11 Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss (2024): Reviewed by a Sports Dietitian

If you’re one of the many people (myself included) who has a sweet tooth, embarking on a weight loss journey can come with many temptations and challenges. Luckily, we live in an era when protein bars exist.

High protein bars can function as meal replacements, help prevent overeating, and help you meet your macros for weight loss when chosen wisely. They can also fit into structured diets like keto and Atkins when formulated accordingly.

So, this dietitian did most of the work for you and sat down to take a look at various brands of protein bars, so our team of testers could come together and compile a list of what we think are the best protein bars for weight loss available right now. 

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

When It Comes to Weight Loss Tools, We’ve Honestly Got Your Back

In order to provide you with genuinely honest and unbiased feedback, we make sure we personally purchase and taste test the products we discuss in our reviews, such as our roundup of the best protein powders for weight loss.

Our team of fitness professionals and nutritionists have done the work for you in a deep dive of some of the most popular brands of protein bars on the market to identify what we think will help with a weight loss journey. 

RELATED: Best Low-Calorie Protein Bars

11 Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss

• Best Overall Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Low Carb think! Keto Bars
• Best Low-Sugar Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Legion Protein Bars
• Most Filling Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Perfect Bar
• Best Low-Carb Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar
• Best No-Sugar-Added Protein Bar for Weight Loss: RXBar
• Best Keto Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Dang Bars
• Best-Tasting Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Pure Protein Bars
• Best Dairy-Free Protein Bar for Weight Loss: No Cow Dipped Bars
• Best Organic Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Garden of Life Organic Fit Plant Based Protein Bar
• Best Vegan Protein Bar for Weight Loss: NuGo Protein Bars
• Best Gluten-Free Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Bars

Best Overall Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Low Carb think! Keto Bars

Good for: People trying to lose weight who still want to enjoy an indulgent snack

Best Overall

Low Carb think! Keto Bars

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• Keto-certified by the Paleo Foundation 
• 10 g protein, 4 g net carbs
• Available in four flavors
• Non-GMO and kosher ingredients

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Taste is popular
• Keto-friendly
• Kosher and non-GMO
• No artificial colors or flavors

Cons

• High fat content
• Contains stevia
• May melt in transit

Bottom Line

The Low Carb think! Keto Bars are available in four popular flavors and make for a great on-the-go snack for those following a keto diet.

Keto certified by the Paleo Foundation, think! asserts that their chocolate-covered bars of goodness can help give you some fuel while helping you to fight hunger between meals. This probably has something to do with the 10 grams of protein from whey isolate and peanuts and 3 grams of fiber from chicory root. 

Featuring delicious flavors with various degrees of peanut butter, the reviews we saw seem to echo that these bars taste just like a Reese’s cup. With endorsements like that, how can we not crown it as the best overall protein bar? Caine Wilkes, GGR staff writer and Olympic athlete, said of these, “The chocolate and peanut butter really come through. The inside of the bar is a little dry, but with the chocolate coating and crunch from the peanut bits inside, I actually enjoyed the texture overall.”

It also contains only 180 calories per bar, meaning it can likely fit into most weight loss diet plans. It’s low in sugar at only 2 grams and has 4 grams of net carbs, so it can fit into a keto diet, as well. We will say that they are sweetened with 7 grams of sugar alcohols, so if you have more than two in a day you might experience some tummy issues. So plan your consumption wisely. 

RELATED: Best Protein Bars

Best Low-Sugar Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Legion Protein Bar

Good for: People looking for a satisfying snack with minimal added sugar

Best Low-Sugar

Legion Athletics Protein Bar

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Blend of whey and milk protein 
• Plant-based carbs, fats, and prebiotic fiber
• Third-party tested
• No proprietary blends
• Money-back guarantee

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All natural
• Non-GMO
• Third-party tested
• Money-back guarantee
• NSF-certified
• FDA-inspected, cGMP facilities

Cons

• Too hard for some
• Contains stevia and erythritol (a sugar alcohol)
• 4 g of added sugar

Bottom Line

If you are looking for an all-natural protein bar and do not mind a little added sugar, the Legion Athletics Protein Bars are available in two popular flavors.

