Do you want to feel energized during your workouts? Perhaps you’re not providing your body with the nutrition to function optimally. Protein bars are a quick and healthy snack that may help you take your workouts to the next level.
Protein bars are high in protein, fiber, and other nutrients that can help feed your body before a workout. Moreover, with so many great flavors and varieties available, there’s a protein bar for everyone. This article will look at seven of the best protein bars for a pre-workout snack. These bars are delicious, made with high-quality ingredients, and have a low sugar and carbohydrate content.
Whether you’re a bodybuilder or simply looking to provide your body with the nutrients it requires, these protein bars will give you the energy boost you need to crush your next workout.
16. Pro Protein Bar
Said to be a great protein bar for those looking for muscle gain, the Pro protein bar has 20 grams of plant-based protein, easy-to-digest carbs, and indulgent chocolate to make it nutritious and tasty. There are a variety of flavors to choose from, like Peanut Butter, Cookie Dough, Sea Salt Caramel, and Chocolate Brownie, all with essential ingredients to make sure you’re ready for the day.
These bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based and non-GMO verified, with around 280 calories, 6 grams of fiber, and 12 grams of sugar, this is one of the best protein bars for a pre-workout snack.
Read More: Best Sugar-Free Ice Creams That Actually Taste Good
15. ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Bar
ALOHA produces plant-based protein bars that are packed with 14 grams of protein and made with amazing ingredients that are both delicious and nutritious. From a variety of flavors like Lemon Cashew, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Caramel Pecan, Peanut Butter, and more, there are several options to choose from.
ALOHA bars are kosher, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO verified, high in fiber, and are only 240 calories a bar, making them a great sweet treat before a workout. You can find them individually, or in a variety pack to figure out which flavor works best for you.
Related: Best Dairy-Free Sources of Calcium for Stronger Bones
14. Barbells Protein Bar
Barebells is another great brand when looking at the best protein bars as they’re incredibly high in protein with between 15-20 grams depending on which bar you purchase. Barebells prides themselves in creating delicious bars that are perfect for a healthy lifestyle. They started in Sweden in 2016 and have since expanded their market to the US. They also state that even with a delicious bar and high protein, there is no added sugar across all their bars.
Some flavor options that you can find include Choco Hazelnut, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Dough, Caramel Cashew, and even some variety packs to really nail down which is your favorite. They’re reasonably priced and can be found on Amazon as well to purchase. Most bars are around 210 calories and 3 grams of fiber, making it a great choice for a pre-workout snack.
Check Out: Best Heart-Healthy Snacks That Are Both Tasty and Convenient
13. IQ Protein Bar
IQ Bar prides itself in not only fueling your body with amazing ingredients, but also fueling your brain. The recipes are 100% plant-based, centered on vegan, nutrient-dense ingredients. They’re also super low carb, with zero gluten, dairy, soy, or GMOs. Each bar has 6 brain nutrients, 12 grams of protein, around 1 gram of sugar, and 3 grams of net carbs, however, the last two will vary depending on the bar you choose.
They also have a variety of great flavors from Peanut Butter, Wild Blueberry, Matcha Chai, Banana Nut, and Chocolate Sea Salt. You can find these products easily on Amazon, and they even have a Sampler box that is perfect for those who want to try each flavor.
Read Next: Protein Powder Guide for Beginners
12. Perfect Protein Bar
The Perfect Bar is a unique bar that is a great snack before a workout. Created by a family with 13 kids who needed quick, easy, and healthy snacks on the go, the Perfect Bar has 15 grams of protein, around 300 calories, and 4 grams of fiber. There are several different flavors that are perfect for families with picky eaters who need several choices.
The company is transparent about its ingredients and goals, with each bar having a breakdown of what ingredients truly make the bar ‘perfect’. With flavors like Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Almond Butter and more, there are several options to choose from.
11. Outright Protein Bars
A simple, 5-ingredient protein bar could be your next favorite. Rise protein bars are made simple to make sure that you know what you are eating and can live a stress-free, healthier life. The foundation of every bar is nuts, like almonds, and then has honey as an added sweetener, making it one of the best protein bars that you can find today. Whey is the protein they use, but for vegan-friendly bars, they use pea isolate.
Most bars are between 15-20 grams of protein varying from 3-5 ingredients depending on the bar. They do a stellar job at being transparent with what you’re eating so you never have to worry about your snacks. They also have several flavors such as Almond Honey, Snicker Doodle, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Almond, and more.
