These Are The 20 Best Vegan Protein Bars You Can Buy, Say Dietitians
One of the flavors is called "Everlasting Joy." 'Nuff said.
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Being vegan used to mean eating nothing but salads and chalky, bland protein bars that tasted like peas. But thanks to the snack aisle gods, delicious vegan protein bars that taste like very un-vegan treats (like cookies 'n cream and cheesecake) now exist.
In addition to satisfying your most serious sweets cravings, today's vegan protein bars can also help ensure your plant-based diet provides all of the nutrients you need. While your average protein bar uses whey protein powder (which comes from cow's milk) to up that protein punch, vegan bars uses protein sources like soy, brown rice, quinoa and pea protein powder, says dietitian Shelagh Curran, RD.
The result: An animal-free bar that tastes just like the whey-based options—and often provides just as much protein.
Of course, you've still gotta check your nutrition labels: “Look for at least eight to 12 grams of protein and be mindful of sugar (and where it comes from),” says Curran.
For example, while Larabar's Almond Butter Chocolate Brownie Protein Bar contains 18 grams of sugar, 16 of those grams come from dates, a fiber-bound, natural source—so it's an okay pick in Curran's book. Just keep that added sugar as low as possible.
Speaking of fiber: Look out for added fibers, like chicory root or inulin. “While we know fiber is great for many reasons, large amounts of this added fiber can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort," Curran says. Be mindful of how those ingredients affect you, and scale your bar consumption accordingly.
Ready to up your plant protein intake in the yummiest way possible? These dietitian-approved vegan protein bars are just the ticket.
The new-ish plant-based options from this protein bar icon don't disappoint. “ONE bars come in so many flavors, which really helps you to feel satisfied and keeps you from getting bored,” says Colleen Christensen, RDN, dietitian for Setton Farms Pistachios.
Per serving: 165 calories, 7 g fat (3 g sat fat), 160 mg sodium, 21 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 12 g protein
“This bar uses soy as its protein source, which is a great, complete plant protein,” says Curran. “While this bar does contain some saturated fat, it’s from coconut oil, which is a good source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs)." Plus, with just three grams of the sweet stuff, it won’t spike your blood sugar.
Per serving: 190 calories, 5 g fat (2 g sat fat), 105 mg sodium, 19 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 16 g protein
Bursting with flavor, TRUWOMEN's bars are truly a great plant-based snack. “These bars are great for anyone with food allergies or intolerances because they're free from common bar ingredients gluten, soy and sugar alcohols,” says Christensen.
Per serving: 200 calories, 9 g fat (3 g sat fat), 10 mg sodium, 24 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 12 g protein
Why yes, you can totally incorporate fun seasonal fall flavors into your post-workout (and plant-based) protein regimen. “It can be tough to get enough protein when following a vegan diet, but these bars help with that—and in a delicious way,” says Christensen.
Per serving: 200 calories, 12 g fat (2 g sat fat), 10 mg sodium, 25 g carbs, 13 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 13 g protein
Balanced in nutrition and tasty to boot, this bar’s got it all. “It’s certified USDA organic and uses simple ingredients,” says Curran. “The first ingredient in this bar is cashew butter, which provides both protein and healthy fat." It also contains coconut oil and uses stevia to keep sugar relatively low at six grams.
Per serving: 240 calories, 13 g fat (3 g sat fat), 270 mg sodium, 22 g carbs, 8 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 15 g protein
If you need a vegan protein bar with a little more oomph after a tough workout, this is your pick. “This bar is on the higher end of protein content and makes a great post-workout snack since it also contains carbs, which help muscles recover, too,” says Christensen.
Per serving: 220 calories, 6 g fat (0.5 g sat fat), 180 mg sodium, 26 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 16 g sugar, 18 g protein
Opting for the lowest-calorie protein bar you can find isn’t always your best bet. “GoMacro bars are more energy-dense than some other bars, and can be a great option for preventing hanger if it's going to be a while before your next meal,” says Christensen.
Per serving: 270 calories, 11 g fat (3.5 g sat fat), 45 mg sodium, 37 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 10 g protein
Muscle Pharm Chocolate Toffee Organic Plant-Based Protein Bar
Feeling slightly peckish? This Chocolate Toffee bar is for you. “This bar is on the lighter end calorie-wise, yet still pack a bunch of protein,” says Christensen. It's a great option if you just need a little something-something before your next meal.
