Protein Bars For Keto: Low-Carb Friends Or Foes?

Low-carb protein bars are a convenient snack option for those on a keto diet. They can be a great way to boost your protein intake and keep you feeling full between meals. However, not all bars are created equal, and it's important to read the nutrition facts and ingredient list before purchasing.

When choosing a low-carb protein bar, look for one with a short list of recognisable, whole food ingredients. Avoid bars with long lists of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or fillers. Also, make sure the bar fits your macros, with a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and fibre.

- KetoBars: The original keto bar, with simple, real food ingredients and up to 21g of healthy fat.

- NICKS keto bars: Delicious dessert-like flavours with no artificial sweeteners, dairy, soy, or corn fibre.

- Dang Bars: Vegan, high-fat, moderate-protein bars with only 4-5g net carbs and a good source of pre-biotic fibre.

- Heka Bars: Only 1-3g net carbs and a good source of protein and healthy fats.

- IQ Bars: Keto and paleo-friendly bars formulated with brain-boosting ingredients and a good source of plant-based protein.

- Primal Kitchen Protein Bars: A good source of plant-based fatty acids, with 8-9g protein and 4g net carbs.

- Atlas Keto Protein Bar: High-quality bars with 15-16g protein and adaptogens to help the body adapt to stress.

- BHU Keto Bars: Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO bars made without artificial sweeteners or preservatives.

- Epic Provisions: Keto-friendly, meat-based bars with simple ingredients and a good source of protein and healthy fats.

- Munk Pack Keto Granola Bars: Chewy, plant-based, gluten-free, and grain-free granola bars with only 1g sugar and 2-3g net carbs.

Best high-protein low-carb bars

Protein bars are a convenient snack option for those on a low-carb or keto diet. They can be a quick way to boost your protein intake and curb hunger. However, not all protein bars are created equal. It's important to read the nutrition labels and ingredient lists to ensure they align with your dietary needs and preferences. Here are some of the best high-protein low-carb bars currently on the market:

Quest Nutrition Protein Bars

Quest Nutrition offers a variety of protein bars that are keto-friendly, gluten-free, and high in protein. Their bars typically contain around 18-20g of protein and 3-5g of net carbs per bar. Quest Bars have a chewy texture and come in a wide range of unique flavours, such as Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Lemon Cake. They are a good option for those who want a bar with minimal ingredients and more of a whole food bar.

MariGold Protein Bars

MariGold Protein Bars are made with simple, whole food ingredients and are free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. They offer a wide variety of flavours, including Almond Mocha Crunch, Coconut Rage, and Banana Nut. These bars provide a good source of high-quality whey protein and typically contain around 15-20g of protein per bar. They are a pricier option but are ideal for those who want to avoid sugar alcohols and artificial ingredients.

EPIC Bars

EPIC Bars are meat-based protein bars that are perfect for meat lovers or those who want a savoury, high-protein snack. They are made with grass-fed meat and simple, recognisable ingredients. The bars typically contain 8-15g of protein and are very low in net carbs, making them suitable for keto and paleo diets. Some popular flavours include Venison Sea Salt + Pepper, Chicken Sriracha, and Beef Barbacoa.

BHU Keto Bars

BHU Keto Bars are plant-based protein bars with a fudgy, cookie dough-like texture. They are sweetened with monk fruit instead of sugar alcohols and are free of artificial ingredients. These bars offer a good source of protein, typically containing around 13g per bar. They come in a variety of flavours, including Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Dough, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie Dough.

CORE Keto Bars

CORE Keto Bars are plant-based bars with added vitamins and probiotics for gut health. They contain 6g of plant-based protein and 8g of fibre per bar. The bars are certified keto, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher. CORE Keto Bars come in flavours such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Birthday Cake, and Peanut Butter Chocolate.

Ratio KETO-Friendly Bars

:ratio KETO-Friendly Bars offer both soft-baked and crunchy bar options. They are made with simple, recognisable ingredients and are relatively affordable. The bars provide 12g of protein and only 2g of net carbs per serving. The crunchy bars have a nice texture thanks to the inclusion of almonds and pumpkin seeds. Flavours include Coconut Almond, Vanilla Almond, and Toasted Almond.

Atlas Protein Bars

Atlas Protein Bars are available in both plant-based and grass-fed whey protein varieties. They are infused with ashwagandha, an adaptogen that may help reduce stress and improve sleep and athletic performance. These bars are non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. They offer unique flavours like Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Coconut Almond.

Dang Bars

Dang Bars are high-fat, moderate-protein, low-carb bars made with whole food ingredients. They are sourced ethically and meet high ethical business standards. These bars are vegan and use stevia as a natural sweetener instead of sugar alcohols. Dang Bars offer a good source of plant-based fats and protein, with 5g of net carbs per bar. Flavours include Crazy Rich Chocolate, Peanut Butter, and Almond Cookie.

