Finest Protein Bars for Women

9 Finest Protein Bars for Women: To Toughen Yourself Up

Running low on energy or running late to start your day?

Looking for a quick protein hit?

Look no further because I have rounded up the top picks of high protein bars to boost your energy and curb down your cravings!

Sometimes, it can get difficult to meet your daily requirement of protein intake to build your muscle energy with the ever-fast growing world we live in. 

A protein bar can serve as a great on-the-go energy boost snack for you to fight hunger before and after working out.

Ofcourse, portable protein snacks should not replace a healthy balanced diet.

But for times when you need a quick boost and don’t have time for a protein mix or meal then protein bars are here for you!

They will help you feel full until your next meal.

Now, there are certain things to look out for when selecting a protein bar.

Make sure to check the:

  • Calorie count which spans a range of 150 calories to 400 calories depending on the variety
  • Nutrition label to ensure the bar is not packed with sugar or artificial sweeteners as they will cause you to bloat up and the ingredients include a list of whole foods
  • Type and amount of protein to make sure your body can digest it and to suit your preference like whey-based protein bars for non-vegans and pea for vegans
  • Fiber content of at least 5 grams to make you feel full longer and help your digestive system

Nutritional and caloric needs for men and women are not notably different because it all comes down to your muscle mass, body weight and fitness goals.

Well, looking for the best protein bars for women can be quite tricky for both muscle mass build-up and weight-loss because some of them have a high sugar content presence to give it the tasty feeling.

Protein bars with whey, soy or pea concentrates give a higher amount of protein serving which will be beneficial if you are looking to increase your protein needs.

Especially for women who are engaged in regular strength and endurance training.

Other moderate amounts of protein sources are nuts, seeds, nut butters that have healthy fats, fiber and also give a good source of iron which is important for women’s diets.

Between the ages of 19-50, the iron RDA for women is 18 milligrams per day when compared to 8 milligrams for men so, a woman can benefit from iron-rich protein bars.

Keep reading to find out the best protein bars to boost your energy level and muscle power!

List of 9 finest protein bars for women

When selecting the top 9 picks of protein bars, the grams of protein, ingredients, nutritional content were taken into consideration.

Make sure to check how your body reacts to the protein bars you take and try not to overdo the protein intake as a chronic intake of protein will result in renal, digestive and vascular issues.

Here are 9 best protein bars for women to help curb your cravings in indulging.

1. RXBAR Protein Bar (12 count)

RXBAR Protein Bar

This protein bar brand is quite popular for its focus on wholesome foods and simple ingredients. 

They come in a variety of flavors that range from Chocolate sea salt, Blueberry, Peanut Butter Chocolate and more.

So, if you are looking for a snack that tastes like dessert and boosts up your energy then RX bars are here for you!

One bar is packed with 12 grams of protein because of the rich egg whites presence and 5 grams of natural fiber.

It has no added sugar rather dates for binding the ingredients together.

Pros:

  • Gluten free
  • Minimum ingredient list
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • Non-GMO
  • Certified Kosher

Cons:

  • Texture is chewy and so has mixed reviews
  • Contains allergens like almonds, cashews, coconut and eggs

2. KIND Protein Bar (12 count)

KIND Protein Bar

This protein bar has 12 grams of plant-based protein per serving with less than 10 grams of added sugar.

KIND protein bars have a good source of fiber of about 5 per serving that are low in sodium.

These protein bars have great reviews as the bars do not have an aftertaste.

They also come in many flavors like Peanut Butter, White chocolate Cinnamon Almond and more.

When you are traveling and feel the need to snack then KIND protein bars should be your pick to avoid snacking on junk!

The rich almond nut source makes it a great choice to improve cholesterol levels and muscle mass in women.

Pros:

  • Certified USDA
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten free
  • Certified Kosher
  • Organic vegan
  • Great taste profile

Cons:

  • Contains allergens like peanuts, almonds and soy

3. Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Bar(12 count)

Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Bar

The protein blend in these plant-based bars has organic brown rice, organic pea and 

organic chia seeds that are all dairy-free.

These chewy vegan bars are packed with 10 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber at only 

150 calories per serving with a low sugar content.

Orgain protein bars have a high carbohydrate content and low protein content which 

gives you a good energy boost for your day to day activities.

