Hey there, snack enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you love a snack bar that not only tastes great but also keep you energized and feeling good. A good snack bars shouldn’t leave you feeling sluggish from a blood sugar spike. As a registered dietitian it’s important to me that you have an arsenal of functional snacks; one’s that work for your energy levels! As a whole, registered dietitians are a great resource at providing health food swaps! Bars should not be filled with refined sugar, inflammatory oils and lonely carbs that do your health harm. Fix your snack habits and read my list of the top 16 grab-and-go snack bars on the market! They are not only delicious but also full of protein, healthy fats and real food ingredients. Say goodbye to mid-afternoon cookie cravings and hello to snacks that will fuel you through your day!
The 16 Best Snack Bars According to A Dietitian
I’ve tried every single one of these bars and can personally vouch for their delicious flavor and healthy ingredients. All of these bars are naturally gluten-free and free of artificial sweeteners and food dye. Most of these would be a great option for kiddos, as well, but my kid-friendly snack bar list is coming soon!
1. BTR Nation bars
Grams of protein: 8 grams
protein sources: Pea, Almond
grams of added sugar: 0 grams
BTR Bars are a true embodiment of natural goodness. Plus, this is one of the few bars that is less than 200 calories, blood sugar balanced, and contain no natural flavors or
no added sugar. It is truly a unicorn. BTR Bars are perfect for those seeking clean and wholesome snacking options. They are plant based, keto and rich in fiber. They have 7 grams of daily fiber, nearly 20-25% of your daily fiber needs. Try the strawberry shortcake, my new favorite. If you don’t have a central market, Erewhon market or raleigh’s nearby; you can order them here
2. 88 Acres Protein Bars
Grams of protein: 12 grams
protein source: pumpkin seeds
grams of added sugar: 4 grams
For those who crave a protein punch in their snacks without protein powder or sugar alcohols, 88 Acres Protein Bars are a dream come true. Crafted with 12 grams of seed-based protein, nut free, and packed with essential nutrients and no palm oil. These bars keep you satiated and fueled for hours. With flavors like Banana Bread and Dark Chocolate Brownie, they prove that being healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing taste.
3.Gratisfied Oat Bars
Grams of protein: 6 grams
protein source: Sunflower Seed Butter (provides more fat than protein)
grams of added sugar: 5 grams
Gratisfied Oat Bars are a tribute to the humble yet powerful oat. These bars combine the goodness of whole oats with nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners to create a simple ingredients list that is both comforting and nourishing. Although they are made from oats they still contain fat and protein which keeps blood sugar stable. If you love a Nature Valley Oat bar or true granola bar, this would be a much better swap for you! These bars offer a delightful way to enjoy the benefits of whole grains and support milk supply if you’re a nursing mother.
4. Devious Foods
Grams of protein: 15 grams
protein source: Organic Pumpkin Seed Powder
grams of added sugar: 2 grams
Use code Whitness10 for a discount when you order these super cookies! Okay technically this is a cookie, but this is a great option when you’re looking for a sweet snack midday but don’t want a protein bar or a piece of fruit, but still want balanced blood sugar.
5.Healthy Eating On The Go
Grams of protein: 14 grams
protein source: whey protein or pea protein
grams of added sugar: 3-4 grams
I love these HEOTG bars because they have both protein, oat, vegan and whey options. The low carb chia and crunchy peanut butter are my current favorites, but my husband prefers the dark chocolate blueberry. These bars are a smart choice for a protein boost on the move. Whether you’re pregnant, a working mom, tackling a workout or just need a quick bite, these bars have your back. They have a 1:1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein with only 3-5 grams of sugar, which means blood sugar bliss! Use code WHITNESS at checkout for 12% off.
6.Unite Protein Bars
Grams of protein: 11 grams protein
protein source: whey protein
grams of added sugar: 7 grams
These snack bars are perfect for those who want to make better food choices for themselves and their families. They incorporate anti-inflammatory ingredients and are naturally gluten and free of soy protein but with a punch of 10-11g protein per bar from whey, instead. With nostalgic flavors like PB & Jelly and Mexican Hot Chocolate these bars offer a solution to have your favorite childhood snacks while being rich in protein! Read more on how to pick the perfect protein bar here.
