The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that is often challenging to stick to. This is where keto-friendly protein bars come in.
Protein bars can be a convenient grab-and-go option when you need a quick meal or a filling snack. However, finding a keto-friendly bar can be difficult. Most protein bars are too high in carbs or too low in fat, or contain ingredients that don't fit the keto diet, such as dairy.
Even if a bar meets keto criteria, it may not be a healthy option. They often contain large amounts of artificial ingredients, additives, and preservatives.
However, there are some protein bars that are both keto-friendly and nutritious. Here are some of the best keto-friendly protein bars:
- MariGold Protein Bars: High protein, free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, wide variety of flavours.
- EPIC Bars: Meat-based, very low in net carbs, savoury flavours.
- Keto Bars: Allergy-friendly, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, short ingredient list.
- BHU Keto Bars: Organic, no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, fudgy texture, available in several flavours.
- Dang Bars: Vegan, high fat, moderate protein, low carb, plant-based fats and protein, ethically sourced ingredients.
- No Cow Dipped Bars: High fibre, wide variety of flavours, certified gluten-free.
- CanDo Keto Krisp Bars: Unique texture, gluten-free, low in sugar, classic and unique flavours.
- CORE Keto Bars: Contain probiotics, plant-based, gluten-free, free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols.
- think! Keto Protein Bars: Widely available, dessert-like flavours, taste like a candy bar.
There are also several recipes online for making your own keto-friendly protein bars at home.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Best Overall Keto Protein Bar | Perfect Keto Bars |
Best Budget Low-Carb Protein Bar | Onnit Protein Bites |
Best Low-Carb Protein Bar for Weight Loss | Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar |
Best-Tasting Low-Carb Protein Bar | BHU Keto Bars |
Best Vegan Low-Carb Protein Bar | CORE Keto Bars |
Best Organic Low-Carb Protein Bar | :ratio KETO Friendly Bars |
Best Gluten-Free Low-Carb Protein Bar | Atlas Protein Bar |
Best High-Protein Low-Carb Protein Bar | EPIC Jerky Bars |
Best Dairy-Free Low-Carb Protein Bars | Dang Bars |
Best Meal Replacement Low-Carb Protein Bar | Keto Bars |
Best Texture in a Low-Carb Protein Bar | Barebells Protein Bars |
Best Crunchy Low-Carb Protein Bar | Power Crunch |
Best Chewy Low-Carb Protein Bar | Quest Nutrition Quest Bar |
What You'll Learn
Best high-protein bars
Protein bars are a convenient snack option for those on a keto diet. However, not all protein bars are created equal, and it can be challenging to find ones that are truly keto-friendly. Here are some of the best high-protein bars that can help you stay in ketosis and support your keto journey:
MariGold Bars
MariGold Bars are an excellent choice for those on a high-protein keto diet. They are crafted with just a few simple ingredients, including whey isolate from grass-fed cow's milk, cashews, filtered water, chicory root fiber, and grass-fed ghee. These bars offer a wide variety of flavours, such as Almond Mocha Crunch, Coconut Rage, Ginger Coconut, and more. They are free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, providing a natural and nutritious option.
EPIC Bars
If you're a meat lover, EPIC Bars are a unique and savoury option for you. These bars are made with high-quality meat and simple ingredients, appealing to those on paleo, Whole30, keto, and dairy-free diets. They are a great portable protein option, with 8-15 grams of protein per bar, and very few carbohydrates. EPIC Bars come in various flavours, including Venison Sea Salt + Pepper, Chicken Sriracha, Beef Sea Salt + Pepper, and more.
BHU Keto Bars
BHU Keto Bars are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, and free of artificial ingredients and sugar alcohols. They are made with a base of unsweetened chocolate, coconut, and nut butter, and sweetened with stevia and erythritol. These bars have a fudgy texture and offer several flavour options, such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie Dough.
CORE Keto Bars
CORE Keto Bars are an excellent vegan and plant-based option, packed with fibre, vitamins, prebiotics, and probiotics for gut health. They contain 6 grams of plant-based protein and 8 grams of fibre per bar. CORE Keto Bars come in flavours like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt.
KetoBars
KetoBars, the original keto bar, offers a range of flavours, including Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate, and Chocolate Covered Strawberry. With 3-5 grams of net carbs per bar and up to 21 grams of healthy fat, these bars are a tasty and nutritious option. They are also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
Atlas Protein Bars
Atlas Protein Bars are available in both plant-based and grass-fed whey protein varieties, infused with ashwagandha to support mental wellness. These bars are non-GMO, plant-based, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. They offer various flavours, such as Almond Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Cacao, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Mint Chocolate Chip.
While these bars are excellent options, it's important to remember that everyone's preferences and dietary needs may vary. Be sure to check the ingredient lists and nutritional information to ensure they align with your specific needs and restrictions.
