Best Keto-Friendly Protein Bars To Try

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein diet. When following this diet, it can be challenging to find convenient snacks that are keto-friendly. Protein bars are a great option for a quick meal or filling snack, but most are too high in carbs or too low in fat.

There are some great keto-friendly protein bars on the market that are both nutritious and tasty. Some of the best options include MariGold Protein Bars, EPIC Bars, Keto Bars, BHU Keto Bars, and Dang Bars. These bars are made with high-quality ingredients and provide a good balance of protein, fat, and fiber to keep you full and satisfied.

In addition to store-bought options, there are also several recipes available online for making your own keto-friendly protein bars at home. This can be a great way to control the ingredients used and ensure they fit within your dietary needs.

Whether you choose to purchase keto protein bars or make your own, it's important to consider the macronutrient profile and opt for bars made with whole-food ingredients, healthy fats, and quality proteins.

Store-bought keto bars

If you're looking for a keto-friendly protein bar, there are a variety of options available for purchase. Here is a list of some popular store-bought keto bars:

MariGold Protein Bars

These bars are free of preservatives and made with organic ingredients and grass-fed beef. They are also keto-friendly, gluten-free, lactose-free, and soy-free. MariGold Protein Bars come in a range of flavours, including Almond Mocha Crunch, Coconut Rage, Ginger Coconut, and Macarooned.

EPIC Bars

EPIC Bars are meat-based bars that are low in net carbs and made with high-quality, whole food ingredients. They are perfect for those who want a savoury, meaty option. Flavours include Chicken BBQ, Beef Barbacoa, Beef Jalapeño, and Venison Sea Salt + Pepper.

Keto Bars

Keto Bars were one of the first companies to create protein bars specifically for the keto diet. They are vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, and come in flavours such as Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond, and Mint Chocolate.

BHU Keto Bars

BHU Keto Bars are refrigerated bars that taste like a decadent dessert. They are made without artificial sweeteners or preservatives and need to be kept refrigerated. 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 or vegan keto diet. They are made with recognisable, nutritious, and keto-friendly ingredients, including nuts, pea protein, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds. Flavours include Lemon Matcha and Cardamom Chai.

No Cow Dipped Bars

No Cow Dipped Bars are vegan and keto-friendly bars made with plant-based ingredients. They are also certified gluten-free, soy-free, Non-GMO Project verified, and kosher. These bars have a high fibre content, with 11-15 grams of fibre per bar. Flavours include Chocolate Sea Salt, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, and Chocolate Coconut Almond.

CanDo Keto Krisp Bars

CanDo Keto Krisp Bars offer a unique texture with a crispy yet soft and chewy consistency. They come in a variety of flavours, including traditional options like Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk and more unique options like Butter & Salt. These bars are gluten-free and sweetened with stevia and erythritol.

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. They should 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, such as Chocolate Mousse Pie and Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, and are gluten-free, sweetened with erythritol and stevia. However, they are not vegan-friendly as they are made with milk protein.

Homemade keto bars

Overview

The ketogenic, or keto, diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet associated with several health benefits, including weight loss. As a result, keto-friendly snacks are in high demand.

Homemade Keto Bar Recipes

There are many recipes for keto bars online, with some of the most popular being:

• Keto Chocolate Crunch Bars: These bars require only four ingredients and take just five minutes to make. They are crispy, chewy, and have just two grams of net carbs per serving.
• Keto Granola Bars: This recipe uses nuts, seeds, and a few keto pantry basics to create sweet, grain-free, sugar-free granola bars in just 30 minutes.
• Keto Protein Bars: These bars are made with only four ingredients and take just five minutes to prepare. They pack over 20 grams of protein and have just two grams of net carbs per serving.
• No-Bake Peanut Butter Protein Bars: These bars are legendary in the keto community, thanks to their decadent texture and flavour. They take less than ten minutes to make and require no baking.
• Coconut Chocolate Keto Bars: This recipe pairs coconut and chocolate to create a creamy bar dipped in baker's chocolate and sweetened with erythritol and stevia, keeping the carbs under three grams per serving.

Tips for Making Homemade Keto Bars

When making homemade keto bars, it is important to use ingredients that are low in carbohydrates and high in fats. This typically includes nuts, seeds, unsweetened chocolate, and sugar substitutes such as stevia or erythritol. It is also important to avoid artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and processed fats.

Additionally, when choosing a keto bar recipe, it is essential to consider the macronutrient profile of the bar. The ideal keto bar should have a macronutrient breakdown of 60-75% fat, 15-20% protein, and 10% or less carbohydrates.