Per serving: 160 calories, 3.5 g fat (0.5 g sat fat), 150 mg sodium, 24 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 15 g protein
It doesn't have to be your birthday to get your sprinkle on. “This bar is high in protein and super-high in fiber, both of which help promote satiety and keep you full,” says Curran. Since it uses protein from fava beans and brown rice, it's a great option for those avoiding soy.
Per serving: 210 calories, 6 g fat (3 g sat fat), 210 mg sodium, 31 g carbs, 13 g fiber, 10 g sugar, 15 g protein
Get ready for another uber-satisfying snack: “These bars back 10 grams of fiber, which could equal nearly 40 percent of your daily needs," says Christensen. The result: You feel satiated and well-fueled.
Per serving: 190 calories, 12 g fat (2.5 g sat fat), 135 mg sodium, 20 g carbs, 10 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 10 g protein
Full permission to enjoy these 'breakfast'-themed protein bars any time of day. “I love the simple ingredient list of these bars," says Christensen. And that PB, banana, dark chocolate flavor combo? Oh-so comforting.
Per serving: 220 calories, 11 g fat (2 g sat fat), 135 mg sodium, 25 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 8 g protein
Whether you’re fueling up for a race or replenishing your muscles post-workout, this almond butter-filled bar from the OG fruit-and-nut bar brand works magic. “With just six ingredients, this bar takes nutrition back to the basics,” says Curran. Using pea protein, dates, and almonds, it provides the healthy fats, fiber, and protein you need.
Per serving: 220 calories, 8 g fat (1.5 g sat fat), 170 mg sodium, 25 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 18 g sugar, 11 g protein
If your vegan diet needs a healthy fat boost, consider this protein bar your new BFF. “These bars are higher in fat content than some others, but when you choose a bar that is too low in fat, your body may not be satisfied for long," says Christensen.
Per serving: 200 calories, 14 g fat (7 g sat fat), 115 mg sodium, 12 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 9 g protein
If you’re nuts for protein-rich nuts, do your bod a favor with this funky-flavored snack from NuttZo. “These bars are low in added sugar, which can help prevent the dreaded sugar buzz and inevitable crash,” says Christensen.
Per serving: 190 calories, 12 g fat (2 g sat fat), 105 mg sodium, 11 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 4 g sugar, 9 g protein
Garden of Life Peanut Butter Chocolate Organic Plant-Based Performance Protein Bar
Move over, Reese’s. Garden of Life's vegan protein bars have a whole lot more to offer in the nutrition department. “These bars are a triple threat: high in protein, high in fiber, and energy dense," says Christensen. They're a great choice if you're on the run and need an energy boost during a busy day.
Per serving: 280 calories, 10 g fat (2.5 g sat fat), 190 mg sodium, 36 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 20 g protein
Thought you couldn’t have your cake and eat it, too? No whey. (Sorry, had to.) “If you're looking for protein bars that don't taste like protein bars, these can be a great choice since they come in flavors like Chocolate Glazed Donut and Sticky Cinnamon Roll,” says Christensen.
Per serving: 190 calories, 4 g fat (1.5 g sat fat), 190 mg sodium, 25 g carbs, 18 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 22 g protein
This refreshing and nourishing bar proves that ingredients matter more than numbers. “This bar uses whole foods like sunflower butter, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds to provide healthy fats and protein,” says Curran. While it does contain 12 grams of sugar, the sweetness comes from natural pineapple, which also brings fiber to the table.
Per serving: 240 calories, 7 g fat (0 g sat fat), 80 mg sodium, 27 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 15 g protein
Prepare to be sold: “These vegan protein bars are like biting into a hunk of cookie dough,” says Christensen. Plus, they pack an impressive 20 grams of protein and a solid dose of fiber. (FYI: They're so natural you should probably refrigerate 'em.)
Per serving: 315 calories, 12 g fat (3 g sat fat), 58 mg sodium, 31 g carbs, 9 g fiber, 16 g sugar, 20 g protein
If you dig Vega's vegan protein powders, you'll swoon over their bars. “These bar use pea and brown rice protein, making them another good option if you need to avoid soy,” says Curran. Since they're higher in calorie (and super high in protein), grab 'em when you're on-the-go and low on fuel.
Per serving: 290 calories, 10 g fat (4 g sat fat), 270 mg sodium, 26 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 16 g sugar, 20 g protein
If you’re only in the mood for a few bites of a bar, grab one of these chewy eats. “Pistachios are a powerhouse of fat, fiber, and antioxidants,” says Christensen, who likes to pop a bite between meetings for a boost.
Per serving: 210 calories, 13 g fat (2 g sat fat), 40 mg sodium, 16 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 7 g protein
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