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Best bars for weight loss
Protein bars can be a great snack option for those looking to lose weight, but not all protein bars are created equal. When choosing a protein bar for weight loss, look for bars that are low in calories, high in protein and fibre, and made with healthy, nutritious ingredients. Here are some of the best protein bars for weight loss:
Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar
Gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly, the Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar is a great option for those looking for a satiating, low-calorie bar. Each bar contains 11 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar, and 4 grams of net carbs, making it a perfect choice for those watching their weight.
Perfect Keto Bars
Perfect Keto Bars are a good option for those who want a minimally processed snack that tastes like a dessert. With only 3 grams of net carbs and 10 grams of protein, these bars can help you stay in ketosis and support your weight loss goals. They are made with simple, high-quality ingredients and are free from added sugar, sugar alcohols, additives, and fillers.
BHU Keto Bars
The BHU Keto Bars are a tasty option for those watching their sugar intake. These plant-based bars are sweetened with monk fruit instead of sugar or sugar alcohols, and have a cookie dough-like texture. With 13 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar per bar, they can help satisfy your sweet tooth while supporting your weight loss journey.
Keto Bars
Keto Bars are a homemade, keto-friendly snack made with simple, clean ingredients. Each bar contains 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of net carbs, and a solid amount of healthy fats, making it a great meal replacement option for weight loss. They have a brownie-like texture and taste, making them a tasty and satisfying snack option.
Quest Nutrition Quest Bars
Quest Nutrition Quest Bars are a well-known and easily accessible option for those looking for a chewy, tasty protein bar. With 17-21 grams of protein and only 4 grams of net carbs, these bars can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals. They come in a variety of unique flavours, so you can find one that suits your taste preferences.
In addition to these options, there are also some other protein bars that can support weight loss, including:
- Onnit Protein Bites: Affordable, bite-sized snacks with 7-9 grams of protein and nutrients from 60 plants.
- CORE Keto Bars: Plant-based bars with added vitamins, probiotics, and 6 grams of protein.
- :ratio KETO Friendly Bars: Crunchy or soft-baked bars with 12 grams of protein and only 2 grams of net carbs.
- Atlas Protein Bar: Plant-based or grass-fed whey protein bars with added ashwagandha and 15-16 grams of protein.
- EPIC Jerky Bars: Meat-based bars with 8-15 grams of protein and no dairy, gluten, grains, or sugar.
- Dang Bars: Vegan bars made with whole foods, 5 grams of net carbs, and 18 grams of healthy fats.
When choosing a protein bar for weight loss, it's important to read the labels and consider the ingredients, macronutrient profile, and your individual needs and taste preferences.
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Best-tasting bars
When it comes to the best-tasting low-carb protein bars, there are several options that stand out for their flavour and quality. Here are some of the top choices:
BHU Keto Bars
BHU Keto Bars are known for their delicious taste and soft, cookie dough-like texture. They are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, and free from artificial ingredients and sugar alcohols. The bars come in a variety of flavours, including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie Dough. The protein source is pea protein powder, and each bar contains 13 grams of protein. However, some people may find that the newest recipe of these bars is not as tasty as the previous version, and the taste can be inconsistent across batches.
CanDo Keto Krisp Bars
CanDo Keto Krisp Bars offer a unique texture—crispy yet soft and chewy. They come in both traditional and unique flavours, such as Butter & Salt, Almond Butter Blackberry Jelly, and Chocolate Mint. The bars are gluten-free and sweetened with stevia and erythritol, keeping the sugar content low. They also contain MCT oil and fibre, which can aid weight loss and promote fullness. However, some people may experience digestive issues due to the presence of erythritol.
Quest Nutrition Quest Bars
Quest Nutrition Quest Bars are a popular choice, currently ranked as the #1 Best Seller in Sports Nutrition Protein Bars on Amazon. They offer a wide range of unique flavours, such as White Chocolate Raspberry, Chocolate Sprinkled Donut, and Lemon Cake. The bars have a chewy texture and provide 17-21 grams of protein per serving. However, the company recently changed the formula, and some customers were not fond of the new version. The bars also contain sugar alcohols, which can cause digestive issues for some individuals.
Genius Gourmet Gluten-Free Keto Protein Bars
Genius Gourmet Gluten-Free Keto Protein Bars come in two delicious flavours: Chocolate Dream and Peanut Butter Chocolate. Each bar contains 10 grams of protein and only 2 grams of net carbs, making them a perfect keto-friendly snack. They are a good source of MCTs and fibre, providing sustained energy throughout the day. However, some customers have reported issues with the bars melting easily, especially during warm weather.
MariGold Bars
MariGold Bars are handcrafted in small batches and made with high-quality, GMO-free real food ingredients. They are one of the few bars that contain grass-fed ghee, providing beneficial Omega 3s. The bars offer a variety of keto-friendly flavours, such as Coconut Rage, Ginger Pecan Spice, Choco Pecan, and Dark & Salty. Each bar provides 20 grams of protein, making them an excellent choice for those on a high-protein keto diet. However, they are on the expensive side and have a short shelf life due to being made fresh.
