Tag: Protein Bars
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars Review
Get the most out of health and taste with Transparent Labs UNCUT Protein Bars.
Product Overview
Protein bars tend to be fantastic snack options for those of us constantly on the go. While a common idea around these bars are that they are simply a replacement for candy bars, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Sure, many of them are loaded with sugar, taste great, and have really no nutritional value at the end of the day.
But companies are trying hard to make sure protein bars taste great and actually benefit your health and performance. Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars are those bars looking to power you through the day with constant fuel while also benefiting your overall health and wellness.
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars have a 2:1:1 ratio of carbs, protein, and fat to deliver great macros along with great taste.
A good protein bar will be loaded with protein and can fill you up for those on-the-go needs. With a great ratio of macronutrients, plenty of flavors, and low amounts of sugar, these may not replace a meal, but they can add to your lifestyle and make snacking easier and affordable while keeping your health and gains in mind.
Transparent Labs is a solid company who prides themselves on transparency and honesty when it comes to their labels and ingredients. With no added artificial sweeteners, coloring, or preservatives, Transparent Labs works to bring you the top of the line ingredients at clinically effective doses with no hidden formulas.
Transparent Labs products are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in Utah that is certified current good manufacturing processes (CGMP) and registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Each product is third party tested to keep the quality as high as possible and the buying experience as easy as possible.
UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars Highlights
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars are designed to give you tons of fuel throughout the day while still being healthy and great tasting protein bar options. With a 2:1:1 ratio of carbs, protein, and fats, Transparent Labs has put a priority on ensuring your macronutrient intake is met in a responsible and reliable way. With real-food ingredients, these bars contain zero artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives and offer a guilt-free option any time of day.
Ingredients
Whey Protein Isolate: A more filtered form of whey protein, this is a great source for those looking to get majority protein with little to no carbs and fat. This is great for muscle growth, recovery, and those looking to lose weight (1,2).
Roasted Almonds: Almonds are nutrient dense and are packed with antioxidants. They can also work to reduce hunger by increasing the feeling of fullness with both protein and fiber (3).
Honey: Also with nutrients and antioxidants, honey is a great way to sweeten things and is better than using real sugar (4).
Other Ingredients
Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (Sugar, Chocolate Liquor, Cocoa Butter, Dextrose, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla), Almond Oil
Calories
280
Protein
16g
Carbs
24g
Fat
14g
Sugar
19g
Flavors
Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Coffee
Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars are those great tasting, guilt-free options to include in your diet to power you through the day. With real food ingredients, you know you are getting a quality treat with these bars. With 12 bars per box, each bar costs around $2.49.
Two great flavors in Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Coffee ensure you never grow bored of the taste.
Pros
Real food ingredients that are clean and effective
2:1:1 ratio of macros
Great tastes with no artificial additives
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
Cons
A bit high in sugar compared to others
Only available on their website
Price: $29.99/ 12 Bars
Who Should & Who Shouldn’t Use UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars?
Who Should: Anyone looking for a great protein bar to fuel your day. Those who prefer a balance of macronutrients and the value of whole food ingredients as well.
Who Shouldn’t: Those who would prefer less sugar and those who may be looking for more flavor options as well.
Best Time To Eat UNCUT Protein Bars
Transparent Labs has designed these bars to be consumed at any time of day. They are particularly a great source of post-workout fuel and we agree.
Check out our list of the Best Protein Bars for more great nutritional products here!
Overall Value
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars are those protein bars worth taking for they have a great ratio of macronutrients and are made with real food ingredients. Your protein bar should reflect your lifestyle and you shouldn’t settle for anything less than. Transparent Labs knows what athletes need and seeks to produce only the best products possible. What you are really getting are high protein energy bars great for anytime of day with great ingredients and real benefits. Try Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars today and power any workout, activity, or whatever you need to get done.
Try Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars Today
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Transparent Labs and Envato
References
Cooke, M.; et al. (2010). “Whey protein isolate attenuates strength decline after eccentrically-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals”. (source)
Pal, S.; et al. (2010). “Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, lipids, insulin and glucose in overweight and obese individuals”. (source)
Hull, S.; et al. (2015). “A mid-morning snack of almonds generates satiety and appropriate adjustment of subsequent food intake in healthy women”. (source)
Samarghandian, S.; et al. (2017). “Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research”. (source)
Best Protein Bars For Muscle Growth & Taste (Updated 2022)
These protein bars are sure to have the best taste and aid in your muscle growth by pumping you with protein and other nutrients that are vital for maximum gains.