Keto Bars

Best low-carb bars for weight loss

Protein bars can be a convenient and quick way to boost your protein intake, but not all bars are created equal. Here are some of the best low-carb bars for weight loss:

Quest Nutrition Ultimate Variety Pack Protein Bars

These bars are marketed as low-carb because the manufacturers don't add as many sugars to drive down the net carbs. Each bar provides 20g of protein and has 4g of net carbs, making them a great option for a low-carb or ketogenic diet. They come in a variety of unique flavors, including everything blueberry muffin and chocolate sprinkle donut.

Barebells Protein Bars

Barebells protein bars are recommended by a dietitian as the best-tasting protein bar on the market, with 20g of protein per bar at 200 calories and around 10g of net carbs. They come in a variety of tasty flavors, including plant-based options for those who are vegan or have dairy allergies.

No Cow High Protein Bars

No Cow offers plant-based, dairy-free bars that are packed with 20g of protein from a blend of brown rice and pea protein. They also contain high levels of fiber and come in a variety of flavors, like chocolate peanut butter, which reviewers swear tastes just like Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

ONE Protein Bars

With over 8,000 five-star ratings, ONE protein bars are a clear favorite, especially for their great-tasting flavor profile. These bars are a bit higher in calories, at around 220-240 calories per bar, but they still offer 20g of protein per serving with minimal carbohydrate content.

Think! Keto Protein Bars

These keto-friendly and gluten-free protein bars contain 10g of protein and only 4g of net carbs. Reviewers love that they come in indulgent-tasting flavors, raving that they feel like a decadent dessert.

IQBar Brain and Body Keto Protein Bars

These bars have a super low sugar content and pack 8g of filling fiber! There's only 3g of net carbs and 12g of plant-based protein, which comes from pea protein and tapioca starch. They have a nice soft texture and are made with pure ingredients.

Atlas Protein Bar Keto Protein Bar

These bars from Atlas contain only 3g of net carbs and 15g of protein from grass-fed whey, making them a great low-carb, high-protein snack. They're also high in fiber and contain ashwagandha, a herb that shows promise in helping with stress and anxiety and improving muscle strength.

Keto Bars

These homemade keto bars are comprised of simple ingredients and are packed with a solid amount of fat designed to keep you full for longer. Each bar provides 19-20g of fat, 6g of protein, and only 4g of net carbs, making them a great choice for weight loss while on a ketogenic diet.

Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar

Available in four flavors, the Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bars provide 11g of protein in a low-carb and convenient treat. Each bar delivers 11g of pea protein, 1g of sugar, and 4g of net carbs, making them a great option for people who want a satiating, low-calorie bar.

BHU Keto Bars

If you're a fan of cookie dough, then BHU Keto Bars may be for you. These bars have the texture of cookie dough and are sweetened with monk fruit instead of sugar alcohols. They offer 13g of protein and only 1g of sugar per bar, making them perfect for a keto or low-carb diet.

Dang Bars

Dang Bars are high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-sugar snacks sourced from whole foods. They're vegan and contain only 5g of net carbs, making them a great option for a ketogenic diet. They're also naturally sweetened with stevia and taste great, according to reviewers.

Best-tasting low-carb bars

Low-carb protein bars can be a convenient and tasty snack for those on the keto diet. However, not all protein bars are created equal, and some are certainly tastier than others. Here are some of the best-tasting low-carb bars on the market:

CanDo Keto Krisp Bars

These bars are the best tasting option according to Healthline. They offer a unique texture that is crispy, yet soft and chewy. They come in a variety of flavours, including traditional ones such as Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk, and more unique options like Butter & Salt. They are gluten-free and sweetened with stevia and erythritol, keeping the sugar content low. The bars also contain MCT oil, which may aid weight loss, and fibre to promote fullness.

Built Bars

Built Bars are ideal if you're after a protein bar that doesn't just taste like a candy bar, but feels like one too. They are covered in dark chocolate and are available to buy online.

Bhu Fit Bars

These refrigerated keto bars come in a variety of flavours, including Double Chocolate. They are tasty and can be purchased online.

IQ Bars

IQ Bars have fruity and fresh flavours and are sweetened with allulose, which is keto-friendly. They are available to buy online.

Keto Bars

Keto Bars are one of the OGs of keto bars and are still a favourite. They contain very little sugar alcohols and no added fibre. They can be purchased online.

Adapt Bar

The Adapt Bar is small and sweet and comes in a variety of flavours. It has the lowest total carbs of any keto-friendly bar and can be bought online.

Quest Bars

Although Quest Bars didn't receive the highest rating for taste, they are still a tasty option and are widely available in stores like GNC, Whole Foods, and Publix.

