With 15 grams of highly digestible milk protein isolate and a concentrated form of whey known as whey protein concentrate, you can’t go wrong with this cookie. (2) 

Unlike other protein supplements that often skimp on carb and fat macros, this cookie is more “complete” in its macro profile, making it suitable as a snack or a meal replacement. Our tester states, “I appreciated the 30 grams of carbs per cookie and the 15 grams of protein. I also felt satiated thanks to the 7 grams of fiber. No bloating or GI distress to report, either.” They rated the effectiveness of this cookie a solid 5 out of 5. 

As a registered dietitian, I like the pretty clean ingredient stack. It has no artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, or food dyes. It also contains heart-healthy, plant-based fats from almonds. (3) The only downsides with this formulation are that it contains some filler ingredients in the chocolate chips and its sugar content. It contains sugar and brown sugar for a total of 7 grams of added sugar, which can add up compared to the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendation to keep this below 10% of your daily calorie intake. (4) 

As an RD, I’d give this formulation a rating of 4 out of 5. Just be sure to consume these cookies in moderation, which is the same advice I’d give for regular cookies and not only protein cookies. They’re intended to supplement some protein and satisfy your sweet craving, not intended to be a complete source of lean protein. We all wish we could eat these cookies at every meal, though.

Regarding texture, our tester noted that Legion Cookies had a slightly dry texture, rating it a 4 out of 5 for its mouthfeel. They state, “You get a nice crisp in each bite, satisfying my craving. However, my biggest tip is to chill these protein cookies before consumption — after sitting in the fridge for a little while, I noticed an improvement across the texture and mouthfeel.” We thought the rating could be as high as a 5 out of 5 once chilled. Also, note that this pick only comes in one flavor – chocolate chip cookie – so flavor enthusiasts may need to look elsewhere.

Best Gluten-Free Protein Cookie: Onnit Protein Bites

These delicious protein cookies became popular when Onnit’s Co-Founder Joe Rogan would post about them all the time on Instagram and X. Since then, they’ve remained popular and are notable for their gluten-free ingredients. It’s challenging for people with celiac disease to find genuinely gluten-free products due to cross-contamination, so Onnit Protein Bites are a diamond in the rough. (5) It’s also great for people sensitive to gluten. With highly digestible, grass-fed whey and milk protein isolate, these protein bites are highly digestible. (2) 

As a registered dietitian, while this product isn’t lactose-free, I love that it harnesses the power of over 60 plant-derived ingredients to supply up to 7 grams of fiber per cookie. The USDA recommends consuming 31 to 34 grams of fiber per day for men and 22 to 28 grams per day for women – and one of the benefits of fiber is supporting satiety between meals. (4)(6) One of the downsides with this formulation is that the tasty coating contains low-grade fillers like palm oil and sunflower lecithin, which don’t contribute to nutritional value. This product also contains 4 grams of added sugars, whereas the USDA recommends limiting added sugar intake to less than 10% of your daily caloric intake. (4)

Moreover, it only contains 7 to 9 grams of protein per serving — it’s one of the best pre-workout snacks to consider between meals to satisfy your sweet tooth, but not as a full meal replacement. Our tester agrees and states, “I hold these protein bites in high regard. They feel like a healthier dessert or guilty pleasure in between meals.” As a registered dietitian, I’d give this formulation a 3.5 out of 5, with deductions for fillers, added sugars, and low protein content.

We know gluten-free protein cookies don’t always taste great – but this pick is an exception. Onnit Protein Bites earned a taste score of 5 out of 5. Our tester states, “These taste like candy bars, so there’s little guilt in reaching for one of these bites between meals. I had the Cookies and Cream option, and it quickly reminded me of an Oreo cookie.”

The texture isn’t too shabby, either. We expected it to have a crispy texture, but it has a moist chewiness that we liked. “I enjoyed the chewiness of these bars. Plus, the moist base isn’t too waxy or greasy across the surface, meaning you can hold these without getting everything over your fingertips,” our tester adds. We rated the texture a 5 out of 5. However, keep this product in a cool and dry place instead of a sweaty gym bag since some customer reviews cite that they tend to melt in transit.

Best Protein Cookie for Weight Loss: Promix Protein Puff Bar

If you’re looking for a good protein cookie for your weight loss journey, try Promix Protein Puff Bar. It contains 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber to help you meet your protein needs and keep you fuller between meals. (6) Our tester states, “These Protein Puff Bars did a good job keeping me satiated, and I didn’t feel any bloating or GI distress post-consumption. I wouldn’t rely on them for a full meal replacement, but as quick on-the-go protein snacks, they’re tough to beat.”

It’s also lower in calories compared to many other choices, with only up to 160 calories per puff, which is helpful when seeking a calorie deficit for weight loss as one of the best protein bars for weight loss. (7) And, as a bonus, if you’re following a specific diet to help you lose weight, you’ll be glad to know that it’s free from GMOs, allergens, fillers, and artificial colors.

