Hey Snack Loving Friends looking for the best nutrition bars and protein bars,
For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Lacy, and I’m a registered dietitian and owner of Mindful Vending (a dietitian owned and operated healthy vending company). In our vending machines, we provide all kinds of nourishing snacks including some of the best nutrition bars and protein bars on the market.
This site contains affiliate links (See full disclosure here.)
The Search for the Healthiest Protein Bars
As the owner of Mindful vending, it is my job AND passion to search for the healthiest packaged snacks available. I am constantly looking for snacks to meet a variety of needs. If it is our there, I want to find it!
Since I have to keep a healthy snack database for my company anyway, I thought it might be helpful to share my snack lists here as well. So browse all the categories and find the snacks that best fit with your needs and wants. Happy snacking!
So here they are… (Scroll down to read the second post in this series, The Best Nutrition Bars and Protein Bars According to a Dietitian).
- Dietitian Approved Gluten Free Snacks
- Healthiest Chips and Crackers According to a Dietitian
- Top Omega-3 On-the-Go Snacks
- The Best Nutrition Bars and Protein Bars (This Post!)
- Dietitian Approved Nut-Free Snacks
- Dietitian Approved Fiber Rich Snacks
- Best On-the-Go Protein Snacks According to a Dietitian
- Top Whole Grain Packaged Snacks
- Dietitian Approved Antioxidant Snacks
- Healthy On-the-Go Fruit and Vegetable Snacks
- The Best On-the-Go Probiotic Snacks According to a Dietitian
- The Healthiest Non-Perishable Packaged Entrees According to a Dietitian
The Best Nutrition Bars and Protein Bars
Health Warrior Chia Bars
These bars are packed with nourishing ingredients. The star ingredient and first ingredient on their simple ingredients list is the chia seed. Health Warrior Chia Bars are a good source of Omega-3s, fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. They are only 100 calories and yet extremely filling for two reasons. One, they are a good source of fiber, and two, they absorb water. Health Warrior Chia Bars are gluten free, low in sugar, and have zero added sugar and trans fat.
Below are a few possible benefits (according to research) of the nutrients found in Health Warrior Chia Seed Bars:
- May help with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Promote a healthy immune system
- May improve GI Inflammation
- Aid in addiction recovery
- Promote healthy gut bacteria and bacteria balance.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promote healthy digestion
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help you feel full after eating; thus, helps with satiety and weight loss
- Protects against diabetes
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Has cancer fighting properties
Did you know the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in our diet should be around 1:1? The ratio in the American diet is closer to 16:1 or higher. So the take home message is EAT MORE OMEGA-3s!!!
Health Warrior Pumpkin Seed Bars
Health Warrior also makes Pumpkin Seed Bars. These bars are high in proteins, antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and B vitamins and are low in sugar. They have a simple ingredients list with their first ingredient being, you guessed it, pumpkin seeds. Their other standout ingredient is whole grain quinoa.
Benefits of Antioxidant:
- May decrease the risk of cancer
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
- Helps with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
Rx Bars and Rx Kids Bars
These Rx Bars and Rx Kids Bars are high in filling protein and fiber, and have 0 added sugar. I love that their simple ingredients are listed right on the front of the packaging. Because they are filling, they also support weight loss
Zing Bar
One of my favorite things about Zing Bars is that they are developed by a registered dietitian. They have all natural ingredients and are a good source of protein, fiber, prebiotics, and antioxidants. Zing Bars are gluten free and have zero added sugar or trans fat. Because Zing Bars are filling, they may help with weight loss.
Benefits of Antioxidants:
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduces cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
- Helps with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
Oatmega
These Oatmega Bars have Omega-3s, but not just any Omega-3s…DHA and EPA Omega-3s! They are high in grass-fed whey protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and low in sugar. Thanks to the protein and fiber, these Omega-3 bars are filling; thus, aid in weight loss. Oatmega Bars are also certified gluten free.
Benefits of Omega-3:
- May help with joint Pain/arthritis
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Helps with mood and mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Improve Gut microbial health and gut inflammation
- May reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Aids in addiction recovery
Kind Bar Nut Bar
Kind Bars have so many different varieties and each variety is unique so I am going to talk about a few of them separately. The Kind Nut Bars are full of protein-rich nuts, fiber, and antioxidants. In fact, the first ingredient is nuts so Kind Bars are a good source of healthy fats. These filling bars are low in sodium and sugar compared to a normal candy bar. All kind bars are gluten free as well. One con is that these bars have a small amount of added sugar.
Benefits of Antioxidants
- May reduce the risk of cancer
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke
- May reduces cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia
- Helps with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
Kind Healthy Grains Bars, Kind Bar Breakfast Bars, and Kind Kids
Although nutrients vary, the Kind Healthy Grains, Kind Breakfast Bars, and Kind Kids have similar beneficial nutrients. They are 100% whole grain and often include super grains like quinoa and oats. The first ingredient will be some kind of whole grain like oats, for example. They are gluten free, have zero trans fat, and rich in filling fiber. One of the cons is that most of these bars have some added sugar, although less than a traditional candy bar.
Kind Bar Probiotic
Kind Bars also make a Kind Breakfast Probiotic Bar. These bars are also whole grain and full of filling fiber. They do have some added sugar, but not as much as traditional candy bars.
