Which protein bar is best for you?
Protein bars can be a game-changer for hunger and energy on busy days. They are becoming more popular and with so many on the market, how do you choose the right one? Not all protein bars are created equal! Some are packed with sugar, others barely have any protein, and some have a chalky taste! Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a protein bar:
- Protein: Try to aim for at least 10g per bar.
- Sugar: Ideally look for 5g or less of added sugar.
- Fibre: Higher-fibre options (3g+ per bar) can help keep you full longer.
- Ingredients and dietary concerns: Consider allergens and other dietary restrictions. If sugar alcohols cause stomach discomfort, opt for bars sweetened with dates or natural sweeteners.
- Taste: Protein bars can vary in taste and texture depending on the protein source and sweeteners. It’s a good idea to try one first before buying in bulk to make sure you enjoy it!**
Where to Buy Protein Bars
You can find protein bars at grocery stores, drugstores, and online retailers like Costco, Walmart, Amazon, and Well.ca.
Popular Protein Bar Options
Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the flavour of the bar - always check the label or brand’s website for specific details.
✅ Gluten-Free (GF)
🌱 Plant-Based
🥑 Keto-Friendly (Keto)
⚠️ Allergy Alert (contains or may contain common allergens)
🍬15g or more of sugar
(may vary by bar flavour)
Protein Bar | Nutritional Information | Dietary Considerations | Where to buy |
---|---|---|---|
Barebells Protein Bar (Milk Protein Blend Based) |
Protein: 20g Calories: 200 Fat: 7g Carbs: 20g Sugar: 1g Fibre: 3g |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts 🌱 Has a specific plant-based range |
Amazon Loblaws Shoppers Drug Mart Walmart Well.ca |
Chef Robert Irvine's Baked Protein Bars (Whey and Soy Protein Based) Note: A lot of clients find these tasty! |
Protein: 16g Calories: 190 Fat: 8g Carbs: 14g Sugar: 2g Fibre: 1g |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts ✅ GF |
Amazon Costco |
CLIF Builders Protein Bar (Soy Protein Based) |
Protein: 20g Calories: 280 Fat: 9g Carbs: 31g Sugar: 17g Fibre: 3g |
⚠️ Dairy, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts ✅ GF (Most flavours) 🌱 Plant-Based 🍬Higher in added sugars from cane sugar, option for folks avoiding sugar alcohols. |
Amazon Costco Food Basics Loblaws Metro Nofrills Shoppers Drug Mart Sobeys Walmart Well.ca |
Daryl's Performance Protein Bar (Whey Protein Based) Note: Made in 🇨🇦 |
Protein: 20g Calories: 230 Fat: 8g Carbs: 20g Sugar:4g Fibre: 4g |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts ✅ GF |
Loblaws Sobeys |
Hungry Buddha Keto Bar (Pea Protein Based) Note: Made in 🇨🇦 |
Protein: 10g Calories: 160 Fat: 8g Carbs: 18g Sugar: 2g Fibre: 14g |
✅ GF 🌱 Plant-Based 🥑 Keto |
Amazon Costco Loblaws Metro Walmart Well.ca |
Iron Vegan Sprouted Protein Bar (Grain and Seed Based) Note: Made in 🇨🇦 |
Protein: 16g Calories: 220 Fat: 8g Carbs: 32g Sugar: 4g Fibre: 12g |
⚠️ Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts ✅ GF 🌱 Plant-Based |
Amazon Loblaws Shoppers Drug Mart Sobeys Walmart Well.ca |
Kirkland Signature Protein Bar (Milk Protein Blend Based) |
Protein: 21g Calories: 220 Fat: 7g Carbs: 23g Sugar: 5g Fibre: 7g |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts | Costco |
Larabar Protein (Nut Based) |
Protein: 5g Calories: 210 Fat: 12g Carbs: 23g Sugar: 17g Fibre: 3g |
⚠️ Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts ✅ GF 🌱 Plant-Based 🍬Higher in added sugars from dates, option for folks avoiding sugar alcohols. |
Amazon Loblaws Metro Nofrills Shoppers Drug Mart Sobeys Walmart Well.ca |
Love Good Fats (Whey and Soy Based) Note: Made in 🇨🇦 |
Protein: 20g Calories: 230 Fat: 8g Carbs: 21g Sugar: 2g Fibre: 2g |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts ✅ GF 🥑Keto |
Amazon Costco Food Basics Metro Shoppers Drug Mart Sobeys Walmart Well.ca |
Nature Valley Protein Bar (Soy Protein Based) |
Protein: 10g Calories: 190 Fat: 11g Carbs: 12g Sugar: 8g Fibre: 2g |
⚠️ Dairy, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts |
Amazon Food Basics Loblaws Metro Nofrills Sobeys Walmart |
One Brands Protein Bar (Milk Protein Blend Based) |
Protein: 18g Calories: 250 Fat: 11g Carbs: 25g Sugar: 3g Fibre: 6g |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts ✅ GF |
Amazon Food Basics Shoppers Drug Mart Walmart Well.ca |
Pure Protein (Milk Protein Blend Based) Note: Made in 🇨🇦*Powders and snacks made in the USA. |
Protein: 20g Calories: 190 Fat: 4g Carbs: 17g Sugar: 2g Fibre: 2g Note: High in protein. |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts |
Amazon Costco Food Basics Loblaws Metro Shoppers Drug Mart Walmart Well.ca |
Quest Nutrition Bar (Milk Protein Blend Based) |
Protein: 21g Calories: 200 Fat: 8g Carbs: 21g Sugar: 1g Fibre: 15g Note: High in protein. |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts 🥑Keto - depends on flavour |
Amazon Costco Food Basics Loblaws Metro Shoppers Drug Mart Sobeys Walmart Well.ca |
RXBar (Egg White and Nut Based) |
Protein: 12g Calories: 200 Fat: 8g Carbs: 23g Sugar: 15g Fibre: 5g |
⚠️ Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts ✅ GF 🍬 Higher in added sugars from dates, option for folks avoiding sugar alcohols. |
Amazon Costco Food Basics Loblaws Metro Shoppers Drug Mart Sobeys Walmart Well.ca |
Simply Protein Bar (Soy Based) |
Protein: 12g Calories: 160 Fat: 7g Carbs: 17g Sugar: 2g Fibre: 7g Note: A lot of clients find these tasty! |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts *Dipped and Kids bars are peanut free. ✅ GF 🥑 Keto - depends on flavour |
Amazon Costco Food Basics Loblaws Metro Sobeys Walmart Well.ca |
TRUBAR (Brown rice and Pea Protein Based) |
Protein: 12g Calories: 190 Fat: 9 Carbs: 23g Sugar: 8g Fibre: 12g |
⚠️ Dairy, Eggs, Peanuts, Soy, Tree Nuts 🌱 Plant-Based |
Amazon Costco Food Basics Loblaws Metro Shoppers Drug Mart Walmart Well.ca |
Protein bars can be a handy option for a quick and satisfying snack, especially on busy days. While they can be a great addition, it’s helpful to think of them as a tool! Don't forget the importance of whole food protein sources—like eggs, yogurt, nuts, or beans—as these options add a variety of nutrients beyond protein. All of these foods can fit into a balanced diet. If you have questions, reach out to your Constant Health dietitian!