As a registered dietitian, I’d give this product a 4.5 out of 5 for its formulation, with small deductions due to the added sugar content (4 grams of sugar), some saturated fat (2.5 grams), and its small serving size at 40 grams per puff. For context, the USDA recommends keeping sugar content below 10% of your daily calorie intake, and a typical protein bar like Transparent Labs Protein+ Bars is 60 grams per serving. (4) They’re still excellent as weight loss-friendly snacks between meals or as post-workout snacks.

However, its taste honestly makes up for its downsides. Unlike other protein cookies that can be chalky and not flavorful, Promix Protein Puff Bar is delicious, with eight unique and decadent flavors. We gave its taste a rating of 5 out of 5. Our tester states, “I tried the chocolate flavor, and it takes the form of a chocolate Rice Krispies treat — a high school lunch staple. You get a creamy, milky chocolate note, and the puffs give every bite a nice, unique texture.” 

Most protein bars and cookies offer a chewy texture, but Promix Protein Puff Bars are crispy, puffy, and one of the best protein puffs. Our tester rated the texture a 4.5 out of 5. “The texture and mouthfeel are what you’d expect from a protein puff bar — crisp and gritty but not overbearing. I really like how this has been a reprieve from your traditional chewy protein bars, and I could easily see myself keeping these handy for quick snacks between training sessions or meals,” our tester adds. 

Crispier textures could be more filling for people wanting to lose weight since these bars take longer to chew and eat than softer textures. So, go ahead and set your weight loss goals and add this protein cookie to your pantry staples.

Best Vegan Protein Cookie: Lenny and Larry’s Complete Cookie

Lenny & Larry’s is uniquely vegan among a sea of protein cookie choices that are primarily whey-based and derived from animal-based ingredients. This cookie is Certified Vegan, dairy-free, and non-GMO, and the protein sources are vital wheat gluten, pea protein, and rice protein — all 100% plant-based. Eating vegan protein cookies like Lenny and Larry’s is an excellent way to incorporate more plant protein into your diet alongside some of the best vegan protein powders.

As a registered dietitian, I’m guilty of indulging in these cookies on business trips and travels to get some protein and fiber during a time crunch. Still, I consider it an indulgence and not a healthy staple that’s necessarily good for you. The Chocolate Chip protein cookies seriously taste like baked cookies, and I can’t believe they’re vegan. I’d give them a taste rating of 5 out of 5. 

Plus, they’re easy to find everywhere. Walmart sells them, so they’re easy to add to my grocery list, among other high-protein snacks, while I pick up different items instead of packing them in advance or visiting a vitamin specialty store like GNC. They also sell variety packs on Amazon and their website if you don’t know which flavor to choose.

However, just because a product is vegan doesn’t always mean it has the cleanest ingredients. Unfortunately, Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookie still contains many low-grade fillers, including gums, glycerin, palm oil, sunflower lecithin, and canola lecithin, to achieve its cookie-like texture. 

The nutrition facts are also somewhat deceiving, as the manufacturer’s claims are based on “per cookie,” but there are two servings in each cookie, which is confusing. This means there are only 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber in each serving, not 16 grams and 10 grams, respectively. And, if you eat the whole cookie, that’s a total of up to 460 kcals and a whopping 70 grams of carbohydrates (60 grams of net carbs, 26 grams of added sugar), depending on the flavor, which is pretty high. 

As a registered dietitian, I’d rate the formulation a 3 out of 5 since there are cleaner formulations with more protein per serving. I like that they contain 5 grams of fiber per serving to support satiety. (6)

The formula is also not well-suited for those with allergies or many other specialty diets in addition to following a vegan diet. Its primary ingredient is enriched wheat flour and vital wheat gluten, so it’s inappropriate for gluten-free diets. It’s also manufactured in a facility that processes a lot of other allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, soy, milk, and eggs. If you’re following keto or low-carb diets, this cookie may also not be a good fit for you. But, for vegans, this cookie is an excellent option for occasional indulgences.

Best Tasting Protein Cookie: Quest Cookie

Move over, chocolate chip cookies — Quest Protein Cookies are here. Quest is already known for its best low carb protein bars and the best protein chips. These cookies are no exception and earned our vote for the best-tasting protein cookie on our list. With over 25,000 5-star ratings on Amazon, people love this cookie. Quest offers seven decadent and delicious flavors that are absolutely delicious. At BarBend, we rated this product a 5 out of 5 for its exceptional taste and flavor.

The texture is also incredible. I don’t buy these often since they’re pricier, but I’m reminded why they’re so popular when I do have one. They’re the perfect amount of chewiness. I’d rate the texture a 5 out of 5. 

