I am mostly a proponent of whole foods, and base all of my nutrition programs off that, but as a mom & nutritionist, I know convenience is a huge factor in food choices. Sometimes you are on the go and just need something to either hit your protein goals, or a quick fix so you don't get too hangry.
Protein bars come in handy here, but they are not all created equal. There are many whey-based products, but many of my clients either prefer to avoid dairy or have intolerances, so vegan options are a great fit.
These are my top vegan protein bar choices that all fit my criteria:
At LEAST 15 grams of protein: It helps build and repair muscles and keeps you full longer.
At LEAST 5 grams of fiber: It aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy gut, and also contributes to satiety and most people don't hit their goal of 25 grams per day.
LESS than 5 grams of added sugar: Prevents spikes in blood sugar levels, supports overall health
So what makes the list? Check them out below + links to find them on Amazon.
Nutritional Info:
Protein: 16-17 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Added Sugar: 3 grams
These bars are the right amount of sweet, in a good calorie range so they don't blow your overall plan, and have no artificial sweeteners which is really hard to find in protein bars. They come in a few flavors, I like them all, and they are certified gluten-free.
Nutritional Info:
Protein: 15 grams
Fiber: 5 grams
Added Sugar: 3 grams added
The best part about these bars is you probably recognize all the ingredients, no artificial stuff or refined sugar, though slightly higher overall sugar but only 3 added grams so I still count that. They also have ingredients to help with mood and energy and what mom doesn't need help with that? Plus - tons of flavor options so there is something for everyone.
Key Nutritional Info (Per Bar):
Protein: 14 grams
Fiber: 10 grams
Added Sugar: 3 grams
I've been a fan of the Aloha brand for a while, their protein powders have minimal ingredients and are good in both shakes and baked into stuff. I like that their protein bars are made with whole food ingredients like pumpkin seeds, brown rice protein, and a blend of fruits and vegetables. They are also gluten-free and have no stevia or erythritol, higher in fiber than most bars, and non-GMO.
Key Nutritional Info (Per Bar):
Protein: 21 grams
Fiber: 17 grams
Added Sugar: 1 gram
These bars have WAY more fiber than other bars, so keep that in mind. I don't LOVE that they have artificial sweeteners so I would keep these in your rotation a bit more sparingly, but they do offer a higher protein ratio than the other bars. These ones are a mix of brown rice and pea protein.
Key Nutritional Info (Per Bar):
Protein: 12 grams
Fiber: 7 grams
Added Sugar: 2 grams
Ok so these don't QUITE hit my requirement for protein, but they do have a lot of fiber, and I really like that they don't have any artificial sweeteners. The texture is great because its a bit more like a rice crispy bar and most protein bars are just SO dense. I like all the flavors but the chocolate one really hits when I want something a bit sweeter.
Tips for Choosing the Right Vegan Protein Bar
Read the Label Carefully:Â Always check the ingredient list and nutrition facts to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
Consider Your Taste Preferences: With various flavors available, choose a bar that you'll enjoy eating regularly.
Experiment with Different Brands:Â Don't be afraid to try different options to find the perfect bar for you.
Friendly reminder from your nutritionist friend, while these bars can be a convenient and nutritious snack, they shouldn't replace whole foods. Incorporate them into your plan as an easy snack on the go, after a workout or when you just need to top off your protein at the end of the day.
Which ones have you tried? What are your favorites?
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