Not all Protein Bars Are Created Equal. In Fact, most Low Carb Protein Bars Use Highly Processes Ingredients & Harmful Artificial Additives.
You may be wondering:
Is it possible to find a protein bar that is low in carbs, tasty, and contains good ingredients?
It is possible, but there are only a handful of brands out there that are committed to providing the best possible product without breaking the bank.
Let's Get to It...
What Are The Best Low Carb (KETO) Protein Bars For Weight
Protein has been repeatedly shown to boost metabolism, keep you full & curb cravings by increasing the thermogenic process in the body and may also play a role in our mental health.
The list below holds some of the best brands and recommended low carbohydrates best protein bars right now, which will help you manage your macro goals while on the low-carb or keto diet.
Make sure to get through the whole list so you don’t miss out on anything you’ll need to know!
Below is a list of keto-friendly bars for you to choose:
#1 Perfect Keto - Healthiest Option On Our List!
Have you been looking endlessly for a low-carb protein bar that’s been optimized for the ketogenic diet, tastes fantastic, is full of flavor, and won’t kick you out of ketosis?
Look no further than the Perfect Keto Bars. It is an understatement to say I was thrilled when the masterminds behind my favorite keto-based companies released the Perfect Keto bar.
| Protein | Sugar | Dietary Fiber | Size | How To Use |
| 10-11g | 1g | 9g | 12 bars per box | Between meals |
PROS
- They are the most researched low-carb protein bar on the market – it took Dr. Anthony Gustin (founder of Perfect Keto) over 12 and over 18 different attempts to land on what is now a fantastic product.
- Keto-optimized macronutrients – with each chunk only containing 10g of protein, 19g of fat, and only 3g of net carbohydrates (net carbs).
- Keeps you fuller for longer – due to the high amount of fiber they keep you feeling delighted and full for hours.
- No artificial sweeteners – also free from dairy, gluten free, soy and corn products.
CONS
- Fat content – it contains a much larger content of fat than other bars meaning that customers would have to keep an eye on the total calorie intake from this chunk to remain within their calorie goals for the day.
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#2 Aloha Mocha Plant-Based Bar
The plant-based protein bars from Aloha are completely free from products such as gluten, soy, and stevia; they are also USDA certified as being completely organic.
Aloha is a company that has always believed in the fact that plants are the best form of nourishment available to use, and they should be eaten as much as possible by humans.
They first came to light in 2012, and over the years Aloha has evolved into a well-renowned company that offers vegan protein powders, vegan snacks, green powders (superfoods), and green and herbal teas.
| PROTEIN | SUGAR | DIETARY FIBRE | SIZE INCLUDED | HOW TO USE |
| 14g | 10g | 7g | 12 bars per box | Between meals |
PROS
- Flavors – Aloha offers a very diverse range of flavors for its customers with their top flavors being Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chocolate Mint, Mocha, groundnut butter & Jelly, groundnut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Vanilla Almond Butter. So no matter what your taste is, Aloha will be able to provide a flavor to suit you
CONS
- Texture – at first glance the chunk has been described as being firmer, heavier, and also denser than your typical brownie on the market, however, it does have a very rich chocolate brownie taste which customers love
- After taste – the protein powder in the chunk gives the brownie a rather nasty after-taste, and this has been one of its biggest criticisms
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#3 Keto-Crave
The Keto-Crave Energy Bar from Zenwise Health is the perfect on-the-go snack for anyone who needs a quick hit of energy and protein, but also for someone who also wants to stay with their ketogenic macronutrient intake.
It is highly effective at helping you maintain physical performance while also keeping your metabolism active throughout it all.
All of this makes the Keto-Crave Energy Bar a great pre-workout snack!
| PROTEIN | SUGAR | DIETARY FIBRE | SIZE INCLUDED | HOW TO USE |
| 9g | 2g | 8g | 12 bars per box | Between meals |
PROS
- These keto-friendly bars are high in fat & fiber content – contain a high amount of MCT oil to promote healthy heart function, and brain health, and are a key driver to preventing obesity
- No added artificial flavorings, preservatives, or sugar; this makes it a great alternative for any customers who are wanting a healthy bar as well as a hit of the protein
CONS
- Protein – while this bar does have a low level of sugar which is good for health purposes, it also has a very low amount of protein in it. This means it’s a bit of an inefficient way to deliver a big hit of protein, either between meals or post-workout
- Taste – the bar’s taste has been described to be quite bitter and rough. This is something which customers have not liked so much in the past. Typically this is the stereotype that keto bars have been given and unfortunately, Keto-crave has matched this stereotype with their product
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#4 Keto Bars
There is no doubt as to why the Keto Bar is at the top of so many lists online with everything that has to boast about.
