In a busy world vegan protein bars have emerged as a convenient and nutritious option for those of us trying to make sure we’re hitting our protein intake or just as a snack. Sometimes having a good vegan protein bar can be my motivation to finishing a workout but having a bad one, that is loaded with sugar, can make it feel counter productive.
I made this guide that delves into the benefits and drawbacks of vegan protein bars, compares them with vegan protein powders, and provides essential tips for choosing the best options available on the market.
Convenience of Vegan Protein Bars
One of the most significant advantages of vegan protein bars is their convenience. These bars are easy to carry, require no preparation, and can be consumed on the go, making them an ideal choice for individuals with busy lifestyles. They can be a lifesaver during long work hours, travel (when I use them most), or post-workout recovery when access to a balanced meal might be limited.
Pros of Eating Vegan Protein Bars
- Nutrient-Dense
Good vegan protein bars often contain a mix of protein, fibre, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. They provide a balanced nutritional profile that supports energy levels, muscle repair, and overall health.
- Dietary Variety
For those following a vegan diet, protein bars offer an alternative protein source that can diversify meal plans and snack options. They can also cater to various dietary preferences and restrictions, such as gluten-free or soy-free.
- Portability
As mentioned earlier, the portability of protein bars is a major benefit. They fit easily into bags, desks, and even pockets, making them an accessible snack at any time.
- Satiety
High-protein content in these bars can help keep you full for longer periods, reducing the temptation to indulge in unhealthy snacks between meals.
Cons of Eating Vegan Protein Bars
- Added Sugars
Many protein bars, including vegan ones, can be high in added sugars, which can contribute to unwanted calorie intake and potential health issues such as obesity and diabetes.
- Processed Ingredients
Some vegan protein bars contain processed ingredients and preservatives that may not align with a whole-food, plant-based diet which the science is pretty clear on is the healthiest.
- Cost
Vegan protein bars can be relatively expensive compared to other protein sources like legumes or tofu. Regular consumption might add up to a significant cost over time.
- Digestive Issues
I’ve never experienced this For some individuals, the high fibre content and certain protein sources (like soy or pea protein) can cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating or gas.
Best Vegan Protein Bars
Now that we’ve discussed all of that let’s get to the list of the best vegan protein bars you should considered buying.
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Misfits Vegan Plant Based Protein Bars
The Misfits Vegan Protein Bar Variety Pack offers a delicious way to boost your protein intake, with each bar packing a solid 15 grams of plant-based protein.
They are low in carbs and contain only 1 gram of sugar, making them a great option for those keeping an eye on their sugar intake. With added high fibre, these bars support digestion and keep you feeling full longer. Ideal for a quick, healthy snack on the go, Misfits Protein Bars are a tasty way to support your fitness and nutrition goals.
Orgain
Orgain made our list of the best vegan protein powder and here they are again. Their Organic Vegan Protein Bars in Chocolate Brownie are made with a blend of organic brown rice protein, pea protein crisps, and ground chia seeds, providing 10g of plant-based protein per bar.
These bars also include organic ingredients like isomalto-oligosaccharide for fibre, tapioca syrup, almond butter, chocolate chips, erythritol, and alkalized cocoa, which contribute to their rich taste and texture.
They are free from lactose, soy, and gluten, and are non-GMO certified, making them suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions
Cliff Bars
The CLIF BAR Chocolate Chip flavour contains 10 grams of protein each. This comes primarily from soy protein isolate and roasted soybeans, along with a blend of carbohydrates and fibre for lasting fuel.
Other key ingredients include organic rolled oats, soy rice crisps, unsweetened chocolate, and chicory root fibre. These bars are non-GMO and made with 70% organic ingredients, offering a nutritious and tasty option for active individuals
With over 26k reviews on amazon you know these are popular. I also thought all cliff bars were vegan but some have whey and/or honey so be careful.
Nugo
NuGo Dark Chocolate Pretzel and Sea Salt bars are a mix of dark chocolate, sea salt, and pretzels and each bar contains 12 grams of vegan protein derived from soy
These bars are gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified Kosher Pareve, ensuring they meet various dietary needs.
Key ingredients include a gluten-free pretzel blend (soy protein, brown rice, tapioca starch, salt), dark chocolate (unsweetened chocolate, cane sugar, cocoa butter), tapioca syrup, and agave syrup. NuGo Dark bars contain no artificial ingredients, sweeteners, or palm oil, which is very nice.
Aloha Vegan Protein Bars
ALOHA Organic Plant Based Protein Bars in Coconut Chocolate Almond flavour offer 14 grams of protein sourced from organic brown rice and pumpkin seeds.
I like this one for the organic ingredients like almonds, coconut, chocolate chips, and cane sugar. Free from gluten, dairy, soy, stevia, and sugar alcohols, these bars are non-GMO, gluten-free, and certified Kosher Pareve.
Each bar combines healthy fats, fibre, and plant-based protein, which puts them on our list of the best.
Luna
LUNA Mash-Ups in LemonZest and Blueberry Flavour combine organic rolled oats with plant-based protein to create a “whole nutrition snack bar” but it has protein so we added it.
Each bar contains 7-9 grams of protein from sources like soy protein isolate and roasted soybeans. These bars are gluten-free, non-GMO, and low-glycemic, ensuring a steady energy release without spikes.
They include wholesome ingredients such as organic apple puree, blueberry puree, lemon juice concentrate, and elderberry juice for colour and they are free from high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavours.
Vegan protein bars offer a convenient and effective way to meet your protein needs, especially for those with busy lifestyles or dietary restrictions. While they come with several benefits, it’s important to be mindful of the ingredients, sugar content, and overall nutritional profile.
By choosing the right bars and balancing them with other whole-food protein sources, you can enjoy their benefits without compromising your health.
For more detailed reviews and a comprehensive list of popular vegan protein bars, stay tuned to our upcoming posts where we delve deeper into the best options available in the market.
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