10. ONE Protein Bar
Founded in 1999 by Ron McAfee, One protein bars are one of the better options when it comes to pre-workout snacks, as they offer a great amount of protein with high-quality ingredients. They’re packed with 20 grams of protein, just 1 gram of sugar, 2 grams of fiber, and 230 calories depending on the bar.
Some flavors that they have include Blueberry Cobbler, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cinnamon Roll, and Lemon Cake. There are several variety packs to also pick from for those who are still trying to figure out which flavor works best for them.
9. Think Protein Bars
Think protein bars are a great snack before any workout. They believe in great-tasting, nutritious snacks to help people achieve their goals without giving up delicious treats. They pride themselves in being mindful of the ingredients that they put in the bars and make sure there are no artificial ingredients. There are several different types of bars, from high protein, sweet treats, vegan, keto, or mindful calorie bars.
Looking at their protein-packed bars, these bad boys are 20 grams of protein with zero sugar, 1 gram of fiber and sitting at 230 calories depending on the bar. The other bars vary between 10-15 grams of protein with varying nutritional values. They also have a variety of flavors including Brownie Crunch, Chocolate Fudge, Cookies & Creme, Creamy Peanut Butter, and more.
Related: Best Healthy Carbs to Fuel Your Body Without the Crash
8. No Cow Protein Bar
No Cow protein bars are a great option for those who are lactose intolerant, as it was founded by a young 18-year-old in 2015 who decided to try his hand at his own bars when the other brands would give him a stomachache. He made the first bar in his mom’s kitchen and soon started selling them to premier national chains.
Now he has several products and flavors to try. From Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chunky Peanut Butter, and even Cookies & Cream, No Cow bars have some great options to pick from. They even have an option to try some for free, as long as you cover the shipping costs, that includes four bars to see if they’re work it. It has 20 grams of plant protein, 1 gram of sugar, 15 grams of fiber, and 200 calories, making it one of the best protein bars you can find.
Check Out: Eat These Foods Year-Round for a Stronger Immune System
7. Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
Fitness fanatics frequently choose Quest Nutrition Protein Bars for a good reason. Each bar has 20 grams of protein, 14 grams of fiber, and only 1 gram of sugar, making it an excellent pre-workout snack. They also come in several delectable flavors, so you’ll likely discover one you enjoy.
Quest Nutrition Protein Bars are also an excellent choice for people attempting to reduce or maintain a healthy weight. These bars’ high fiber content might help you feel filled for longer, allowing you to eat fewer calories throughout the day. They are also low in sugar and carbohydrates, which can aid in weight loss.
Read Next: Top Nutrients to Eat For Healthy Skin
6. KIND Protein Bars
KIND Protein Bars are an excellent choice for those looking for a protein-rich snack that is also gluten-free and low in sugar. Each bar has 12 grams of protein and only 5 grams of sugar, making it an excellent alternative to many other protein bars on the market.
However, just because they’re low in sugar doesn’t mean they’re bland! KIND Protein Bars are available in several delectable flavors, including Dark Chocolate Nut and Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate. They are also crafted with basic, whole-food components, so you can feel good about what you’re putting in your body.
5. RXBAR Protein Bars
RXBAR Protein Bars are one of the best protein bars if you’re searching for a protein bar created with basic, whole-food components. Each bar provides 12 grams of protein and is produced with only a few ingredients, such as egg whites, almonds, and dates.
RXBAR Protein Bars are devoid of artificial additives, and preservatives are one of its finest features. Instead, they are produced with actual food components you can pronounce and identify. They also come in various delectable flavors, such as Chocolate Sea Salt and Peanut Butter.
4. LÄRABAR Protein Bars
LARABAR Protein Bars are another wonderful alternative for people looking for a protein bar produced with whole foods. Each bar has 11 grams of protein and is produced with only a few simple ingredients such as nuts, fruits, and spices.
What distinguishes LRABAR Protein Bars is its dedication to using only non-GMO products. They also have no additional sweets or artificial flavors. Instead, they rely on the natural sweetness of fruits and spices to give a delightful flavor. They also come in several delectable flavors, such as Apple Pie and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip.
