The 5 Best Protein Bars a Fitness Expert Has Tested in 2025

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Giselle Castro-Sloboda

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Headshot of Giselle Castro-Sloboda

Giselle Castro-Sloboda Fitness and Nutrition Writer

I’m a Fitness & Nutrition writer for CNET who enjoys reviewing the latest fitness gadgets, testing out activewear and sneakers, as well as debunking wellness myths. On my spare time I enjoy cooking new recipes, going for a scenic run, hitting the weight room, or binge-watching many TV shows at once. I am a former personal trainer and still enjoy learning and brushing up on my training knowledge from time to time. I’ve had my wellness and lifestyle content published in various online publications such as: Women’s Health, Shape, Healthline, Popsugar and more.

Expertise Fitness and Wellness

Protein bars are a good way to get protein into your diet if you don’t always have time to prepare a complete meal with enough protein or need a snack on hand. This is in addition to a balanced diet, of course, as protein bars should not be seen as a main food source. With so many protein bars on the market, it’s hard to decipher which are better options compared to others. We previously spoke with registered dietitians who shared what you should look for when choosing a protein bar and their favorites. I also taste-tested some of our own based on their recommendations and other plant- and whey-based picks. Check out the best protein bars we tested and enjoyed below. 

What is the best protein bar overall?

We didn’t choose a best overall protein bar because some people may have different dietary needs. We tried whey and plant-based protein bar options that can appeal to both groups. The best overall will depend on whether you prefer a plant or whey-based protein bar, the flavor, protein content and if the ingredients don’t cause any negative side effects. Some protein bars can cause gastrointestinal upset due to sugar alcohols or other additives.

The best protein bars of 2025

Pros

  • The puffs offer a soft yet crispy texture
  • Variety of flavors to choose from
  • Gluten-free and plant-based friendly

Cons

  • Protein content of 10g/serving could be higher

What we like about it: The Mezcla Vegan High Protein bars are a favorite of dietitians and make for a good snack at 10 grams of protein per bar. These are some of my favorite protein bars to grab in a pinch, and they’re enjoyable whether you’re vegan, gluten-free or not. Because of their puffy, crunchy, yet soft texture, they remind me of thinner and healthier Rice Krispies treats. They’re also not too sweet, which is important since some protein bars can taste as sweet as a chocolate bar.

My favorite flavors include peanut butter chocolate, matcha vanilla and almond butter chocolate. You can buy these bars in a variety or single-flavor pack, so you can try out different flavors before committing to your favorite one.

Who it’s best for: This protein bar is best if you’re vegan and want a snack to keep in your pantry or gym bag. If you want to rely on it for protein, make sure to pair it with other plant-based proteins to increase the protein content per serving. The same applies if you want more fiber. Try out the variety pack first to determine which flavors you prefer.

Who should avoid it: If you’re looking for a protein bar with a higher protein content, the Mezcla protein bar will leave much to be desired. 

Pros

  • Various flavors
  • Plant-based and gluten-free friendly

Cons

  • Chewy
  • Strong oatmeal profile, which some people may dislike

What we like about it: GoMacro bars are an organic, vegan and gluten-free protein bar alternative if you can’t stomach whey-based bars. These chewy bars are made up of oats, organic sprouted brown rice protein and organic pea protein. Some are nut-free for those who have nut allergies. Depending on the flavor, a bar can have between 10 to 12 grams of protein per serving, so it’s an ideal snack to keep in your gym bag or purse.

Like many others on the list, this bar comes in a variety of flavors, including banana and almond butter, oatmeal chocolate chip, double chocolate and peanut butter chips, and sunflower butter and chocolate.

Who it’s best for: If you like chewy protein bars with various oat-based flavors, you’ll like GoMacro. These are a good fit if you’re vegan or gluten-free and prefer plant-based proteins like brown rice and pea protein. The oatmeal chocolate chip particularly reminds me of an oatmeal cookie, which will appeal to those who like those types of treats.

Who should avoid it: If you prefer a protein bar with more of a crunch or if you don’t like the taste of oatmeal, this bar will be a miss for you.

Pros

  • Has cookie dough texture and many chocolate options
  • Filling snack for in between meals

Cons

  • Calorie-dense at 310 to 340 calories/bar
  • May not be suitable for everyone, especially those with nut allergies
  • High in sugar (under 20 grams) and added sugars
  • May not appeal to those who don’t want to refrigerate their protein bars

What we like about it: The Perfect Bar needs to be refrigerated to stay fresh. This protein bar reminds me of a solid yet crumbly cookie dough bar. One bar can have approximately 200 to 300 calories, give or take, and 11 to 17 grams of protein, depending on the flavor. The total sugars are under 20 grams, but don’t include added sugars since they vary depending on the protein bar. This is a dense protein bar, and while higher in calories than others on the list, it can be good to have on hand if you need something to hold you over before your next meal.

Who it’s best for: This bar is best for those who love chocolate and don’t have nut allergies, since most of the bars consist of either peanut, cashew or almond butters. The chocolate chip cookie dough is my favorite flavor and has 12 grams of protein. These bars have more calories and sugar than some others on the list, so be mindful of that if you’re trying to lose weight. I can vouch that one of these bars can keep me full for hours, so it’s ideal if you’re not going to be able to sit down to eat between meals.

