As a busy mom who is constantly on the go, I’m always looking for easy, high-protein snacks to keep my protein intake steady throughout the day. These are the best tasting protein bars to support muscle growth and repair. Included in this list are both whey-based protein and plant-based protein bars so you can find the best protein bar based on your dietary needs.
I’ve been working on increasing my daily protein intake to better support my muscle growth and repair. While I prioritize well-balanced meals, a protein bar is a great snack option to have on hand for crazy days (hello, busy mamas).
Eating enough protein after strength training, high-intensity interval training and low-impact workouts is essential. When you eat protein after exercise, it gives your muscles the amino acids necessary to build muscle and recover properly. Protein also gives you energy, supports the immune system, and helps your organs function properly.
I strive to get protein and produce at every meal, and having a high-protein snack on hand helps me add more protein into my diet easily. Protein bars are one of my favorite snacks to keep on hand.
I’m breaking down my top five favorite protein bars based on taste and ingredient list. Whey-based protein and plant-based protein options are available depending on your dietary needs.
My Favorite
G2G bars are my favorite high-protein bars to eat before or after a workout. I love the minimal ingredients and they taste great!
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound (Harvard Health Publishing). To determine your daily protein intake, you can multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36, or use this online protein calculator.
Can You Eat Protein Bars Everyday?
You can eat protein bars regularly as a snack between meals. That said, I don’t recommend protein bars as a full meal replacement or as your primary source of protein. Ideally, you want to strive for well-balanced meals that include protein, produce and carbohydrates.
What Are The Best Tasting Protein Bars?
G2G Bars, RXBARS, GoMacro Organic Bars, Nash Bars and NoCow Bars rank high on our list of best tasting protein bars. I’ve tried many, and I personally think these taste the best and have great ingredients! If you’re looking for a good protein bar, you can’t go wrong with any of these options.
What Are The Best Protein Bars For Muscle Gain?
Protein plays a vital role in muscle gain since it forms the building blocks of muscle tissue in the body. G2G Bars, NoCow Bars and Nash Bars are good choices for muscle gain as the amount of protein per serving is high. Any of the bars listed below could be used as high protein snacks to hit your protein goal as you gain muscle.
Should I Eat A Protein Bar After A Workout?
Eating a protein bar or meal with protein and carbohydrates 30-60 minutes after strength training, high-intensity interval training and low-impact workouts will be the most beneficial. After your workout, protein contributes to muscle repair and growth, and gives your body the energy it needs to replenish what you have used.
After doing a full analysis and team taste taste. Here’s our final list of the best tasting protein bars in order (number one being voted best tasting and number 5 being our least favorite tasting).
A full report of each bar including protein source, cost and more is outlined below.
G2G Bars. Best high protein, minimal ingredient bars. Voted overall best tasting protein bar on the list by our team! And they came highly recommended by the Registered Dietitians at The Real Food Dietitians. 💜 NML Team Favorite
Nash Bars. Best dairy-free, pea protein bar. If you can’t do whey protein, then this is the best protein bar on the list for you. And small business shout-out as this bar is made by an amazing husband and wife duo.
GoMacro. Best vegan protein bar. If you’re vegan, this is our top protein bar recommendation.
RXBAR. The protein bar with the simplest ingredient list and most accessible (as you can find them at most grocery stores, airports and ect). But they are a bit chewy in our opinion.
NoCow.On paper this vegan protein bar looks pretty good: 20 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar per bar. But the flavor profile is our least favorite on the list (you can taste that chalky pea protein). But if I was eating a bar for solely nutritional purposes this one checks all the boxes; it just doesn’t rank high in flavor.
Rawr Bars. Best plant based protein with high quality, organic ingredients without all the excess sugar. 💜 NML Team Favorite
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