Dang Bars

Dang Bars are a great option for those on a plant-based keto diet or for those who prefer vegan-friendly snacks. They are highly rated for taste and are easy to digest.

EPIC Bars

Although this bar didn't receive the highest ratings for taste, it still tastes good and is made with high-quality ingredients.

Purely Elizabeth Grain-Free Bar

Although this bar is higher in carbs, it tastes really good and has a short list of wholesome ingredients.

Primal Kitchen Collagen Nut & Seed Bar

Although the flavour of this bar isn't great, it has a good fat-to-protein ratio and doesn't contain any sugar alcohols or added fibre.

Perfect Keto Bars

Perfect Keto Bars are rich and chocolatey, with twice as much fat as protein. They are made with quality ingredients and are widely available.

MariGold Protein Bars

MariGold Protein Bars come in a wide variety of flavours and are highly rated. They are free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, but some reviews say the stevia flavour is too strong.

CORE Keto Bars

CORE Keto Bars are soft and chewy and not overly sweet. They are plant-based and gluten-free and contain added probiotics.

Think! Keto Protein Bars

Think! Keto Protein Bars taste like a candy bar and are highly rated for taste. They are widely available in grocery stores and are gluten-free, but they are not vegan-friendly.

Homemade Keto Bars

Of course, if you want to carefully control the ingredients used, you can always make your own keto bars at home. There are plenty of recipes available online.

Best vegan low-carb bars

Vegan protein bars can be a convenient snack option to keep you going between meals. However, finding vegan and keto-friendly bars can be challenging as most products on the market are loaded with additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. Here are some of the best vegan low-carb bars:

IQ BAR Brain + Body Bars

These bars are vegan, keto, and paleo-friendly. They contain 11g of plant-based protein and only 4g of net carbs. Each bar also includes 6 science-backed nutrients that support optimal brain function, providing a crash-free energy boost. However, they do contain almonds and coconut, so they may not be suitable for people with allergies.

Misfits Protein Bars

Misfits Protein Bars are a delicious blend of pea protein and soy protein, ensuring you get all your essential amino acids. They offer a minimum of 15 grams of protein and a maximum of 3 grams of sugar, making them a healthy and indulgent option. The bars are free from palm oil and feature only natural ingredients.

No Cow High Protein Bars

No Cow bars are an excellent choice if you want to stay lean but keep your protein intake up. They offer an impressive 21-22g of protein per serving, with only about 190 calories and 1g of sugar. The rich and flavorful bars come in a variety of flavors, including fudge brownie, lemon meringue pie, and blueberry cobbler.

Garden of Life Organic Sport Protein Bar

Garden of Life Sport bars provide 20g of protein and only 8g of sugar. They are packed with nutritious whole-food ingredients, making them a great option for a post-workout snack. These chewy bars come in delicious flavors like chocolate mint and sea salt caramel.

NECTIS Green Super Protein Complete

NECTIS bars deliver 20g of protein and 11g of fiber, making them a filling and nutritious option. The protein source is lentein powder, a superfood that is more sustainable to farm and packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll. These bars also include other superfood ingredients like chicory root fiber and monk fruit extract.

Clif Builders Protein Bars

With 20g of protein per bar, Clif Builders bars are a classic choice for plant-based protein. However, they are higher in sugar due to natural ingredients like brown rice syrup and dried cane syrup. They come in tasty flavors such as chocolate mint and chocolate peanut butter.

Amrita Health Foods Bars

Amrita bars are a great option if you have food allergies or intolerances. They are free from the top eight common allergens, including tree nuts, peanuts, soy, gluten, eggs, dairy, and animal products. Each bar still packs 15g of protein and has a smooth, satisfying texture. Unique flavor combinations include chocolate maca, mango coconut, and dark chocolate quinoa.

ALOHA Organic Plant-Based Protein Bars

ALOHA Organic bars offer 14g of protein and only 4g of sugar. They are gluten-free, soy-free, kosher, and free from sugar alcohols and stevia. These bars are a good low-carb option, with only 240 calories per bar, most of which come from protein. Try flavors like vanilla almond crunch and chocolate chip cookie dough.

R.E.D.D. Plant-Based Protein Bar

These gluten-free and soy-free bars from R.E.D.D. are a great choice for anyone with wheat or soy sensitivities. Each bar contains at least 10g of protein from unique sources like hemp and pumpkin seeds, as well as peas. They also include a special blend of adaptogenic mushroom powder, providing a boost of iron and other nutrients. The salted caramel flavor is a favorite.

GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Protein Bars

GoMacro bars are a popular choice, offering a blend of sprouted brown rice protein and pea protein. Each bar has 10-12g of protein and 2-4g of fiber, with 270 calories on average. However, they do contain 9-13g of added sugar, so they may not be suitable for those looking to avoid added sugars.

