Keto Protein Bars: Healthy Snacking Or Marketing Hype?

The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet associated with several health benefits, including weight loss. Protein bars can be a convenient snack option for those following this diet, but finding keto-friendly options can be challenging. Many popular protein bars contain too many carbs or insufficient fat to align with keto requirements. Additionally, some bars may contain artificial ingredients, additives, or preservatives that are not conducive to a healthy diet.

However, there are some keto-friendly protein bars on the market that can be a good choice for a quick meal or filling snack. These bars typically have a high fat content and low net carbs, with minimal added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or unhealthy ingredients. Examples of recommended keto protein bars include Perfect Keto Bars, BHU Keto Bars, Dang Bars, and Keto Bars, among others. It is also possible to make your own keto-friendly protein bars at home using simple, healthy ingredients.

What are the best keto protein bars for weight loss?

If you're looking for keto protein bars to aid weight loss, you'll want to opt for bars that are low in calories but high in protein and fibre. Here are some of the best keto protein bars for weight loss:

• Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar — with only 160 calories per bar and 11 grams of protein, this is a good option for those trying to lose weight. The combination of protein and healthy fats can help control hunger throughout the day.
• Keto Bars — these bars are packed with 19-20 grams of fat and only 4 grams of net carbs per bar, making them a great choice for people needing macros for weight loss while on a ketogenic diet.
• CORE Keto Bars — these bars contain 8 grams of fibre from resistant maltodextrin, inulin, and allulose, which can help promote satiety and reduce food intake. They also contain probiotics, which have been shown to reduce muscle damage caused by exercise.
• :ratio KETO Friendly Bars — with 12 grams of protein and only 2 grams of net carbs per bar, these bars can help you stay in a calorie deficit while on a ketogenic diet.
• EPIC Jerky Bars — with 7-11 grams of protein and only 0-1 gram of net carbs per bar, these savoury bars are a great portable protein option for people on keto diets.
• Dang Bars — with only 5 grams of net carbs per bar, these vegan bars are a tasty option for plant-based eaters. The combination of fat and moderate protein can help control hunger.
• Onnit Protein Bites — with 7-9 grams of protein and only 120 calories and 15 grams of carbs per serving, these bites are a good, affordable option for people on a budget.

Are there any keto protein bars with no added sugar?

Yes, there are several keto protein bars with no added sugar.

The Perfect Keto Bar is a popular option with only 2 to 3 grams of net carbs and 13 grams of protein. The bars are formulated to maintain ketosis and are free from artificial sweeteners, added sugar, dairy, soy, corn fibre, and sugar alcohols.

The Keto Bar (the original) is another option with only 3 grams of net carbs. The bars are mostly fat, with a combination of nuts and coconut oil, and are absolutely delicious.

The MariGold Bar is another great option with no added sugar. The bars are handmade in small batches and have a unique recipe, delicious taste, and commitment to healthy, clean ingredients. They have a short shelf life because they are made fresh.

The BHU Keto Bar is a refrigerated plant-based protein bar sweetened with monk fruit instead of sugar alcohols. There is only 1 gram of sugar per bar, which makes it perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.

The CORE Keto Bar is a plant-based keto bar with added vitamins and probiotics. It is certified keto, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher, with 6 grams of plant-based protein and 8 grams of fibre.

The Dang Bar is a vegan, high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-sugar snack sourced from whole foods. It has only 5 grams of net carbs and is sweetened naturally with stevia.

The Atlas Protein Bar is a plant-based and grass-fed whey protein bar sweetened with monk fruit and free from artificial sweeteners. It contains ashwagandha, a root used in Eastern medicine to reduce stress and anxiety and improve sleep.

In addition to these options, there are several other keto-friendly protein bars on the market that may not have added sugar. It's important to read the ingredient lists and nutrition labels to make an informed decision.

What are the best keto protein bars for vegans?

If you're a vegan who's considering keto protein bars, you might be wondering which ones are the best for you. Well, you're in luck! There are several options available that not only taste great but also provide a good source of protein and other nutrients. Here are some of the best keto protein bars for vegans:

Dang Bars

Dang Bars are a great option for those following a plant-based keto diet or simply looking for a vegan-friendly snack. They are made with easily recognisable nutritious and keto-friendly ingredients such as nuts, pea protein, chia and sunflower seeds. Dang Bars are also a good source of prebiotic fibre, which is beneficial for gut health. However, they may not be suitable for individuals with digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) due to the presence of FODMAPs.

