The energy bar as we know it was first introduced by Canadian marathoner Brian Maxwell in 1986. In the late 80s, Maxwell marketed the PowerBar as fuel “to help athletes survive long-distance events.” Back then, protein/energy bars were geared primarily towards athletes and weren’t particularly popular amongst individuals who didn’t fall into that category, but they are now a go-to snack for all kinds of people, who praise them for their packability, portability, and lack of preparation. However, the market for protein and energy bars has grown significantly since the 1980s, with a number of brands presenting their own takes on the product.
Protein bars are a great snacking option for those who are short on time between school and sports practice. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know what to look for. So, we have curated a list of some of the best protein bars for athletes on the go (not in any particular order). These bars are all free from sugar alcohols such as erythritol, maltitol, and xylitol, which studies have shown can cause digestive issues– something no athlete wants to experience, especially while training!
RXBar (image credit: RXBar) - $27.99 for a box of 12.
The RXBar is easily recognizable for its simple but effective packaging, which features its notably short ingredient list. These bars pack 12 grams of protein which come primarily from egg whites, but there are also vegan versions featuring pea and almond protein. There are 12 main flavors of the original bar as well as seasonal ones that are only available during certain parts of the year. The limited-edition flavors are fun to look out for, especially if you are a fan of flavors like pumpkin spice and gingerbread! RXBars have a uniquely soft texture, and can be refrigerated for those who prefer something a little more chewy. Mini versions of some flavors are available as well, making these a solid snacking option. One potential downside is that some flavors (particularly chocolatey ones) tend to melt a bit if they spend too much time in warm places– something to keep in mind if you’re going to be out in the sun!
Flavor recommendations: chocolate sea salt, chocolate chip, pumpkin spice (seasonal)
GoMacro Bar (image credit: GoMacro) - $38.49 for a box of 12
GoMacro bars are great for those who have any dietary restrictions. They are reminiscent of the popular protein/energy balls that people make at home out of ingredients such as oats, seeds, chocolate chips, and nut/seed butters, but in the form of a bar instead. All GoMacro bars are fully vegan, organic, non-GMO, kosher pareve, and gluten-free, and many flavors are also nut-free, soy-free, allergy-friendly, and low-FODMAP. There are so many flavors to choose from, and the website makes it easy to see what’s inside each of them. With between 10 and 12 grams of protein per bar, GoMacro has something for everyone!
Recommended flavors: “heartwarming retreat” - oatmeal chocolate chip, “protein pleasure” - peanut butter chocolate chip, “pure promise” - maple sea salt
NuGo Bar (image credit: NuGo) - $20.00 for a box of 12
The NuGo brand makes a few different types of protein bars, but the NuGo Dark is definitely a fan-favorite. Each of the seven flavors consists of soy crisps covered in a layer of palm oil-free dark chocolate, with each bar containing 10 to 13 grams of soy protein as well as being vegan, gluten-free, kosher pareve, and non-GMO. These bars last for a long time without melting or getting smashed easily, making them great for keeping in your bag as an emergency snack.
Recommended flavors: chocolate pretzel, mint chocolate chip, chocolate chocolate chip
CLIF Bar (image credit: CLIF) - $18.43 for a box of 12
If you are an athlete, especially a runner, hiker, climber, biker, or swimmer, you have probably had or at least heard of the CLIF bar. The original CLIF bar was one of the first competitors to the original PowerBar, and since then the brand has maintained its status as one of, if not the, most popular sports bars out there. While usually marketed as an energy bar– some flavors even contain caffeine– more so than a protein bar, each CLIF bar actually contains 10 or 11 grams of protein. With 10 main flavors to choose from as well as a few seasonal ones, the tried-and-true CLIF bar is a solid option for anyone looking for a quick and easy energy source.
Recommended flavors: chocolate chip, cool mint chocolate (contains caffeine), white chocolate macadamia nut, peppermint white chocolate (seasonal)
Builders Protein (image credit: CLIF) - $25.44 for a box of 12
With 20 grams of protein per bar, Builders Protein is definitely the most protein-packed on the list. Builders is a plant-based, gluten-free, non-GMO CLIF product featuring seven flavors. These bars advertise a low glycemic index, meaning that they may digest more slowly and provide longer-lasting energy. The Builders bar has a crunchy layer as well as a softer, chewy layer made up of a plant protein blend; the two blend together nicely to create a texture unlike most other protein bars.
Recommended flavors: chocolate mint, chocolate, chocolate chip cookie dough (contains caffeine)
LUNA Bar (image credit: CLIF) - $20.57 for a box of 15
LUNA bar was created by CLIF in 1999 and was one of the first protein bars designed primarily to appeal to women. These bars have between seven and nine grams of protein apiece and come in both lighter, fruity flavors and more decadent ones, as well as having a light, crispy texture with a unique creamy glaze coating the bottom of each bar.. All 10 flavors of these bars are plant-based and gluten-free and feature a blend of oat, soy, and rice proteins.
Recommended flavors: lemonzest, chocolate cupcake, peppermint stick
Jambar (image credit: Jambar) - $36.00 for a box of 12
The fully organic and grain-based Jambar was created by Jennifer Maxwell, wife of the creator of PowerBar Brian Maxwell. They have a softer texture without being chewy, and they don’t melt or smash easily as well as having a long shelf-life– another good one for keeping as an emergency snack! Each bar has 10 grams of protein, and while some flavors contain whey protein and/or gluten products there are also vegan and gluten-free options.
Recommended flavors: “Chocolate Cha Cha” - Guittard chocolate & whole grains, “Malt Nut Melody” - medley of nuts & whole grains
Aloha Bar (image credit: Aloha) - $32.99 for a box of 12
Aloha protein bars are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, making them another good option for those with dietary restrictions, though many flavors do contain some common allergens. Each bar has 14g of plant protein and a soft, almost creamy texture with small pieces of nuts in each bite. These are best when kept cool as they are prone to melting, but even if they get a little warm they aren’t too messy– just softer.
Recommended flavors: chocolate fudge brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough, vanilla almond crunch
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