Read time: 7 mins.
Table of Contents
Introduction
My husband, Mark, is a fitness enthusiast and loves working out. Before we embraced the vegan lifestyle, it was a breeze for him to meet his protein macros easily.
Now, it’s a bit more challenging.
However, I won’t say it’s impossible—plenty of clean protein sources are out there if you know where to look. After some heartfelt discussions, we decided to look for plant-based protein bars that Mark could use as healthy snacks.
It wasn’t just about finding something nutritious; we wanted bars that tasted great and supported his fitness goals. This quest became a fun family project, with Emma eagerly joining in, hoping to find her favorite bar, too.
We scoured stores and online shops, excited to discover the best options together and make snacking healthy and enjoyable for our active lifestyle.
Our Selection Criteria
When searching for the best vegan protein bars for Mark, we had a specific set of criteria to ensure we found the perfect fit for his fitness needs and our family’s values. Here’s a quick checklist.
First and foremost, high-quality ingredients were a must. We wanted bars made from whole foods and recognizable ingredients. No artificial additives or fillers for us!
Secondly, we prioritized minimal sugar. Many protein bars are loaded with sugar, which can undermine their health benefits. We looked for options that used moderate amounts of natural sweeteners like dates or agave nectar.
Of course, all bars had to be 100% plant-based. This was non-negotiable. We wanted to ensure every bar aligned with our vegan lifestyle, providing clean, cruelty-free nutrition.
It’s important to note that none of these reviews are sponsored. Our opinions are entirely our own, based on our genuine experience with each product.
We also scrutinized the protein source. Whether it was pea protein, brown rice protein, or a blend, we wanted a reliable and digestible source.
The grams of protein per serving were crucial, too. Mark needed bars that provided a substantial protein boost to support his workouts.
Finally, flavor played a significant role. No matter how healthy a bar is, it’s not worth eating if it doesn’t taste good. We searched for delicious options that made snacking enjoyable for the whole family.
Keeping these criteria in mind, we aimed to find protein bars that were nutritious and delightful to eat, making them a staple in our pantry.
Important Information About Protein
Why is Protein Important?
Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting immune function, and maintaining muscle mass. It plays a vital role in many bodily processes, including enzyme and hormone production. For someone like Mark, who is heavily into fitness, protein is crucial for muscle recovery and growth, helping to repair muscle fibers after intense workouts.
How Much Do We Need?
The amount of protein needed varies by individual, based on factors such as age, gender, and activity level. Generally, active adults require about 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily. For example, if Mark weighs 75 kilograms, he would need between 90 and 150 grams of protein daily to support his fitness regimen and overall health.
Why Protein Bars?
Protein bars offer a convenient and portable way to meet these nutritional needs, especially for busy lifestyles. They provide a quick, easy, and delicious solution to ensure you get enough protein throughout the day.
Unlike preparing meals or snacks, protein bars are ready to eat and can be enjoyed on the go. This makes them an excellent option for post-workout recovery, mid-day snacks, or meal replacements when time is short.
Best Vegan Protein Bar: Our Best 8
Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar
The Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar is a fantastic choice for those seeking a gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly option. Each bar packs 11 grams of pea protein, making it a satisfying snack rather than a meal replacement.
It comes in multiple flavors, including salted caramel, peanut butter, chocolate chip, coconut chocolate chip, and chocolate mint chip.
Buy Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar today!
Based on taste alone, we will definitely repurchase it. My husband, Mark, absolutely loved this brand, appreciating both the texture and the variety of flavors.
It has quickly become a favorite in our household for a quick, delicious protein boost.
GoMacro Bars
GoMacro Bars are made with all-natural ingredients and come in many flavors, making them tempting. Each bar contains 10 to 12 grams of protein but has a high sugar count, giving them a candy bar-like taste. While the texture may not appeal to everyone, they are delicious and indulgent.
Buy GoMacro Bars today!
Due to the high sugar content, Mark can’t enjoy them every day, but they make an excellent option for a cheat meal. Despite this, they remain a favorite for their taste and natural ingredients, offering a satisfying treat when we want something sweet.
Nugo Protein Bars
Nugo Protein Bars have a popular taste and quickly became my favorite among all the brands we tried! Each bar contains 11 to 13 grams of protein and around 27 grams of carbs. However, they have a very high sugar count, making them more of an occasional treat rather than an everyday snack.
Buy Nugo Protein Bars today!
Despite the sugar, their delicious flavor and satisfying texture won me over. These bars are perfect for when you need a protein boost and want to indulge in something that tastes more like a treat than a typical protein bar.
Orgain Organic Protein Bar
The Orgain Organic Protein Bar offers 10 grams of protein per bar, but its small size and lower protein content than competitors were noticeable drawbacks. Despite this, the flavor and texture were a hit with both Mark and me. We enjoyed the taste, making it a pleasant snack option.
Buy Orgain Organic Protein Bar today.
These bars are also recommended for weight loss, making them a good choice for those looking to manage their weight while still getting a decent protein boost. While not the most substantial option, their delicious flavor and weight loss benefits are worth considering.
NoCow Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars
NoCow Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars come in 12 flavors and are certified gluten-free. The taste can be a hit or miss, but the macros are outstanding—each bar packs 20 grams of protein, just 1 gram of sugar, and 15 grams of fiber.
Buy NoCow Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars today!
We tried the chocolate fudge flavor, and I absolutely loved it, though Mark found it a bit too chocolatey. Despite the mixed taste reviews, the impressive nutritional profile makes these bars a great choice for a high-protein, low-sugar snack that fits perfectly into our vegan lifestyle.
Aloha Protein Bars
Aloha Protein Bars are soy-free, low in sugar, and have excellent carb-to-fiber ratios. Beloved by all, they offer many flavors that aren’t suitable for a keto diet. The protein source is peas, making them a clean, plant-based option. We got the sampler pack to try multiple flavors.
Buy Aloha Protein Bars today!
While the chocolate flavors melted in moderate heat, creating a mess, the taste and texture varied significantly between flavors. This variability meant some bars were hits while others were misses. Despite this, Aloha Protein Bars remain a family favorite for their wholesome ingredients and nutritional benefits.
Zing Bars
Disclaimer: Be sure to check the flavors before purchasing Zing Bars, as not all are plant-based. Always read the labels to ensure you’re getting a vegan option. I’m mentioning these because, despite their higher price, their macros are decent, and the taste is fantastic.
Buy Zing Bars today!
Due to the cost, we won’t purchase them regularly, but they’re a fantastic option for treating ourselves to something special. The delicious flavors and good nutritional profile make Zing Bars a worthwhile indulgence, even if they aren’t part of our everyday routine.
Truwomen Protein Bar
The Truwomen Protein Bar offers a delightful chocolate taste with a hint of peanuts. Each bar provides a solid 12 grams of protein derived from brown rice protein concentrate, but the sugar content is relatively high.
Buy Truwomen Protein Bar today!
I personally enjoyed the flavor, finding it a satisfying treat, though my husband didn’t share my enthusiasm—perhaps because of the name! Despite the sugar, the genuine chocolate taste and decent protein content make it a worthwhile option for an occasional indulgence in our vegan protein bar lineup.
Conclusion
The market is flooded with vegan protein bar options. Mark landed on Bulletproof as his favorite, while I preferred Truwomen. I’m not too focused on macros; I’m happy if something tastes good and is relatively healthy. Mark, on the other hand, has to watch his macros closely.
It’s essential to do your research, read labels to confirm they’re plant-based, and test them out before settling on your favorite. Everyone’s taste and nutritional needs differ, so finding the perfect protein bar might take trial and error.
Suggested Reading: