Welcome to our post on the top 10 protein bars for 2023! If you’re a fitness enthusiast or a bodybuilder looking for a quick and convenient source of protein to fuel your workouts and aid in muscle recovery, protein bars can be a great option. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 protein bars for 2023 based on factors such as protein content, taste, texture, and ingredient quality. Whether you’re looking for a pre-workout snack or a post-workout recovery aid, we’ve got you covered with these top-rated protein bars.
Benefits Of Protein Bars
Protein bars are a convenient and portable source of protein that can offer several benefits, including:
- A convenient source of protein – An easy and convenient way to add extra protein to your diet, especially if you’re on the go and don’t have time to prepare a full meal.
- Muscle building and recovery – Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, and consuming protein bars after a workout can help speed up muscle recovery.
- Weight management – Protein bars can help you feel fuller for longer, which can help with weight management by reducing the likelihood of overeating or snacking on unhealthy foods.
- Nutrient-dense – Many protein bars are fortified with vitamins and minerals, which can help boost your overall nutrient intake.
- Variety – Protein bars come in a wide range of flavours and formulations, so you can choose one that fits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
It’s important to note that not all bars are created equal, and some can be high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy additives. Be sure to read the label carefully and choose a bar that fits your nutritional goals and preferences.
Related Article – The Top 12 Most Convenient Bodybuilding Snacks
The Top 10 Protein Bars
Protein bars have become a popular snack option for those looking to increase their protein intake and maintain a healthy diet. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which protein bars are worth trying.
Whether you’re on the go or need a quick post-workout snack, these protein bars are sure to satisfy your hunger and keep you energized throughout the day.
1. Grenade Protein Bars
Grenade High Protein and Low Carb Bar, 12 x 60g - A Selection Box - £23.94
- Minimum 20g protein per bar
- Maximum 2g sugar per bar
- A selection of protein bars including Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Fudged Up, White Chocolate Salted Peanut and more.
Texture: The texture of each bar does vary but grenade bars are generally very soft and chewy surrounded by a chocolatey layer which is also crunchy in places. A bit of something for everyone.
Flavours: Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Fudged Up, White Chocolate Salted Peanut, Dark Chocolate Mint, Dark Chocolate Raspberry, Cookies and Crème, Birthday Cake, Jaffa Quake, Caramel Chaos, White Chocolate Cookie and Peanut Nutter
Grenade Protein Bars have long been a favourite amongst professional athletes, bodybuilders and recreational gym users for their excellent taste and high protein content. With their increasing popularity, this has also seen a rise in price per unit.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 217 Kcal
- Protein – 23.3g
- Fat – 8.2g
- – of which saturates 4.4g
- Carbohydrates – 22g
- Sugars – 1.5g
Pros:
- Unrivalled taste
- High protein content
- Variety of flavours
Cons:
- Expensive per unit
- High levels of sweeteners
- Same calories as bar of chocolate
2. Warrior Protein Flapjack
Warrior, Raw Protein Flapjacks - 12 Bars x 75g Each - Packed with 21g of Protein (Chocolate Brownie) - £12.00
- 21g protein per bar
- Low Sugar – 3.5g
- High in fibre
- Chewy chocolate granola oat bar that can be eaten as a filling snack to help keep you satisfied until your next meal and curb cravings for high-sugar snacks
Texture: The texture of each bar varies but Warrior protein bars are extremely soft and easily digestible. They are very flavoursome but may taste a bit dry in comparison to other leading brands.
Flavours: Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Orange, Cookies And Cream, Honey Berry, Rainbow Cupcake, Red Velvet Cake, Salted Caramel, White Chocolate Cranberry.
Warrior protein bars rank so highly on our list due to the amount of nutritional value they contain for their price. Protein is generally super expensive per gram, but Warrior protein bars offer a high protein content for just £1 per bar.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 239 Kcal
- Protein – 20g
- Fat – 11g
- – of which saturates 6.1g
- Carbohydrates – 24g
- Sugars – 2.3g
Pros:
- Cheap Cheap Cheap
- High protein content
- Variety of flavours
Cons:
- May taste a bit dry
- Higher levels of fat and sugar
3. PHD Protein Bars
PhD Nutrition Smart Protein Bar, High Protein Low Sugar Protein Snacks, White Chocolate Blondie Flavour, 21g of Protein, 64g Bar (12 Pack) - £18.86
- 21g of protein per bar
- Low sugar – 2.1g
- White Chocolate Blondie Flavour: Delicious protein bars are super-soft with a protein centre, gooey caramel, protein crispies and a smooth chocolate coating
Texture: The texture of the PHD protein bars are similar to the Grenade Protein bars in the sense of they have a soft and chewy middle with a crispy outside texture. A beautifully tasting combination!
Flavours: White Chocolate Blondie, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, Dark Chocolate Raspberry.