If you want a higher-protein, lower-sugar protein bar, then the Legion Protein Bar is a great option. It has just 4 grams of sugar (3 added grams), along with 20 grams of protein, 24 carbs and 12 grams of fat (0 grams of trans fat). We should note that these bars have 9 grams of dietary prebiotic fiber. That can be great in supporting gut health, but could be harsh on those with sensitive stomachs.

Just like with its other products, Legion claims these bars are 100% natural. We will say that the nutrition label on the Legion bars is completely transparent, and the brand website features science-backed explanations of most ingredients.

RELATED: Legion Whey Protein Review

In testing, our team generally enjoyed the taste of the Legion bars, which, disappointedly, only come in two flavors.

“These are pretty good, both taste and macro-profile-wise,” says GGR head of content and personal trainer Kate Meier. “I didn’t want to finish the cookie dough bar (it didn’t taste dough-y enough for me), but I wanted to finish the chocolate peanut butter one. And 20 grams of protein is a good selling point for me, especially a higher-calorie bar like this.”

Another great low-sugar bar our team enjoyed are the ONE Protein Bars, which you can learn more about in our ONE Protein Bar Review.

Most Filling Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Perfect Bar

Good for: Those looking for a meal replacement that actually makes you feel full

Most Filling

Perfect Nutrition Perfect Bars

GGR Score: 4.8

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Product Highlights

• Whole food protein
• 20+ superfoods included in each bar
• USDA certified organic
• Non-GMO
• 17 grams of protein per bar
• Soft, crumbly texture

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Certified kosher, organic, and gluten-free
• Holds a low glycemic index
• Great snack full of protein and nutrients for an active lifestyle
• Unique superfood blend that no other brands have in their protein bars
• Soft texture
• No artificial ingredients

Cons

• Must remain refrigerated
• Some customers had to order replacements if orders took too long to arrive
• Delivered in a box with ice packs, which is kind of cumbersome
• Hard to find full boxes in stores (usually sold as singles)

Bottom Line

Packed with protein, superfoods, and an organic honey binder that holds it all together, you won’t even realize that you are eating an ultra-nutrient-dense snack. Although the need for refrigeration is inconvenient, it’s worth the hassle for the flavor and nutritional profile.

I have fond memories of being in grad school and looking forward to my peanut butter Perfect bar after a brutal chemistry class. That’s because these little guys are such an indulgent treat with a texture and flavor unlike most other protein bars. GGR staff writer and expert tester Amanda Capritto said, “Anyone who wants a sweet and soft but nutritious treat will love Perfect Bars. The ingredients list, for the most part, contains only things you’d see sitting on a shelf in the produce section. There are some oils, nut butters, and flavorings such as pure cocoa, too.” 

Now you might balk at the 330 calorie tag these bars come with, but this makes them a pretty solid choice as a meal replacement. With 17 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbs, and 19 grams of fat (slightly variable depending on the flavor you choose), the macros in these bars could mimic a low-calorie meal. 

Perfect bars get most of their fat from MUFAs or monounsaturated fatty acids. There has been a large body of evidence that supports the assertion that not only are these fats good for your heart when replacing saturated fat in the diet, but may also help reduce body weight, body fat, and insulin resistance¹.

In addition, according to a 2015 study, a diet rich in MUFAs reduced the body’s level of ghrelin hormone, or what we registered dietitians call “the hunger hormone,” when compared to a diet rich in saturated fat². This would explain what makes Perfect Bars so darn filling given their high fat and protein content. 

Perfect Bars also use organic, whole food ingredients, but you’ll pay for the quality. At around $3 per bar, the price tag is significantly higher than most other protein bars. However, if you plan to use it as a meal replacement, that’s still cheaper than most healthy meals. 

Best Low-Carb Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar

Good for: People who need to keep their carb and calorie intake low

Best Low-Carb

Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bar

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly
• Each bar delivers 11 g of pea protein, 1 g of sugar, and 4 g of net carbs
• Available flavors include: Salted caramel, peanut butter chocolate chip, coconut chocolate chip, chocolate mint chip
• Peanuts and peanut butter are sourced and tested to meet EU compliance for toxins

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Convenient
• Several flavor options
• Only 1 g of sugar
• Gluten- and dairy-free

Cons

• Not everyone like the taste of the pea protein
• Stevia and monk fruit may cause stomach issues for some

Bottom Line

Available in four flavors, the Bulletproof Protein Crisp Bars provide 11 grams of protein in a low-carb and convenient treat.

