If you’re a workout junkie, you probably stash a protein bar in your gym bag alongside your essentials. The challenge is hunting for one that tastes good and satisfies you. Because we try *a lot* of protein bars on the regs, we have some opinions. Scroll on to learn exactly which are our fave options right now.
our fave post-workout Protein Bars
1. Sakara Life Energy Bar ($29 for a box of 6): Ideal for breakfast or pre- or post-workout, this bar is loaded with energy-boosting ingredients like raw hemp protein, L-theanine amino acids, vitamin B12, and raw dark cacao. Its flavor is very cacao-forward, which can be a little bitter if you’re not used to dark chocolate. There are chunks of almonds in the bar to give crunch to the bar’s otherwise chewy texture. Sakara Life also makes a vanilla-coconut Detox Bar that has similar nutrients but is lower in carbs (19 grams) and slightly lower in calories (190), but the kick from the Energy Bars feels more suited for this particular instance.
Nutritional Breakdown: 200 calories, 10 grams protein, 12 grams fat, 23 grams carbs, 12 grams fiber, and 9 grams sugar
2. KIND Protein Bars Double Dark Chocolate Nut ($24 for a box of 12): We’ve always been a fan of the traditional KIND Bars, but the new options add a little more protein (soy protein isolate). This peanut-and-almond bar contains no artificial flavors, artificial sweeteners, or added sugar alcohols and yet has a crunchy, caramel-y, and chewy texture. We’re also fans of the rest of the line, which includes Crunchy Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Cinnamon Almond, and Toasted Caramel Nut.
Nutritional Breakdown: 250 calories, 12 grams protein, 17 grams fat, 17 grams carbs, 5 grams fiber, and 8 grams sugar
3. GoMacro Macrobar Dark Chocolate + Almonds ($35 for a pack of 12): We love GoMacro for its taffy-like texture and cookie dough taste, though it’s raw, vegan, and gluten-free. The protein is a blend of organic sprouted brown rice and pea protein for easy digestibility. Because it’s a little high on the sugar side, snack on it after a seriously hard sweat sesh. You can rest easy knowing it’s naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, an unrefined, nutrient-dense sweetener that’s low glycemic too. If you can’t do nuts, try out the Sunflower Butter + Chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Breakdown: 270 calories, 10 grams protein, 11 grams fat, 25 grams carbs, 4 grams fiber, and 14 grams sugar
4. Pure Change Double Chocolate Chip ($42 for a box of 12) These taste like you’re biting into a piece of double chocolate chip fudge, but they pack 20 grams of grass-fed whey protein. The bar includes added amino acids to help your body’s immune function plus aid in muscle repair. We’re also into the other flavors: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Cookies & Cream.
Nutritional Breakdown: 260 calories, 20 grams protein, 14 grams fat, 190 milligrams sodium, 16 grams fiber, and 2 grams sugar
What’s your favorite post-workout snack or bite on the go? Let us know on Twitter!
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(Photos via Getty Images, Pure Change, Sakara Life, KIND, and GoMacro)