PHD Smart Protein Bars are almost identical to grenade bars in texture and flavour, but not ‘quite’ as good! But they still taste great and are wonderfully crafted with a slightly lower protein content at 20g per bar.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 238 kcal
- Protein – 20g
- Fat – 11g
- – of which saturates 7g
- Carbohydrates – 22g
- Sugars – 0.6g
Pros:
- Great Tasting
- High protein content
- Variety of flavours
Cons:
- Some negative reviews of batches that taste off as if out of date
- A higher fat content of 11g per bar
4. Optimum Nutrition Protein Bars
Optimum Nutrition ON Crispy Protein Bars, Chocolate Brownie Flavour, 10 x 65g - £18.00
- 20g of protein
- No added sugar
- Under 220 calories
- Exceptional taste and texture
- 100% vegetarian ingredients
Texture: Optimum Nutrition bars have been compared to toffee crisp bars due to their chewy and crunchy nature. They are easily digestible and can easily pass as a regular chocolate bar.
Flavours: Crispy Brownie, Crispy Peanut Butter, Marshmallow, Whipped, Fruit & Nut.
Optimum Nutrition is a serious front-runner in whey protein products due to their smooth taste and these bars are no different. The main issue being you will have to pay for only 10 bars which will not last you long if you regularly want to consume them.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 213 kcal
- Protein – 20g
- Fat – 6.7g
- – of which saturates 5.3g
- Carbohydrates – 16g
- Sugars – 1.8g
Pros:
- Great Tasting – Literally A Chocolate Bar
- Full Of Vitamins
- Healthy Snack Alternative
Cons:
- Mediocre Protein Content
- Thin bars (Small portion)
5. Fulfil Protein Bars
Fulfil Vitamin and Protein Bar (15 x 55 g Bars) — Chocolate Salted Caramel Flavour — 20 g High Protein, 9 Vitamins, Low Sugar - £21.38
- 15g Protein Per Bar
- 3g Sugar
- 204 calories
- 9 Vitamins 30% RDA for 9 essential vitamins
Texture: Fulfil Protein bars are extremely chewy and have a gooey centre and an exceptionally chocolatey taste. They could be mistaken for a standard chocolate bar quite easily without the high sugar content.
Flavours: Chocolate Salted Caramel, Chocolate Caramel, Chocolate Peanut & Caramel, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Peanut Butter.
These Fulfil bars are full of vitamins alongside the high protein content so are an all-around healthy snack for people on the go. They are not specifically targeted at athletes looking to build muscle but are low-sugar, high-protein snacks that can be useful healthy alternatives to chocolate bars.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 140 kcal
- Protein – 15g
- Fat – 6g
- – of which saturates 3.6g
- Carbohydrates – 11g
- Sugars – 1.2g
Pros:
- Basically A Toffee Crisp With Protein
- Good Protein Content
- Healthy Snack Alternative
Cons:
- Bars On The Smaller Side
- Only 10 bars in a multipack
6. Barebells Protein Bar
Barebells Protein Bars Official Mix Box | 20g protein low carb chocolate bars | after workout low calorie snacks 12 x 55g (Selection box) - £23.74
- 20g Protein
- Low Sugar Content
- No GMO, No palm oil
- Keto
- A protein bar selection box with Cookies & Cream, Caramel Cashew, Salty Peanut, and Hazelnut Nougat
Texture: Barbells protein bars are a little different from most protein bars as they come without chewiness. Their texture is more fudgy and soft on the inside with a slightly crispy shell on the outside.
Flavours: Cookies & Cream, Crispy Nougat, Hazelnut & Nougat, Salty Peanut, White Chocolate Almond, White Salty Peanut.
Barebells specialise in protein bars and shakes and have placed a lot of effort into the taste of their products. Whilst their bars are a little smaller than traditional protein bars, they still have excellent macros and decent protein content.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 204 kcal
- Protein – 20g
- Fat – 8.4g
- – of which saturates 3.6g
- Carbohydrates – 16g
- Sugars – 1.3g
Pros:
- Lots Of Effort Put Into Taste And Texture
- Good Protein Content
- Healthy Snack Alternative With Low Calories
Cons:
- Expensive
- The Taste Of Texture Are Designed For Very Niche And Specific Pallets
7. AMFit Protein Bar
Amazon Brand -Amfit Nutrition Low Sugar Protein Bar (19.6 gr protein - 1.4gr sugar) - Cookies and Cream - 12-pack (12 x 60g) - £17.51
- 19g of protein
- Less than 2g sugar
- 188 calories per serving
- 19g of carbohydrates
- Cookies and Cream Flavour Protein Bar with a Layer of Chocolate Flavour Caramel and a Milk Chocolate Flavour Coating with Sweeteners
Texture: These Amazon Brand protein bars are full of taste and have a similar taste and texture to a Cadbury double-decker. They are not chewy or too stodgy and easily digestable.
Flavours: Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Caramel, Chocolate Fudge, Peanut, Blueberry Yoghurt.