Bulletproof has created a number of products over the years from bars to coffee to supplements which has made them one of the names in the nutrition and diet space. Among the most well known things about Bulletproof is their diet plan, which recommends that you consume between 50 to 60% of your daily calories from fat, 20% from protein, and the remaining 20 to 30% from vegetables, while avoiding grains and legumes throughout the day. 

In order to help consumers achieve these goals, they have created products for them and Bulletproof’s Protein Crisp Bar is one of their more popular products. Now this is not to say that we necessarily recommend their diet structure for weight loss. 

However, if you do adhere to any low carb diet like paleo, keto, or Whole30 to lose weight, this bar is a great choice with only 1 gram of sugar and 4 grams of net carbs. With numbers like that, you could enjoy this bar as a sweet treat and still have plenty of carbohydrates left over for the rest of your meals that day.

Bulletproof’s bar still only contains 160 calories despite the fact that it contains 11 grams of protein in addition to the high fat content, which makes it comparable to most other protein bars out there calorie-wise. Thus, it can fit snugly in a low-calorie diet. 

GGR Head of Content, Kate Meier, tried the peanut butter chocolate chip flavor and said, “There is definitely peanut butter in this bar, with just a hint of the chocolate chip. Overall, it tastes like a “healthy” peanut butter bar. The flavors are there, but not fully there, like you’d get in something loaded with fat and sugar. I give it a solid 4 out of 5 for taste.”

Best No-Sugar-Added Protein Bar for Weight Loss: RXBar

Good for: Those who want a no-sugar bar that also contains no sweeteners

Best No-Sugar-Added

RX Nutrition RXBAR

GGR Score: 4.85

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Product Highlights

• Simple ingredients
• 12 g of protein per bar
• Gluten-free
• Kosher
• Variety of flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• No artificial flavors
• Great for traveling as they don’t need to be refrigerated or warmed up
• Flavors range from fruity to chocolate to satisfy all cravings
• Made with simple, easy-to-understand ingredients
• No artificial ingredients

Cons

• A different texture that some might have issues with (very chewy)
• Not a full meal replacement
• Not for those with nut allergies

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a protein bar that you can keep in your drawer at work, in the glove box of your car, and in your purse or gym bag, this is a great option. These are a great way to get protein in between meals as well as during outdoor activities, or busy travel days.

Among the many things that make RXBars unique is their “No BS” tagline, which is printed clearly on the packaging so you can see they are really striving to provide some of the cleanest protein bars available anywhere. 

In spite of the unconventional addition of egg whites as the main source of protein, these bars are still widely popular largely due to their delicious taste despite being made with exclusively whole food ingredients. 

GGR staff writer and expert product tester Amanda Capritto’s favorite flavors are Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Coconut. The texture isn’t always her favorite, though: “The ultra-chewy texture isn’t for everyone, and sometimes it kills the vibe for me when I don’t want to work for my food. (It really does take a while to get these down.) But, there’s no chalkiness and they aren’t dry.”

RELATED: Best Protein Bars for Women

Due to the bars being sweetened with dates rather than with sugar or artificial sweeteners, each bar contains around 23 grams of carbohydrates. I normally recommend that post-workout snacks contain a 2:1 ratio of carbs to protein, with 12 grams of protein, so RXBars could definitely function as one. As a result of its high carb content, it is a suitable pre-workout snack as well.

In addition, RXBars are dairy-free, gluten-free, and do not contain preservatives or artificial sweeteners, so consuming them may be more digestible than eating bars with longer ingredient lists. Basically, if you’re trying to avoid sugar while on your weight loss journey or even any sweeteners period, RXBars are the way to go. 

Best Keto Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Dang Bars

Good for: People looking for a bar that’s both low-carb and made with natural ingredients

Best Keto

Dang Bars

GGR Score: 3.75

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Product Highlights

• Made from whole foods
• High fat, moderate protein, and low carb 
• Plant-based fats and protein 
• No added sugar or sugar alcohols 
• Keto certified
• Meets ethical business standards

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All natural
• No added sugar or sugar alcohol
• Keto-friendly
• Plant-based
• Convenient

Cons

• Expensive
• Taste is not for everyone

Bottom Line

Dang bars are high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-sugar snacks sourced from whole foods with fat and protein derived from vegan pea protein, almond butter, cocoa butter, and coconut.

