Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss

When it comes to losing weight or gaining muscle naturally, protein bars are the way to go. With the best protein bars for weight loss, you will be able to lose pounds of weight without even hitting the gym. After consuming these bars, you feel full and not yearning for food. That way, your body will use the fats in your body for energy. We have to admit that this is the best way to lose weight if you have tight schedules and no time to hit the gym.

Why Do You Need Protein Bars for Weight Loss?

Protein bars are usually targeted at individuals who mainly want a convenient source of protein that does not require any preparation. There are different types of protein bars to fill different purposes. Protein bars for weight loss usually help you feel full for longer. They help in calorie burning and maintaining lean muscle. Researches show that protein also improves fat loss during calorie restriction periods.

Due to the protein's benefits for weight management, you might be overwhelmed choosing the best protein bars for weight loss or muscle gain since all products are virtually created equal. However, knowing the one to go for will help you achieve your fitness goals. Besides, now that we understand the importance of adding protein bars to your diet let's look at the best protein bars for your fitness goals.

Are Protein Bars Ideal for Weight Loss?

1. KIND Breakfast Protein Bars, Gluten-Free with Almond Butter

KIND Breakfast Protein Bars, Almond Butter, Gluten Free

• Contains 32 - 1.8oz KIND Breakfast Protein Bar 2 Packs
• If we could, we'd smear almond butter on everything - but...
• Made with real almond butter and 8g of complete protein,...
• Gluten free, Non GMO, 0g Trans Fat, Kosher
• Good source of fiber, low sodium, 100% whole grains

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When looking for the best protein bars for weight loss, you want something that saves your bucks, and the Kind Breakfast Protein Bars got you. You will get 8 grams from each KIND bar; though not an astonishing amount, it works well as a protein-rich snack. However, they are a bit high in carbohydrates at 26g per bar, and the fat content is at 10gadding up to 220 calories per bar. Additionally, the protein from the bars comes from whole food sources like oats, almonds, and quinoa. Plus, they usually add soy protein isolate for a slight boost in protein.

The KIND protein bars come in three great flavors; almond butter, dark chocolate cocoa, and maple cinnamon. The texture of these bars is much better than some other options with a soft, chewy middle and crunchy, nutty outside. Although sugar alcohols are a common ingredient in protein bars, KIND bars have zero grams of these organic compounds, making them ideal for people with sugar alcohol sensitivity. Besides, though they are gluten-free, kosher, and non-GMO, they have certain types of nuts; therefore, take caution if you have nut allergies.

2. Quest Nutrition- High Protein, Gluten-Free, Keto-Friendly

Quest Nutrition- High Protein, Low Carb, Gluten Free,...

• 20-21g Protein, 4-6g Net Carbs, < 1-3g Sugars, 14-16g...
• Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten-Free Certification...
• No added sugar and keto-friendly protein bar
• Includes 1 bar each of the following flavors: Blueberry...

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If you're looking for protein bars that deliver quality protein with great taste, count on the Quest Nutrition Protein Bars. These Quest Bars contain 20 grams of protein obtained mainly from whey protein isolate, which is complete and easy to digest. It is with the rest of the nutritional facts that this protein bar appears spectacular. Each protein bar has 4-6 net carbs, 170-200 calories, 1-3g sugars. 4.5-8g fat and 14-16g dietary fiber. The fiber content is outstanding since it makes a massive difference in the net carbohydrates in the protein bar.

Furthermore, net carbs are the carbs that are digestible by the body; however, fiber does not count towards that. Therefore, Quest Bar is the best protein to carbohydrate ratio of any protein bar available. Individuals who end up loving these Quest Bars usually get attached to one of the myriad flavors like a blueberry muffin, birthday cake, rocky road, and more. Conversely, they're certified gluten-free, keto-friendly with no added sugar protein bar. Plus, one protein bar for each of the following flavors:

• Chocolate chip cookie dough
• Blueberry muffin
• Mint chocolate chip
• Chocolate brownie
• Chocolate peanut butter
• Double chocolate chunk

However, the real drawback is their texture; the Quest is very chewy. Also, they're tough to beat, though most people find that after an adjustment period.

3. GoMacro MacroBar (Cashew Caramel) Organic Vegan Protein Bars

GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Protein Bars - Cashew...

• Protein Paradise: An intriguing blend of mesquite and...
• Plant-Based Protein: Granola bars, vegan cookies, keto...
• Plant-Based Nutrition: Whether you're looking for vegan...
• We're Big on Taste: Our list of certifications is also...
• Bigger Than a Bar: GoMacro is environmentally conscious,...

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You might think you are left out because you're a vegan, but that is not the case. GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Protein Bars are made for you. The bars are made from organic pea protein and organic sprouted brown rice protein. They come with healthy fats from organic cashew butter and flax seeds which are usually great plant-based sources of anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Moreover, it's one of the best-tasting protein bars on the market.

Although vegan cookies, vegan jerky, keto snacks, or Granola bars are excellent, these GoMacro protein bars come with a delicious taste in a satisfying protein bar that will offer you a healthy energy boost. So, whether you are looking for vegan protein bars, a delicious bar with vegan chocolate, or just vegan snacks, GoMacro MacroBar protein bars are a gluten-free snack you can enjoy anywhere.

4. Health Warrior Gluten-Free Pumpkin Seed Protein Bars

Health Warrior Pumpkin Seed Protein Bars, Honey Sea...

