Best Bars For Keto And Low-Carb Diets

The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carb, moderate-protein diet. When your body's carb intake is low enough, you enter a state of ketosis, meaning your body will start burning through existing stores of fat for energy. This means that keto-friendly protein bars are low in carbs and higher in fat, protein and fibre to keep you full and in ketosis.

Some common ingredients in keto bars include almonds, cashews or other nuts, coconut or coconut MCTs, and monk fruit or stevia extract as a natural sweetener.

- Perfect Keto Bars: These bars have 11 grams of protein and only 3 grams of net carbs. They come in dessert flavours including birthday cake, lemon poppy seed, and salted caramel.

- Zone Perfect Keto Bars: Developed with Pamela Nisevich Bede, R.D., these bars come in chocolate hazelnut brownie and peanut butter pie flavours. The peanut butter pie bar has 14 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein and 3 grams of net carbs.

- Julian Bakery InstaKetones Protein Bar: This bar has just 4 net carbs and zero grams of sugar. With 15 grams of protein, it's a good option for those following the keto diet.

- IQ BAR: IQ Bar's plant-based bars are packed with 12 grams of protein and only 3 grams of net carbs. They come in various flavours including lemon blueberry, matcha chai, and banana nut.

- :ratio KETO friendly Lemon Almond Crunchy Bar: This bar has 17 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, and only 2 grams of net carbs.

- Atlas Protein Bar: With only 4 net carbs and 1 gram of sugar, this bar is perfect for those with a sweet tooth, tasting similar to cookie dough.

- Built Bar: Built bars claim to differ from the gritty, artificial taste of other protein bars. Each chocolate flavour has 4 net carbs and roughly 18 grams of protein.

- No Cow Protein Bars: This dairy-free protein bar has 21 grams of plant protein and only 4 net carbs. Fuel up with No Cow's chunky peanut butter, mint cacao chip, or other chocolate flavours.

- Bhu Fit BHU Keto Bars: This plant-based bar gives you a vegan version of chocolate chip cookie dough with 11 grams of protein and 2 net carbs.

- Epic All Natural Chicken Sesame BBQ Meat Bar: This savoury chicken option is packed with protein and low in both sugar and carbs. Sesame gives this Asian-inspired bar its nuttiness, while ginger and red pepper give it a spicy kick.

- Almond Butter Chip Iqbar Brain Food Bar: These keto- and paleo-friendly bars are made with six brain-boosting ingredients and are sweetened with stevia extract.

- Pegan Thin Protein Bars: This meat-free snack boasts a ton of organic plant protein, as well as only 2 net carbs and just 1 gram of sugar per bar. Flavours include lava chocolate, sweet sunflower, vanilla cinnamon twist, cinnamon raisin roll and ginger snap cookie, all of which are lightly sweetened with monk fruit.

- Dang Keto Bars: Dang bars are high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-sugar snacks sourced from whole foods with fat and protein derived from vegan pea protein, almond butter, cocoa butter, and coconut. They come in unique flavours like lemon matcha and have only 5 grams of net carbs.

- Rxbar Chocolate Sea Salt: This bar is a good starter option if you're new to keto. It's also paleo- and whole30-friendly, as well as gluten-free.

- Keto Krisp Almond Butter Bar: If you dislike the mushy, chewy texture of most protein bars, look no further than Keto Krisp. This flavour stars creamy roasted almond butter and real chocolate, and contains coconut MCTs, which can be converted into ketones.

- Keto Bars: These bars were one of the first pre-packaged ketogenic protein bars on the market. They come in chocolate peanut butter, chocolate-covered strawberry and mint chocolate flavours, and are great for keeping you full between meals.

Best high-protein options

Quest Bars

With 17-21 grams of protein, Quest Bars are a good option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. They have a chewy texture and come in a wide range of flavours, including Chocolate Sprinkled Doughnut, Lemon Cake, and Blueberry Muffin. However, they do contain sugar alcohols, which may cause digestive issues for some people.

No Cow Bars

No Cow Bars are plant-based and dairy-free, offering 20-21 grams of protein per bar. They have a variety of flavours, including Chocolate Peanut Butter and Mint Cacao Chip. These bars are also high in fibre and gluten-free, but some reviewers found the texture to be dry.

Built Bars

Built Bars aim to offer a more natural taste compared to other protein bars, with no artificial flavour. Each bar contains around 18 grams of protein and 4 net carbs. They come in a variety of chocolate-based flavours, including Coconut and Salted Caramel.

Perfect Keto Bars

Perfect Keto Bars offer 11 grams of protein and only 3 grams of net carbs. They are sweetened naturally, without sugar alcohols, and come in dessert-inspired flavours such as Birthday Cake and Salted Caramel.