So, the story behind Dang bars is just too cute to not share. To share the delicious Thai food they grew up eating with New Yorkers, two Thai brothers from Bangkok decided to start a pop-up restaurant. So their mother, Mama Dang, gave them her recipe for lettuce wraps that called for toasted coconut.

They made their own toasted coconut from scratch, and their roommates found them so tasty they kept coming back for more, so the brothers decided to start a snack food company—fondly named after their mother. 

Though Dang doesn’t classify itself as a low-calorie snack, it certainly fits in with keto guidelines with only 5 grams of net carbs and 18 grams of fat from coconut, cocoa butter, and almond butter. These macros also make it suitable for low-carb diets. Also, good news for those who are plant-based—Dang bars are vegan, too!

The coconuts and coconut oil used in Dang bars are sourced from the founders’ family farms in Thailand, which pride themselves on following ethical business practices. Finally, the brothers at Dang have made it their mission to use their business to work with local farmers and support organizations that aid refugees and people affected by natural disasters.

All in all, though the sugar content is low to keep the carbs low, these bars are sweetened naturally with stevia, not sugar alcohols. In fact, there are no artificial ingredients, period. Thus, we would say Dang is a solid choice for those on a keto diet. 

RELATED: Best Keto Protein Powder

Nicole Davis, GGR senior editor and expert product tester, thought they were a little dry, but liked the flavors: “The taste of these is good; the Lemon Matcha has a really nice authentic lemon flavor that is unique in a protein bar,” she said. “The flavor is better than most plant-based products I’ve tried.”

Best-Tasting Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Pure Protein Bars

Good for: People who want a great-tasting meal replacement that’s also affordable

Best-Tasting

Pure Protein Bars

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Low-sugar
• Gluten-free
• 20 g of protein per bar
• Great taste and flavor options
• Affordable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Packed with protein that helps you feel full and reduce cravings
• Great price for overall quality of product
• Gives you fuel to keep an active lifestyle going
• Variety of flavor options to satisfy any sweet-tooth
• Tastes like candy

Cons

• The specific carb and calorie count will vary by flavor
• Uses artificial flavoring
• Includes artificial sweeteners
• Some customers felt these had a bit more aftertaste than other bars

Bottom Line

If you are trying to keep a diet that is balanced and are struggling to get enough protein in, this would be a great bar to add to your shopping cart, online or in person. Pair it with a piece of fruit, maybe a healthy carb, and a glass of water and you have a great meal on the go.

Pure Protein bars add an indulgent mouthfeel to their bars with healthy fats that come from compounds like canola oil, peanut butter, and almond butter along with a variation of chocolate flavors that are all tasty. There are only 2 grams of sugar in these bars, but our team of testers still loved the taste, and Amazon’s reviews seem to echo the same sentiments.

Also, Pure Protein bars are great for people who don’t have a huge budget for their protein supplements. There will be no high cost here, as you can expect to only spend about $1.34 per bar, which is around the cost per scoop of the majority of whey protein powders.

Pure Protein bars also use both whey and soy proteins to ensure that their high-quality protein content reaches 20 grams per bar (their chocolate deluxe flavor has 21 grams). Finally, when speaking specifically of weight loss, Pure Protein’s bars would work well as a meal replacement given the sufficient content of protein, carbs, and fat. Each bar also only contains about 180-200 calories making it a calorie-efficient, yet high-protein snack you can enjoy at any time of day.

Kate Meier, GGR Head of Content, tested the Pure Protein Bars and compared the texture of them to Snickers or a Milky Way. “I think these are probably the most candy-bar-like protein bars I’ve ever had,” she says. “They are a little chalky—like VERY little—not in the way you taste with other protein bars.” 

Best Dairy-Free Protein Bar for Weight Loss: No Cow Dipped Bars

Good for: Anyone with dairy allergies or simply want protein that’s not whey

Best Dairy-Free

No Cow Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars

GGR Score: 3.1

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Product Highlights

• Plant-based protein bar 
• Non-GMO, gluten-free, keto-friendly, dairy-free 
• 12 flavors available

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12 flavors
• Certified gluten-free
• Subscribe and save 10%
• Vegan
• Soy-free

Cons

• No variety pack available
• Contains erythritol, which may cause an upset stomach
• Reportedly bad customer service
• Mixed reviews on taste

Bottom Line

No Cow’s protein bars are a vegan and gluten-free option with 20–22 grams of protein but with extremely mixed reviews on flavor.

