10 Best Meal Replacement Protein Bars For Better Weight Management

Best Protein Bars Meal Replacement Bars Protein Bars
/ By EveryNutrient

There are days when you do not have the time to get a full meal. However, skipping meals is not a recommended option either. Not only will you be so hungry that you won’t be able to focus on what you are doing, but you will also overeat during your next meal to “fill the void.”

In these cases, a protein bar may be a gift sent from the heavens. These protein bars will have enough calories to and give you the energy you need to keep on doing your business. But how does one choose the best protein bars without ending up with a bar of candy that will make them gain weight? Well, this article will give you some tips on that.

What is a Protein Bar?

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What is a Protein Bar?
How Choose The Best Protein Bars
Protein Bars Benefits
Boosting Weight Loss with Meal Replacement Bars
Protein Bars: Men vs. Women
Can You Get Protein Bars that Taste Good?
Best Protein Bars Reviewed
Bottom Line

While protein bars and candy bars may all look the same, there is a huge difference between them. Protein bars (or meal replacement bars) are basically snack-sized bars that have been packed with high amounts of protein.

Many companies out there produce all kinds of meal replacement bars of different tastes. Still, they all share a common feature: the protein. These bars would have additions such as soy protein, milk protein, whey protein or something similar. Many companies even add powdered protein in the mix to make sure they get the thicker density of protein.

Bodybuilders generally eat protein bars before or after a workout. These can also be used as a late-evening snack if you are the kind of person who needs to eat something before going to bed.

The best protein bars will be packed with something between 10 or 30 grams of protein – depending on how much muscle you want to build.

How Choose The Best Protein Bars

Nowadays, the market is filled with tons of products of all kinds – and obviously, nutrition bars aren’t an exception. If you want to be sure that you only choose the best protein bars, then you should keep an eye out for the following features:

Ingredient Quality

The first thing you should check out is the list of ingredients. Does it have many, or only a few? Does it have any sugar or sweeteners? What kind of protein do they use? When you pick your protein bars, you should think about what your body needs.

The Reputation of the Brand

Does the name of the brand ring a bell for you or is it just some phantom one that you’ve never heard about? You may want to read some of the best protein bars reviews to see which of the brands seem to stand out the most.

Taste

It’s useless to buy a protein bar if you can’t even chew through the first half of it. After all, they’ll pretty much be a constant part of your diet. So first things first: do you like its taste?

Price

Are the bars expensive? Keep in mind that while you may be tempted to go for a cheaper bar, those usually won’t do much for you in terms of nutrition.

Meeting Your Goals

How well will these help you reach your goals? If weight loss is your target, then the best meal replacement bars should be your focus. On the other hand, if you are looking to gain muscle and bulk up, then you may want to opt for high-calorie protein bars.

If there’s a decent balance between all of these features, then they are surely the best protein bars you can get your hands on.

Protein Bars Benefits

There are many benefits that you can gain by adding meal replacement bars in your diet. Out of those advantages, these are the ones that stood out the most:

They are a source of amino acids

Meal replacement bars that were made with high-quality ingredients will offer you all the essential amino acids that your body needs. As a result, your immune system will be boosted, your wounds will heal much easier, and your body will be able to balance the right enzymes and hormones.

They will help you build muscle

If you’re going for muscle training and want to pack up your muscles, the best protein bars may be exactly what you need to get your daily nutrient. Some protein bars were specifically designed for weight gain. We’re talking about high-calorie bars that will help you bulk up the muscles.

They help you lose weight

Some of the best protein bars may help you gain muscle and weight. However, there are also products that will support your weight loss. It all depends on what you can see in the ingredients list. You just need to read the list carefully, to know exactly what you are eating.

Bars that are high in protein can give you the nourishments and energy that you need with a relatively small amount of calories. That’s why they can be used as meal replacement bars.

They give you energy

Have you noticed how you get tired and cranky when you are hungry? You feel like you are a completely different person. Well, the best protein bars will give you the exact amount of protein, carbs, sugars and fats that you need to have enough energy for a few hours.