These are almost the perfect bar for anyone following the ketogenic diet (keto diet) with the ingredient list being dark chocolate, eggs, raw coconut, cream, and butter to finish.
They have managed to create a good product that has an exceptional texture that customers love!
It has been described as having a ‘brownie-style’ texture, rather than the less appealing chewy, and sticky texture that some may expect from a protein bar.
| PROTEIN | SUGAR | DIETARY FIBRE | SIZE INCLUDED | HOW TO USE |
| 8g | 1g | 6g | 12 bars per box | Between meals |
PROS
- Keto bars Flavors – they offer a wide array of flavors ranging from dark chocolate coconut, chocolate groundnut butter, and vanilla, all the way to coffee and cinnamon flavor
- Ingredients – it contains only natural ingredients, making it a great option for anyone who is wanting to keep their health in check at the same time
- Dietary requirements – chunk without gluten making it accessible to more customers
- No added sugars are put into this product
CONS
- Dietary requirements – unfortunately, this product is not a dairy-free product, meaning it may be unsuitable for customers who would like it to be non-dairy
- It contains a preservative known as Potassium Sorbate which typically is very safe to consume, but it has been reported to cause skin allergies in certain users.
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#5 Bulletproof Collagen Bars
Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars are the only product on our list today that has been created with collagen protein, obtained from grass-fed cows.
The masterminds behind this chunk have delicately processed all of the ingredients whereby you get all of the amino acids that you need along with a massive burst of nutrients.
It comes in three great flavors - lemon cookie, vanilla shortbread, and then mint chocolate chip, meaning that no matter what your tastes are, one will be sure to hit them.
What makes this chunk so unique is the fact that it contains brain octane oil that works to provide a quality dose of healthy fats to the brain for optimal function, all the way to keep you fuller for longer. You can consume those as a snack to avoid blood sugar fluctuations.
| PROTEIN | SUGAR | DIETARY FIBRE | SIZE INCLUDED | HOW TO USE |
| 13g | 2g | 0g | 12 bars per box | Between meals/meal replacement |
PROS
- A diverse range of flavors – with the three exotic flavors they have to offer, customers are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking one (lemon cookie, vanilla shortbread, and mint chocolate chip)
- Improved focus – due to its high level of brain octane oil it works to help your brain function optimally throughout the day
CONS
- Texture – these snack bars have been reported to crumble a lot when they are first opened meaning that having a clean eating experience with them isn’t an option, especially when you are on the go or in the car
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#6 ProSource Bars
ProSource is currently one of the public's favorite products, especially with customers who are always on-the-go, or those who need a quick hit of protein post-workout.
These tasty bars come in three distinctive flavors. Chocolate groundnut butter, french toast creme, double chocolate, and none of these flavors will end up leaving a horrible aftertaste as some bars do.
This product has been formulated with hydrolyzed whey isolate protein which in turn creates a creamy, yet crunchy.
ProSource has made their products so that they contain zero gelatine, zero soy, zero artificial fillers, and zero sugar alcohols - only the highest quality ingredients were put into this chunk.
| PROTEIN | SUGAR | DIETARY FIBRE | SIZE INCLUDED | HOW TO USE |
| 15g | 4g | 1g | 12 bars per box | Between meals / post-workout |
PROS
- Flavors – with over three delicious flavors available (chocolate peanut butter, french toast creme, double chocolate) meaning that there is a flavor suited for almost any customers
- Texture – the ProSource has been described as having an excellent texture compared to other bars which typically followed the bad stereotype trend of snacks having a bad texture
- Protein content – with over 15 g per bar, it can give the user a hefty boost of protein to be contributed to their daily target
- High Protein
CONS
- Fat content – with each bar containing 14 g of fat (22% of a typical person’s RDI) this can be quite a high amount when compared with other protein bars’ fat contents
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#7 Health Warrior Chia Bar
Hitting your fitness goals while sticking to a tight financial budget is difficult, but not impossible, and this is where a product like the Health Warrior comes in.