Other flavors you can enjoy by Perfect Bar include: chocolate brownie, dark chocolate almond, salted caramel and chocolate hazelnut.

Who should avoid it: If you have a nut allergy or don’t like a protein bar with a heavy nut profile, you may find this option to be too much. Additionally, if you don’t want to have to refrigerate your protein bars, you’re better off with one that is shelf-stable.

Pros

  • All real ingredients
  • 15 grams of protein per bar
  • Ideal for those who enjoy chocolate and peanut butter

Cons

  • Not ideal for those with nut allergies
  • High in sugar at about 13g/bar
  • Some people may not like refrigerating their protein bars

What we like about it: A newer protein bar I’ve tried and enjoyed is Mush protein bars. Mush first came on the map with its overnight oats (which I am also a fan of), so it only seemed natural that protein bars would be its next step. These bars need to be refrigerated to remain fresh. While these protein bars are higher in sugar than I would like (about 12 grams, not including added sugars), they taste like a rich dessert. They’re made of real ingredients (organic rolled oats, honey, dates and more), and have 15 grams of protein per bar.

There are only three flavors: peanut butter chocolate chip, maple cinnamon and peanut butter chocolate chip (my favorite flavor). Each flavor tastes like you’re indulging in a moist dessert, which makes it different than traditional chalky protein bars.

Who it’s best for: This protein bar is best for people who want an option that makes them forget they’re eating a protein bar. The chocolate and peanut butter profile is super rich, which you’ll enjoy if you have a sweet tooth.

Who should avoid it: If you aren’t a fan of peanut butter or chocolate, then you won’t like this protein bar. It’s also best to avoid if you have a peanut allergy. 

Pros

  • High protein at 28 grams
  • Low calorie at 150 calories
  • Various flavors

Cons

  • Sugar alcohols can trigger some gastric upset
  • Only 1 gram of fiber
  • Expensive at about $6/bar

What we like about it: You’ve probably seen the David Bar circulating on TikTok because it’s one of the newest protein bars to hit the scene, which claims to have the most protein. At around 150 calories a bar, David has 28 grams of protein, which I haven’t seen before in a protein bar. The bar itself is wrapped in a gold foil, which makes it look extra exclusive.

The bar is on the softer side and is available in the following flavors: blueberry pie, fudge brownie, chocolate chip cookie dough, cake batter, peanut butter chocolate chunk and salted peanut butter.

Who it’s best for: These bars are not the cheapest on the market at around $6 per bar, but if you rely on protein bars to get more protein, you’re guaranteed to get 28 grams each time.

Who should avoid it: These protein bars contain milk, so they aren’t ideal if you’re lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy. If your stomach tends to get upset from protein bars with binders like maltitol, glycerin, allulose, tapioca starch and soy lecithin, it’s best to steer clear of the David Bar since it consists of these ingredients. 

The best protein bars compared

Protein Bars Calories per bar Protein Carbohydrates Fiber Sugar
Mezcla Puff Crispy Protein Bars 160 to 170 calories 10 grams 19 grams 3 grams 10 grams and under
GoMacro Macrobar 270 to 280 calories 10 to 12 grams 35 to 39 grams 3 grams 12 grams; not including added sugars
Perfect bar 310 to 340 calories 12 to 17 grams 25 grams or more 2 to 4 grams Under 20 grams; not including added sugars
Mush 260 to 280 calories 15 grams About 25 grams or less About 4 grams About 13 grams; not including added sugars
David 150 calories 28 grams 12 grams 1 gram 7 grams of sugar alcohols

When shopping for a protein bar, it’s important to look out for several factors according to dietitians. Those include details include:

  • Protein: 12-25 grams per bar
  • Fiber: 5-10 grams. The total amount of protein and fiber should be higher than the total amount of sugar in the protein bar.
  • Sugar: Avoid protein bars with high-fructose corn syrup and avoid artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols — these ingredients can often cause gastrointestinal upset. Dried fruits or dates are the best sweetener option in protein bars whenever possible.

I tested the best protein bars based on expert recommendations and current popular selections on the market. As one of CNET’s wellness experts, my role is to offer honest, informative and helpful wellness advice. I looked at the protein content, considered the flavors available, the taste of the protein bar, fiber content and the type of sugar used to determine which are worth buying.

Based on this list, the protein bar with the highest amount of protein is the David Bar at 28 grams of protein per bar. 

According to dietitians, the healthiest protein bars should contain all-natural ingredients, few additives and as little added sugar as possible. Ideally, protein bars should contain 12 to 25 grams of protein and have 5 to 10 grams of fiber.

Protein bars are considered a supplement, so they’re not required in your diet. However, protein bars with high protein content make it easier to fulfill your protein quota if you’re looking for options while on the go. As always, it’s best to get your protein and other nutrients from whole foods first.

Yes, as long as you maintain a balanced diet consisting of whole foods. Protein bars should be viewed as a supplement that can help you hit the protein you need for the day, but shouldn’t be the main source of food.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.


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