Need a break from whey protein in your bars? Look no further than No Cow Dipped bars that not only don’t contain whey, but lack any dairy whatsoever. The protein contained in these bars are sourced from brown rice and peas. 

This combination always makes me excited when talking about plant-based protein alternatives to whey. When eaten on their own, rice and peas they do not contain all nine essential amino acids (i.e., they lack all the amino acids that would make them complete proteins), but when they are combined, they become complete proteins and produce an amino acid profile that is very much like that of whey³.

These bars are also very low sugar as they’ve been sweetened naturally with stevia and monk fruit, so it makes No Cow bars a welcome addition to low carb and keto diets, as well. One thing that really impressed me was the protein content. At 20-22 grams of protein per bar, that’s well above average for most dairy-free protein bars that tend to have trouble balancing the protein and carb content. 

No Cow also asserts that it takes 98% less water to produce their bars than most brands of whey protein bars, which is pretty cool. They also work with sustainable suppliers that focus on fair wages, safe working environments, and quality ingredients. So, when you support No Cow, you’re supporting a company that places a lot of value on ethics. 

GGR Head of Content and expert product tester Kate Meier cautions that people who don’t regularly eat dairy-free products might be unpleasantly surprised by the taste. Kate and five members of her weightlifting team tried a variety of the No Cow bars. “For the most part, we could eat the entire bar, but it wouldn’t be our favorite thing,” she says. “You can tell there is an attempt to fulfill the flavor on the label, but it’s just that—a flavoring, clearly not close to the real thing.”

Check out the full No Cow Protein Bar review article for more details.

Best Organic Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Garden of Life Organic Fit Plant Based Protein Bar

Good for: People who want a third-party tested bar that’s non-GMO

Best Organic

Garden of Life Organic Fit Plant-Based Protein Bar

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Organic, plant-based protein bars 
• 14 g of protein and 13 g prebiotic fiber 
• Intended for weight loss 
• Organic green coffee bean extract and Ashwagandha
• Available in a variety of flavors

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Organic
• Plant-based
• Third-party verified
• Fiber makes them filling
• No added sugar

Cons

• Some users do not like the new formula
• Texture is not for everyone

Bottom Line

If you are seeking a plant-based protein bar designed to keep you feeling full while aiding in your exercise recovery, the Garden of Life Fit Plant-Based Protein bars are a solid choice.

Garden of Life’s organic protein bars contain 14 grams of protein from brown rice, peanuts, and peas along with 13 grams of prebiotic fiber from tapioca. The combination of these nutrients ensures these bars won’t digest quickly, so you can feel fuller for longer. 

In addition to only having 1 gram of sugar, it also includes Ashwagandha, which is why we recommend it as our favorite organic bar for weight loss. Recent studies have suggested that Ashwagandha can be a powerful weight loss tool. 

Based on a 2017 study, Ashwagandha is linked to reducing serum cortisol levels, decreasing food cravings, and improving eating behavior⁴. So, if you’re the sort of person who struggles with stress eating, Ashwagandha and products that include it may be able to support better eating habits. 

Garden of Life’s protein bars, like many of Garden of Life’s other sports supplements, are also third-party tested and Informed-Choice Trusted by Sport, making it a good choice for athletes.

There is one thing that we need to mention here. Although this bar contains ingredients such as green tea extract that have been rumored to aid in weight loss, it is still vital that you adhere to a nutrient-dense, calorie-smart diet while using these protein bars.

Frieda Johnson, GGR editor and expert product tester, tried the chocolate fudge flavor: “These have a nutty flavor that is not unpleasant, although the chocolate flavor is very mild,” she said. She also liked that the company is a certified B corporation.

Best Vegan Protein Bar for Weight Loss: NuGo Protein Bars

Good for: People who want an all-natural bar made with exclusively plant-based ingredients

Best Vegan

NuGo Protein Bars

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Made with real chocolate coating
• Gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO  
• 10-13 grams of protein

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Taste is popular
• No sugar alcohols
• Gluten free
• Kid-friendly
• Vegan

Cons

• Some reports of damaged packaging
• High sugar count

Bottom Line

NuGo bars are an affordable protein bar made with non-GMO and gluten-free ingredients providing a moderate amount of protein and low fat count. They come in both dairy-based and vegan options.

