8 BEST Protein Bars on Goal Plans 2024, Your Definitive Guide
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Time to read 11 min
Right Goal Planners, the time has come to talk protein… specifically protein bars.
These handy little compact snacks are crammed with your favourite satiating macronutrient and are perfect for when you’re on the move. But all too often when you unwrap that little bar, looking forward to savouring something that’ll kick that chocolate craving to the curb, you’re left disappointed, dissatisfied, and desperately trying to rid your mouth of a chalky aftertaste.
Not to mention your poor TMJ has taken a hammering from trying to mercilessly chew through it.
The thing is, not all protein bars are created equally, and here at Goal Plans we taste test every – single – one that makes it onto your favourite site. That means you can rest easy knowing that whatever protein packed snack you choose will not just fit your macros but taste great and be enjoyable too.
Of course, we do have our faves, so without further ado here are our top protein bars certain to fill you up, support your health goals and tick the taste box too.
Jump Ahead...
The Benefits of Protein Bars What to Look for in a High-Quality Protein Bar What to Avoid in Protein Bars The Best Protein Bars of 2024 1. Best Overall 2. Best On-The-Go Snack 3. Best for Recovery 4. Best Taste 5. Best Texture 6. Best Vegan 7. Best Chocolate Craving Buster 8. Best with a Cuppa Resources Products Featured In This Blog Related Posts
The Benefits of Protein Bars
Protein bars have become a go-to snack for many, thanks to their convenience and the promise of a quick protein fix. We caught up with Sarah Smith, a registered dietitian, and asked her to shed some light on the benefits of these little bars of convenience.
"Protein bars can be a convenient and effective way to meet your protein needs, especially if you're on the move or need a post-workout recovery snack,” she told us.
“But protein does so much more for your body than just help you build muscle – it supports your immune system and helps your vital organs and other tissues work properly too. Unfortunately, many people don’t eat enough protein in the day, so having a bar to hand is a great way to top up that intake.”
The thing is how much protein you should be eating per day is a bone of contention and is entirely dependent on the individual as things like activity levels, age, weight, and sports can impact just how much you really need.
However, as a general rule of thumb - aim for about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. Individuals engaging in intense physical activity or strength training may need higher amounts, approximately 1.2-2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.
When you think about it, that can really add up which is why protein packed snacks like protein bars are a great, simple way to keep that intake topped up, especially if you’re travelling or need a quick protein boost post workout.
Additionally, they can help keep you fuller for longer due to their protein content, which can aid in weight management by reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day. This satiating effect can prevent excessive snacking and promote better portion control during meals.
One thing to keep in mind though is that protein bars can be high on the calorie count. So be sure to always read the label and pick one that fits your macros. That way you won’t end up accidentally eating in a calorie surplus if you’re on a weight loss journey.
What to Look for in a High-Quality Protein Bar
Now you understand the benefits of incorporating protein bars into your diet, how can you ensure you're picking a high-quality option? “The first place you should look is the nutrition label and check that ingredients list,” says Steve Ahern, Goal Plans’ resident PT.
"Look for a protein bar that provides at least 10 grams of protein per serving, with a good balance of macronutrients such as healthy fats and fibre, although people who do a lot of strength training or are looking to build muscle should choose bars with 15-20g of protein.”
Of course, when selecting a protein bar, we recommend you choose those that are made with whole food ingredients, such as nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners like honey or dates. Bars topped up with protein isolates like whey powder are also great and usually contain the highest amount of protein – which is ideal if you’re looking to build muscle mass.
That said, be mindful to avoid bars that contain artificial additives, excessive sugar, and fillers that provide little nutritional value. After all, choosing a protein bar with high-quality ingredients ensures that you're fuelling your body with nutrients that support overall health and well-being.
What to Avoid in Protein Bars
“While protein bars can be a convenient and healthy snack option, there are some pitfalls to watch out for,” warns sports nutritionist Lisa Johnson. "Be wary of protein bars that list sugar, corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners as primary ingredients, as they can contribute to energy crashes and cravings."
To make an informed choice, scan the ingredients list for sources of protein like whey, soy, or plant-based proteins. Steer clear of protein bars with added sugars, artificial flavours, and excessive preservatives, as they may undermine the nutritional benefits of the protein bar and lead to potential health risks over time.
