10 Best Low-Sugar Protein Bars in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)
Not all protein bars are created equal! Many protein bar brands on the market have tons of hidden sugar and some even contain more sugar and calories than chocolate bars. However, if you choose the right protein bar, it can be a convenient and healthier alternative to other packaged snacks. Aside from checking the sugar content in a bar, it's important to consider the types of sweeteners and protein sources.
If you find yourself wondering which low-sugar protein bars to choose from, make sure you don't miss our buying guide reviewed by a registered dietitian; it's packed with useful tips and suggestions to help you make the right decision. On top of that, we have selected the 10 most popular low-sugar protein bars that you should consider. Start with our top choice, IQBAR Protein Bars. They're low in sugar, made with plant-based ingredients, and come in a variety of flavors. Want to know more? Check out the rest of the products on our list!
Quick List - Top Low-Sugar Protein Bars
Devan is a dietitian with a passion for preventative nutrition and educating the community on how to live a healthy life. She has experience in cardiovascular disease, GI disorders, and acute care.
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How to Choose Low-Sugar Protein Bars
Check out our tips and suggestions before making your decision. Be sure to pay close attention to the ingredients and the amount of sugar per serving.
Check the Sugar Content
Many protein bars in the market are filled with as much sugar as protein, making them an arguably less healthy option. When buying low-sugar protein bars, it's important to always check the sugar content on food labels and try to stick with ones that are low in sugar (especially added sugar).
Though there are many reasons you may opt for a bar with added sugar or a higher amount of naturally-occurring sugars, consider protein bars with a sugar content that's less than 5% of your daily intake if sugar intake is your ultimate concern. If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, consider sugar-free protein bars or ones that contain zero grams of added sugar.
Pay Attention to the Types of Sugars and Sweeteners
There are many types of sugars and sweeteners and they are different in terms of benefits, taste, and ingredients. Some contain no calories, some give extra nutrients, and some help to improve the texture of bars.
Choose Stevia or Monk Fruit for a Sugar-Free Sweetener
Try to avoid protein bars that are made with sugar, sucrose, and high-fructose corn syrup because they can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Instead, go for sugar-free sweeteners like stevia and monk fruit.
Not only do stevia and monk fruit contain zero sugars, but they're also free from calories and carbohydrates. Though these sweeteners make a good sugar alternative, they may leave a bitter aftertaste.
Most protein bars available are sweet or fruity. However, there are also some bars that are savory as well as sugar-free. Although not a super common option, there are bars made with animal protein that are naturally sugar-free and may be an option for those wanting less of a sweet/fruity type of protein bar.
Look for Sugar Alcohols for a Low-Calorie Alternative
Sugar alcohols like xylitol, erythritol, maltitol, sorbitol, and mannitol are also very popular sweeteners for low-sugar protein bars. They have fewer calories than sugar and help to improve the texture and retain moisture of protein bars.
However, they aren't a good option for people with a sensitive stomach and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because they're not easily digested, and can cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Be Aware of the High Sugar Content in Natural Sweeteners
Generally speaking, dates and honey are excellent sugar substitutes because they're natural and packed with plenty of nutrients. However, they're known for their high content of natural sugars.
Date and honey protein bars offer between eight to 24 grams of sugar per serving, which may not be a good choice for those who try to limit or avoid dietary sugar intake.
Choose Among Different Sources of Protein
In traditional protein bars, dairy and soy are the majority choice of protein. But nowadays, there are many other protein sources to choose from, including nuts, seeds, and egg whites.
Milk Protein Bars Offer a Complete Source of Protein
Milk protein bars contain all of the essential amino acids, making them ideal for people who are looking for a complete source of protein. They also have a smoother taste and texture compared to plant-based protein bars.
There are two types of protein in milk: whey and casein. Whey protein is quickly absorbed by the body, making it ideal for pre-and post-workout. Casein is a slow-digesting protein, making it a great choice to consume before bed. Casein also keeps you feel full longer and helps to support muscle recovery overnight.
Plant-Based and Egg White Bars Make a Great Lactose-Free Option
If you're vegan or lactose intolerant, consider plant-based protein bars. They're easy to digest and come in a variety of protein sources, including soy, nuts, peas, brown rice, and quinoa. Plus, they contain high levels of fiber and antioxidants.
Egg whites are a healthy protein alternative for people with dairy allergies and lactose intolerance. They're an excellent source of protein and vitamin B12. Plus, they're low in calories and contain no fat and cholesterol, making them a great option for people who need to limit their calorie intake.
For those who are looking for a complete protein in their bar but cannot or do not consume dairy, or those following a vegan diet, there are other options. Quinoa and soy (which were mentioned) along with hemp seeds and buckwheat are also complete protein sources and provide additional nutrients such as fiber or healthy fat as well.