NuGo Dark protein bars are certified vegan, come in seven flavors, and contain no artificial ingredients…even sweeteners! Furthermore, they are also proud of the fact that they make use of real chocolate, not a simulated chocolate that many products use, which is made mostly from palm oil. And the difference is noticeable! GGR editor Frieda Johnson loves the Mint Chocolate Chip flavor for any time she wants a sweet treat that isn’t just empty calories: “These are amazing! They taste like Thin Mints!” she said. “You can really tell that they use real dark chocolate instead of the fake, waxy stuff most brands use.” 

The main source of protein in these bars is soy, which is one of those rare sources of plant protein that is complete, meaning it contains all nine amino acids⁵. You get 10-13 grams of this plant-powered protein in each bar which is a pretty decent amount for a vegan bar, especially considering it comes in a 200 calorie package.

Frieda says she does wish they had a little more protein and a little less sugar in them, but “if you want the experience of eating Thin Mint cookies, but vegan, gluten-free, and with added protein, I can’t recommend these enough.” If that sounds great, but you want a bar that has a bit more protein and fiber and a bit less sugar, the NuGo Slim bars might be right up your alley. 

Despite NuGo Dark bars containing soy, they do not contain GMOs and are also gluten free. Important note for vegan readers! Please know before you buy that not all of NuGo’s protein bars are vegan. Their original version does contain milk along with some of their other protein products. So, vegans should opt for their Slim, Dark, or Organic versions that are not made with animal products. 

Best Gluten-Free Protein Bar for Weight Loss: Orgain Organic Plant-Based Protein Bars

Good for: People looking for an organic bar with minimal allergens

Best Gluten-Free

Orgain Organic Protein Bar

GGR Score: 4.3

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Product Highlights

• Gluten-free
• Kosher
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• USDA certified organic
• 10 g of protein per bar

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Balanced ingredients for steady energy
• Affordable price point
• 100% plant-based
• Great reviews for flavor and texture
• Affordable compared to other options

Cons

• Some customers felt the size of the bar was too small and would prefer a full meal-replacement option
• Lower in protein than some of its competitors
• Contains sugar alcohols
• Not suitable for those with tree nut or peanut allergies

Bottom Line

If you have any soy or dairy dietary restrictions, this bar is a good protein option to keep on hand for snacks. The combination of low sugar and high protein is a great way to support satiety in between meals.

Orgain is a trusted name in plant-based protein supplements. Having been in close contact with Stanford’s head nutritionist for many years, I know that Orgain is the main brand of protein shake they give to their athletes due to their reputation for being one of the best in the industry. 

As the name implies, Orgain makes use of organic, plant-based ingredients without any gluten, GMOs, dairy, soy, or lactose products. This is big because research has shown that people who are sensitive to gluten may also develop issues with their gut that prompts them to be sensitive to other common allergens, as well⁶. 

Luckily, Orgain’s bars have eliminated many common allergens from their formulation (though it can contain tree nuts) and it’s a great choice as a protein source for vegans given it gets its protein from rice and peas. Finally, it contains 2 grams of fiber and chia seeds which can help with the feeling of fullness. 

There are only 10 grams of protein in this bar and 6 grams of added sugar, so not an ideal choice if sugar is something you’re trying to cut down on or if you are seeking an organic bar that’s super high protein.

It is our recommendation, however, that if you’re looking for a gluten-free, organic bar from a brand whose reputation you can trust, you go with Orgain.

GGR staff writer and expert tester Lauren Strong tried the cookie dough flavor: “I liked the texture; it resembles the texture of cookie dough (soft, chewy, doughy) which is nice because it matches the flavor. I’m not sure how this ultra-compressed texture will do with the other flavors, though,” she says.

Other Protein Bars We Researched

Although protein bars can be an effective tool to help you reach your fitness and weight goals, they can also be difficult to navigate due to the fact that they are now more widely available than they have ever been. 

Since there were so many protein bar options out there, narrowing it down to this list was really difficult, so here are some good products that didn’t quite make it to this list, but are still worth checking out.