You will get the same amount of energy you would expect from a sugar-based food – without the high amount of sugar.

They’re very convenient

Let’s face it, the reason why we love protein bars is that they are grab-and-go. Depending on our schedule, we may not always have the luxury of eating a proper meal – which is why it’s always reassuring to know that we can reach for one of these bars. No matter if you keep them in your pocket, your briefcase or your car, one of these babies will spare you the lost time on a full meal.

Boosting Weight Loss with Meal Replacement Bars

The best meal replacement bars will help you fill your stomach in your hour of need. At the same time, they will help you lose those extra pounds that have been annoyingly sticking to your physique.

Most people go for reduced calorie diets in order to lose weight. However, you should know that the individuals who went for meal replacement bars claimed to be quite successful in shedding the extra pounds.

Why does this happen, you may wonder? Well, look at it this way: when you prepare your own meals, the chances are that you are going to underestimate the number of calories you’ll be consuming. However, the best protein bars have an exact number of calories, so you will know what you are eating.

However, make sure to check the ingredients list first. If you are planning to use protein bars for weight loss, you need to choose something that is high enough in protein, but low in calories and carbohydrates. These will work to keep down your caloric intake.

You may argue that a meal replacement shake is more effective than meal replacement bars. But look at it logically: when you drink a meal replacement shake, it will get into your stomach half-digested already. It won’t stay too long in there, which means your hunger will only be kept at bay for an average of 3 hours.

The best protein bars have the same number of calories, yet they are in solid form. Your body will have to break them down, which will launch the “burning” effect. Basically, you’ll be burning calories by digesting your food. With the right protein bars, you may even satiate your hunger for about 5 hours.

Protein Bars: Men vs. Women

Take a closer look at the ingredients of the best meal replacement bars that you can find. This way, you will notice that each of them contains substances that are meant for specific purposes. Everything will depend on your body construction, how fit you are and how much muscle you want to pack.

The bigger you are, the more protein you will need to keep yourself going. So if you are a man trying to pack in a low-protein bar, you might find that your muscles are shrinking instead of growing.

Likewise, if you are a woman and go for the high-calorie protein bars that bodybuilders tend to use, all of your attempts at losing weight may prove to be futile. Too much protein may make you fat, which is something you want to avoid as a lady. In the worst case scenario, you could use those protein bars as meal replacement bars.

Men will generally need around 10 grams of protein while women will only need about 8 grams. On the other hand, men should look for meal replacement bars that are high in fiber. On average, they need 38 grams of fiber per day (30 if they are over 50 years old). For women, 25 grams are enough (21 if they are over 50).

As a man, you should also keep in mind your omega-3 intake. Taking it from other places than a marine source will increase your chances of prostate cancer.

Can You Get Protein Bars that Taste Good?

If you have been into the fitness world for a while now, you may have noticed that the “healthiest” of protein bars taste like cardboard. No matter how pretty the wrapper might be or how delicious the bar might look, the first bite will always make your world crumble. It’s protein, alright… but you aren’t even certain you are able to finish that bar.

You may, however, want to know that the best meal replacement bars do not necessarily have to be tasteless. If you are the kind of person who prioritizes taste over everything, there are options that perfectly balance nutrition and flavor.

Keep in mind that the best tasting protein bars will also be higher in calories. However, if you simply cannot stand the “cardboard taste,” then you may want to go for meal replacement bars with additional flavoring (such as chocolate, peanuts, or fruit).

Best Protein Bars Reviewed

In our selection of protein bars, we tried to balance flavor and nutrition. These are the best protein bars that will give you the specific nutrients that you need without killing the flavor in the process.

#1. Think Thin Chunky Peanut Butter High Protein Bar

These protein bars are the best meal replacement bars if your purpose is to lose weight. Based on whey and soy protein, this product combines nutritious ingredients with tasty ones. Taken for breakfast or lunch, you will get all the protein, fiber, minerals and vitamins that you need.

