Perfect Bar vs. Quest vs. KIND vs. No Cow Protein Bars: Which is the Best?

What are the most popular protein bar brands?

A protein bar is a great on-the-go option for a quick breakfast or post-workout snack when there isn't time to get in a full meal. 

Athletes may find them especially helpful after a tough workout or long run when appetite may be suppressed and fuel is needed to jump-start muscle recovery.

Additionally, eating protein bars can help you lose weight by lowering the levels of ghrelin or hungry hormone in your body by helping you naturally control your food intake to healthier levels.

There are a variety of protein bars brands on the market depending on your dietary preferences and nutritional needs. Which protein bars are the best sellers?

Here are the top-rated protein bars we found for 2024:

• Quest

• KIND Caramel Nut Protein Bar

• Perfect Bar

• No Cow

How to choose the best protein bars? Which protein bar is best for me?

• Protein can be beneficial for balancing blood sugar levels and limiting energy crashes, as it helps you to feel fuller for longer. For macronutrient composition, most bars are either just under 200 calories while giving 15g of protein or are around 250 calories for 25g of protein.

• On the ingredient label, look for quality protein sources that fit your dietary preferences, such as whey or egg if you're an omnivore or pea protein or brown rice protein if you're plant-based. 

• If you’re having a protein bar as a snack or post-workout supplement, aim for a one that has roughly 200 calories per serving, with fewer than 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of added sugar.

• If you're trying to lose weight, you may want to make sure that you select a bar with approximately 100 to 200 calories and at least 5 grams of protein and fiber. 

• It is usually a good idea to get at least 5g of dietary fibre in a protein bar. The nutrient (which is a type of carb) can't be broken down by the body and, in turn, ups the bar's satisfaction factor. But if it's high in fiber, like 10 grams, consider whether it might give you tummy troubles or gas.

• Perhaps one of the most important parts of your guide to choosing the best protein bar is that it has to taste good! Many protein bars boast an incredibly low sugar content – for instance, less than 3g of sugar in a bar that contains 20g of protein – because they contain artificial sweeteners.

• The price of protein bars can vary hugely, and the cheap ones also tend to taste worse and be made with poorer ingredients. It is always worth it to at least try the cheaper bars since they might taste good to you and end up saving you money. And there are bargains available, especially if you shop online.

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Best known protein bars comparison, a quick look at their differences

What are the best protein bar flavors?

#1.                                                                                         

Quest Protein Bar, Gluten-Free, 21g Protein, Cookies & Cream, 12 Count

• ($9.32, 4 Count FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

• ($24.74, 12 Count FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Editor's review

It is said that you should consume at least 20 grams of protein after a workout to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. 

Despite this advice, relatively few protein bars actually hit that threshold.

One such bar is the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar, which contains 21 grams of protein in each 60-gram bar.

As a high source of protein, Quest Bars can help you stay full and alleviate any cravings.

Even better, these protein bars contain nine essential amino acids that can help promote muscle growth and maintain a healthy metabolism, making it a must-have in any keto dieter’s pantry.

They don’t have the purest ingredients, but if your vice in life is artificial sweeteners, then there’s a lot to love here. For its sweet taste, the Quest bar relies on a combination of stevia, sucralose, and 2 grams of the sugar alcohol, erythritol. This helps the calorie count stay low at just 200. 

There's also an exceptionally high level of fiber: 15 grams. But the fiber additives in Quest bars, called isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO for short), and whey protein, may cause indigestion.

The most popular flavored cookie and cream also contains 8 grams of fat and 280 milligrams of sodium. The cost per serving is in the middle of the pack.

Ingredients

Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate), Soluble Corn Fiber (Prebiotic Fiber), Almonds, Water, Cocoa Butter, Natural Flavors, Erythritol, Palm Oil, Dextrin, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Sea Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Sunflower Lecithin, Sucralose, Coconut Oil, Xanthan Gum, Baking Soda, Steviol Glycosides (Stevia)

#2.                                                                                         

KIND Protein Bars, Crunchy Peanut Butter, 1.76 oz, 5 Count

• ($7.28, 5 Count FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Editor's review

KIND was born out of its founder's desire to create a snack that was healthy and tasty, wholesome and convenient.

Like all KIND snacks, KIND Protein bars were created in a way that is consistent with the KIND Promise – the first and predominant ingredient in snacks will always be a nutrient-dense food. 

Peanuts as the first ingredient stand out as studies show peanut consumption may lead to improved cholesterol levels.

KIND Protein bars are made with 12g plant protein and 25% bigger than an original KIND bar, so there’s even more to enjoy. 

The main source of protein here is soy protein isolate, so if you have any soy sensitivities, these should be avoided.