Secondly, while it may be super popular at the moment, be wary of bars that list Collagen as their only source of protein. As far as protein sources go, collagen isn’t great. You see, it’s not a “complete” protein, which means it doesn’t contain all 9 essential amino acids and won’t support your body in the way you need.
Now you’re well versed on what to look for and what to avoid – it’s time to get choosing…
The Best Protein Bars of 2024
You can find all these bars on Goal Plans and add them to your personalised weight loss plan.
1. Best Overall
Mountain Joe’s White Chocolate Salted Peanut Bar
Pros: High in protein with 18g per 55g bar, great taste and low in sugar with 2.4g per serving.
Cons: Some people find them a bit too sweet.
What we thought:
As soon as we first tried this bar, we fell in love. It’s the perfect size for popping into your gym bag, and it crammed with all the right things including 18g of protein per serving from a top blend of milk proteins and soy. It also has 18g of energising carbohydrates which is great for replenishing those glycogen stores after a workout. Finally, the flavour – WOW! A brilliant combination of sweet and salty without the stodge many protein bars have.
Protein source: Milk Proteins and Soy Proteins
Protein per serving: 18g
Flavours: White Chocolate Salted Peanut, Raspberry Ripple, Caramel Biscuit, Chocolate Candy Cream.
2. Best On-The-Go Snack
Dinky Protein Bar in Choccy Heaven
Pros: This bar is dinky by name and dinky by nature coming in at just 35g, but although small, it’s also mighty with a brilliant 11g of protein.
Cons: Ironically, its size with many reviewers saying they wish they were just a bit bigger for a more fulfilling bite.
What we thought: The guys and gals at Muscle Moose have absolutely nailed the delicious chocolate flavour of this bar making it a sure winner for curbing any chocolate cravings. While we appreciate the dinky size as a bit of a novelty, we do kind of wish there was just a bit more to it as it was over before it really began. That said, this bar is brilliant for people on a weight loss journey who may not have as many calories to play with in their day, so for that it’s a winner for sure.
Protein source: Milk Proteins, Soy Proteins, Collagen & Wheat Protein
Protein per serving: 11g
Flavours: Choccy Heaven, Peanut Chocolate, White Chocolate Cookie
3. Best for Recovery
Warrior Raw Protein Flapjack in White Chocolate & Cranberry
Pros: It’s low in sugar and bursting with 20g protein per bar. It’s also loaded with rolled oats – perfect for replenishing glycogen stores post workout.
Cons: Their texture doesn’t get a great write up with people commenting on its claggy mouthfeel and chalky taste.
What we thought:
We like this flapjack purely for the fact it has everything you need and want in a bar for post workout recovery – carbs and protein – all the good stuff for kick starting your recovery. We also really enjoyed the smell of the bar when we took out of the packet, it smelt like it was going to really tick off sweet cravings in a good way, but we were a little disappointed in the taste and texture. It did have a bit of a chalkiness to it and by the end of the bar we were struggling a bit to finish it as it was so filling.
Protein source: Milk Proteins
Protein per serving: 20g
Flavours: White Chocolate & Cranberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel
4. Best Taste
Jade & Joy Wellbeing Bar in Caramel Blondie
Pros: A classic flavour combo topped with stunning caramel and wrapped in low sugar white chocolate, plus it has 11g protein per serving!
Cons: A lower source of protein compared to other bars we stock.
What we thought:
The Jade & Joy protein bars are billed as “luxury” protein bars and boy do they live up to that reputation. The packaging is 50 shades of fancy and the flavour – YUM! When you enjoy them, you can quite easily forget you’re eating a protein bar and not just a normal delicious sweet snack. The caramel layer is a stunning touch and we really struggled to not like these bars. They're also vegan friendly. Only downside was they lacked in the protein department a little, but other bars in the range have more, so we say you try them all and pick your favourite.
Protein source: Soy Proteins
Protein per serving: 11g
Flavours: Hazelnut & Almond, Cookie Crumb, Choc Brownie, Caramel Blondie
5. Best Texture
Sweet Robyn’s Snack Bar in Chocolate Caramel Crisp
Pros: UK made, 14g protein per serving and oodles of tangy flavour. Plus, it’s low in sugar and has only 135 calories per serving too.