Packing a total of 230 calories, these will help you lose weight only if you use them as meal replacement bars. Snacking on them between meals may give more calories than you should take – especially if you intend to lose weight.

With 20g of protein in its composition, this bar will give you all the macronutrients that your body requires. Plus, it is gluten-free, so you do not have to worry about intolerance.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. Highly nutritious and can be used as a meal replacement bar.	1. It will make you gain weight if you use it as a snack, not a meal.
2. The taste is very good, with a peanut butter base.	2. It contains only 1 gram of dietary fiber.
3. Gluten-free.

#2. Luna Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bar

Packed with 3 grams of dietary fiber and 12 grams of protein, this is one of the best protein bars that is also gluten-free. It will offer you exactly what you need to bulk up your muscles.

One bar has 170 calories. So, you can use them both as snack bars and meal replacement bars - as long as you do not overindulge in your meals.

This protein bar is very tasty as well! It is a chocolate chip wonder with a hint of vanilla swirling in a nougat composition. It’s a low-glycemic bar, which means it will break down slowly and offer a prolonged level of energy.

This protein bar is a good source of Calcium, Iron, and Vitamin D. So, if you are the kind of person who doesn’t particularly enjoy going into the sun, this will help you get your necessary vitamins and minerals. It is one of the best tasting protein bars if you are a chocolate lover.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. It’s one of the best meal replacement bars if your purpose is weight loss.	1. Some may not recommend it as a snack bar, especially for women.
2. High intake of vitamins and minerals.	2. It may cause gas and bloating for some people.
3. Deep and enjoyable flavor.

#3. Curate Salted Decadence Dark Chocolate & Almond Bars

This is one of the best protein bars that can act as both a meal replacement bar and a snack bar – depending on whether you are a man or a woman. If you are a man trying to bulk up, you may want to chew on these as a snack.

On the other hand, if you are a woman trying to lose weight, you may want to use it as a meal replacement bar. It has 200 calories that will be more than enough to give you the nutrients that you need.

This is one of the best meal replacement bars when it comes to its taste. It features dark chocolate and almonds, so you won’t mind snacking on it every day.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. It’s very tasty (comes in various flavors).	1. It’s pretty expensive.
2. It is based on natural ingredients.	2. The composition is drier when compared to other protein bars.
3. It is Gluten-free.

#4. Balance Peanut Butter Protein Bar

Packing 15 grams of protein and 2 grams of dietary fiber, this product is definitely one of the best meal replacement bars. Balance packs 200 calories in a bar, just enough for you to be satiated for 3 hours at least.

Along with the amazing peanut butter taste, you also get 23 vitamins and minerals in every bar. The saturated fats will also be broken down slowly so that you can maintain your energy for a longer time.

There are several types of flavors that you can go for, but the peanut butter one seems to be the top favorite. The size is decent, and it’s enough to hold off your stomach until your next meal.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. Decent bar size (2.46 ounces).	1. The vitamin and mineral percentage is not as high as it should be.
2. They can be used as meal replacement bars.	2. It contains a little too much sugar.
3. They’re highly nutritional.

#5. Detour Lean Muscle Protein Bar

If you are looking to build up some muscle and gain weight, then these are the best protein bars for men that you can choose. They have 32g of protein per serving along with 1000 mg of omega-3.

It’s highly nutritious for men. Also, considering that it has 370 calories, you could easily drop it in as a meal replacement bar.

This is also one of the best protein bars when it comes to nutrition. It packs many vitamins, minerals and pretty much everything you need to build up body mass.

Keep in mind that unless you plan on gaining muscle, you shouldn’t eat too many of these on a daily basis – unless you are planning to use them as meal replacement bars. Also, women with a smaller physique may want to avoid these, since they mai cause weight gain.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. It is highly nutritious.	1. The high-calorie intake may be too much for women.
2. It will keep hunger at bay for at least 3-5 hours.	2. If it’s used as anything else than a meal replacement bar, it will lead to weight gain.
3. It stocks more protein than the other best protein bars.