This product is the cheapest vegan snack on the market today, and it comes in a whole range of amazing flavors.
Health Warrior may be the best cheap vegan snack on the market, especially if you crave a wide variety of flavorful options. Below are some of their best-selling flavors:
- Apple Cinnamon
- Vanilla Almond
- Coconut
- Banana Nut
- Acai Berry
| PROTEIN | SUGAR | DIETARY FIBRE | SIZE INCLUDED | HOW TO USE |
| 10g | 11g | 5g | 12 bars per box | Between meals |
PROS
- A vast array of flavors are on offer (13 total) meaning that almost all customers will be able to find one to suit their exact needs
- At only 100 calories per bar, the Health Warrior Chia chunk comes in with the lowest calories of any bar on our list today making it very easy to fit into any calorie-controlled diet
CONS
- The main reason why the calorie content of the bars is so low is due to their size being much smaller than other bars meaning that customers may have to eat more than one bar to achieve the same level of satiety as if they were to buy a different brand
- Chia seeds are small and regularly get stuck in your teeth which can be annoying to the customers
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#8 Primal Kitchen Dark Chocolate
The minds being the Primal Kitchen Dark Chocolate Almond Collagen Bar have really mastered their craft with this one.
This Keto chunk itself is made with almonds which are roasted, followed by good-style pumpkin seeds, delicious dark chocolate pieces, and then collagen peptides also.
The combination of these ingredients makes for a fantastic taste experience for the consumer.
Each bar contains 7.5g of bovine collagen combined with 15g of protein to give you a hefty hit of protein to go towards your daily target.
| PROTEIN | SUGAR | DIETARY FIBRE | SIZE INCLUDED | HOW TO USE |
| 15g | 3g | 3g | 12 bars per box | Between meals |
PROS
- Source of high-quality, healthy fats for optimal brain function, and optimal heart function
- Minimally processed ingredients make it the first choice for any health fanatics wanting to try the product
- Contains collagen – this will help to improve the quality of your skin over time, along with aiming to reduce the wrinkles and aging that occur within your skin
- High Protein
CONS
- Texture – the texture has been described as being quite rough for some customers and unfortunately falls into the negative stereotype that some protein bars fall into where their consistency gets criticized
- Price – these bars definitely sit at the more expensive end of the spectrum meaning that some customers may not be able to benefit from these bars if it doesn’t fit into the price bracket of what they are able to spend
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#9 Epic All Natural – Best Zero Sugar Bar on Our List Today!
This creation from Epic is an all-natural snack that is derived from venison and free-range deer which have all been grass-fed.
Combined with sea salt and pepper, it creates a fantastic flavor which was an instant hit with the public. It is a unique snack that is sure to give you the boost of protein and energy that you are looking for.
This product is also a fantastic source for customers looking to increase their intake of Omega 3’s, Vitamin B12, Vitamin 3, and many other helpful antioxidants.
It’s also without gluten, friendly for paleo customers, and has no added sugar.
| PROTEIN | SUGAR | DIETARY FIBRE | SIZE INCLUDED | HOW TO USE |
| 12g | 0g | 0g | 12 bars per box | Between meals |
PROS
- Keeps you fuller for longer – due to the high meat content in this product it will be sure to keep your belly full for a much more extended period compared to other products
- Easy on-the-go snack in between meals
- A fantastic combination of flavor that no other company currently offers.
CONS
- Texture – the texture of it has been described as being quite rough at times, and this is a stereotype that protein bar companies want to steer clear of altogether.
- Sodium content – while this chunk does have significantly lower amounts of sugar in it, unfortunately, its sodium content is much larger than what you’d expect from your regular snack.
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#10 Simply Protein Chocolate Mint Whey Bar
The Simply Protein Bar has only been made with the highest quality of ingredients to ensure total customer satisfaction.
It helps your body's muscles recover faster than ever with its delivery of 15g of protein, which is great for a snack!
With its slow-releasing whey protein, it even helps you keep your energy levels up throughout the day, no matter what task you are facing.
