Experts reveal 8 healthy protein bars you will actually want to eat

Economic Times

03-07-2025

Protein bars, often marketed as healthy snacks, can be deceptive due to high sugar, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. Experts recommend choosing bars with 10-20g of protein from sources like whey or soy, 3-5g of fiber, and whole food ingredients. Brands like Aloha, TRUBAR, and RXBAR are highlighted as healthier options.
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What to avoid in protein bars?
Examples of fake sugars to avoid
Sugar alcohols: erythritol, maltitol, xylitol, sorbitol
Artificial sweeteners: sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, acesulfame potassium
Natural sweeteners, even though they sound healthy: stevia, monk fruit, allulose
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8 Healthy Protein Bars Experts Recommend
14g protein, up to 10g fiber
Made with simple stuff like oats, nuts, and chocolate chips
Plant-based and 21 fun flavors
12g protein, up to 14g fiber
Low added sugar, no fake sweeteners
Uses almonds, coconut, plant protein
12g protein, 4–6g fiber
Made with just dates, egg whites, and nuts
Sugar comes from fruit, not added junk
Minis are also available with less sugar
16g protein, high fiber, low or no added sugar
Uses grass-fed milk protein, dates, nuts
Only 12 ingredients per bar
Even comes in plastic-free packaging
10–12g protein, 2–3g fiber
Vegan, gluten-free
Made with almond butter, oats, plant proteins
A bit more sugar (7–13g) but has a good balance
Try 'Celestial Delight' with white chocolate & macadamia
12g protein
Main ingredient is pumpkin seeds!
Also has fruits, seeds, and dark chocolate
Allergy-friendly: no nuts, gluten, soy, eggs, wheat
Savory, not sweet — made with meat like bison, beef, pork
Paleo-friendly
7–13g protein, low sugar and fat
Watch out: some flavors have high sodium
Recommended: Bison Bacon Cranberry, Beef plus Apple
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Created by pro athletes
10g protein, 3g fiber, 2–6g added sugar
Vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free
Flavors: 'Apple Cinnawin' & 'Peanut Chocolate Champ'
FAQs
Protein bars are advertised as quick and healthy snacks packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber. But not all bars are good — some are full of sugar, fat, and fake ingredients.Too much added sugar, look for little sugar from dates or honey, especially if you work out. Sugar should not constitute more than half of the total carbs of a food item. However, artificial sweeteners and other sorry excuses for sugar should also be avoided. They might increase risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, as stated by San Diego Union Tribune report.What to look for in a good protein bar? Protein from good sources like egg whites, whey, or casein, for non-vegans and soy and pea protein, for vegans.10–20g protein per bar is ideal. Fiber is important to keep you full and help your gut. Look for 3–5g of fiber, or more! Whole food ingredients like oats, seeds, dates, nuts, and egg whites are best. Avoid bars with names you can't pronounce, as stated in the report by San Diego Union Tribune.Try to get your protein from real foods like Greek yogurt, eggs, or turkey when you can. But if you're in a rush, protein bars are way better than chips or candy, as mentioned in the report by San Diego Union Tribune.Some are healthy, but many have too much sugar or fake stuff. Always check ingredients.At least 10g protein, whole food ingredients, low added sugar, and 3–5g fiber.