3. Oatmega Protein Bars
Another one of the best protein bars for a pre-workout snack is Oatmega Protein Bars. These bars are perfect for individuals looking for protein and omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Each bar has 14 grams of protein and 300 milligrams of omega-3s, making it an excellent pre-workout snack.
The omega-3s in Oatmega Protein Bars are derived from responsibly sourced fish oil, so you can feel good about them. Also, they are low in sugar and carbohydrates, so they won’t slow you down throughout your workout. Oatmega Protein Bars are now available in several tasty flavors, including Chocolate Peanut Crisp and Vanilla Almond Crisp.
Check Out: Best Low-Calorie Alcoholic Drinks That Won’t Derail Your Health Goals
2. Power Crunch Protein Bars
Power Crunch Protein Bars are a unique alternative for individuals looking for a protein-rich snack that is also simple to digest. Each bar has 14 grams of protein and is produced with a special “velvety” protein wafer that is simple to chew and digest.
Power Crunch Protein Bars’ velvety texture makes them an excellent choice for folks struggling to digest conventional protein bars. Runners, for example, will appreciate the quick burst of energy these bars provide without the cramping other bars can cause. They also come in various delectable flavors, such as Salted Caramel and Peanut Butter Fudge.
Read Next: Best Foods to Eat for a Healthy Liver and Detox Support
1. MusclePharm Combat Crunch Bars
MusclePharm Combat Crunch Bars are popular among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts looking for the best protein bars. Each bar has 20 grams of protein manufactured from a combination of whey and milk protein isolate.
MusclePharm Combat Crunch Bars aren’t only for bodybuilders, though. They are also an excellent choice for anybody looking to feed their body with high-quality protein before working out. They also come in various delectable flavors, such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Cinnamon Twist.
Also Read: Easy Ways to Add More Protein to Your Meals Without Meat
To Consider: Nutritional Facts
Finding the perfect bar for your needs can be tricky, as there are so many things to consider and ingredients that you might not understand. Thankfully, there are some key factors that you should look into when picking out your next go-to bar. Here are a few examples.
When finding the best protein bars, you need to make sure that there are some healthy components involved. Some things to look for include protein, sugar, and fiber. Having more grams of protein is a must, as well as a decent amount of sugar, as it will fuel your body during workouts. make sure that when you’re looking at sugar it’s not too much, as it could cause some stomach issues. A bit of sugar is a great way to fuel the body.
For fiber, having a bar with around three grams is a great option. Plant-based bars tend to be higher in fiber, which helps you maintain a healthy weight. It can also boost your immune system and help control your blood sugar levels. For some, calories could be a large part of your deciding factor as well. If you’re on a calorie deficit, finding a bar with fewer calories is the way to go, but most of the time, having such a protein-heavy snack is great no matter the calories.
Related: Nutritious Foods to Incorporate Into an Elderly Diet
To Consider: Ingredients
Second, think about the components. Seek for bars created with real foods devoid of artificial additives and preservatives. This will help prevent any stomach or digestive issues as well as provide your body with the nutrition it requires to function optimally.
Finding bars with fewer ingredients in general is a great rule of thumb, as it’s more likely made with better, more nutritious ingredients. Some ingredients to try to pick up on are nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dried fruit.
Related: Best Low-Carb Pasta Alternatives for a Healthier Dinner
To Consider: Taste
Lastly, think about the taste. You want to select a protein bar you love eating, so seek bars with a wide range of flavors. You can mix up a few of your favorites, so that you’ll always have a pre-workout snack, and you will not be bored by the taste.
There are several protein bars listed above that have sampler packs that give you a few different flavors to try out to make sure you’re interested, so don’t be afraid to swap flavors out. Even if a bar has more protein than another one that you like better, it’s best to find an option that you’ll stick with rather than eating something you despise and might lose interest in.
Read More: Amazing Iron-Rich Foods for Energy and Focus
Takeaway
Protein bars are not only a quick and nutritious snack, but they may also help you get more out of your exercises. By nourishing your body with the correct nutrients, you can improve your performance, muscle growth, and recovery time after a tough workout.
Yet not all protein bars are made equal. The 16 protein bars we’ve featured in this post are some of the best on the market, and they’ll give you the energy you need to conquer your next exercise.
Whether you’re a fitness fanatic, bodybuilder, or just someone who wants to nourish their body with the correct nutrients, try these protein bars. Who knows? They just might become your new favorite pre-workout snack and take your fitness routine to the next level.