Protein Bars
Protein is one of those not-to-be-overlooked macronutrients we all need in our diets. Not only is protein a building block of body tissue, but it also serves as a source of fuel and helps keep us full from meal to meal. Once digested, protein breaks down into amino acids, which do all sorts of important things like build muscle mass, repair cells, and help keep organs healthy. There are lots of great food choices that deliver ample amounts of protein (see our handy list below!) but for busy days, turn to a protein bar. These snacks deliver everything you need to stay fueled before and after workouts, on travel days, or when you just can’t sit down for lunch.
Complete Protein Foods
These foods include all nine amino acids, and make great additions to your diet.
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Meat
- Poultry
- Pork
- Seafood
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
- Soy
Top Protein Bar Brands
Power up your protein bar game with the three brands you need to know.
Epic
To create its signature meat snacks, Epic partners with ranchers who support land regeneration, grassland restoration, and nose-to-tail cooking. From bars to broth, and even addicting pork rinds, there’s something for everyone.
Primal Kitchen
Primal Kitchen was founded by Mark Sisson, a former elite athlete turned paleo devotee. Protein bars are only part of the product line. You can also fuel up with marinades, mayos, and more, no matter what kind of diet you prefer.
Wild Zora
In 2011, the founders of Wild Zora went on a deep-dive to learn about paleo and gluten-free foods. Once their diets were overhauled, they created the perfect jerky snack they couldn’t find anywhere else, featuring dehydrated grass-fed beef from a local rancher. Today, everything’s made in a USDA-certified kitchen in Colorado.
Best Gluten-Free Protein Bars
Try these protein-packed bars (that also happen to be gluten-free).
Epic Bison Bacon Cranberry Bars
Low fat and rich in minerals and vitamins, enjoy this bison bar that’s blended with tart cranberries and savory bacon for the perfect sweet and salty combo. With 7 grams of protein per serving, it’s a grab-and-go option that’s easy to get on board with.
Top Paleo Protein Bars
Fuel your paleo lifestyle with diet-friendly bars.
Primal Kitchen Dark Chocolate Almond Bar
No one will blame you for not wanting to share this 12-pack of paleo-friendly bars that are made with collagen, cocoa, monk fruit extract, vanilla extract, and unsweetened dark chocolate. Almonds add a nice crunch, and the chocolate coating feels extra decadent.
Wild Zora Mediterranean Lamb Meat & Veggie Bars
These savory bars are inspired by the Mediterranean, with lamb, rosemary, turmeric, and spinach. It’s a nightshade-free option (no tomatoes or peppers) and safe for those following an AIP (autoimmune protocol) diet.
Certified Vegan Protein Bars
Plant-based eaters will love these certified vegan protein bars.
Vega Protein Snack Bar, Chocolate Peanut Butter
This anytime snack might be vegan, but it’s worth a look no matter your diet. Each bar has 10 grams of plant-based protein (from pea and rice protein), plus nuts, organic peanut butter, date paste, and cocoa powder.
GoMacro Blueberry & Cashew Butter MacroBar
Try this non-GMO bar that’s made with creamy cashew butter, sweet blueberries, and 10 grams of plant-based protein. It’s vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free, and dairy-free. You’ll also enjoy calcium, iron, and dietary fiber.
Protein Snack Recipes and Products
From DIY to ready-to-eat, we’ve got the best snacks that are protein-fueled, too.
Whey Protein vs. Plant Protein
Looking to add more protein to your diet but don’t know which option to choose? Here’s our guide to whey vs. plant protein.
Road Trip Snacks for Every Diet
No road trip is complete without a bag of snacks to satisfy cravings when grocery stores are few and far between. Load up on everything you need—no matter your diet.
How to Add Protein to Every Meal
It’s easy to get your daily protein fix—just add eggs, quinoa, and more delicious ingredients.