A health product designed by Amazon may have you scratching your head and feeling somewhat pessimistic. But these bars are nutritious, tasteful and have a decent protein content too. Don’t write them off until you have tried them.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 194 kcal
- Protein – 19.6g
- Fat – 4.8g
- – of which saturates 3.5g
- Carbohydrates – 20g
- Sugars – 2.8g
Pros:
- One Of The Cheapest Protein Bars On The Market
- Great Tasting Bars
Cons:
- Reviews have given a lot of issues with gas, wind and stomach cramps after consumption
- Higher sugar content compared to other brands
8. Mars/Snickers Protein Bars
MARS Hi-Protein Bar Salted Caramel 12x59g - £21.99
- 20g of protein
- 207 kcal per bar
- Contains 54% less sugar than a standard Mars 51g bar
- Different types of Mars-owned bars available including Snickers & Bounty
Texture: Whilst the caramel centre and soft outer layer remain the same, these Mars bar protein bars are much denser than a standard Mars bar.
Flavours: Mars, Mars Salted Caramel, Snickers, Bounty
Whilst these bars do not have quite the same texture as a standard Mars Bar, they do still maintain the same great taste. They are the best-tasting bars alongside the Grenade Bars on the market currently, as they come with the backing of the famous Mars chocolate brand and taste.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 231 kcal
- Protein – 21.7g
- Fat – 5.3g
- – of which saturates 2.9g
- Carbohydrates – 25.7g
- Sugars – 15.1g
Pros:
- Comes With The Great Mars Taste
- Over 20g of Protein Per Bar
- Different Variety Of Branded Flavours
Cons:
- Expensive – You pay for the brand
- Denser Than Standard Mars Bar
- Very High Sugar Content
9. Misfits Vegan Protein Bars
Misfits Vegan Protein Bar, Cookie Dough, Plant-Based Chocolate Protein Bar, High Protein, Low Sugar, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, 12 Pack - £22.00
- 15g of Protein
- Less than 3g of sugar
- Under 200 calories
- There Are No Artificial Flavours, Colours Or Preservatives
- Vegan And Gluten Free. These Bars Are Registered With The Vegan Society
Texture: It is important to remember that unless you are not used to or have experienced the taste of vegan chocolate before, these will acquire a different perspective. The texture itself is quite dry and powdery, but still nice and chewy.
Flavours: Cookie Dough, Cookies & Cream, Speculoos, Honeycomb, White Chocolate, Caramel.
With the vegan market becoming stronger and stronger each year, we are seeing more high-protein products on shelves. Anyone expecting a normal chocolatey taste may be surprised, but that is not to say they still have a lot of different flavours and tastes available for each individual.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 183 kcal
- Protein – 16g
- Fat – 9.2g
- – of which saturates 2.9g
- Carbohydrates – 5.4g
- Sugars – 0.8g
Pros:
- Low In Carbohydrates
- Very Minimal Sugar
- Vegan Friendly & Gluten Free
Cons:
- Acquired Taste
- Mediocre Protein Content
- Dry Texture
10. MaxiMuscle Protein Bars
Maximuscle Protein Bars, Cookies and Cream, Pack of 12 - £24.00
- 15g of protein
- Less than 2g of sugar
- Under 200 calories
- Informed sport approved and accredited
- Vegetarian and no collagen
Texture: The overall texture of the bars is quite soft and chewy with a smooth chocolate outer layer. But they do contain crunchy pieces of chocolate and biscuit inside to combine the two and make it a delicious healthy snack alternative.
Flavours: Cookies & Cream, Caramel Millionaire, Caramel Swirl, Dark Chocolate Orange, New York Vanilla Cheesecake, Raspberry Coconut, Salted Caramel.
Maximuscle has always produced excellent quality goods in the health industry and these bars are no different. They are great tasting and have a reasonable protein content, but do come in at a higher price.
Nutrition Stats (may vary slightly depending on flavour):
- Calories – 174 kcal
- Protein – 15g
- Fat – 6.1g
- – of which saturates 2.2g
- Carbohydrates – 15g
- Sugars – 1.9g
Pros:
- Low In Calories
- Low In Sugar
- Excellent & Reliable Maximuscle Taste
Cons:
- One Of The More Expensive Brands
- Mediocre Protein Content
- Smaller Sized Bar
Help Choosing The Right Protein Bar For You
With so much selection and so many different brands and marketing schemes thrown in your face, it is hard to know how to get your money’s worth. The reality is, all of these protein bars can be useful in providing you with an adequate source of protein. But, if you are going to part with your money you want the best bang for your buck.
The best-tasting bars are by far Grenade Carb Killas or Mars Protein Bars and this is why they are the best sellers.
If they are a bit too expensive and you can part with some taste to still get a good amount of protein then the Warrior Protein Flapjacks or Amazon home brand can do the job.
If it is low sugar alongside high protein you are looking for then the PHD Bars or the Misfits Vegan Bars should be your go-to options.
Fulfil Bars not only contain a good source of protein but also come with added vitamins, which is not a tactic been used to much of an extent yet by other protein bar companies.
If you are just looking to try something reliable and from a reputable company then the other selections on the list are great-tasting, high-protein snack alternatives too.
Summary And Recommendations
All of the information in this post was correct at the time of publishing and is subject to change.
Always be sure to do your own research before making any purchases and remember that protein bars will not be the solution to all your problems. Do not rely too heavily on them for all of your protein needs. The majority of your protein should come from healthy, nutritious foods.
For more reviews on products visit our Reviews page.
Or for more information on nutrition visit our Nutrition page.