• Go Raw Pumpkin Seed Bar
• Huel Complete Protein Bar
• GoMacro Bars
• Quest Bar

How We Picked and Tested the Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss

We really wanted to showcase some brands that would fit into a variety of weight loss plans regardless of what specific diet you may be following to achieve your weight goals. However, the following criteria remained consistent in order to compile this list:

Protein

Among the bars we selected for our list, we choose those that offer significant protein in terms of the source and the quantity. It was important to highlight bars that would be able to assist in weight loss by helping to control hunger and contributing to protein intake. 

Since most registered dietitians recommend eating a high amount of protein to aid with weight loss, we liked the protein bars that can assist you in meeting this recommendation in a more convenient way.

Fiber Content

In the same vein as protein, we think that fiber is an incredibly important part of a weight loss diet. Fiber breaks down slowly in the stomach and, in turn, can make you feel fuller for longer. This prolonged satisfaction can help prevent overeating and, it’s worth mentioning, fiber is also pretty good for your health⁷. 

A slight word of caution, though. The type of fiber typically used in protein bars can cause GI distress if consumed in excess, so it wouldn’t be wise to get the majority of your day’s fiber from protein bars. You should still be eating fruits and vegetables, which, along with fiber, provide much-needed nutrients and antioxidants while on a calorie-restricted diet. 

Adherence to Diet Restrictions and Preferences

It is very important to our team to find protein bars that will fit well into our daily lifestyles as well as yours. So, whether you eat a plant-based diet, are low carb, prefer to eat organic, or have certain food allergies, we wanted to find a product for you.

Benefits of Protein Bars for Weight Loss

So, why use protein bars to try to lose weight? Although they have their applications, you need to choose them carefully and use them even more carefully if you want the best results. 

Meal Replacement

During a weight loss journey, some people find the easiest way to keep calorie intake low is to employ the use of meal replacements. In fact, two separate, recent studies found that people who used meal replacements in clinical trials lost 5% more weight than those who did not^8,9. 

Protein bars can be a tasty way to implement this tactic, but it is important that you choose the right bar for this need to avoid eating too few calories and undernourishing yourself. The studies above used meal replacements that were between 200 and 400 calories and each meal also contained a substantial amount of fat, protein, and carbohydrates in order to mimic a real meal.

If you are careful to check your nutrition facts labels and these guidelines are met, protein bars can prove useful to a weight loss regimen. 

Aids in Satiety

We often enjoy snack foods that are high in carbs but low in protein, and despite being tasty, they leave us feeling unsatisfied shortly after. Snacking on these types of foods is not ideal if you’re trying to lose weight and need to control your calorie intake.

Protein bars can be an improvement if your chosen brand is high in fiber and high protein. As previously mentioned, these compounds digest slowly in the stomach, so you feel prompted to eat much less often. 

Increases Protein Intake

High intakes of protein are often recommended for weight loss. However, as we just talked about, protein makes you feel full for longer than other macronutrients. This is a bit of a catch-22, because you may be so full you’re not hungry enough to meet your protein needs. 

This is where having a protein bar, which is something incredibly palatable and enticing to eat, can help to increase your protein intake and break up the monotonous routine likely full of high-protein foods like chicken and Greek yogurt.

Dosing and Interactions 

Consuming protein bars in moderation is unlikely to cause any serious side effects. Protein bars are often formulated in a way to taste great without adding a lot of sugar to ensure that they taste great. 

There are several methods used to sweeten these bars. In order to achieve this, sugar alcohols are used to sweeten them. When consumed in excess, sugar alcohols have been proven to cause a variety of gastrointestinal side effects, such as abdominal pain, bloating, and gas, among others.

Buying Guide: What to Look for in Protein Bars for Weight Loss

Sold on the idea of adding protein bars to your diet? Hold off for just a few more minutes, so you can be sure to know what to look for while you’re scanning those labels. 

Protein Amount

It is of the utmost importance that the protein bar you choose is rich in, well, protein! Unfortunately, many bars on the market today are so loaded with saturated fats and sugars that they can hardly be categorized as protein bars at all. 

The optimal amount of protein a bar can have is 20 grams, considering science shows this is the minimum amount needed to build muscle and recover optimally for those who engage in resistance exercise¹⁰.