Aim for a Bar With a Good Balance of Nutrients
Most protein bars offer between three to 20 grams of protein. For those who eat protein bars as a snack, it's a good idea to consider protein bars that have between 150 to 300 calories with at least 10 grams of protein to keep you full until your next meal.
Some of the bars have as much saturated fats as a candy bar, which you would want to stay away from. A good protein bar should contain less than three grams of saturated fats.
And don't forget the fiber! Look for a bar that contains at least three grams of fiber to help you stay fuller longer. Though fiber has a lot of health benefits, eating too much fiber can cause uncomfortable side effects like bloating and stomach pain.
Bars high in fiber are great, but if the bar is being used as a pre-workout snack, it may be good to choose a lower fiber option. It may also be good to look out for added sodium in some bars. Usually when certain ingredients that add taste (fat, sugar, salt) are limited, the others are increased to help flavor. For those watching sodium intake, it doesn't hurt to be mindful of this.
Consider Whole Food Ingredients Like Nuts, Seeds, and More
It's a good idea to look for a bar that's made with simple, whole-food ingredients for a nice nutritional bonus. Consider ingredients like oats, dark chocolate, coconut, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, nuts, dehydrated vegetables, Greek yogurt, and cinnamon.
Be aware of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, figs, cherries, blueberries, though. They're popular ingredients because they help to improve the flavor and texture of protein bars. Plus, they're loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
However, they're also high in carbohydrates and sugars, so make sure you read not only the ingredients but also the sugar content on food labels to avoid hidden sugars.
I don't think it is necessary to avoid dried fruits so much as limit. You can find low sugar options even with dried fruits; it may even up the fiber some! Nut butters can also be a good thing to include as long as they're made with only nuts and not additional sugars.
10 Best Low-Sugar Protein Bars Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | IQ Bar Protein Bars｜All Flavor Sampler | | Dairy-Free, Whole Food Ingredients | |
2 | think! High Protein Bars｜Creamy Peanut Butter | | Smooth, Creamy, and Sugar-Free Bars | |
3 | One Protein Bar｜Almond Bliss | | No Added Sugar, Gluten-Free Ingredients | |
4 | Quest Protein Bar｜Cookies and Cream | | High-Fiber Bars With Many Flavor Options | |
5 | Aloha Organic Protein Bars｜Chocolate Fudge Brownie | | Vegan Protein Bars Made Without Artificial Ingredients | |
6 | Pure Protein Protein Bars｜Chocolate Deluxe | | Vitamin- and Mineral-Rich Chocolate Flavored Bars | |
7 | No Cow Protein Bar｜Birthday Cake | | Dairy-Free, Low-Saturated Fat Protein Bar | |
8 | Atkins Protein Meal Bar｜Chocolate Chip Granola | | Crunchy Granola Bars With Heart-Healthy Ingredients | |
9 | :ratio Keto-friendly Crunchy Bar｜Toasted Almond | | Healthy High-Fat, Cinnamon-Flavored Snacks | |
10 | Garden of Life High Protein Weight Loss Bar｜Salted Caramel Chocolate | | Organic, Fat Burning Protein Bars |
IQ BarProtein Bars ｜ All Flavor Sampler
Dairy-Free, Whole Food Ingredients
Undecided about which flavor to choose? This variety pack includes seven bars, each of a different flavor. They're made with healthy plant-based ingredients, making them suitable for many different diets. Each bar contains six brain nutrients, two grams of sugar, and 12 grams of protein.
A few reviewers didn't like the taste of these bars, but overall, many were satisfied with their purchase. Reviewers said the bars are very filling, low in calories, and provide a good amount of fiber. Some said they are not too sweet either, but just right.
think!High Protein Bars ｜ Creamy Peanut Butter
Smooth, Creamy, and Sugar-Free Bars
Who doesn't love peanut butter? These protein bars are creamy, smooth, and filled with rich peanut flavor. They contain zero grams of sugar and only three grams of saturated fats. Additionally, they're free of gluten, GMOs, and artificial sweeteners.
A few reviewers said these bars contain large amounts of maltitol, which may cause stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Still, many others said they're delicious, chewy, and not too sweet. Some appreciated the high protein content, saying they make a great healthy snack before or after workouts.
No Added Sugar, Gluten-Free Ingredients
Looking for gluten-free, high-protein bars that actually taste good? Don't miss these almond bliss protein bars that are made with real ingredients like almonds, coconut, and cocoa powder. They offer 20 grams of whey protein in each bar. They're also available in a variety of different flavors.
Though some reviewers said these bars are dry and chalky, most others said they're very tasty, crunchy, and have no weird aftertaste. Many also said they're filling and make a healthy version of Almond Joy bars.
QuestProtein Bar ｜ Cookies and Cream
High-Fiber Bars With Many Flavor Options
These dairy protein bars are sweetened with sugar alcohol and stevia extract. They're filled with cookie crumbles and white chocolate chunks, giving you some crunch in every bite. Each bar contains only 2.5 grams of saturated fat and 15 grams of fiber.
