10 Best Protein Bars You Can Buy, According to Dietitians

When to eat it: You’re craving dessert.

Why they’re great: It can be challenging to find a protein bar that satisfies your sweet tooth (and hunger) without a crazy amount of added sugar and chalky aftertaste. That’s why Quest Bars are a great pick: They come in some childhood favorite flavors like birthday cake, chocolate chip cookie dough, and cookies & cream, maxing out at just one to two grams of the sweet stuff.

When to eat it: You’re going on a long hike or bike ride.

Why they’re great: While this bar is much higher in sugar, those extra carbs are important for a quick energy boost if you’re doing long-distance exercise, says Mangieri. And unlike many other bars, they won’t become a melted mess two miles into your sweaty trek (unless you grab the chocolate chip flavor.) Opt for a different bar that is lower in sugar and calories if you’re looking for a lazy snack.

When to eat it: You’re following a specific diet.

Why they’re great: Aloha’s bars rely on whole foods like brown rice and pumpkin seeds to infuse flavor and protein. The ingredient list is vegan, gluten-free, and Paleo-friendly, so it’s likely to be safe for several nutritional restrictions. With 14 grams of protein and only four to five grams of sugar, these bars are a good choice for basically any diet out there, whether you’re going low-carb or high-protein.

When to eat it: You’re looking for simple ingredients.

Why they’re great: RXBARs’ claim to fame is their “No B.S.” ingredients list. It fits on the front of the bar’s packaging because it’s that short. While they tend to be a bit higher in the sugar department, the sweet stuff only comes from whole foods, like dates and dark chocolate. As for protein? A typical bar will offer more than 10 g in the form of egg whites and nuts.

When to eat it: You’re starving after strength training.

Why they’re great: ONE protein bars have a whopping 20 grams of protein and just one gram of sugar per serving. And with flavors like maple glazed doughnut and birthday cake, who could resist biting into one of these tasty snacks? These bars are sweetened with Stevia, so they won’t skyrocket your blood sugar levels, but they’re packed with the mouthwatering sweet flavor you crave. With a hefty dose of the muscle-building macronutrient, it’s best to eat after a tough workout—what a reward!

When to eat it: You need an energy boost.

Why they’re great: Packed with soy protein isolate and whey protein, this bar is great when you need sustained energy fast. It’s also an ideal option post-workout because it contains quality protein to boost muscle recovery. Just be sure to pair with a fiber-packed food(like a pear or apple) to balance the bar. There’s something for everyone—from chocolate mint to lemon delight to maple

When to eat it: You can’t commit to stocking just one flavor.

Why they’re great: Pick from six flavors that range from banana nut to toasted coconut and mix up your routine day to day. These gluten-free bars are marketed as a surprisingly filling alternative to breakfast, relying mostly on oats to keep you fueled as you start your day—which, beyond delivering on protein (each type varies, but overall these bars have between eight and 11 grams of it), also means you get an antioxidant boost.

When to eat it: You’re on a deadline or studying and need some extra fuel.

Why they’re great: These chocolate-flavored bars are the perfect way to crush your candy cravings and pack in some great protein and fiber at the same time. They also contain six nutrients specifically included as brain boosters, like Omega-3 and vitamin E, to get you through busy workdays.