According to research, probiotics may:
- Support Digestive heath
- Support immune function
- Have anti-inflammatory properties
- Help with mood and mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May aid in addiction recovery
- Promote a healthy heart
Primal Kitchen Collagen Nuts and Seeds
The Primal Kitchen Collagen Nut and Seed Bars are a good source of fiber, protein, and collagen and are low in sugar. The have a simple ingredients list and are gluten free. The only con is that they have some added sugar even though they are relatively low in sugar.
Primal Kitchen Protein Bars
Primal Kitchen Proteins Bars are a good source of protein, and Omega-3s. They are gluten free, low in sugar, and have a simple ingredient list. Their standout ingredient is the Omega-3 rich Flaxseed. (Ingredients may vary between flavors). They are also grain free and cage free.
Possible Benefits of Omega-3s:
- May help with joint Pain/arthritis
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Helps with mood and mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Improve Gut microbial health and gut inflammation
- May reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Aids in addiction recovery
Raw Crunch
These Raw Crunch bars are fantastic! Their simple ingredients list is full of organic whole foods like Omega-3 and antioxidant rich flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. They are gluten free and grain free, and low in sugar.
Possible benefits of Omega-3s:
- May help with joint Pain/arthritis
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Helps with mood and mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
- Improve Gut microbial health and gut inflammation
- May reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Aids in addiction recovery
88 Acres
I love 88 Acres for people with or without a nut allergy. They are made in a nut free and gluten free facility. These bars are made out of seeds like flax (rich in Omega-3), pumpkin, and sunflower instead of nuts. They have a simple ingredients list and are a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
The Cinnamon and Oat Seed bar also contains cinnamon, which is anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, and the Ginger Apple See bar contains ginger, which is anti0inflammatory.
Possible Benefits are Some of the Ingredients in 88 Acres:
- May help with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Promote a healthy immune system
- May improve GI Inflammation
- Aid in addiction recovery
- Promote healthy gut bacteria and bacteria balance.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Aid in Digestion
- Promote healthy digestion
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help you feel full after eating; thus, helps with satiety and weight loss
- Protects against diabetes
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Has cancer fighting properties
Larabar
Larabars have a simple ingredients list with the first ingredients being nuts and seeds. They are a good source of filling fiber and proteins; therefore, they may aid in weight loss. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and the walnut varieties have plant-based Omega-3s. Larabars are gluten free and have zero trans fat. By the way, the Mint Chip Brownie flavor is one of my husbands favorite bars of all time.
Bullet Proof Collagen Protein Bars
High in protein and fiber, low in sugar, and a good source of healthy fats, these Bullet Proof bars have a lot to love! Their simple ingredients list includes XCT oil. XCT oil may slightly increase energy expenditure and improve satiety. Moreover, XCT oils are not usually stored as fat and provide less calories.
Empact Protein and Energy Bars
These protein and energy bars are geared towards women. They have a simple ingredients list and are a good source of protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. Their standout ingredients include Omega-3 rich flaxseed and chia seed. Empact Protein Energy bars are low in sugar, and filling as well.
Bonus: Empact also makes a Protein and Energy Bar Plus Probiotics and Prebiotics!
Below are a few possible benefits (according to research) of the nutrients found in Empact Protein and Energy Bars:
- May help with mood disorders like depression, anxiety, stress
- May improve energy levels/ fatigue
- Promote a healthy immune system
- May improve GI Inflammation
- Aid in addiction recovery
- Promote healthy gut bacteria and bacteria balance.
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- Aid in Digestion
- Promote healthy digestion
- May reduce joint pain and arthritis inflammation
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Help you feel full after eating; thus, helps with satiety and weight loss
- Protects against diabetes
- May help with ADD/ADHD symptoms
- Reduce cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- May improve memory
- Has cancer fighting properties
Quaker Chewy Granola Bars, 25% Less Sugar
These Quaker Chewy Granola, 25% Less Sugar bars are a great option when you are looking for something a little less expensive. The are 100% whole grain and have only 100 calories per bar. The first ingredient in these fiber-rich bars is granola.
Take Home Message
Diets rich in antioxidants, Omega-3, probiotics, fiber, vitamins and minerals have been linked to reducing the risk or alleviating the symptoms of a multitude of conditions like:
- Heart Disease & Stroke
- Diabetes
- Inflammation
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- GI Problems like bloating, distention, stomach pain, cramps, constipation, diarrhea, GERD, heartburn & gas
- IBS, IBD, & SIBO
- Migraines & headaches
- Fatigue
- Frequent colds and illnesses
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Mucus drainage and phlegm
- Allergies
- Lack of brain focus and attention
- Memory problems
- Joint Pain
- Hormone Imbalance
- Mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and stress
- Acne
- Insomnia
- Inability to lose weight
- Crohn’s disease
- Lupus
- Celiac disease
- MS
- Parkinson’s
These nutrients are found in many of the snacks listed above as well as in wholefoods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits (make sure to include berries), nuts, seeds, fermented vegetables, kefir, kombucha, miso, kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, lean meats, and fish (especially salmon and tuna). Make sure you are eating these wholefoods regularly to get the most out of your diet.
You can find out how to incorporate more of these nutrients into your meals in The Nourishing Meal Builder.
Lacy Ngo, MS, RDN, the owner of Mindfulness in Faith, LLC, is one of the top experts in faith-based mindfulness and nutrition. Ngo is the author of several books including The Nourishing Meal Builder, The Nourishing Meal Builder: the Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Edition, Faith, Mindfulness, & Nutrition, and Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals.
Related Posts
Dietitian Approved On-the-Go Snack Ideas
Easy No Bake Protein Energy Balls
The Best Healthy Chicken Salad Ever!
