Best Keto Meal Replacement Bars: Top Choices

Finding a meal replacement bar that fits into a keto diet can be challenging, as most are high in carbohydrates and low in fat. However, there are some options available on the market that can satisfy your hunger and keep you in ketosis. Here is an introduction to some of the best keto-friendly meal replacement bars out there.

When choosing a keto-friendly meal replacement bar, it is important to consider the macronutrient profile. The bar should be low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats, and have a moderate amount of protein. Additionally, look for bars made with whole food ingredients and minimal artificial sweeteners, additives, and preservatives.

One popular option is the SlimFast Keto Fat Bomb bar, which offers 14 grams of keto-friendly fats and only 3 grams of net carbs. These bars come in flavours like Whipped Peanut Butter Chocolate and Triple Chocolate. Another well-known brand is KetoBars, which was one of the first companies to create keto-friendly bars. Their bars contain 3-5 grams of net carbs and up to 21 grams of healthy fats, and they come in flavours like Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond and Chocolate Peanut Butter.

For those with allergies or dietary restrictions, there are also options like the Keto Bars, which are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free. BHU Keto Bars are another vegan option that is free of artificial sweeteners and preservatives. If you're looking for a meat-based option, EPIC Bars offer simple ingredients and low net carbs, although they are high in sodium.

In addition to these, there are several other keto-friendly meal replacement bars available, including options from brands like MariGold, CORE, think!, and No Cow. It's important to read the ingredient lists and nutrition facts to ensure that the bar aligns with your keto diet and personal preferences.

What are the best keto-friendly protein bars?

The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet associated with several health benefits, including weight loss. If you're following this diet, 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, as most protein bars are too high in carbs or too low in fat, or contain ingredients that don't fit on a keto diet, such as dairy.

MariGold Bars

MariGold Bars are made with just a few simple ingredients, including whey isolate from grass-fed cow's milk, cashews, filtered water, chicory root fibre, and grass-fed ghee. They are free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, which are natural or manufactured carbs that taste sweet yet contain half as many calories as sugar. Instead, these bars are sweetened with stevia. They offer a wide variety of flavours, including Almond Mocha Crunch, Coconut Rage, Ginger Coconut, and Salty Caramel.

EPIC Bars

EPIC bars are meat-based bars that contain just a handful of ingredients. For example, the Venison Sea Salt + Pepper bar is made using grass-fed venison, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. While these bars are low in net carbs, they are very high in sodium, providing 600-750 milligrams of sodium per bar. Keep in mind that only six out of their nine flavours are keto-friendly.

Keto Bars

Keto Bars was one of the first companies to create protein bars specifically for the keto diet. Their bars are high in fat and low in net carbs, and they are also vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free. They come in three flavours: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond, and Mint Chocolate.

BHU Keto Bars

BHU's keto-friendly protein bars have a fudgy texture and are made without any artificial sweeteners or preservatives. As a result, they need to be kept refrigerated. One unique ingredient in these bars is organic tapioca flour, which contains prebiotic fibre, supporting proper digestion, immune system health, and heart health. They come in several flavours, including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie Dough.

Dang Bars

Dang Bars are a great option for those following a plant-based keto diet or simply looking for a vegan-friendly snack bar. Many of the ingredients in Dang Bars are instantly recognisable as nutritious and keto-friendly, such as nuts, pea protein, and chia and sunflower seeds. They also contain chicory root fibre, which is an excellent source of gut-healthy prebiotic fibre. However, they may not be easily digestible for people with digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They come in flavours like Lemon Matcha and Crazy Rich Chocolate.

No Cow Dipped Bars

With 11-15 grams of fibre per bar, No Cow Dipped Bars have the highest fibre content on this list. They are vegan and keto-friendly, certified gluten-free, and soy-free. They come in a variety of flavours, including Chocolate Sea Salt, Chocolate Sprinkled Donut, and Chocolate Coconut Almond.

CanDo Keto Krisp Bars

Keto Krisp bars offer a unique texture: crispy yet soft and chewy. They come in both unique and classic flavours, such as Butter & Salt and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk. All the varieties are gluten-free and sweetened with stevia and erythritol to keep the sugar content low. They also contain MCT oil, which may be helpful for weight loss, as well as fibre to promote fullness.

CORE Keto Bars

CORE Keto Bars are made with probiotics, which may be beneficial for gut health. They are plant-based, gluten-free, and free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols. However, because they contain live probiotics and no preservatives, these bars must be refrigerated. They come in flavours like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter Chocolate.

Think! Keto Protein Bars

These keto-friendly protein bars from think! are widely available at many grocery store chains, including Walmart. They are gluten-free and sweetened with erythritol and stevia. However, it's important to note that they are made with milk protein, so they are not vegan-friendly. They come in dessert-like flavours, such as Chocolate Mousse Pie and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie.

SlimFast Keto Bars

SlimFast Keto Bars are ultra-convenient grab-and-go options. They are gluten-free and packed with 14 grams of keto-friendly fats and 24 vitamins and minerals. They come in flavours like Whipped Peanut Butter Chocolate and Triple Chocolate.

What are the benefits of keto meal replacement bars?

Keto meal replacement bars are a convenient option for those following a ketogenic diet, offering a quick meal or filling snack. They are typically high in fat and low in net carbs, making them suitable for weight loss and blood sugar regulation. Here are some benefits of keto meal replacement bars:

Weight Loss

Keto meal replacement bars can aid weight loss by providing portion and calorie control. They typically contain fewer than 300 calories each, helping dieters reduce their overall calorie intake. One study found that dieters who included meal replacements in their diets lost more weight over three and 12 months than those who did not.

On-The-Go Fuel

These bars are designed to be eaten on the go, providing a convenient option when a keto meal is not available. They can help individuals stick to their keto diet by offering a quick, portable fuel source.

Easy Portion Control

Keto meal replacement bars provide clear information about calorie, fat, and protein content, making it easier for dieters to track their intake accurately. This can help prevent underestimating calorie consumption, which is a common issue for dieters.

Appetite Suppression

The right balance of protein, fat, and fiber in keto meal replacement bars can trigger the body to stop sending hunger hormones and start suppressing appetite. This helps individuals feel fuller for longer and avoid cravings.

Nutritional Support

Keto meal replacement bars often contain a good balance of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and fiber. They may also provide additional vitamins and minerals, ensuring individuals meet their nutritional requirements while following a restrictive diet.

Variety of Options

There is a wide variety of keto meal replacement bars available in the market, offering different flavors and ingredient combinations. This allows individuals to find options that suit their taste preferences and dietary needs, such as vegan or gluten-free bars.

It is important to note that while keto meal replacement bars offer these benefits, they should not be the primary source of fuel. They can be incorporated into a healthy keto diet in moderation, alongside fresh, whole foods. Additionally, when choosing a keto meal replacement bar, it is essential to read the ingredient labels carefully to ensure they align with your specific needs and preferences.

What ingredients should I avoid in keto meal replacement bars?

When choosing a keto meal replacement bar, it's important to be wary of certain ingredients that may be detrimental to your health or kick you out of ketosis.

Firstly, it's best to avoid bars with a long list of unrecognisable ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners, preservatives, colours, and fillers. These indicate that the bar is highly processed, which has been linked to an increased risk of chronic health conditions. Instead, opt for bars made with whole foods such as oils, spices, natural sweeteners, nuts, and seeds.

In particular, watch out for sugar alcohols like maltitol, xylitol, and glycerin, which can lead to headaches, stomach cramps, gas, flatulence, and diarrhoea. While these are approved by the FDA, they can mess with your blood sugar and digestion.

Cheap fibre and fillers that act like carbs should also be avoided, such as chicory root fibre (inulin), polydextrose, isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO), and soluble corn fibre (SCF).

Additionally, stay away from bars that use low-quality fats and oils, such as partially or fully hydrogenated fats.

Other red flags include artificial food colouring and dyes, artificial preservatives, and modified food starch.

When it comes to keto meal replacement bars, it's crucial to read the ingredient labels carefully and choose options made with whole, natural ingredients.

What are the best keto meal replacement bars for weight loss?

When choosing a keto meal replacement bar, it's important to consider the macronutrient profile and the ingredient list. The ideal bar should be low in carbohydrates, high in healthy fats, and contain a decent amount of protein, fibre, and other nutritious ingredients. Here are some of the best keto meal replacement bars for weight loss:

SlimFast Low Carb Meal Replacement Bars

SlimFast offers keto-friendly meal replacement bars in flavours like Whipped Peanut Butter Chocolate and Triple Chocolate. Each bar contains 14 grams of keto-friendly fats and 7 grams of protein. They are also gluten-free and free from artificial flavours, colours, and sweeteners.

Keto Bars

Keto Bars 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. They come in flavours like Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond, and Mint Chocolate, with 3-5 grams of net carbs and up to 21 grams of healthy fat per bar.

Marigold Protein Bars

Marigold Bars are free of preservatives and made with organic ingredients and grass-fed beef. They are keto-friendly, gluten-free, lactose-free, and soy-free. Flavours include Almond Mocha Crunch, Coconut Rage, Ginger Coconut, and more.

BHU Keto Bars

BHU Keto Bars are made without artificial sweeteners or preservatives and need to be refrigerated. They are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and free of sugar alcohols, cane sugar, and artificial ingredients. Flavours include Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and White Chocolate Macadamia Cookie Dough.