They are also high in fibre and contain heart healthy fats as well as being gluten free and lower in sugar.

With 5 grams of fiber from chicory root, they'll keep you fuller for longer.

What makes these bars stand out is their texture; protein bars tend to be dense or chewy, but this chocolate bar will definitely blow your mind, featuring crunchy whole nuts and a drizzle of chocolate.

While protein bars are notoriously dense and a little chalky, the KIND Protein Bar is the exact opposite. You get extra crunch and a smooth sweetness from the honey binding the nuts together.

They are also low in sodium, which is something to take note of since many protein bars sneak in excessively high levels of sodium.

There are five flavors to choose from, including crunchy peanut butter, almond butter dark chocolate, and the popular double dark chocolate nut.

KIND Protein – Crunchy Peanut Butter

The perfect blend of smooth peanut butter with the added crunch of whole peanuts for a tasty plant-based protein hit.

KIND Protein – Dark Chocolate Nut

Double up on taste with the rich flavour of delicious dark chocolate, crunchy whole nuts and 12g of protein for a tasty plant-based protein hit.

KIND Protein is available at www.kindsnacks.com and retailers nationwide, with a suggested retail price of $1.99 per bar.

Nutrition facts

Refer to the product label for full dietary information, which may be available as an alternative product image.

5 servings per container

Serving Size1 bar (50g)

Amount per serving

Calories250

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

Calories per gram:

Fat 9 • Carbohydrate 4 • Protein 4

Ingredients

Ingredients: Peanuts, Chicory Root Fiber, Soy Protein Isolate, Honey, Glucose Syrup, Palm Kernel Oil, Sugar, Peanut Flour, Peanut Butter (Peanuts, Sea Salt), Nonfat Milk Powder, Sea Salt, Soy Lecithin, Peanut Oil.

#3.                                                                                         

Perfect Bar Original Refrigerated Protein Bar, Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter

• ($2.62, 1 Count FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Editor's review

Perfect Bar Chocolate Bar Covered Peanut Butter is an indulgent snack crafted with freshly ground peanut butter, organic honey and 20+ organic superfoods, then covered in rich, dark chocolate. 

That means they contain honey for sweetness rather than artificial sweeteners, preventing that dreaded aftertaste.

They're made with all recognizable ingredients, which is a major draw for many! Maintaining the quality and clean-food credentials of Perfect Snacks’ other product lines, Those bars has up to 16g of whole food protein in each serving, is USDA Organic, Project Verified Non-GMO and low-GI.

Since this bar is relatively high in calorie and macronutrient count compared to most protein bars, it's especially filling. If you're facing a busy morning and don't have time to make breakfast, the protein bars can be a great meal replacement.

At 350 calories per bar, they should keep cravings at bay for several hours.

This could be a great snack before bed for those looking to gain weight.

There are 11 flavors, including Almond Butter, Blueberry Cashew and our personal favorite, Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter.

I never thought coconut + peanut butter would be such a good combo, but it is! It has a faint coconut flavor, but is very sweet.

The bar was soft as usual, but also more crumbly. That’s from the finely shredded coconut throughout the bar.

While all Perfect Snacks products are found in the refrigerated aisle of grocery stores nationwide, they stay fresh outside of the fridge for varying amounts of time, based on the line.

Nutrition facts

Refer to the product label for full dietary information, which may be available as an alternative product image.

1 servings per container

Serving Size1 Bar

Amount per serving

Calories330

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

Calories per gram:

Fat 9 • Carbohydrate 4 • Protein 4

Ingredients

Peanut Butter, Honey, Nonfat Dry Milk, Dark Chocolate† (Chocolate, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Sunflower Lecithin), Dried Whole Egg Powder, Rice Protein, Sea Salt, Dried Whole Food Powders (Kale, Flax Seed, Rose Hip, Orange, Lemon, Papaya, Tomato, Apple, Alfalfa, Celery, Kelp, Dulse, Carrot, Spinach), Flax Seed Oil, Sunflower Oil, Sesame Seed Oil, Olive Oil, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Organic †Fair Trade Chocolate

#4.                                                                                         

No Cow Dipped Protein Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup

• ($32.99, 12 Count FROM Walmart - Get Up To 3% Cash Back)

Editor's review

No Cow, the creator of innovative plant-based, low-sugar protein bars and powders, now has chocolate-dipped protein bars, bringing even more decadence to the brand's current lineup.

You'll find a blend of pea protein and rice protein with at least 20 grams of protein per serving without any dairy, which is a protein level on par with most whey protein bars.

In general, the dipped versions taste a little better than the “naked” ones because the dip adds a little more moisture and better texture.

It’s smooth and creamy but somehow dry and grainy at the same time.