7. Resist Protein Bars
Grams of protein: 15 grams
protein source: Pea, Hemp
grams of added sugar: 0 grams
Resist bars have a mission for blood sugar balance and PCOS support and their bar contains functional ingredients to actually help with hormone balance. I am not a fan of the peanut butter flavor, but the Cinnamon Cacoa Maca is soft delicious. I really support the mission and goal of this company trying to make a difference in women’s nutrition. You can get a free bar at Central Market through Aisle!
8. The New Primal Meat Sticks
Grams of protein: 7 grams
protein source: all natural turkey or grass-fed beef
grams of added sugar: 0 grams
If you know me, you know I always have purse jerky on hand. But really, I have The New Primal meat sticks in my purse, regularly, because it’s made a radical difference in my energy levels by easily increasing my protein intake. The turkey cilantro will forever be my favorite flavor but the buffalo chicken takes a close second. It may sound weird, but introducing these to your kids would be a great idea! Less gold fish, more meat sticks!
If you need more guidance in this area, don’t worry – I’m an expert and I’m here to help! Schedule a discovery call with me, and let’s set you on the path to snacking success! One of my sessions includes a pantry clean out and/or meet up at the grocery store. It’s so helpful and my most popular session to date!
9. Epic Bars
Grams of protein: 11 grams
protein source: Chicken
grams of added sugar: 0 grams
EPIC is another savory meat-based option, but with more protein than what you’d find in a meat stick! I really enjoy their chicken options; both BBQ and Sriracha. If you’ve been on a sweet bar kick, this could be a good diversification. These are the cheapest off of Thrive Market. If you haven’t tried Thrive market before, a healthy marketplace with discounts, you can use this trial link!
10. Aloha Protein Bars
Grams of protein: 14 grams
protein source: Pumpkin and Brown Rice
grams of added sugar: 4 grams
I don’t think all of these bars are the greatest tasting, but I like the seasonal options. Most of my patients enjoy the flavor and I think they’re reminiscent of a chewier Quest type bar. They’re rich in fiber and they even have quite a few nut free options for those who need it.
11. IQBAR Brain and Body Protein Bars
Grams of protein: 12 grams
protein source: Pea Protein
grams of added sugar: 0 Grams
Full disclosure, I can’t eat this anymore, because I lived off of them during my first trimester of pregnancy. That being said; my patients love these and they’re easy to find at both Target and Sprouts. Plus, I do love (for them) the variety of flavor options, whole food ingredients, and adaptogens.
12. Elavi Brownies
Grams of protein: 10 grams
protein source: Brown Rice Protein
grams of added sugar: 0 grams
Elavi has launched an innovative new protein brownie that will make you want to throw away your FiberOne brownies and their associated bloat, immediately. Not only is it rich in fiber, full of plant-based protein and full of nutritious ingredients, but it actually tastes good, too! You can find Elavi at Central Market or online!
13. PaleoValley 
Grams of protein: 10 grams
protein source: 100% grass fed bone broth protein
grams of added sugar: 0 grams
This is definitely going to be your new favorite it you’re looking for a softer snack bar that resembles a LARABar or RxBar. This has a chewier texture. The ingredients are phenomenal and the Pumpkin Spice flavor is truly addictive.
14. Chomps
Grams of protein: 10 grams
protein source: Grass-fed and finished beef
grams of added sugar: 0 grams
If you’re looking for a low calorie savory snack option, meat sticks are always the way to go! Chomps comes in beef and turkey and theres a variety of flavor options. They never contain added oil or sugar.
15. ProMix
I actually haven’t tried this bar yet but I have an order on the way. The flavors sound delicious and since most bars are really dense, I’m interested to try something with a different texture.
Grams of protein: 15 grams
protein source: Whey Protein Isolate
grams of added sugar: 3 grams
16. Transparent Labs
Grams of protein: 16 grams
protein source: Grass Fed Whey, Egg White Protein
grams of added sugar: 5 grams
Snack smart, stay healthy, and enjoy the deliciousness of these snack bars with great tastes and textures. Remember, you can have both – taste and nutrition – in one convenient package. As a dietitian and diabetes educator, I’m always on the lookout for snacks that not only taste amazing but also support a healthy lifestyle. These snack bars are perfect for those who want to make better food choices for themselves and their families.