#6. Zone Perfect Nutrition Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

If you are on the lookout for the best protein bars for weight loss, then Zone may come in handy. It packs 14 grams of protein and 19 vitamins and minerals within a 210-calorie bar. So, you will definitely get the nutrients needed to keep you satiated for a few hours.

If you want to get the best results for weight loss, then you should use them as meal replacement bars – and not snack bars. When used as breakfast or lunch, they will give you all the energy that you need to keep going. Plus, the chocolate coating and crunchy soy nuggets make this one of the best tasting protein bars.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. It has a great taste.	1. It is highly caloric as a snack between meals and may lead to weight gain.
2. High amount of vitamins and minerals.	2. Bars can be dry and grain.
3. Great as meal replacement bars if you plan on losing weight.

#7. Clif Chocolate Mint Protein Bar

If you’re tired of the peanut butter taste you can find in most of the best meal replacement bars, then you may want to give Clif a try. Their chocolate mint flavor is said to make one of the best tasting protein bars. It’s cool, it’s tasty, and it will be a well-deserved reward after a workout.

With a soy protein base, this bar packs 270 calories and 20 grams of protein – making it perfect for men wanting to bulk up some muscle. Ladies can munch on this one too; however, you should only use it as a meal replacement bar, not a snack between meals. If you don’t plan on gaining weight, this is the course you should take.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. The mint taste is refreshing.	1. The coating can easily melt if exposed to heat.
2. It has a high protein intake.	2. It has too much sugar (20 grams).
3. Low glycemic ingredients allow for the energy to break down slowly, giving you prolonged energy.

#8. Probar Mint Chocolate Protein Bar

The lovely mint madness goes on. This is where Probar comes into the scene. With 20 grams of plant protein and 4 grams of fiber in a 280 calorie-bar, this is one of the best meal replacement bars for losing weight.

The addition of chia and flax seeds promotes better digestion. Also, the fact that it’s gluten-free makes it perfect for those who have an intolerance to gluten products. If used correctly, this can be the best protein bar for weight loss.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. The high-protein content makes a great meal replacement bar.	1. Chocolate can easily melt in warm weather and create a mess.
2. The flavor is strong and lasting.	2. The high amount of protein may be too much for women.
3. It’s gluten and dairy-free.

#9. Odwalla Chocolate Chip Peanut Protein Bar

These protein chocolate chip peanut bars are the perfect thing to snack on if your stomach is threatening to ruin your entire productivity. With 7 grams of protein and a total of 230 calories, these are the best tasting protein bars for women that you definitely won’t regret having in your purse.

Used as a meal replacement bar, this one can definitely help you lose weight. Also, as an addition to your workout diet, it will help you gain muscle.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. It has a delicious taste.	1. The protein content may not be enough for some.
2. It’s satisfying and fills you for two or three hours.
3. They are not big, so they can be easily dropped in a purse.

#10. Nature Valley Coconut Almond Chewy Protein Bar

It’s high time we push the brake button on chocolate meal replacement bars and go for something lighter – such as almonds and coconut. Each of these bars has 190 calories, so they are a great addition if you are keeping a close watch on your weight.

These bars are packed with 10 grams of protein and around 5 grams of fiber, which makes them the perfect boost for your metabolism. They are definitely the best protein bars for women.

POSITIVE	NEGATIVE
1. They have a high fiber amount.	1. They are not gluten-free.
2. Light, sweet and chewy taste.	2. Processed taste.
3. They are easily portable.

Bottom Line

Many stores and companies advertise meal replacement bars differently. However, when choosing the best protein bars, you need to see if they have a correct nutritional value or not. Also, you must also establish if you can actually eat them without wanting to throw up.

The best test would be to eat the bar instead of your breakfast, on an empty stomach. If it can satiate your hunger for at least three hours, then you can go on purchasing a few batches of it.

Keep in mind that even though these are the best protein bars, you shouldn’t base your entire diet on them. You need to balance these protein bars with your daily meals, using them only once a day as meal replacement bars.