If you're looking for a protein bar to help you on your weight loss journey, No Cow High Protein Bars are the way to go. In addition to being high in protein, they contain 17 grams of fiber per bar, yet are extremely low in sugar and net carbs.

The bars are available in six flavors - Chocolate Sea Salt, Chocolate Salted Caramel, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Mint Cookie, Chocolate Sprinkled Donut and Chocolate Coconut Almond.

To keep the bars free of added sugar, No Cow uses several sugar alternatives, including stevia, monk fruit, and sugar alcohols, all of which impart a noticeable aftertaste.

My favorite flavor is Birthday Cake and it is considered the best one. It actually tasted pretty good with less of the aftertaste of the other flavors. 

Founded by Daniel Katz in 2015 in response to sensitivity to dairy products, all No Cow products are Vegan, Certified Gluten-Free and Kosher, Non-GMO Project Verified, and soy free, making them a great choice for all lifestyles, including those following paleo, keto, kosher, vegetarian, and vegan diets.

Nutrition facts

Refer to the product label for full dietary information, which may be available as an alternative product image.

12 servings per container

Serving Size60.00 g

Amount per serving

Calories200

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet.

Calories per gram:

Fat 9 • Carbohydrate 4 • Protein 4

Ingredients

Protein Blend (Brown Rice Protein, Pea Protein), Soluble Corn Fiber, Chocolate Coating (Unsweetened Chocolate, Inulin, Erythritol, Cocoa Butter, Stevia Extract, Vanilla Extract), Glycerine, Peanuts, Palm Oil (Sustainably Sourced), Natural Flavors, Water, Sweetener Blend (Erythritol, Stevia, Monk Fruit), Salt, Sunflower Lecithin.

FAQ

Q: How much protein content do I need on average?

A: The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. However, protein needs are highly individualized and dependent on many factors, including physical activity and overall health, with some athletes needing higher amounts of protein, from 1.2-2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight.

Q: Can I use protein bars while on a keto diet?

A:  Protein bars are a great choice for many special diets because they can have less than five grams of carbs, a moderate amount of fat and are rich in proteins. These macronutrients are essential for maintaining your body’s ketosis state, but some brands usually add extra carbs to give that rich flavor. No matter what diet you’re on, it’s always important to read the label carefully before purchasing.

Q: Are protein bars healthy?

A: Yes and no. Protein bars with a lot of sugar content are not really healthy and there are likely better options for foods to consume. 

And, they can contain more calories and sugar than you might expect, as we found out in our taste test. Whole food sources of protein, such as nuts and dates, might provide 10g of protein, but then your bar would also contain 15g of sugar and 25g of carbs.

Sugar alcohols like sorbitol and xylitol are more common in the cheaper protein bars that are looking to reduce calories by swapping natural sugars out for these ones. While they can be consumed in moderation and aren't necessarily bad, they can definitely cause gastrointestinal upset in some people. If you're eating a protein bar before exercise, this is the last thing you want.

However, if someone is in a bind or traveling, and they’re an option compared to something like a candy bar, then there’s an argument to be made that they are healthier in comparison. Most protein bars will deliver somewhere between 15g and 25g of protein.

Q:  Will eating protein bars help me with weight loss?

A: Yes, you can munch on protein bars of your favorite flavor when you crave something sweet while trying to lose weight. 

Also, eating protein bars reduces the levels of ghrelin or hungry hormone in your body and helps you naturally control your food intake to a healthier level, helping you with weight loss. 

Obviously, protein bars should supplement your protein intake, rather than acting as a replacement for a healthy diet that includes whole food protein sources.

Q: Is it best that bars contain as few highly processed ingredients as possible?

A: Although it is generally better to avoid unnecessarily processed ingredients, it’s likely that your protein bar will contain a processed form of protein – but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. 

Processed protein doesn’t necessarily mean low quality. Whey protein, which is derived from milk, is a very high quality source of protein even though it’s processed. Plant-based protein sources commonly used in bars include soy, rice and pea protein.

As a rule of thumb, look for a short, recognisable ingredient list but, as protein bars are a convenience food, accept they’re not going to be totally free of sugar and artificial additives. 

Q: What is the best time to eat a protein bar?

A: It’s easy to get wrapped up in the timing of consuming protein pre or post-workout, but the experts are in agreement that it doesn’t matter exactly when you eat it. 

You can eat a protein bar at any time of the day, but they are especially helpful for when you need a protein and energy boost on the go. They make a great snack and help to bridge the gap until you eat your next meal. 

Protein bars may be used as a meal substitute when you don't have access to a nutritious, well-balanced meal; however, consider your individual energy and nutrition needs. You will probably need to pair the bar with something else to ensure you're getting enough nutrition for a meal and to feel full.

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