However, provided the bar has enough fiber and the fat is low (with the exception being keto-friendly bars), you can probably get away with as little as 9 grams as long as your diet is supplying enough to make up the difference.

RELATED: High-Protein Foods for Weight Loss

Calorie Content

You should always take the time to study the nutrition facts on your protein bars carefully when you are looking for a new one in order to select one that has a good ratio of calories to protein. When trying to lose weight, every calorie needs to be used wisely and there is little wiggle room for empty calories that don’t serve to support your health or athletic performance. 

Therefore, it is not recommended that you choose a bar that contains a low amount of protein and is high in calories. If the amount of calories is high, the amount of protein should be, as well. If this isn’t the case, you’re better off moving on to the next option. 

Presence of Sugar Alcohols

In the last several years, artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols have become super popular because they make it a sweet treat, but because they don’t contain calories, they can be advertised as being low in sugar. Sugar alcohols in particular will be featured on the ingredient list as something ending in -ol like sorbitol, erythritol, xylitol, lactitol, isomalt, or maltitol. 

This can be great for food companies, but can also be not-so-great for your tummy. Studies have shown that too many sugar alcohols can cause a significant amount of digestive trouble and distress¹¹. 

According to the study, it appears that the majority of people can tolerate up to 20 grams of sugar alcohols in a day before they start experiencing symptoms, however that same study also mentioned that it can vary from person to person.

So, to be on the safe side, check your labels to see how many sugar alcohols your chosen bar contains to determine how many you can safely have in a sitting. Your belly will thank you for it. 

FAQs About Protein Bars for Weight Loss

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

References

1. DiNicolantonio JJ, O’Keefe JH. Monounsaturated Fat vs Saturated Fat: Effects on Cardio-Metabolic Health and Obesity. Mo Med. 2022;119(1):69-73 
2. Stevenson JL, Clevenger HC, Cooper JA. Hunger and satiety responses to high-fat meals of varying fatty acid composition in women with obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015;23(10):1980-1986. doi:10.1002/oby.21202
3. Gorissen SHM, Crombag JJR, Senden JMG, et al. Protein content and amino acid composition of commercially available plant-based protein isolates. Amino Acids. 2018;50(12):1685-1695. doi:10.1007/s00726-018-2640-5
4. Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Joshi K. Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(1):96-106. doi:10.1177/2156587216641830
5. van den Berg LA, Mes JJ, Mensink M, Wanders AJ. Protein quality of soy and the effect of processing: A quantitative review. Front Nutr. 2022;9:1004754. Published 2022 Sep 27. doi:10.3389/fnut.2022.1004754
6. Makharia A, Catassi C, Makharia GK. The Overlap between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: A Clinical Dilemma. Nutrients. 2015;7(12):10417-10426. Published 2015 Dec 10. doi:10.3390/nu7125541
7. Barber TM, Kabisch S, Pfeiffer AFH, Weickert MO. The Health Benefits of Dietary Fibre. Nutrients. 2020;12(10):3209. Published 2020 Oct 21. doi:10.3390/nu12103209
8. Sooriyaarachchi P, Jayawardena R, Pavey T, King NA. Meal replacement as a weight loss strategy for night shift workers with obesity: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2022;23(1):860. Published 2022 Oct 8. doi:10.1186/s13063-022-06784-x
9. Guo X, Xu Y, He H, et al. Effects of a Meal Replacement on Body Composition and Metabolic Parameters among Subjects with Overweight or Obesity. J Obes. 2018;2018:2837367. Published 2018 Dec 26. doi:10.1155/2018/2837367
10. Areta JL, Burke LM, Ross ML, et al. Timing and distribution of protein ingestion during prolonged recovery from resistance exercise alters myofibrillar protein synthesis. J Physiol. 2013;591(9):2319-2331. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.2012.244897
11. Mäkinen KK. Gastrointestinal Disturbances Associated with the Consumption of Sugar Alcohols with Special Consideration of Xylitol: Scientific Review and Instructions for Dentists and Other Health-Care Professionals. Int J Dent. 2016;2016:5967907. doi:10.1155/2016/5967907

Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD

Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD is a sports dietitian and the head of performance nutrition for the NBA G League Ignite. In addition to working with pro athletes, Destini has ghostwritten four weight loss and wellness cookbooks. She also authors online content covering fitness and nutrition topics.

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