Are you looking for healthy plant-based high protein bars? What about plant-based protein bars that actually taste good (because no one wants to eat cardboard, aimirite?!)?
Well, if you have ever wondered those questions, this post will be perfect for you. We’re going to give you a dietitian’s (aka me) take on the best high protein vegan protein bars. Now, in order to be considered high protein, we looked at protein bars with 20 grams of protein. 20 grams of protein seems to be the max in any given nutrition bar.
Now, keep in mind, 20 grams of protein may be a considerable amount for you (and potentially more than you need for a snack), so I encourage you to listen to your body and perhaps you only need half a bar at once. Whether you eat half the protein bar or the whole darn thing, know that the recommended protein bars below are great options.
Who am I to know? As a vegan dietitian, I regularly recommend protein sources to my clients. Sometimes those are in whole food form and sometimes they are in protein bar form (because we all know life gets crazy!). If you decide to buy or try any of them, please order via the link provided to help support this vegan site and my goal to be able to continue to serve up valuable reviews from a knowledgable vegan dietitian. I’m so thankful to be able to share the joy of plant-based eating and I hope you find this list of the best high protein vegan bars helpful.
5. Pegan Protein Bar – Vanilla Cinnamon Roll – 150 calories and 20 grams of protein and only 3g net carbs
What we love: Pegan Protein Bars have 20 grams of protein with only 150 calories and minimal sugar (they use monk fruit to sweeten the bars). The company adds prebiotic fiber and probiotic live active cultures to support a healthy gut microbiome. Plus, if you are gluten sensitive, it’s great that not only are the Pegan Protein Bars gluten free but they are made in a dedicated gluten free facility. Find them on Amazon if you’re looking to grab a high protein, low calorie, low carb vegan protein bar.
Considerations: The Vegan Pegan Protein bars are considerably dense and for light eaters, they can be a bit hard to manage in one sitting. Also, because they aren’t sweetened with anything other than monk fruit, they will be less sweet and a bit bland for some palates.
4. CLIF BUILDER’S Protein Bar – Chocolate Peanut Butter – 280 calories with 20 grams of vegan protein
What we love: These bars are widely available and tend to be on the less expensive side of the protein bar world. The bars are not gritty or crumbly and the chocolate coating tastes like real chocolate (not a fake waxy coating). The overall taste and huge protein content makes these bars a win win. We’re a big fan of all the flavors but our favorite is the classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Flavor that you can find on Amazon.
Considerations: The real chocolate coating will definitely melt if kept in the sun or a hot car, so be mindful about where you store these vegan protein bars!
3. PROBAR – BASE High Protein Vegan Bar – Cookie Dough and Chocolate Bliss – Organic, Gluten-Free, Plant-Based Whole Food Ingredients with 290 calories and 20 grams of protein
What we love: PROBAR Base Protein Bars have created nine delicious flavors (so delicious we had a hard time choosing which one to feature!). The 20 gram vegan protein bars are high in protein to help repair muscles or just keep you sustained no matter when hunger strikes. We love that many flavors of this bar taste like dessert but with so much more nutrition. I even like to chop the protein bar up and eat it as a topping on a smoothie bowl or vegan ice cream! Elevate your protein bars with PROBAR Base Bars that you can find on Amazon today.
Considerations: As with the CLIF Builder’s Bars, the PROBAR Base Protein Bars have such a delicious real chocolate coating that it will melt easily and it’s best advised to keep it out of warm and toasty places like your trunk or your car in general if it’s hot out.
Check out our complete review on the Chocolate Bliss PROBAR Base Vegan Protein Bar Here.
2. Vega 20g Protein Bar – Chocolate Peanut Butter – 290 calories and 20 grams of plant-based protein
What we love: Vega 20 gram protein bars are packed with real food plant-based nutrition that will help you meet your protein needs in a delicious, portable way. This is one of the only protein bars out there that doesn’t taste so much like pressed protein powder but rather reflects the real food ingredients. This is definitely one of our favorites to always keep on hand and we like to buy the large cost savings box on Amazon.
Considerations: Depending on how big of a snack you need, these Health Warrior Chia Vegan Snack Bars may not be large enough and you may need more than one or combine the bar with a piece of fruit.
1. Garden of Life Vegan Organic Sport Protein Bar – Sea Salt Caramel – 270 calories and 20 grams of plant-based protein
What we love: First, let’s just say several of the flavors of the Garden of Life Organic Sport Protein Bars are amazing but we chose to suggest the sea salt caramel because sometimes you just don’t want chocolate. However, if you love chocolate, try the chocolate peanut butter or just the straight up chocolate one! We also love that this bar is made with real food ingredients and is more wholesome for athletes and as a meal replacement. It has 10 grams of fiber per bar and 3.2 BCAA’s to help recover and sustain your energy no matter what your lifestyle. I find the most reliable place to find them is online as many health food stores only carry one flavor (if they carry it at all!).
Considerations: Each bar is close to $2 each and can be more than other brands but if you ask me as a dietitian, I would say that it’s just as valuable if not more valuable to eat a whole food based bar compared to an isolated protein bar.
I hope you found this list helpful whether you are looking to add a new protein bar to your regimen or just brand new to the world of plant-based protein bars. Keep in mind that as a dietitian, I find the majority of people consume more than enough protein than needed but if you’re looking for a healthy high protein snack or bar, these are great options to get you going. If you have any questions or if you’re wondering about a particular bar, comment below and I’d love to hear from you!
All of these except Garden of Life are high in sugar. This is something I pay attention to for myself, and my patients/clients.