Over time this will also contribute to you having decreased levels of muscle soreness, meaning that the amount and the effectiveness of your training will also increase over time.
| PROTEIN | SUGAR | DIETARY FIBRE | SIZE INCLUDED | HOW TO USE |
| 15g | 3g | 5g | 12 bars per box | Between meals |
PROS
- It is lower in sugar compared to other brands making it a healthier alternative to some brands
- A high amount of energy is provided to the user
- Promotes good health for your muscles and circulatory system
- Great taste and consistency
- Great source of fiber with over 5g being delivered
- Excellent source of calcium for healthy bone, and teeth development
- This product is also without gluten making it suitable for anyone who is required to have no gluten in their diet
CONS
- Price point – it is situated at the higher end of the cost spectrum for the snack industry making it less accessible for certain portions of the population
- While the texture and taste is great, it’s also rather bland in places
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Atkins Low Carb Protein Bars
I love the Atkins bars. There are a ton of them, including some that are low carb. So, I was excited when I found out about Atkins’ new line of snacks. While Atkins’ bars are vegan (for now), most of the new protein bars are gluten-free, sugar-free, and only contain 3-4 grams of sugar in the 1/3 cup serving. They are available in three flavors: Chocolate earth-nut, earth-nut, and Cookies and Creme. I got the Chocolate groundnut Butter flavor. This slice really did taste like chocolate earth-nut butter. I like it better than the one that was in the box I bought, which was the earth-nut Butter Chocolate flavor. I’ve never liked chocolate earth-nut butter in my groundnut butter. I thought the chocolate peanut butter one was really good, but just not my favorite. I’m pretty sure it’s a variation of the Chocolate earth-nut Butter one from Sam’s Club. I’m really digging the earth-nut butter flavor, so I’d recommend this one if you’re a fan. I was surprised when I ate it because I thought that the photo on the front of the box, which looks nothing like the slice in the bag, had exaggerated the amount of earth-nut. The earth-nut flavor is really there. It was probably 1/4 of the chocolate portion of the stick. So, maybe it’s not even that great of a trade-off. I guess it depends on how you look at it. It’s not as good as the earth-nut Chocolate flavor, but still pretty tasty.
Low Carb Atkins Recipe
2 cups oats
1 cup almonds
1/3 cup dried figs
1/2 cup pecans
1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2 TBS honey
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups low-carb chocolate or non-dairy milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (the kind that comes with packets in it)
3 tbsp coconut oil
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Considered a Low Carb Bar?
A low-carb bar is a type of food product that is designed to be low in carbohydrates, typically consumed as a convenient snack or meal replacement option. The exact definition of what is considered a low-carb bar can vary, but generally, it refers to a bar that contains a relatively small amount of carbohydrates compared to traditional bars or other carbohydrate-rich foods. In scientific terms, a low-carb bar typically contains less than 20 grams of net carbohydrates per serving.
Net carbohydrates are calculated by subtracting the grams of dietary fiber and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrate content. These bars are often formulated with alternative sweeteners, such as erythritol or stevia, and use ingredients like nuts, seeds, and protein sources to provide satiety and nutrition. It is important to read the nutrition label and ingredient list of a specific low-carb bar to determine its exact carbohydrate content and ensure it aligns with individual dietary goals and preferences.
How Many Carbs Should Be in an Energy Bar?
The ideal number of carbohydrates in an energy bar can vary depending on several factors, including an individual's specific dietary needs, activity level, and fitness goals. However, as a general guideline, an energy bar designed to provide a quick source of fuel and sustenance during physical activity typically contains around 20 to 30 grams of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates are essential for replenishing glycogen stores and providing readily available energy for the muscles.
It's important to note that the carbohydrate content may vary based on the purpose and intended use of the energy bar. For endurance athletes engaging in prolonged, intense exercise, a higher carbohydrate content of around 30 grams or more may be beneficial to sustain performance. On the other hand, for individuals who are watching their carbohydrate intake or following a low-carb diet, there are also options available with lower carbohydrate content, typically ranging from 10 to 20 grams.