Dang Bars

Dang Bars are a great option for those following a plant-based keto diet. They are made with recognisable, nutritious, and keto-friendly ingredients like nuts, pea protein, and chia and sunflower seeds. They are also a good source of prebiotic fibre, which supports digestive health. Flavours include Lemon Matcha, Toasted Coconut, Crazy Rich Chocolate, and Almond Cookie.

No Cow Dipped Bars

No Cow Dipped Bars are vegan and keto-friendly, certified gluten-free, and soy-free. They offer a wide variety of flavours and are high in protein and fibre. Flavours include Chocolate Sea Salt, Chocolate Sprinkled Donut, Chocolate Coconut Almond, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup.

CanDo Keto Krisp Bars

Keto Krisp Bars offer a unique texture and flavour options like Butter & Salt, Almond Butter Blackberry Jelly, and Chocolate Mint. They are gluten-free, plant-based (except the Butter & Salt flavour), and sweetened with stevia and erythritol.

CORE Keto Bars

CORE Keto Bars are plant-based, gluten-free, and contain added probiotics for gut health. They are sweetened with allulose and monk fruit extract and need to be refrigerated. Flavours include Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, and Peanut Butter Chocolate.

Think! Keto Protein Bars

Think! Keto Protein Bars are widely available at many grocery store chains, including Walmart. They come in dessert-like flavours like Chocolate Mousse Pie and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie. They are gluten-free and sweetened with erythritol and stevia, but they are not vegan-friendly as they contain milk protein.

In addition to these options, there are also several other keto-friendly bars available, such as EPIC Bars, Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars, and IQ Bars. It's important to read the ingredient lists and nutrition information to ensure the bars align with your dietary needs and weight loss goals.

What are the best keto meal replacement bars for vegetarians?

When choosing a keto meal replacement bar, it's important to consider the macronutrient profile and ingredient list. The bar should be low in carbohydrates and high in fats, with a ratio of 60-75% fat, 15-20% protein, and 10% or fewer carbohydrates. It should also be made with whole foods and healthy fats, and be free from artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and processed ingredients. Here are some of the best keto meal replacement bars that fit these criteria and are suitable for vegetarians:

KetoBars - The Original Keto Bars

KetoBars created the first keto bar in 2014. Their bars are vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, with simple ingredients like chocolate, coconut, peanut butter, and almonds. They offer four flavours: Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Mint Chocolate, and Chocolate Covered Strawberry. Each bar contains between 3-5 grams of net carbs and up to 21 grams of healthy fat.

NICKS Keto Bars

NICKS keto bars are designed to taste like dessert while keeping you in ketosis. They are free from artificial sweeteners, dairy, soy, and corn fibre. They offer seven flavours, including Almond Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut, and Chocolate Caramel. With only 3-4 grams of net carbs per bar, these bars are a delicious and indulgent option for vegetarians.

Dang Bars

Dang Bars are a great plant-based and vegan-friendly option. They are made with recognisable, nutritious ingredients such as nuts, pea protein, and chia and sunflower seeds. Dang Bars also include chicory root fibre, which is a great source of gut-healthy prebiotic fibre. They offer six keto-friendly flavours, including Crazy Rich Chocolate, Lemon Matcha, and Peanut Butter, with only 4-5 grams of net carbs and up to 16 grams of fat.

IQ Bars

IQ Bars are formulated with clean ingredients that are rich in compounds to benefit the brain and body. They are keto-friendly, vegan, kosher, and free from GMOs, gluten, dairy, soy, and sugar alcohols. Each bar contains six brain nutrients, 12 grams of plant protein, 3 grams of net carbs, and less than 1 gram of sugar. IQ Bars offer a wide range of unique flavours, such as Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chip, and Matcha Chai.

Primal Kitchen Protein Bars

Primal Kitchen is known for its low-carb salad dressings, but they also offer keto-friendly protein bars. Their bars are made with a base of eggs, coconut oil, nuts, and flaxseed, providing 8-9 grams of protein and 4 grams of net carbs. The bars come in four flavours: Mint Chip, Peanut Butter, Chocolate Coconut, and Coconut Lime.

Munk Pack Keto Granola Bars

Munk Pack offers a unique keto-friendly granola bar option. Their bars are plant-based, gluten-free, and grain-free, with only 1 gram of sugar (or less), 140 calories, 2-3 grams of net carbs, and 4-5 grams of protein. They offer six delicious flavours, including Coconut Cocoa Chip, Honey Nut, and Maple Pecan, making them a tasty and satisfying choice for vegetarians.

In addition to these options, there are also several recipes available online for making your own homemade keto meal replacement bars that are vegetarian-friendly.

Frequently asked questions