No Cow Bars

No Cow Bars are vegan, keto-friendly, and packed with 20 grams of plant-based protein per bar. They are also gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO. These bars come in a variety of flavours, including Chocolate Sprinkled Donut, Chocolate Sea Salt, and Peanut Butter Cup. While they are well-liked for their taste and convenience, some customers have reported that the texture can be a bit chalky.

CORE Keto Bars

CORE Keto Bars are plant-based and designed to keep you full for longer. They contain 6 grams of protein from peas and 8 grams of fibre, making them a good option for vegans. These bars also include probiotics, which may be beneficial for gut health. CORE Keto Bars come in flavours like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Birthday Cake, and Peanut Butter Chocolate.

BHU Keto Bars

BHU Keto Bars are refrigerated plant-based protein bars sweetened with monk fruit instead of sugar alcohols. They have a cookie dough-like texture and come in a variety of flavours, including Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Dough, Strawberry Cheesecake Dough, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. While these bars taste great, they need to be kept refrigerated, which may be a downside for those looking for a more portable option.

Homemade Keto Bars

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also make your own keto protein bars at home! There are many recipes available online, and making your own bars allows you to control the ingredients and customise the flavours to your liking. Homemade keto bars are usually more affordable than store-bought options and can be a fun project to try.

Which keto protein bars are gluten-free?

There are a number of gluten-free keto protein bars available on the market. Here are some of the best options:

• Genius Gourmet Keto Protein Bar – this bar is gluten-free, low in carbs, and contains only 1 gram of sugar. It's a great option for those looking for a tasty and healthy snack.
• Quest Nutrition Ultimate Variety Pack Protein Bars – this variety pack offers high protein, low carb, gluten-free bars in a range of flavours. With 10,000+ bought in the past month, these bars are a popular choice.
• MOSH Peanut Butter Crunch Keto Protein Bars – these bars are not only gluten-free but also brain-healthy, containing Ashwagandha and Lions Mane. They are a good choice for those looking for a nutritious and delicious snack.
• IQBAR Brain and Body Plant Protein Bars – with over 19,000 5-star ratings, these vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly bars are a popular choice. They offer a low-carb, high-fibre option for those looking for a healthy snack.
• Perfect Keto Collagen Protein Bar – this bar is gluten-free and contains grass-fed collagen and MCT oil. It's a good option for those looking for a high-protein, low-carb snack.
• Nick's Protein Bars – these bars are gluten-free, keto-friendly, and offer a good source of protein. They come in a variety of flavours, including chocolate caramel and triple chocolate.
• MariGold Bars – with a wide variety of flavours, these bars are a great gluten-free option. They are made with simple, whole food ingredients and offer a good source of protein and healthy fats.
• Keto Bars (the Original) – as the name suggests, these bars are one of the original keto-friendly options on the market. They are high in fat, low in net carbs, and vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
• CORE Keto Bars – these bars are plant-based, gluten-free, and contain added probiotics for gut health. They are a good option for those looking for a nutritious and delicious snack.
• Atlas Protein Bars – these bars are available in both plant-based and grass-fed whey protein varieties and are gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. They also contain ashwagandha, a super plant that may help reduce stress and improve sleep.

Are there any keto protein bars with collagen?

Yes, there are keto protein bars that contain collagen. Here are some examples:

Perfect Keto Collagen Protein Bars

Perfect Keto Collagen Protein Bars are formulated to support ketosis and minimise blood sugar spikes. Each bar contains 3-4g net carbs, 17-19g of keto-friendly fats, and 13g of protein. They are made with quality ingredients, including almonds, cacao butter, coconut oil, and collagen, and sweetened with stevia and allulose. The bars are gluten-free and do not contain any added sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial sweeteners, dairy, soy, or corn fibre.

Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars

Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars are homemade bars made with grass-fed collagen protein, Brain Octane MCT oil, and other natural ingredients. The recipe is customisable and can include add-ins such as lemon juice, cacao powder, ginger, or turmeric. These bars are nut-free and suitable for those following a keto or paleo diet.

Nick's Keto Protein Bars

Nick's Keto Protein Bars are another option that includes collagen. However, they have only received a two-star rating.

Atlas Protein Bars

Although collagen is not explicitly mentioned in the ingredients list, Atlas Protein Bars do contain ashwagandha, a root that has been used in Eastern medicine and is said to have stress-relieving and sleep-inducing properties. These bars are available in both plant-based and grass-fed whey protein varieties and are non-GMO, plant-based, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free.

Frequently asked questions