From a nutritional standpoint, it also offers an excellent balance of macronutrients, with only up to 3 grams of net carbs and 15 grams of protein per cookie. However, it does contain up to 10 grams of saturated fat and 15 grams of total fat, so while it’s appropriate for keto, it may not fit everyone’s macros. 

Despite the solid nutrition facts, the ingredients could be a lot better. First, while it contains natural sweeteners, it also contains erythritol, a sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols can cause gastrointestinal distress in people who are sensitive to them. (8)

Second, while it’s delicious, there are lots of low-grade filler ingredients in this product that don’t contribute to its nutritional value but contribute to its texture and taste. These fillers include palm oil, lecithin, and xanthan gum. If you’re looking for a clean protein cookie, Quest doesn’t fit the bill. These cookies also aren’t allergen-friendly – they contain milk and soy and are processed in a facility that processes eggs, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts.

As a registered dietitian, I’d rate the formulation a 3.5 out of 5 with deductions for its ingredients despite the solid macros. I would recommend eating these as an occasional treat if you like them, recognizing that they don’t offer the cleanest ingredients.

Best High-Protein Cookie: Jocko Molk Protein Cookie

Many protein cookies are just for show – they taste great and look like traditional cookies, but they don’t supply enough protein to even be a protein supplement. That’s where Jocko Fuel’s Molk Protein Cookie excels. With 14 grams of highly digestible protein, Jocko Molk Protein Cookie is among the best high-protein cookies. 

Let’s first talk about the protein sources – whey protein isolate, milk protein isolate, and almond butter. The benefits of whey protein for athletes include improved athletic performance and increased muscle mass. (8)(9) Whey and milk protein isolates are also highly digestible protein sources compared to standard whey for those with sensitive stomachs. (2) And, almond butter consists of heart-healthy fats and contributes some protein content as well. (3)

The rest of the formulation is solid, too. It’s naturally sweetened with allulose, cane sugar, monk fruit extract and naturally flavored with vanilla extract and natural brown sugar flavor. Allulose is an ingredient naturally found in foods like dates and raisins and can typically be subtracted from the total carb count when looking at net carbs. (10)

As a registered dietitian, I like allulose and monk fruit extract because they’re not so bitter like stevia. And while this product isn’t sugar-free – it contains cane sugar – it still only contains 7 grams of net carbs per cookie. Jocko Molk Protein Cookies also contain some micronutrients, which many other cookies don’t have. It includes 30% of the daily value (DV) for vitamin D, 6% DV of calcium, 6% of iron, and 2% of potassium to help supplement any micronutrient needs. 

However, since this product contains butter and milk fat, it contains 6 grams of saturated fat, which is pretty high. For context, the USDA Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that individuals limit their saturated fat intake to less than 10% of daily calories. (4) This product might work well for keto dieters who seek a high-fat and low-carb diet. So, overall, as a registered dietitian, I’d rate this formulation a 4.5 out of 5, with minor deductions for the fat content.

As far as taste goes, consumers on the Jocko Fuel website rate this product 4.9 out of 5 stars overall, so it’s pretty solid. The only downside is that it’s available in only one flavor, so if you’re not a big chocolate chip cookie fan, you’re out of luck. It’s also somewhat on the pricey side but worth considering adding to your regimen if you need a solid protein supplement without chugging protein shakes daily.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Protein Cookies

The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. To determine the best protein cookies available today, we’ve tested over 50 different profiles across some of the industry’s most trusted 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.

For further information on how we trial and test the products chosen for this guide and more, be sure to read the BarBend supplement testing methodology page.

Protein Content: We noted the grams of protein in each cookie to choose the best cookies for supporting muscle recovery and satiety. 

Protein Source: From whey to pea, we’ve included picks that offer various protein sources to suit your nutritional needs and goals.

Ingredient Quality: Our registered dietitians scrutinized the ingredient list to bring you the cleanest picks – free from additives, low-grade fillers, and preservatives.

Sweeteners: Although protein cookies can be delicious, they often contain added sugar and sweeteners. To avoid blood sugar spikes, we prioritized lower-sugar choices and cookies that use natural sweeteners.

Compatibility: There is no one cookie-fits-all solution. We considered how various cookies might support different dietary needs, such as vegan, gluten-free, and weight loss, to ensure that your restrictions don’t prevent you from enjoying a delicious, high-protein snack.

Texture and Taste: While texture and taste don’t affect nutritional value, we’ve tested the cookies on this list first-hand to bring you choices that are soft, chewy, and delicious — much like traditional cookies.

Price: Supplementing can be expensive — the average American spends $124 monthly on fitness. (1) We included options that balance affordability and nutritional value, particularly for those who consume them regularly.

