I’m definitely a fan of protein, energy and snack bars, and I’ve got to admit – I’ve tried just about every one of them on the market. Not surprisingly, I’m picky about my bars. Not only do they have to taste good, but they’ve got to be made with high-quality ingredients and be nutritious (not loaded with empty calories) in order for me to recommend them to clients (or eat them myself!).
A good snack bar offers convenience (just grab and go!) as well as added nutrition that you might not easily get otherwise. Bars also can help curb your appetite. They’re great pre or post workout, or anytime as a healthy snack.
The following bars are my very top picks. Enjoy!
Vitacost Whey Protein Bar Chocolate, Cookies & Cream
Cookies and cream, what more is there to say? These protein bars not only taste amazing with their creamy filling and chocolate chocolate chips (talk about satisfying your sweet tooth!), but they’re also an excellent source of whey protein, touting 18 grams per bar. I also love that they do not contain sucralose, they’re gut friendly (with probiotics and prebiotics) and they’re gluten-free. This is a bar that I definitely enjoy with a mug of green tea or coffee mid-day!
RXBAR Protein Bar, Peanut Butter Chocolate
RXBARs are another one of my favorites because they’re so simple and clean – made with just three ingredients! The12 grams of protein is from egg whites, 14 peanuts provide the texture and the two dates hold everything together (no fillers needed!). You actually feel satisfied and nourished after eating an RXBAR. Definitely skip the peanut butter cup and enjoy this instead – without the guilt. Extra bonuses: they’re gluten-free and kosher.
Go Macro Organic Macrobar, Protein Paradise Cashew Caramel
I really like Go Macro bars not only for the 11 grams of plant protein they provide but also because their ingredients are grown –not made. All ingredients are 100 percent plant based, from non-GMO certified growers that are USDA organic and follow sustainable farming practices. These bars provide big nutritional benefits without any preservatives or additives!
Vitacost Plant Protein Bar, Chocolate Mocha
Another one of my favorite plant-based protein bars are Vitacost Chocolate Mocha bars, especially for a pre-workout snack or an afternoon snack when I need a pick me up that’s actually nutritious. Each bar contains 60 mg of caffeine to help keep you going, but more importantly it has 18 grams of high quality plant protein from, pea, brown rice and quinoa. I love that these bars don’t have sucralose as a sweetener, and that they contain probiotics and prebiotics to help the digestive system. Have one of these bars with a cup of coffee and you’ll be ready to kill your workout! 
Kind Nuts & Spices Bars, Madagascar Vanilla Almond
I don’t think there’s a Kind bar that I don’t like. I always keep one handy for a quick snack if I’m feeling sluggish. Kind bars are made with simple, clean (non-genetically modified) ingredients that your body knows how to use for energy. They’re low in sugar (less than 5 grams), contain no sugar alcohols or dairy, and they have 6 grams of protein. Basically, they’re nutritious, taste great and they’re easy to take along with you anywhere.
