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The Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss and Snacking

Updated By the HealthWorld editorial teamHow we pick

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Top picks at a glance

  1. 1
    Quest Nutrition Protein Bar

    Best overall

    Quest Nutrition Protein Bar

    Protein ~20 g · Sugar ~1 g

  2. 2
    David Protein Bar

    Most protein per calorie

    David Protein Bar

    Protein 28 g · Calories 150

  3. 3
    Barebells Protein Bar

    Best candy-bar texture

    Barebells Protein Bar

    Protein 20 g · Added sugar 0 g

See all 5 picks and why ↓

A good protein bar for weight loss has around 20 g of protein and very little sugar, so it works as a filling snack rather than a candy bar. Quest helped make that formula mainstream and is our overall pick; David has the most protein per calorie, Barebells and ONE are the dessert-style options, and Misfits is plant-based.

Our picks

  1. Quest Nutrition Protein Bar

    #1Best overall

    Quest Nutrition Protein Bar

    Around 20 g of protein and about 1 g of sugar per bar, with plenty of fiber. Variety packs make it easy to find flavors you like.

    Protein ~20 gSugar ~1 gAmazon Full facts →
  2. David Protein Bar

    #2Most protein per calorie

    David Protein Bar

    28 g of protein in 150 calories with 0 g of sugar on the label — the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any bar we list.

    Protein 28 gCalories 150Amazon Full facts →
  3. Barebells Protein Bar

    #3Best candy-bar texture

    Barebells Protein Bar

    20 g of protein and no added sugar in a soft, layered, chocolate-coated bar, in flavors like Salty Peanut and Cookies & Cream.

    Protein 20 gAdded sugar 0 gAmazon Full facts →
  4. ONE Protein Bar

    #4Best dessert flavors

    ONE Protein Bar

    Birthday Cake, Maple Glazed Doughnut and Cookie Dough flavors with 20 g of protein and 1 g of sugar per 60 g bar.

    Protein 20 gCalories 220Amazon Full facts →
  5. Misfits Vegan Protein Bar

    #5Best plant-based

    Misfits Vegan Protein Bar

    15 g of plant protein and about 1 g of sugar or less per bar on the label.

    Protein 15 gSugar ≤1 gAmazon Full facts →
Amazon's live top 100 in Protein

What to look for

Protein vs calories
Compare protein with calories. A bar that's high in calories but modest in protein is closer to a dessert than a snack that helps weight loss.
Sugar alcohols and added fiber
Low-sugar bars often use sugar alcohols such as erythritol and added fibers. They keep sugar down but can cause gas or bloating for some people, especially if you eat more than one a day.
Fiber for fullness
Fiber helps a bar keep you full. If you're not used to much fiber, increase slowly and drink enough water.
Be wary of 'net carbs'
'Net carbs' isn't a term the FDA defines. If you're managing blood sugar, look at total carbohydrates on the Nutrition Facts panel too.

Frequently asked questions

Are protein bars good for weight loss?

They can be, if they replace a less filling snack rather than being eaten on top of your usual food. A bar with plenty of protein and fiber and little sugar helps control hunger between meals. Whole foods like yogurt, eggs or fruit with nuts can do the same job for less.

Are protein bars OK for diabetics?

Low-sugar, high-fiber bars can fit a diabetes eating plan, but check total carbohydrates and how your blood sugar responds, since some ingredients still affect it. Talk to your doctor or dietitian if you're unsure how a bar fits your plan.

Is there a good Quest bar alternative?

Yes. For more protein per calorie, look at David (28 g of protein in 150 calories). For a softer, candy-bar texture, Barebells and Grenade are popular, and Misfits is plant-based. Whichever you try, compare protein, sugar, fiber, calories and sweetener type on the label.

Sources