When selecting an energy bar, it's crucial to consider the type of carbohydrates it contains. Ideally, it should contain complex carbohydrates from whole food sources, such as oats, fruits, or nuts, which provide sustained energy release. Additionally, some energy bars may also contain added sugars or sugar alcohols, which can affect the total carbohydrate count and may have different metabolic effects. It's recommended to read the nutrition label and ingredient list carefully to make an informed choice based on personal preferences and dietary goals. Consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional can also provide personalized recommendations based on individual needs and preferences.
Final Words on Best Keto-Friendly Protein Bars & Snacks
Here are some more details on our decision, based on the most frequently asked questions regarding protein bars, and why / if you need them in your life to reach our protein target for the day.
When to Eat Protein Low-Carb Bars Bars to Maximize Weight Loss and Muscle Gain?
The most common time of day to eat a snack would be before or after exercise.
When they are consumed pre-exercise (1-2 hours beforehand), they will help to boost energy, meaning that you can perform better and for longer during your exercise.
When they are consumed post-exercise, they will help to repair the muscles which were broken down during the exercise to help speed up recovery.
How Many Protein Bars Can I Eat a Day?
Like any other food or drink in life, snacks for weight loss goals (especially for weight loss) must be eaten in moderation and with a well-rounded low-carb or keto diet to give the most benefit to the consumer.
There are lots of factors contributing to any favorable/adverse side effects of excessive proteins.
These range from the ingredients used, to the calories within the bar itself and the serving size of the product.
Are Low-Carb Protein Bars Good for You?
Low-carb dieters should know that many bars claim to provide the same benefits as carbs. But just because it’s made from protein, it doesn’t mean the bar is healthy for you. Some low-carb bars are made from just protein. Most are also highly processed and have little to no fiber, healthy fats, or vitamins. Protein bars are a tasty and portable meal replacement, but are often laden with refined carbohydrates and other unhealthy ingredients,” says Leslie Bonci, R.D.N., a sports dietitian and owner of Fueling US, LLC. Here’s what to look for in a nutrition bar.
The protein content is important. Any bar that has more than 11 grams of protein per serving is considered a protein bar. Many bars are made with mainly processed soy and peanut protein. Artisan and natural bars tend to have higher fat and fiber content, making them better for you. Choose bars that are unsweetened, which means they are lower in calories. Avoid low-carb bars, which may contain sucralose (Splenda), aspartame, and other artificial sweeteners. Sometimes, low-carb bars are made from inferior ingredients such as inferior nuts and fruit or that taste great.
Is a Protein Bar Good for Weight Loss?
You’ve heard the rumors. You’ve seen the headlines. All roads lead to one thing — protein bars are the new diet. But should you choose to drink a shake or eat a bar? Why yes, if you’re trying to lose weight and are serious about losing weight! But before you buy, there are a few things to consider. Protein bars make great snacks for weight loss because they’re convenient, easy to pack, and low in fat and sugar. The protein in the bars also keeps you full longer, so you won’t be tempted to go back for seconds. However, there are two major drawbacks.
What Foods Are High in Protein and No Carbs?
A protein bar—or any fast food, really—is a must-have for anyone who’s trying to stick to a diet or just keeps popping their own granola bars. But not all bars are created equal. More and more bars are coming out with claims of high protein content, but a handful is really more protein-lite than they are actually full of protein.
It’s unclear exactly how many calories you’ll get if you choose a bar that boasts a lot of protein and low carbs. Generally speaking, most protein bars include around 12 grams of protein, but more is usually better, especially when it comes to bars that don’t have much else going for them. Here, find three types of protein-packed snacks that make for convenient, high-protein road snacks.
Are Protein Bars Good for You?
When consumed in moderation with a healthy diet, the addition of snacks into one’s life can prove to be an exceptionally wise health move when it comes to playing with your diet.
There are six primary factors to consider when looking at introducing low-carb snacks into your diet:
- Total Calories: when you are looking to reduce body fat, looking at your total daily calories is essential
- Total Carbohydrates: this will play a key role in making the recovery process post-exercise as quick as possible
- The Presence of Sugar Alcohols: some people will react badly to the digestion of these, so it’s best to avoid them
- Fat Content: from a calorie perspective, we want to keep this number as low as we can to remain with our calorie intake as best as possible
- Review Carb to Protein Ratio: we want to find a snack with a ratio of 2:1 between the two macronutrients
Some products not included in this review: Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