They come in many flavors like Chocolate Brownie and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough.

Pack a pack on your bag to snack on during your most active days!

Pros:

  • USDA organic
  • Certified Kosher
  • Certified plant-based
  • Gluten free
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan friendly

Cons:

  • High carbohydrate to protein ratio
  • Contains allergens like tree nuts and sugar alcohol erythritol

4. No Cow High Protein Bars (12 count)

No Cow High Protein Bars

This plant-based protein bar is really high in fiber of about 16g per bar!

You need to be gyming really hard to have a protein bar with this high fiber content!

No Cow protein bar comes from a blend of pea and rice that loads in 20 grams of protein 

per serving.

You must be well hydrated before and after taking this high fiber and high protein bar to 

aid your digestion.

If you have gastrointestinal problems, then this bar is not for you.

But, if you live a very active lifestyle then this protein bar is for you!

It can be hard to stick to a strict diet so sneaking in a high protein snack bar once in a 

while as a cheat snack can help curb down your cravings.

They come in 19 delicious flavors where customers’ favorites are Dipped Chocolate 

Peanut Butter Cup and Dipped Chocolate Sprinkled Donut.

Pros:

  • Certified gluten free
  • Non-GMO
  • Certified Kosher
  • Vegan friendly
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • Certified Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO)
  • Keto friendly
  • Soy free

Cons:

  • Contains allergens like stevia, alcohol sugar erythritol and monk fruit
  • High fiber can cause bloating
  • Texture is a bit chalky

5. Organic Plant Based Protein Bars ALOHA (12 count)

Organic Plant Based Protein Bars ALOHA

This vegan protein snack is made for a healthy lifestyle with 100% whole food ingredients like organic pumpkin seed and organic brown rice.

ALOHA is best for muscle gain with its rich protein, fiber and wholesome carbohydrate content that helps you stay full before your next meal intake.

They are known for their great taste and texture for a plant-based bar.

They come in many flavors with Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip being the top-rated flavor according to customers.

Say Aloha to the delicious flavors, then Aloha for the energy boost and Aloha again for taking care of your body!

Pros:

  • No sugar alcohols or stevia
  • USDA organic
  • Certified Kosher
  • Certified non-GMO
  • Paleo friendly
  • Certified B Corp

Cons:

  • Contains allergens like monk fruit and peanuts
  • Not suitable for a low carb diet

6. CLIF BARS – Energy Bars(16 count)

CLIF BARS - Energy Bars

This is the ultimate energy bar that has been curated with an ideal combination of protein, fat and carbohydrates to toughen up active bodies and for pre- and post- workout activity.

Clif bars are enriched with sustainable ingredients that are wholesome and plant-based like rolled oats and peanuts.

They are the energy bars that you can have on-the-go whether you are running, climbing or hiking.

They are delicious and they come with varying flavors where Peanut Butter Banana with Dark Chocolate is a popular customer’s favorite.

If you are looking for a quick energy boost and muscle repair then this protein bar is for you!

Pros:

  • Rainforest Alliance Certified
  • Non-GMO
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • Bars won’t melt easily

Cons:

  • Contains allergens like soy and peanuts
  • Not suitable for low carb diet

7. Health Warrior Organic Bars (12 count)

Health Warrior Organic Bars

This energy bar is a great addition to your breakfast with its high carbohydrate content!

They are made with plant-based protein like organic pumpkin seeds, milled quinoa, and chia seeds.

Pumpkin seeds flavor is best for women as it contains essential fatty acids, minerals like iron, zinc and magnesium.

The presence of zinc helps with the balance of your hormones and the presence of magnesium helps maintain healthy bones and regulate blood sugar levels.

Zinc also has anti-inflammatory properties that help ease period cramps and stress response, aid thyroid hormone synthesis and balances the excess androgen levels that are seen in PCOS.

With 8 grams of vegetarian protein and 9 grams of unsaturated fat per bar you will stay energized and satisfied throughout your day!

Pros:

  • Certified USDA Organic
  • Non-GMO
  • Gluten free
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • Wholesome grains

Cons:

  • Contains allergens like coconut and almonds
  • Some does not have high protein content

8. Quest Nutrition Protein Bars (12 count)

Quest Nutrition Protein Bars

This protein bar is packed with protein from milk protein isolate and whey protein 

isolate.