BHU Keto Bars

BHU Keto Bars are plant-based and vegan-friendly, offering 11 grams of protein and 2 net carbs per bar. They are made with organic, clean ingredients and need to be refrigerated. Flavours include Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Double Dark Chocolate Cookie Dough.

IQBar

IQBars are vegan and paleo-friendly, made with pea protein and offering 12 grams of protein and only 3 grams of net carbs per bar. The matcha chai flavour has a slight crumble and strong almond, coconut, and cinnamon flavours.

Best for vegans

If you're following a vegan diet, there are still plenty of keto-friendly bars to choose from. Here are some of the best options:

Dang Bars

Healthline recommends Dang Bars as the best vegan option. They're a great choice if you're following a plant-based keto diet or simply prefer vegan-friendly snacks. Dang Bars are made with recognisable, nutritious, keto-friendly ingredients 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, it's high in short-chain carbohydrates called FODMAPs, so these bars may not be suitable for individuals with digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

No Cow Dipped Bars

No Cow Dipped Bars are vegan and keto-friendly, made using all plant-based ingredients. They're also certified gluten-free, kosher, soy-free, and Non-GMO Project verified. With 11–15 g of fibre per bar, they have the highest fibre content of all the bars on Healthline's list. Each bar provides a good amount of protein and fibre, and comes in a variety of flavours such as Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Coconut Almond.

Misfits Vegan Protein Bar

Misfits protein bars are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO. They come in indulgent flavours such as PB&J, S'mores, and Cookies and Cream, with 15g of protein, less than 1g of sugar, and less than 200 calories per bar.

FBOMB Real-Food Snack Bars

FBOMB's Chocolate Hazelnut Real-Food Snack Bar is made with natural, minimally-processed whole-food ingredients. These bars are packed with high-quality fats from hazelnuts, almonds, cocoa butter, and eggs. They contain 10g of fat, 3g of protein, 6g of total carbs, 2g of fibre, and 4g of net carbs per bar. They're also gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, peanut-free, and don't contain any artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols.

BHU Keto Bars

BHU's keto bars are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO. They don't contain any artificial sweeteners or preservatives, but they do need to be kept refrigerated. They have a fudgy texture and come in flavours such as Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Double Dark Chocolate Cookie Dough.

Keto Bars

Keto Bars were one of the first companies to create protein bars specifically for the keto diet. They're vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, and are high in fat and low in net carbs. They're made with a base of unsweetened chocolate, coconut, and nut butter, and are sweetened with stevia and erythritol instead of added sugar. They come in flavours such as Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Mint Chocolate.

Best for weight loss

When it comes to choosing the best low-carb protein bars for weight loss, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, look for bars with a high protein content, as this will help you stay full and satisfied between meals. Aim for bars that contain at least 10-20 grams of protein per serving. Secondly, check the carbohydrate content and choose bars with a low net carb count, ideally less than 10 grams. This will ensure that the bar fits within your dietary goals and won't kick you out of ketosis. Thirdly, opt for bars made with natural, whole food ingredients and avoid those with artificial additives, excessive sweeteners, or unnecessary fillers. Finally, consider your taste preferences and choose a bar with a flavour and texture that you enjoy. Here are some of the best low-carb protein bars for weight loss:

Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar

The Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar is a great option for weight loss as it is low in calories and carbohydrates while providing a good amount of protein. Each bar contains 11 grams of pea protein, 1 gram of sugar, and 4 grams of net carbs. It is also gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. The bar comes in several flavour options, including salted caramel, peanut butter chocolate chip, and coconut chocolate chip.

BHU Keto Bars

BHU Keto Bars are made with natural ingredients and have a fudgy texture that tastes like cookie dough. They are free from artificial sweeteners and preservatives and are a good source of prebiotic fibre, which supports digestive health. However, they do need to be kept refrigerated. Each bar provides 13 grams of protein and has less than 5 grams of net carbs, making them a good choice for weight loss. Flavours include chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter chocolate chip cookie dough, and white chocolate macadamia cookie dough.

No Cow Dipped Bars

No Cow Dipped Bars are a plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free option that provides 20 grams of protein and an impressive 11-15 grams of fibre per bar. They are also certified kosher and Non-GMO Project verified. While some reviewers found the texture to be dry, others enjoyed the variety of flavours, which include chocolate peanut butter, chocolate sea salt, and chocolate coconut almond.

CanDo Keto Krisp Bars

CanDo Keto Krisp Bars offer a unique texture that is both crispy and chewy. They are gluten-free, low in sugar, and sweetened with stevia and erythritol. Each bar contains 10 grams of protein and only 5 grams of net carbs, making them a good choice for weight loss. Flavours include almond butter blackberry jelly, chocolate mint, and peanut butter chocolate chunk.

