It’s hard to pick out the right protein bar for you. Does it actually contain the nutrients you need to stay healthy or is it a waste of money? It’s why I compiled this list of the best protein bars for women.
I’ve tried everything to find low calorie protein bars which are the best protein bars for weight loss, and also for making gains down the gym. Here are the products I believe you should consider for your nutritional needs.
PRODUCT | HIGHLIGHTS & BENEFITS |
|---|---|
Best Overall OUR #1 RATED  Orgain Organic | |
Best For Snacking OUR #2 RATED  KIND Caramel | |
Best For Gains OUR #3 RATED  PowerBar Protein Plus | |
Best For Performance OUR #4 RATED  Gatorade Whey Protein Bars | |
Best For Bulk Value OUR #5 RATED  ZonePerfect Nutrition Snack Bars |
1. Orgain Organic Vegan Protein Bars: Best Overall
One of the best protein bars for women is Orgain Vegan Protein Bars. If you think that protein bars have to have a bland flavor, then these are here to change your opinion.
They have 4 delicious flavors - S’Mores, chocolate chip cookie dough, peanut butter, and peanut butter chocolate chunk. I love the great flavor and texture. It’s easy to get the nutrients I need with the 10 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber in each bar.
If you are a busy mom, then these will be a hit for the whole family since they are more like a dessert rather than some healthy snack.
Watch this video to learn more about this protein bar.
Pros
CONS
Pack them with your kids lunch box, and your picky-eaters will never know that they are getting tasty plant-based nutrition. You can trust that they only have real ingredients with their USDA Organic seal of approval.
2. KIND Caramel: Best For Snacking
There are a lot of different flavors of KIND bars, but the caramel, almond, and sea salt flavor has won me over. It’s a good blend of salty and sweet and will make you savor each bite.
Moving towards a healthier diet can be difficult, but it’s a lot easier when you find products that satisfy your cravings.
KIND bars are a far better alternative than a candy bar with only 5 grams of sugar.
Pros
CONS
They have the nutritional value to keep you full between meals and give them enough energy to go through their day. Other popular options include dark chocolate and nuts as well as almond and coconut.
3. PowerBar Protein Plus: Best For Gains
I’m a fan of PowerBar Protein Plus because they are great for a post-workout recovery. If you are doing working on your fitness everyday, then this may be a great option for you.
It helps support muscle recovery and growth which is a big deal for us keen athletes.
It is packed with protein at 20 grams per bar and all nine essential amino acids included. It’s an easy option to help get all of your necessary nutrients.
Pros
CONS
Despite the large amount of protein, they still manage to have yummy options like chocolate peanut butter and cookies and cream.
4. Gatorade Whey Protein Bars: Best For Performance
Gatorade Whey Protein Bars are used by the biggest sports organizations in America including the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB.
The bar has the right mix of carbs and protein to help replenish and rebuild your muscles and it’s backed by science to help you with your athletic pursuits.
Whey protein is what makes it different from the other protein bars. If you know that you can handle dairy-based protein, then this bar may be the most tasty option for you.
Pros
CONS
You also don’t have to worry about getting bored by the same flavor. Gatorade offers 8 options ranging from mint chocolate crunch to vanilla almond. My personal favorite is the chocolate caramel. We love the taste from the protein, and we’re fans of the science-backed nutrition.
5. ZonePerfect Nutrition Snack Bars: Best For Bulk Value
So you need more protein, but you don’t need anything extreme. The ZonePerfect Nutrition Snack Bars may be what you are looking for. With 10-15 grams of protein, it does fall on the lower spectrum for protein bars while still packing a punch.
What I like about this brand is that you can find combinations that aren’t as popular in other brands, you get flavors like cinnamon roll, pumpkin spice, and strawberry yogurt here.
These are best bought in bulk to get the most value. You will definitely thank yourself for buying more because everyone raves about the great flavor.
Pros
CONS
It’s not like other protein bars where you might end up with a chalky or waxy texture. You will need some serious self-control to prevent from over-eating. It is appetizing and enjoyable for everyone.
6. GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Protein: Best For Vegans
One of the other best protein bars for women is GoMacro MacroBar. Vegan friendly protein bars are hard to find, but these protein bars are certified vegan.
This is what you are looking for in a protein bar if you’re looking for a healthy product that lives up to your food standards. They are certified USDA Organic, non-GMO, C.L.E.A.N., and more.
I find it hard to believe that these protein bars are plant-based because they are so enjoyable.
Pros
CONS
You won’t feel like you are missing anything by eating these bars. The bars have a sweet and soft texture that compliments their flavors. The banana and almond butter flavor tastes just like homemade banana bread.
7. Quest Nutrition S’mores Protein Bar: Best For Flavor
Quest has many flavors, but my favorite is the s’mores bar. There are two qualities that make this protein bar unique.
First, it has 21 grams of protein sourced from whey and milk isolates which helps make the bar delicious whilst still being protein-packed.
Secondly, it has one of the lowest levels of sugar compared to other bars. You can’t argue against only 1 gram of sugar.
Pros
CONS
S’mores are best served warm. Heat up one of these protein bars for a few seconds to add to the experience of eating one of these delicious snacks.
8. WonderSlim Diet Protein Bar: Best For Weight Loss
One of the best low carb protein bars for weight loss is WonderSlim. They cut out any unnecessary carbs, calories, and sugar to ensure that you get the best weight loss product.
This protein bar only has what is necessary to stay full, energized, and curb cravings. It’s great for a calorie-restricted diet. It’s also budget-friendly and buying in bulk only increases your savings.
Just because it was meant for weight loss, it doesn’t mean that they cut out flavor.
Pros
CONS
The light and crispy texture with their delectable flavors makes this a winner. You won’t have to feel like you are trying to lose weight with these protein-filled bars.
How Much Protein Do Women Need?
The Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommends eating 0.36 grams of protein per body pound. The average sedentary woman needs about 46 grams of protein everyday.
If you are living a more active lifestyle, then you can expect to need more protein. Your protein needs may also change with age, physique goals, and your current state of health. (1)
It’s best to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to discuss what you need. Either way, you should aim to get most of your protein from your food and use protein supplements when needed.
What To Look For In A High-quality Protein Bar
Some things to consider when choosing a protein bar is actually how much protein is in the bar. If there’s more sugar or carbs, then it might not be the best choice for your nutritional needs.
You should also consider the kind of protein, sugar, fat, fiber, and total calories to see if they are what you are looking for in a protein bar. You should also remember that protein bars should be complementary to a whole-food diet, not a replacement.
My #1 Recommended Protein Bar for Women
There are a lot of options to choose from and it can be information overload to analyze each one of them. There’s one clear winner in all of the options though. I believe the best protein bars for women are found in Orgain Organic's Plant-Based Protein Bars.
They keep their recipes simple while also being Certified USDA Organic. I also think it’s one of the healthiest protein bars for weight loss.
It contains no trans fat, only 150 calories, and has a good balance of protein and fiber. Try all four flavors and let us know what you think. We recommend the chocolate chip cookie dough for your first try.
Orgain Organic Protein Bars
THE BEST PROTEIN BAR FOR WOMEN