They are a high protein and moderate-calorie energy bar of 20g per serving and less 

than 200 calories.

They come in an impressive variety of flavors from your childhood like Chocolate Chip 

Cookie Dough, Birthday Cake and more!

They are just like having dessert!

These bars are great for your ketogenic diet as they are low in net carbs and can hit the 

brakes on your eating habits!

Pros:

  • Complete macro profile
  • Certified gluten free
  • Cooking friendly
  • Average of 5g of net carbohydrates
  • Eco-friendly

Cons:

  • Not vegan friendly
  • Expensive compared to other protein bars
  • Contains allergens like erythritol, sucralose and almonds

9. ONE 1 Protein Bars (12 count)

ONE 1 Protein Bars

This bar will pack you with a good protein kick that comes from milk and whey!

They come in a wide range of flavors like Maple Glazed Donut, Pumpkin Pie, Birthday Cake and more!

Your sweet tooth and body will thank you for the quick energy hit!

ONE Protein Bars can be taken as a supplement for your daily nutrition intake as they provide complete proteins.

They give a healthy dose of muscle-building macronutrients that are great after post-workout and strength training where you get a flat whopping 20 grams of protein per serving.

Pros:

  • High protein content from milk and whey
  • Gluten free
  • Great range of flavors

Cons:

  • Contains stevia
  • Not vegan friendly

How to choose the protein bar for you

Try different flavors and textures of protein bars and check how your body reacts to it before settling to a specific flavor. 

It is important to check the protein source that best fits your dietary preferences.

According to the diet you are following, take note of the fat, protein and carbohydrate content.

Also, be sure to check for allergens when choosing the protein bar for you.

Before choosing the right protein bar for you, make sure to establish your goals first:

Are you looking to burn fat?

Go for low sugar content protein bars!

Are you looking to build your muscle mass?

Go for high-protein with moderate carbohydrate bars!

Are you looking to control your appetite?

Go for high fiber content protein bars!

Are you looking for a healthy snack replacement?

Go for high protein and fiber content protein bars!

According to the World Health Organization, an average woman needs a protein source of 0.8g per kg of bodyweight per day. 

If you are actively working your body then this amount will be low for you and so the Head of Nutrition at NGX recommends having a source of protein between 1 and 1.8g per kg of bodyweight per day.

Take away

If protein powder supplement isn’t your style then go for protein bars.

Protein bars can be a staple in your daily dietary intake as long as it fits your dietary plan.

They come in many different flavors, and are plant or animal based protein that are best suited for your dietary preferences.

Protein bars should not be taken as a healthy replacement to your daily intake of nutrition.

The best protein source comes from wholesome food meals so, don’t skip on your daily input of natural nutrition.

Make sure to pay close attention to how your body responds with the protein bars of your choice and change your intake if problems arise after consulting with your dietician.

Step up your body’s energy, stay healthy and happy!

FAQs

  • Do protein bars expire?
  • Yes, they expire according to the date mentioned in the package. Every bar is different with different ingredients and depending on the formula the expiration date is set. Leaving them in high temperatures will make them go bad, so be sure to store them properly.
  • Can women use protein bars as meal replacement?
  • No, you should not have it as a meal replacement as they are not nutritionally complete. It would be best to have them with other protein source foods like Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs and avocados.
  • Can protein bars help women to lose weight?
  • Yes, protein bars will help you lose weight through suppressing your hunger. They also help boost your metabolism and your muscles recover from exercise. So, by exercising regularly and through the curbing of your appetite, you will shed unwanted weight.
  • When should you eat a protein bar?
  • You can have protein bars between your meals especially when you know your next meal will take some time. It is also recommended to have before and after your work-out routine. High-calorie bars can be paired with fruits and vegetables when you are in a rush and don’t have time to prepare a meal. Be aware about the fat and fiber content if you have gastrointestinal problems to avoid issues related to it while working out or going about your everyday run!

Resources

https://www.womenshealthmag.com/uk/food/healthy-eating/a706267/best-protein-bars-for-women/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26797090/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/

Atqia Bilkis

Atqia Bilkis is a content writer, educator and editor whose work comes from passion. As a fighter in life, she believes knowledge is the key to enlightenment and success in life. She enjoys writing about health sciences and technology and has written articles and guides on sports, animals and more.

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