Cons: Some people have said they can be a bit too sweet
What we thought:
We. Love. This. Bar. Honestly, we’ve really had to try and find something we dislike about it. It’s utterly delicious and packs a fabulous wallop of flavour thanks to an irresistible crispy protein caramel centre all wrapped up in rich, moreish Belgian chocolate. They’re also super friendly on the calories with only 135 per bar making them an ideal choice for those of your sticking to a lower calorie diet. They’re even gluten free. Only downside is once you finish it, you’ll instantly want another.
Protein Source: Soy Proteins
Protein per serving: 14g
Flavours: Chocolate Raspberry Crisp, Chocolate Orange, Chocolate Caramel
6. Best Vegan
Yummo’s Mmmm! Choc Caramel Vegan Protein Bar
Pros: Chewy texture and simply delectable with 15g protein, less than 3g of sugar and a macro friendly 185 calories per serving. Plus, they’re vegan friendly and gluten free!
Cons: For some, the filling spills out too much leaving a bit of a sticky mess behind.
What we thought: By far one of the tastiest vegan friendly protein bars on the market to date and we love the gorgeous caramel filling and lush chocolate coating. They are distinctly lacking in the typical chalky and sometimes unnatural aftertaste so many vegan bars have, which is a big bonus and really just super tasty. We can appreciate the negative comments around the filling spilling out too much, and maybe a more robust chocolate casing would go a long way, but honestly, it’s a small price to pay for something so delicious.
Protein source: Soy Proteins
Protein per serving: 15g
Flavours: Choc Caramel, White Choc & Raspberry
7. Best Chocolate Craving Buster
Fuel 10K Oat Cookie in Double Chocolate
Pros: So unbelievably chocolatey it’ll knock your chocolate craving socks off. It’s also crammed with a mega +10g protein per serving.
Cons: Not actually a protein bar but a cookie – is that a deal breaker though? Some people didn’t like how sweet it was.
What we thought: First thing that came to our minds when trying this tasty morsel of high protein wonderfulness, was that it is NOT a protein bar – so can we really include it in this list? Well, after the first bite we decided yes, yes we absolutely can! High in protein, high in fibre and low in sugar, this double chocolate cookie is the stuff chocolate dreams are made of. Soft, moreish and simply divine, we found this protein packed morsel to be the perfect alternative to a traditional bar with not one hint of a chalky aftertaste. A proper good snack indeed. That said, it is particularly indulgent and can be quite sweet (even though it has no added sugar) so if you’ve more of a savoury tooth, this might not be the high protein snack for you.
Protein source: Wheat Proteins, Soy Proteins
Protein per serving: 10g
Flavours: Double Chocolate
8. Best with a Cuppa
MuscleFood High Protein Bar in Cookies and Cream
Pros: A cute little protein bar weighing in at just 45g with a moreish flavour profile. High protein, low in sugar and high in fibre.
Cons: Folks have highlighted a grainy texture with an artificial aftertaste.
What we thought: Sometimes when you’re having a cuppa, you just need a tasty snack to accompany it, and this 45g bar by MuscleFood is just right for that. Under the lovely white chocolate layer you’ll find a centre that’s crispy and yummy thanks to a delicious blend of cocoa, caramel and soy cocoa crispies for extra crunch. Not too big, not too small, just right. It’s also endorsed by the Informed Sport programme and tested for banned substances so athletes can enjoy without any concerns.
Protein source: Milk Proteins, Wheat Proteins, Whey Proteins, Soy Proteins
Protein per serving: 15g
Flavours: Cookies and Cream, Salted Caramel, Chocolate Orange
Final thoughts
So, there you have it - our definitive list to the top protein bars of 2024 so far.
By incorporating protein bars into your snacking routine, you can power up your day with a convenient and nutritious option that supports your fitness goals and overall well-being. Remember to choose wisely, prioritise quality ingredients, and listen to your body's needs when selecting the perfect protein bar to fuel your adventures!
If you want to buy any of these products, you can check out more on our store!
Ashleigh Tosh
Wordsmith, bookworm, and avid food enthusiast. With a background in broadcast journalism, she has been writing for the health & wellness sector for a decade. Ashleigh is the lead copywriter at MuscleFood, feeding her passion for all things food and fitness. When she's not writing or typing away, you might find her sweating it out in the gym, exploring culinary creations in the kitchen, or conquering Scottish Munros.
Resources
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916522030234 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142015/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523137075 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5477153/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-013-0133-y