• Crafted with Mineral Rich Pumpkin Seeds as the 1st...
• 7plus grams of organic plant protein from pumpkin seeds plus...
• Gluten free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and USDA Certified...
• Packaging may vary

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Health Warrior Protein Bars are obtained from mineral-rich pumpkin seeds as the main ingredient. So they contain 7g of plant protein from organic pumpkin seeds. One protein bar contains 180 calories, 8g protein, 12g carbs, and 12g fat. The pumpkin seeds are an excellent source of plant-based protein, minerals like iron, magnesium, zinc, and essential fatty acids. Furthermore, the nutrients are vital, especially for women's health; zinc plays a vital role in hormone balance.

The anti-inflammatory properties in the pumpkin seeds help ease period pain and help balance excess androgen levels. Conversely, magnesium plays a role in regulating insulin levels and blood sugar, calms your nervous system to help ease the stress reaction, and produces hormones. Also, since women are more likely to have osteoporosis, adding these magnesium-rich pumpkin seeds to your everyday diet will help maintain healthy bones.

The protein bars are gluten-free, USDA certified organic, and Non-GMO Project verified, so you don't have to worry about them being unhealthy. They're 100% organic and fit for the body. However, it's worth noting that packaging may vary.

What Are the Ingredients to Look for in Protein Bars for Weight Loss?

Before buying the best protein bars for weight loss, you need to ensure you know all the ingredients on the list. You don't want to consume many chemicals in the process of consuming your convenient snack. Therefore, the fewer ingredients in a protein bar, the healthier it is. In addition, protein bars usually give you the energy you require to get through the day with their fat and carbohydrate contents. Therefore, we recommend you look at the label to ensure you're getting a raw bar with a shortlist of ingredients having mostly things you know the names so you can be alert of what you are eating.

• Whole-food ingredients: Whether you want to use the protein bars to sweeten or flavor, the best protein bars for weight loss should only have whole-food or natural ingredients; avoid those with artificial ingredients.
• Low to no isolated or synthetic fiber at all: Ingredients with isolated or synthetic fiber usually cause gas, bloating, or abdominal pain. Therefore, you should avoid protein bars that have artificial flavors and sugar alcohols such as xylitol, maltitol, erythritol, and a high amount of synthetic fibers such as chicory root or soluble corn fiber.
• Healthy fats: Fats are crucial to our bodies to absorb several nutrients and help keep you satiated. We, therefore, recommend protein bars that have healthy fats from nuts and seeds instead of those that use vegetable oils as binders and fillers.
• No sugar alcohols: Added sugar has become popular recently since their low-calorie manufacturers can sweeten the protein bars; nonetheless, dietitians recommend against consuming a high quantity of these ingredients. Besides, sugar alcohols can result in gastrointestinal distress.

Factors to Consider Before Buying the Best Protein Bars

1. Nutrients available

When shopping for the best protein bars for weight loss, considering the nutrients available is crucial. Here are the nutrients that you should look for in a protein bar.

• 3-grams fiber at least: We recommend going for a protein bar with three or more grams per serving or bar. Nonetheless, avoid those bars boasting more than 10 grams of fiber since there are prone to have isolated fibers that can result in stomach discomfort.
• 8-grams protein at least: According to Hillary Cecere, R.D.N., a bar should have 8 grams of protein minimum. But if you want to gain muscles, you can go for 15-20 grams of protein.
• 13-grams sugar at most: The best protein bars for weight loss should have less than 13 grams of sugar. Ensure the protein bar you choose is not packed with sugar; unfortunately, many have much sugar that you can easily confuse with a candy bar. Avoid artificial sweeteners since they cause stomach upsets.

2. Fitness goals

Before settling for the best healthy protein bars, understand your fitness goals. Why do you want to have protein bars in your diet? Do you want to gain muscle or lose weight? In this case, you are looking for protein bars that will help you lose weight.

What about if you're looking forward to gaining muscle? Protein is vital for muscle recovery, especially after exercise, and allows your body to build new muscle. However, not consuming enough protein can contribute to a delay in muscle recovery and could result in the shrinking of your muscles rather than growing. So, when shopping for protein bars to help your recovery from an excessive workout, you need to look for one with high calories and protein.

Conversely, protein is an essential part of fat burning if you're looking forward to losing weight. This is because it has a thermic effect which causes it to use much energy to break down. In addition, up to 30 percent of your calories consumed from protein help your body digest food. So, if you're replacing these snacks to help you lose weight, you should avoid protein bars that are high in calories.

3. Protein quantity

Some protein bars usually have very little protein. According to Mona S. Cabrera, MS, R.D., you should look for protein bars that have at least 5 grams of protein but ideally more than 10 grams, preferably from sources like nuts, whey protein, egg whites, seeds, or pea protein. Generally, when purchasing the best protein bar, you can basically assume that the more protein in it, the better it is.

However, this is only right if that protein is of high quality. The preferable proteins to eat are milk and whey protein bars. Some protein bars have soy protein which is of lower quality and can cause stomach upset.

4. Carbs to protein ratio

When shopping for the best protein bars for weight loss, paying attention to the carbs-to protein ratio is essential. Getting the best carbs-to-protein ratio can help optimize your energy levels, help you sustain healthy body weight, and allow you to remain full for longer after eating. The commended dietary allowances for protein is 56 grams for males and 46 grams for females, and the commended dietary allowances for carbohydrates is about 130 grams per day for both gender. Therefore, unless you have certain carbs to protein ratio requirements, consume the recommended amount for protein and carbs daily.

5. Know the manufacturer

Before paying for the protein bar, we recommend checking customer reviews to see if the manufacturer is trustworthy. This way, you acquire advice from individuals who have used the product, either they recommend it or don't.

Otherwise, you can make your protein bars by mixing some peanut butter and protein powder or some dried fruit and almonds to create a protein bar that you will enjoy.