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Best vegan bars
If you're following a vegan keto diet, it can be challenging to find protein bars that are both tasty and nutritious. Here are some of the best vegan keto bars to satisfy your hunger and keep you in ketosis:
Dang Bars
Dang Bars are an excellent choice for those on a plant-based keto diet. They are made from whole foods and contain moderate protein and low net carbs. The fat and protein in these bars are derived from vegan sources such as pea protein, almond butter, cocoa butter, and coconut. With only 5 grams of net carbs, they fit perfectly within keto guidelines. Dang Bars are also free from artificial ingredients and added sugars, using stevia as a natural sweetener instead. The story behind the creation of Dang Bars is quite heartwarming, stemming from a Thai mother's recipe for toasted coconut.
CORE Keto Bars
CORE Keto Bars are a great option for vegans and vegetarians who want a bar that supports gut health. These bars contain 6 grams of plant-based protein from peas and are certified keto, non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher. They also pack 8 grams of fiber from sources like resistant maltodextrin and inulin, which promote satiety and reduce food intake. Additionally, these bars contain the probiotic strain Bacillus coagulans, which has been shown to reduce muscle damage caused by exercise. CORE Keto Bars must be refrigerated to preserve their fresh, simple ingredients and live probiotics.
BHU Foods Vegan Protein Bars
BHU Foods offers a range of vegan protein bars in delicious flavors such as Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Double Dark Chocolate Chip. These bars are made with pea protein and soluble fiber, sweetened with monk fruit, and are free from artificial ingredients and preservatives. They are a tasty and satisfying option for those following a vegan keto diet.
The Good Lovin' Bar
The Good Lovin' Bar offers certified organic, vegan keto bars in a variety of flavors, including Chocolate Dipped Strawberry, Peanut Butter Brownie, Chocolate Coconut, and Mint Chocolate Chip. These bars provide a convenient and tasty snack option for those on a vegan keto diet.
Good!®KETO™ Coconut Almond Vegan Protein Bar
The good!®KETO™ Coconut Almond Vegan Protein Bar is a scrumptious and nutritious option for those on a vegan keto diet. It contains 10 grams of vegan protein and 3 grams of net carbs, along with good fats and no soy. This bar is a tasty and healthy snack that fits perfectly within keto guidelines.
These vegan keto bars are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients to support your vegan keto lifestyle. Remember to always read the ingredient lists and nutrition facts to ensure the bars align with your dietary needs and preferences.
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Best bars for meal replacement
If you're on the keto diet and looking for a meal replacement bar, there are several options available. Here are some of the best keto-friendly meal replacement bars:
Keto Wise Meal Replacement Bars
Keto Wise offers meal replacement bars in two flavours: Chocolate Almond Blast and Chocolate Peanut Blast. Each bar contains around 20g of fat, 10g of protein, and 3g of net carbs, making them a delicious and nutritious option for those following a keto diet.
Keto Bars
Keto Bars, founded in 2012, were one of the first companies to create protein bars specifically for the keto diet. Their bars are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, and contain 19-20g of fat, 6g of protein, and 4g of net carbs. They are made with simple, clean ingredients and have a homemade taste and texture.
BHU Keto Bars
BHU Keto Bars are a great option for those looking for a sweet treat while following a keto diet. They have a fudgy texture and are made without artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Each bar contains 13g of protein derived from vegan pea protein powder and comes in a variety of flavours, including Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookie Dough and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.
Perfect Keto Bars
Perfect Keto Bars are a good choice for those who want to avoid sugar alcohols. With only 2-3g of net carbs and 13g of protein per bar, these bars can help you stay in ketosis. They come in five different flavours and are made with high-quality ingredients, including almond and cacao butter, coconut oil, collagen, and stevia.
Quest Nutrition Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
These bars by Quest Nutrition are a popular choice, with over 10,000 bought in the past month on Amazon. They contain 20g of protein, 1g of sugar, and 5g of net carbs, making them a tasty and nutritious option for those following a keto diet.
When choosing a keto-friendly meal replacement bar, it's important to consider the macronutrient profile and ingredient list. Look for bars with a low net carb count and minimal artificial ingredients, sweeteners, and preservatives. Additionally, consider your personal preferences for flavour and texture to find the best option for you.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best keto-friendly protein bars include MariGold Protein Bars, EPIC Bars, Keto Bars, BHU Keto Bars, and Dang Bars.
Popular options for low-carb protein bars include Quest Nutrition Bars, Ratio Chewy Protein Bars, IQBAR Brain and Body Plant Protein Bars, and No Cow High Protein Bars.
When choosing a keto-friendly protein bar, it is important to consider the macronutrient profile, ingredient quality, taste, and nutrition. Look for bars with a high fat and low-carb content, whole food ingredients, positive reviews for taste, and a sufficient amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.