Ingredients to avoid

When choosing a keto-friendly protein bar, it's important to be mindful of the ingredients used. Here are some ingredients that you may want to avoid:

Preservatives

Some protein bars may contain preservatives to extend their shelf life. While preservatives are generally considered safe, some people may prefer to avoid them due to potential health concerns. Preservatives can also affect the taste and texture of the bar, making it less appealing to consume.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and aspartame are often used in protein bars to enhance their sweetness. However, these sweeteners can have negative health effects and may not be suitable for those following a keto diet. They can also cause digestive issues and negatively impact blood sugar levels.

Added Sugar

Added sugars, such as high-fructose corn syrup or table sugar, are commonly used to improve the taste of protein bars. However, added sugars can increase the calorie count and may not be suitable for those on a keto diet or watching their sugar intake.

Dairy

Dairy products, such as milk or whey protein, are sometimes used in protein bars. However, dairy is not considered keto-friendly, as it can be high in carbohydrates and low in fat. Additionally, some people may have lactose intolerance or allergies, making dairy-based protein bars unsuitable for them.

Soy

Soy is often used as a protein source in protein bars, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Some people may have soy allergies or sensitivities, and others may prefer to avoid soy due to potential health concerns or ethical reasons.

Artificial Colours and Flavours

Artificial colours and flavours are sometimes added to protein bars to enhance their appearance and taste. However, these additives may not be suitable for those following a keto diet, as they can be highly processed and may contain hidden sources of carbohydrates.

When choosing a keto-friendly protein bar, it's important to read the ingredient list carefully and select options that align with your dietary needs and preferences. It's best to choose bars made with whole, natural ingredients and minimal processing.

Ingredients to include

A keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that is associated with several health benefits, including weight loss. When choosing keto-friendly protein bars, it is important to consider the macronutrient profile and opt for bars with quality, whole ingredients and plenty of healthy fats.

• Hazelnuts: Hazelnuts are the base of some keto protein bar recipes and provide a smooth texture. They are also a good source of healthy fats.
• Almonds and almond flour: Almonds are a nutritious ingredient that can be used as a base for keto protein bars. Almond flour adds vitamins, protein, healthy fats, and fiber to the bars.
• Other nuts and nut butter: Other nuts such as pecans, walnuts, and macadamia nuts can be used in keto protein bars. Nut butter, such as almond butter or peanut butter, can also be added for extra nutrition and to help hold the bars together.
• Coconut and coconut products: Coconut is a common ingredient in keto protein bars. Coconut MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides) are a type of healthy fat that can be converted into ketones. Coconut oil and coconut butter can also be used in the bars.
• Collagen and protein powder: Collagen protein powder can be added to boost the protein content without affecting the texture. Whey or collagen powders are cost-friendly alternatives that provide a clean protein punch.
• Sweeteners: Natural sweeteners such as monk fruit, stevia extract, or erythritol can be used in keto protein bars. It is important to choose sweeteners that have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
• Cocoa and chocolate: Cocoa powder and sugar-free chocolate chips can be added to the bars for flavor and to make them more indulgent.
• Seeds: Seeds such as chia seeds, hemp seeds, and flax seeds can be added to the bars for extra nutrition and texture.

When making keto protein bars at home, it is important to process the ingredients well to ensure a smooth and firm texture. It is also crucial to chill the bars properly to allow them to set before slicing and storing them.

Health benefits

The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat diet that has been associated with several health benefits, including weight loss. However, finding keto-friendly protein bars can be challenging as most protein bars are too high in carbs or too low in fat. Additionally, some protein bars may contain artificial ingredients, additives, and preservatives that are not conducive to a healthy diet.

Weight Loss

The keto diet has been shown to promote weight loss, at least while an individual adheres to the diet. Keto-friendly protein bars can be a convenient snack option to help maintain a calorie deficit and support weight loss efforts.

Improved Blood Sugar Regulation

Some research suggests that a keto diet can be beneficial for improving blood sugar regulation, which is crucial for individuals with diabetes or prediabetes.

Brain Health

There is some evidence that the keto diet may support brain health and potentially offer therapeutic benefits for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Heart Health

Regular nut intake, which is common in keto-friendly protein bars, has been linked to improved heart health. Additionally, the inclusion of healthy fats, such as MCT oil and avocado oil, in keto-friendly protein bars may also contribute to positive cardiovascular effects.

Gut Health

Some keto-friendly protein bars contain ingredients like chicory root fiber, a source of prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Additionally, certain bars include probiotics, which can improve gut health and enhance protein absorption.

Convenience and Taste

Keto-friendly protein bars offer a convenient and tasty snack option for individuals following a keto diet. They can be easily purchased online or at select grocery stores, making them a portable and satisfying snack choice.

Frequently asked questions