The best protein bars (that actually taste good) for a nutritious snack

Misfits protein bars certainly catch the eye with their vibrant packaging and snazzy branding, but it’s what’s inside that impressed me. These bars use 100 per cent plant-based protein, sourced from peas and soya, making them suitable for vegans and anyone avoiding dairy. A quick scan of the nutritional information reveals that they are also macro superstars.

Each 50g bar delivers 15g of protein, less than 1g of sugar, just 2.7g of saturated fat and 19g of carbohydrates, all without adding extra calories compared to previous versions. It almost seems too good to be true, but the secret lies in the use of sweeteners and fibre additives like soluble maize fibre, oligofructose and glycerol. While these ingredients aren’t harmful in moderation, eating too many can lead to bloating or digestive discomfort.

I tried the cookie butter flavour and enjoyed its gooey texture, though I did notice a lingering artificial sweetener aftertaste. In terms of nutritional balance, Misfits is one of the best on the market, but if you’re hoping for a true chocolate bar replacement, it doesn’t quite hit the mark for indulgence.

Key specifications

• Protein: 15g
• Calories: 175
• Sugar: 0.8g
• Flavours available: Caramel Fudge, Cookie Butter (Speculoos), Brownie Batter, Peanut Butter Fudge, Cookie Dough, Sweet and Salty Caramel Popcorn and Dark Choc Brownie

Protein bar FAQs

Are protein bars actually good for you?

Ultimately, the healthiest choice depends on your definition of “good for you”.

If your priority is high protein and low sugar, most bars achieve this by using processed protein powders and artificial sweeteners, often keeping sugar below 3g per bar with around 20g of protein.

However, this means more processed ingredients. “Bars with protein as the dominant macronutrient will always contain some kind of powder or processed protein source,” says functional medicine nutritionist Steve Grant. That’s because whole foods alone can’t deliver high protein without extra sugar and carbs.

If you prefer natural ingredients and minimal processing, expect higher sugar and carbohydrate content, since whole food sources like nuts and dates naturally contain more sugars and carbs.

What should I look for in a protein bar?

Protein bars can kerb sweet cravings while boosting protein, if you choose wisely. Look for bars low in sugar and fat but high in protein (14 to 20g). Natural ingredients mean more sugar and fat, while plant-based bars often use soy, rice or pea protein.

Processed protein isn’t necessarily low quality. As sports nutritionist Tom Clifford notes, “whey protein, though processed, is a very high-quality source.” Whole food bars usually have more sugar and carbs for the same protein.

The key is balancing protein content, taste and ingredients to suit your dietary goals.

When is the best time to eat a protein bar?

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the timing of consuming protein before or post-workout, but the experts are in agreement that it doesn’t matter exactly when you eat it.

“You want to look at your protein intake over a whole 24-hour period – it’s no use just eating a very large amount of protein at breakfast and then not having much for the rest of the day,” says Clifford. “Having a good quality protein source every few hours is a good way to look at it.”

Can protein bars help with weight loss and muscle gain?

When eaten alongside a balanced, healthy diet, protein bars are a great way of introducing additional protein that helps build muscle when following a proven strength training routine – typically one that employs progressive overload over time.

That said, logging daily calorie expenditure with a fitness tracker and keeping a calorie-counting food diary is the only scientific way to lose weight and being in a calorie deficit (burning more calories than you intake) is key to any weight loss goal. If eating protein bars puts you in a calorie surplus, you won’t lose weight.

How many protein bars can I eat per day?

Many protein bars include ingredients that can produce a laxative effect, with things like sugar alcohols blamed for causing stomach issues in a lot of users.

Nutritionist Jenna Hope says that it is important to only use protein bars to supplement a healthy diet, with the majority of daily protein derived from whole foods, such as those found in convenient healthy ready meals, for example.

As a rule of thumb, protein bars should be used sparingly as an emergency, protein-rich snack, rather than something to regularly rely on to hit the daily protein goals.