Protein Bar Face-Off

Editors’ Note: Let us know if your favorite protein bar didn’t make the cut!

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Protein bars aren’t all built the same. Some aim for high protein density, others emphasize flavor, fiber, or price. What sets them apart is the balance of macros, sweeteners, and taste that make them fit different goals. The nutrition values below are averages across popular flavors so labels can vary, and you should check the bar in your hand. None of this content is paid for.

David: Macro Density

Each bar packs 28g protein, 150 calories, and ~2g fiber, making it one of the leanest macro profiles available. That puts the calories per gram of protein at 5.4, with the next closest bar at 9.5. Sugar sits at 0g, with 7g sugar alcohol for sweetness.

Flavor is polarizing: some call it clean and tolerable for the macros, others find it dense or artificial. The brand publishes third-party lab results for protein and contaminants, though ConsumerLab, an independent lab, reported higher fat than labeled, which David attributes to how EPG is counted (we broke this down in a past article). If efficiency is your main goal, David is the clear pick.

Barebells: Taste and Consistency

Barebells is often rated among the best-tasting protein bars, with a lighter texture than most. Each bar has roughly 20g protein, 200 calories, and 3g fiber. Sugar sits around 1g, with 6g sugar alcohols in their standard bars.

Reviews consistently highlight Barebells as a flavor winner, and for many, it strikes a balance between taste and macros. If you have trouble getting yourself to eat protein bars, then you should try Barebells.

Quest: Fiber Forward, Long Flavor Lineup

Quest is one of the most widely available options. An average bar has 20g protein, 190 calories, and 13g fiber, making it one of the most filling choices. Sugar is usually ~1g, with 7g sugar alcohols. The taste is known for being sweet and chewy with a wide flavor variety, though some say the texture can be dense or artificial.

Independent testing has found small mismatches in carbs and fiber versus the label in the past. Still, Quest remains popular for its large flavor variety and high fiber content.

Pure Protein: Budget-Friendly

Pure Protein bars average 20g protein, 190 calories, and 1g fiber. Sugar is typically 2g, with about 6g sugar alcohols depending on flavor. These bars come in at $1.62 per bar when purchasing a 12 pack which is the cheapest of the bars in this lineup. For taste they are seen as average but acceptable, more functional than indulgent. Taste gets a pass for the price.

They may not be the most innovative or indulgent, but they’re affordable and dependable for anyone who wants protein without a premium price tag.

ONE Bar: Balanced Middle Ground

ONE bars provide 20g protein, 220 calories, 6g fiber, and 1g sugar. Sugar alcohol content is 8g per bar. Generally well liked for dessert flavors, though some find them a bit too sweet or coating heavy.

They’re often chosen for their dessert-inspired flavors and steady nutrition profile. While not leading in any single category, ONE balances taste, fiber, and protein in a way that appeals to a broad audience.

Why you should care

At the end of the day, the best bar is the one you actually enjoy and reach for often. A bar that fits your taste and routine will do more for you than the one with the “perfect” nutrition label that sits untouched.

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