Some reviewers found that these bars are too sweet and have an artificial taste. However, others liked the texture, saying they're soft and chewy. Many recommended heating them up in the microwave for a better experience.
AlohaOrganic Protein Bars ｜ Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Vegan Protein Bars Made Without Artificial Ingredients
Aloha bars are known as some of the best healthy, vegan protein bars. They're made with organic whole food ingredients, which provide a solid dose of nutrition. Each bar contains 220 calories, five grams of sugar, 14 grams of protein, and 10 grams of fiber.
A few people didn't like the texture of these bars, saying they're very dry and chalky. But overall, many said they're delicious, filling, and not overly sweet. A few people loved the rich dark chocolate flavor and they appreciated their good balance of nutrition.
Vitamin- and Mineral-Rich Chocolate Flavored Bars
These milk chocolate-covered bars are filled with chocolate chunks, giving you a blend of chewy and crisp with every bite. They're not only low in calories but also high in protein, which can keep you full for longer. They're also packed with vitamins A, B, C, E, zinc, and iodine.
Some reviewers weren't happy with their stale and chemical taste; however, others liked their rich chocolate flavor. They also said these bars make a healthy grab-and-go snack.
Dairy-Free, Low-Saturated Fat Protein Bar
Compared with other protein bars, No Cow bars are relatively low in calories and saturated fat, with only 190 calories and 1.5 grams of saturated fat per bar. These bars are made from natural ingredients and are free from dairy, soy, gluten, and refined sugar, making them a great snack choice for different types of diets.
A few reviewers weren't happy with the new formula, saying it causes stomach cramps and excessive gas. But overall, many said the birthday cake is their favorite flavor and they appreciated the real sprinkles inside the bars. Some highlighted their soft and chewy texture.
AtkinsProtein Meal Bar ｜ Chocolate Chip Granola
Crunchy Granola Bars With Heart-Healthy Ingredients
Looking for granola protein meal bars? These chocolate chip bars are not just delicious but also full of nutrients. They're packed with heart-healthy ingredients, including oats, almonds, and cocoa, making them a perfect choice for grab-and-go breakfasts and healthy snacks.
Some reviewers noted that the bars are overly sweet. Meanwhile, others said they're crunchy, filling, and taste just like candy bars. A few people also recommended these bars for people with diabetes.
:ratioKeto-friendly Crunchy Bar ｜ Toasted Almond
Healthy High-Fat, Cinnamon-Flavored Snacks
These cinnamon-flavored protein bars are made with healthy high-fat ingredients like almonds, pumpkin seeds, coconut oil. Each bar contains 12 grams of protein, one gram of sugar, and only nine grams of carbohydrates.
A few reviewers didn't like the stevia sweetener, saying it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste. They also said the texture is hard and dry. But overall, many said the bars are crunchy, delicious, and make the perfect snack for keto and low-carb diets.
Garden of LifeHigh Protein Weight Loss Bar ｜ Salted Caramel Chocolate
Organic, Fat Burning Protein Bars
Craving something sweet? These organic and vegan bars come in salted caramel chocolate flavor (among others) with only one gram of sugar. They also contain coffee bean extract and ashwagandha to help you burn more calories and curb food cravings.
Though a few reviewers said they're gritty and taste bland, others loved the nutrient content that contains high protein and fiber. Some appreciated their good ingredients and they added that these bars are great for weight loss.
Devan's Recommended Low-Sugar Protein Bars
Although they aren't super high in protein, they have a good amount for a snack (which is typically when protein bars are eaten anyway). These are a little high in sugar than some of the others, but they also taste delicious if you like nuts and chocolate!
Frequently Asked Questions
In addition to reviewing and commenting on our buying guide, Devan also took the time to answer a commonly asked question about low-sugar diets.
Is a no-sugar diet healthy?
"No," Devan explains. "Sugar comes in many different forms, some of which can actually be beneficial. Carbohydrates are sugars that are actually the preferred source of energy for our brains.
Including no sugar in the diet would mean cutting out these sugars that support brain function, as well as a lot of the vitamins and minerals that are found in fruits and vegetables (also sources of sugar). One type of sugar that should be limited in the diet, however, is added sugar."
Looking for More Nutritious Grab-and-Go Snacks?
These snacks are delicious and packed with nutrients. Check out our favorite grab-and-go snacks that suit anyone's taste and dietary needs.
In Collaboration With Registered Dietitian Devan Herring
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
Top 5 Low-Sugar Protein Bars
No. 1: IQ Bar｜Protein Bars｜All Flavor Sampler
No. 2: think!｜High Protein Bars｜Creamy Peanut Butter
No. 3: One｜Protein Bar｜Almond Bliss
No. 4: Quest｜Protein Bar｜Cookies and Cream
No. 5: Aloha｜Organic Protein Bars｜Chocolate Fudge Brownie
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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