Good! Snacks Keto Vegan Protein Bars

These bars are a tasty and nutritious option, offering 11g of protein and only 3g of net carbs. They are vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, making them a convenient snack for various dietary needs. The Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter flavor is a popular choice.

Nugo Slim Vegan Protein Bars

Nugo Slim bars are a more affordable option, with each bar costing less than $2. They provide 16-17g of protein and 6g of fiber, keeping you full and satisfied. These bars are also low in added sugar, with only 3g per bar, and have a slightly crunchy texture. Try the Chocolate Mint flavor for a tasty treat.

Best low-carb bars for meal replacement

There are many low-carb protein bars on the market that can serve as meal replacements. Here are some of the best options:

Best Overall Low-Carb Protein Bar: Perfect Keto Bars

Perfect Keto Bars are a great option for those following a keto diet. They are made with simple, high-quality ingredients such as almond and cacao butter, coconut oil, collagen, sea salt, and stevia. With only 3 grams of net carbs and 13 grams of protein per bar, they are designed to help you maintain ketosis. They come in a variety of flavours, including Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Salted Caramel. However, they are relatively expensive, and some users have found the texture to be dry and chalky.

Best Budget Low-Carb Protein Bar: Onnit Protein Bites

Onnit Protein Bites are a more affordable option, with each serving costing around $1.99. They contain 7-9 grams of protein from grass-fed cows and nutrients from over 60 plants. The bites are available in a variety of flavours, including White Chocolate Cookies and Cream, and Chocolate Coconut Cashew. However, the new formula has received mixed reviews, and the chocolate coating is prone to melting.

Best Low-Carb Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar

The Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar is a good choice for those looking for a low-calorie, low-carb option. Each bar contains 11 grams of protein and only 4 grams of net carbs. They come in flavours such as Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Salted Caramel. Bulletproof is a well-known brand in the keto space, and their bars are designed to fit within their specific keto guidelines. However, some people may not enjoy the taste of the pea protein used in these bars.

Best-Tasting Low-Carb Protein Bar: BHU Keto Bars

BHU Keto Bars are known for their great taste and cookie dough-like texture. They are sweetened with monk fruit instead of sugar alcohols, and they come in a variety of flavours, including Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Dough and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. However, they must be refrigerated to maintain their shape, which may be inconvenient for some.

Best Vegan Low-Carb Protein Bar: CORE Keto Bars

CORE Keto Bars are a plant-based option that is also gluten-free and non-GMO. They contain 6 grams of protein and 8 grams of fibre per bar. The bars come in flavours like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter Chocolate. They also contain added probiotics for gut health. However, they must be refrigerated, and some people may find them not sweet enough.

Best Organic Low-Carb Protein Bar: :ratio KETO Friendly Bars

:ratio KETO Friendly Bars offer both soft-baked and crunchy bar options. They are made with simple, recognisable ingredients and are relatively affordable. Each bar contains 12 grams of protein and only 2 grams of net carbs. They come in flavours like Coconut Almond and Vanilla Almond. However, some people have found the soft-baked bars to be too dry, and the crunchy bars can be hard to chew.

Best Gluten-Free Low-Carb Protein Bar: Atlas Protein Bar

Atlas Protein Bars are available in both plant-based and grass-fed whey protein varieties. They are infused with ashwagandha, an adaptogen that may help reduce stress and improve athletic performance. The bars are non-GMO, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. They come in flavours like Almond Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. However, the plant-based bars have a texture that may not appeal to everyone.

Best High-Protein Low-Carb Protein Bar: EPIC Jerky Bars

EPIC Jerky Bars are a unique option for meat lovers, offering a savoury, spicy take on the traditional protein bar. They are made with high-quality, grass-fed meat and are Paleo and Whole30-compliant. Each bar contains 8-15 grams of protein and 0-1 gram of net carbs. They come in flavours like Bison Bacon Cranberry and Venison Sea Salt Pepper. However, they are on the expensive side, with an average price of $3.40 per bar.

Best Dairy-Free Low-Carb Protein Bars: Dang Bars

Dang Bars are a vegan-friendly option made with whole foods and plant-based fats and proteins. They are low in sugar and carbs, with only 5 grams of net carbs per bar. They are sweetened with stevia and are ethically sourced and produced. Dang Bars come in flavours like Crazy Rich Chocolate and Peanut Butter. However, the taste may not be to everyone's liking.

Best Meal Replacement Low-Carb Protein Bar: Keto Bars

Keto Bars are homemade, simple, and made with clean ingredients. They were one of the first pre-packaged keto bars on the market and are designed to provide a solid amount of fat to keep you full. Each bar contains 6 grams of protein and 4 net carbs. They come in flavours like Chocolate Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond. However, some people have found them to be bitter and dry.

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