When you’re looking to sustain your energy, replace a meal, or boost your plant-based protein intake, it’s important to consider plant-based protein bars. As a plant-based registered dietitian, I’m all about food first but there are some instances when a high protein bar comes in handy. For example, you may consider a plant-based protein bar to pack on an airplane or in an airport that may have limited vegan food options, in the car driving or stuck in traffic, as part of your lunch/snack/post-workout meal, in between meetings or classes…the possibilities are endless! Not only are the possibilities endless, but so are the vegan protein bars available on the market. I thought it would be helpful to share with you the best high protein plant-based vegan protein bars that not only taste great but provide great nutrition.
Top 5 High Protein Plant-Based Vegan Protein Bars
5. Rise Bar – Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, Plant-Based Protein Bar made with Pea Protein
What We Love: If you’re looking for minimal ingredients, the Rise Plant-Based Protein Bar (that you can find on Amazon) should be at the top of your list. With only 5 ingredients, no added sugar, and 15 grams of plant-based protein, you can enjoy clean eating while nourishing your body.
Considerations: We get the minimal ingredient stance but we think a little dab of sea salt would be great and you’ll probably need a glass of water as it’s a pretty concentrated protein bar.
4. Vega 20g Protein Bar, Chocolate Peanut Butter
What We Love: Vega 20g protein bar available on Amazon packs the protein with a creamy and sweet peanut butter and chocolate combination. There aren’t a lot of superfood filler ingredients you’ll find in other Vega products that keeps the overall cost low.
Considerations: The Vega 20g protein bar tends to be a bit drier than some high protein plant-based protein bars but the taste is worth it.
3. 22 Days Nutrition Organic Plant-Based Protein Bar in Sea Salt Caramel – Gluten Free, Vegan, Soy Free, 15g Protein, Low Sugar (4g), Fiber (9g)
What We Love: The 22 Days Plant-Based Protein Bar in Sea Salt Caramel that you can find on Amazon literally tastes like a denser version of a caramel candy. It’s creamy and smooth but packed with 15 grams of vegan protein, only 4 grams of sugar, and 25mg of sodium (a lot of plant-based protein bars are over 200mg of sodium). I like to chop this bar up and top non-dairy ice cream or yogurt with it as a nutritious and satisfying treat!
Considerations: It can melt easier than other bars so it’s best advised to not keep it in a warm car!
2. CLIF Builder’s 20 gram Plant-Based Protein Bar – Low Glycemic Index
What We Love: Clif Builder’s 20 gram Plant-Based Protein Bars and available on Amazon are the right mixture of a crisp and nougat-y inside coated in a thin but tasty chocolate coating that overall tastes more like a candy bar than a protein bar and THAT feat in and of itself is a huge accomplishment. The bars only have a couple grams of fiber and in general are easy on the stomach for most people.
Considerations: The Clif Builder’s 20 gram plant-based protein bar is soy based. They are less expensive than some other plant-based protein bars but they do not contain all organic ingredients (which are typically more expensive).
If you want to dive deeper into the nutrition, taste, and our detailed review (from a vegan and my non-vegan husband) of the CLIF Builder’s Bar, pop over here to check out the full review on Vegan Sprinkles.
1. PROBAR – BASE Vegan Plant-Based Protein Bar, Cookie Dough – Organic, Gluten-Free
What We Love: The PROBAR Base Plant-Based Protein Bar here on Amazon is similar to the CLIF Bar in terms of ingredients and overall taste that feels somewhat reminiscent of a candy bar. The bar is crunchy without being dry and smooth without being gooey. In general, these are a great vegan protein bar to keep on hand and because they come in a variety of flavors means you won’t get burnt out!
Considerations: The PROBAR Base Bar is hefty bar; at 2.46oz it’s a big bar and is best for those with big appetites or do what I do – eat a half or a third at a time to maximize protein intake and efficiency!
If you want to see the full PROBAR Base Plant-Based Protein Bar Review, check out the article here.
Honorable Mention: Garden of Life Organic Sport Protein Bar, Vegan, Chocolate Fudge
What We Love: Higher Fiber than most plant-based protein bars, Garden of Life Organic Sport Protein bar (available here on Amazon) has 10 grams of fiber and 20 grams of plant-based protein from whole, organic foods.
Considerations: The fiber is great as a meal replacement to help keep you satisfied but may not be the best option if you’re already consuming a high fiber vegan diet.
There you have it folks, the top 5 plant-based vegan high protein bars with at least 15 grams of protein per bar. As you may have noticed, most of the bars listed have 20 grams of protein which is exceptional in the plant-based protein space! Whether you are looking to increase your plant-based protein or needing an on-the-go satisfying vegan option, all of these bars will do that while tasting great! There are certainly other vegan protein and nutrition bars out there, but these ones really come out on top when looking at overall nutrition, amount of protein, cost, and of course…taste!
Have you tried any of these bars? Which one is your favorite or which are you most excited about trying?!