Benefits of Protein Cookies

Move over, protein powder. If you’re wondering how to eat more protein, protein cookies might be a convenient, delicious, and nutritious option. Beyond the additional protein content, they can also help curb your sweet cravings and enjoy a sweet treat without the guilt. They’re an excellent alternative to traditional cookies and without as much added sugar. 

Convenient way to meet your protein needs: Meeting your protein needs can be challenging, especially if you have higher protein needs to meet your fitness and nutrition goals. Since protein cookies contain a decent amount of protein, you can boost your intake.

Shelf-stable and ready-to-eat: Protein cookies don’t need to be mixed into liquids or refrigerated, so they’re convenient snack options on the go. Whether you’re hitting the gym or at work, protein cookies are easy to eat, especially when you don’t have time to prepare a meal or snack.

Satisfies your sweet tooth: As a healthier alternative to high-sugar, traditional cookies, protein cookies offer a guilt-free way to help curb your cravings and get more protein in your diet without consuming as much sugar.

Supports building muscle and recovery: Studies show that eating protein post-workout can help increase muscle protein synthesis to support muscle growth and repair. (8)(9) Protein cookies are a good protein source to help you reach your goals.

How Much Do Protein Cookies Cost?

Protein cookies typically range in price from $1.41 to $3.33 per cookie, depending on the brand, ingredients, accommodations for specialized diets, and nutrition facts. These prices are higher than typical protein supplements since protein cookies offer enhanced convenience. If you’re on a tight budget, subscriptions, multi-packs, or bulk purchases can typically offer a slightly lower per-cookie cost. 

What to Consider Before Buying Protein Cookies

Before buying protein cookies, we recommend looking through the nutrition facts panel and ingredients list, considering the factors we’ve outlined below. For example, if you’re following a ketogenic diet while strength training, you’ll want to look for a cookie with more fat content and fewer carbs. Doing your research can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your goals. 

Macronutrient Profile

Read the nutrition facts panel to see the protein, fat, and carb content. A good protein cookie should typically be higher in protein and lower in added sugar. However, depending on your preferences, what you’re looking for as far as fat and carbs go may vary.

Protein Source

Not all protein sources are equal. Check the ingredient list to see what the protein source is. Depending on your dietary preferences, restrictions, allergies, and intolerances, look for cookies that use high-quality sources like whey isolate, casein, or plant-based blends with complete protein.

Added Sugar

While protein cookies are delicious, many of them contain added sugars for taste, so they taste similar to traditional cookies. Look for cookies with less than 10 grams of added sugar or ones sweetened with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or allulose.

Other Forms of Protein

If you want to supplement your protein intake, you can choose protein bars, shakes, cookies, or other protein-packed snacks. However, protein cookies are often lower in protein per serving than powders or bars, which is important to consider.

Price

Protein cookies can be more expensive than protein powder supplements since more ingredients are needed to give cookies their texture, mouthfeel, and flavor. Be sure to shop around and consider buying in bulk or multi-packs for cost savings.

Flavors

While some brands only offer chocolate chip cookies, others offer a wide range of flavors, from snickerdoodle to peanut butter. If you’re not sure what flavor to get, brands often provide variety or starter packs that contain one of each flavor to try so that you can find your favorite.

Protein Cookies FAQs

References

LendingTree. (2021). Fitness, Nutrition Spending Driving About 40% of Millennials and Gen Z into Debt. Available at https://www.lendingtree.com/credit-cards/study/fitness-nutrition-spending-debt/

Foegeding, E. A., & Luck, P. J. (2002). Milk Proteins: Whey Protein Products. Encyclopedia of Dairy Sciences, 1957-1960.

National Institutes of Health. (2022). Healthier Fats and Oils Fact Sheet. Available at https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/healthier-fats-and-oils-fact-sheet

U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition.

Wieser, H., Segura, V., Ruiz-Carnicer, Á., Sousa, C., & Comino, I. (2021). Food Safety and Cross-Contamination of Gluten-Free Products: A Narrative Review. Nutrients, 13(7), 2244.

Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Calorie Deficit: What To Know. Available at https://health.clevelandclinic.org/calorie-deficit

Barber, T. M., Kabisch, S., Pfeiffer, A. F. H., & Weickert, M. O. (2020). The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre. Nutrients, 12(10), 3209.

Hulmi, J. J., Lockwood, C. M., & Stout, J. R. (2010). Effect of protein/essential amino acids and resistance training on skeletal muscle hypertrophy: A case for whey protein. Nutrition & Metabolism, 7, 51.

Pearson, A. G., Hind, K., & Macnaughton, L.S. (2023). The impact of dietary protein supplementation on recovery from resistance exercise-induced muscle damage: A systematic review with meta-analysis. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 77(8), 767-783. 

Marcason W. (2004). What do “net carb”, “low carb”, and “impact carb” really mean on food labels? Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 104(1), 135. 

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