:ratio KETO Friendly Bars

:ratio KETO Friendly Bars are a good option if you prefer your protein bars not to be too sweet. They provide 12 grams of protein from almonds and pumpkin seeds and have a satisfying crunch. With only 2 grams of net carbs per bar, they are a good choice for those following a keto diet. Flavours include coconut almond, vanilla almond, and toasted almond.

Quest Nutrition Quest Bars

Quest Nutrition Quest Bars are a popular option that offer a wide range of flavours, including unique options like blueberry muffin and chocolate sprinkle donut. Each bar contains 20 grams of protein and has only 4 grams of net carbs, making them a good choice for weight loss. They are also high in fibre, which can aid in digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. However, some reviewers did not like the chewy texture of these bars.

In addition to these options, there are several other low-carb protein bars on the market that may be suitable for weight loss. It is important to read the ingredient lists and nutrition labels to ensure that the bars align with your dietary goals and taste preferences.

Best for taste

Taste is subjective, but some keto bars are widely considered to be tasty. Here are some of the best keto bars for taste:

BHU Keto Bars

BHU Keto Bars are widely considered to be one of the best-tasting keto bars on the market. They have a cookie dough texture and come in a variety of flavours, including peanut butter and jelly cookie dough, strawberry cheesecake dough, and chocolate chip cookie dough. BHU Keto Bars are vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, dairy-free, and contain no sugar alcohols or artificial ingredients.

Perfect Keto Bars

Perfect Keto Bars are another highly-rated option for taste. They come in flavours such as birthday cake, lemon poppyseed, and salted caramel, and have a short list of natural ingredients. They contain 11 grams of protein and only 3 grams of net carbs.

Dang Bars

Dang Bars are a great option if you're looking for something a little different. They come in unique flavours like lemon matcha and toasted coconut, and are made from whole foods with plant-based fats and protein. They're also vegan, gluten-free, and contain no added sugar or sugar alcohols.

Atlas Protein Bars

Atlas Protein Bars are a good option if you have a sweet tooth. They're said to taste like cookie dough and come in flavours such as peanut butter raspberry and coconut almond. They're also GMO-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, and are infused with ashwagandha to help reduce stress and improve sleep.

IQ Bars

IQ Bars are plant-based and packed with 12 grams of protein and only 3 grams of net carbs. They come in flavours like lemon blueberry, matcha chai, and banana nut, and are free of sugar alcohols.

CanDo Keto Krisp Bars

CanDo Keto Krisp Bars offer a unique texture—crispy yet soft and chewy. They come in traditional flavours like peanut butter chocolate chunk, as well as more unique options like butter and salt. They're gluten-free and sweetened with stevia and erythritol, and also contain MCT oil, which may aid weight loss.

Best for crunch

For those on a keto or low-carb diet, finding a satisfying crunchy snack bar can be a challenge. Many keto bars tend to be soft and chewy, but there are some great options that deliver that satisfying crunch.

One highly recommended option is the Legendary Foods Crunchy Keto Nut Butter Bar. These bars stand out for their unique texture, offering a satisfying bite with a crispy, crunchy base. The bars are made with natural ingredients, including nuts and seeds, and are sweetened with allulose and stevia, keeping the sugar content low. They come in a range of delicious flavours, including Peanut Butter & Jelly, Chocolate & Almond, and Cookies & Cream, all with a crunchy texture and a sweet flavour.

Another fantastic choice for crunch seekers is the Keto Krisp bar by HighKey. These bars are specifically designed to satisfy that craving for a crispy, crunchy snack. The Keto Krisp bars are made with a blend of nuts and seeds, offering a good source of healthy fats and protein. They are sweetened with erythritol and monk fruit extract, keeping the carb count low. The bars come in a variety of flavours, such as Peanut Butter, Chocolate Chip, and Vanilla Glaze, all with a light and airy texture that delivers an enjoyable crunch.

If you're a fan of nuts, the Keto Nut Bars by Kiss My Keto are an excellent choice. These bars are made with a base of nuts, providing a natural crunch and a good source of healthy fats and protein. The bars are sweetened with erythritol and allulose, keeping the sugar content low. They come in a range of nut-focused flavours, including Almond Butter with Sea Salt, Chocolate Almond, and Peanut Butter, offering a tasty and crunchy snack option.

For a more indulgent option, the Atkins Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar is a great choice. While it may not be as crunchy as the others, it offers a satisfying bite with a crispy texture. This bar is a classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, providing a rich and indulgent flavour. It's made with a blend of proteins and fibres, keeping you feeling full and satisfied. The Atkins bars are a good option for those on-the-go, providing a quick and convenient crunchy snack.

These options provide a great variety of crunchy keto-friendly bars, ensuring you can enjoy a satisfying snack while sticking to your dietary needs. Whether you're craving a sweet treat or a more natural nutty flavour, these bars offer a convenient and tasty way to stay on track with your keto or low-carb diet.

Frequently asked questions