Protein bars are designed to serve as a convenient source of nutrition with the best taste for athletes, gym-goers, and everyday people to keep nutrition at the top of the list and aid in muscle growth, whether they use either vegan or whey. If you’ve ever walked through the isle at a store, boxes upon boxes of protein bars line the shelves and the choices become so overwhelming, you just give up. And we don’t blame you. That’s why we provided this list of the best protein bars for your bodybuilding goals for 2022.
Don’t let an overly saturated market keep you from seeing great gains and while many companies claim their protein bars can serve as solid meal replacements, it is important to remember that many bars are loaded with sugar and other additives that you just don’t need from a bar. This list has some of the best bars, vegan and non-vegan, on the market today to make your life a little easier when it comes to choosing the right protein bar.
Check out our list of the Best Protein Bars as you aim to continue your health hunt to aid in your overall growth, performance, and wellness for the best protein bar. We seek to make your life easier by providing you with a solid list to start to narrow down your search as you look for nothing but the best for your fitness, health, and wellness goals.
Best Protein Bar For 2022
Best Protein Bar Overall
Your protein bar should reflect your nutritional needs, as well as your fitness needs. A good all-around protein bar will work to offer real ingredients, quality benefits, and only the best results for you.
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars
Calories
280
Protein
16g
Carbs
24g
Fat
14g
Sugar
19g
Flavors
Chocolate Coffee, Chocolate Chip
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars are delicious and nutritious for all of those health and fitness needs. A 2:1:1 ratio of carbs, protein, and fats ensures you have plenty of fuel to power those workouts and daily activities. Made with real food ingredients, there are no artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives to ruin the quality of this bar. Great flavors and quality care ensure all of your needs are taken care of with these protein bars.
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars have a 2:1:1 ratio of carbs, protein, and fat to deliver great macros along with great taste.
Pros
Great ratio of macronutrients
Made with real food ingredients
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
Cons
Only available on their website
Tend to be a bit dry
Price: $29.99/12 Bars
Best Post-Workout Protein Bar
For those of us looking to enhance our post-workout routine, a quality protein bar is exactly what we need to see the best results. Packed with protein and added ingredients, this will ensure a positive post-workout experience.
Jacked Factory Authentic Bar
Calories
280
Protein
15g
Carbs
27g
Fat
14g
Sugar
20g
Flavors
Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter Candy, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Coconut Cashew, Kitchen Sink, Mint Chocolate Chip
Jacked Factory Authentic Bar is a great protein bar with authentic ingredients, taste, and results. This decadent high protein bar is made with real ingredients and whey protein isolate for that clean, filtered protein to help with muscle growth and recovery. With no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, this protein bar is exactly what you need to round out a great dietary routine. No gut wrenching fibers and awesome flavors are matched by honesty and transparency with this amazing protein bar.
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are made with authentic ingredients with great taste and results. No artificial sweeteners make these bars great for muscle growth and recovery.
Pros
High in protein and uses whey isolate
No artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols
Made with real ingredients
Great flavors
Cons
Comparable to less expensive bars
Price: $29.99/12 Bars
Best Protein Bar For Muscle & Performance
For those looking to boost strength and overall performance, a protein bar with top tier ingredients can do just that. With ingredients designed to aid in muscle growth and your overall performance goals, you can hit success much faster.
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars
Calories
280
Protein
16g
Carbs
24g
Fat
14g
Sugar
19g
Flavors
Chocolate Coffee, Chocolate Chip
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars are delicious and nutritious for all of those health and fitness needs. A 2:1:1 ratio of carbs, protein, and fats ensures you have plenty of fuel to power those workouts and daily activities. Made with real food ingredients, there are no artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives to ruin the quality of this bar. Great flavors and quality care ensure all of your needs are taken care of with these protein bars.
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars have a 2:1:1 ratio of carbs, protein, and fat to deliver great macros along with great taste.
Pros
Great ratio of macronutrients
Made with real food ingredients
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
Cons
Only available on their website
Tend to be a bit dry
Price: $29.99/12 Bars
Best Whey Isolate Protein Bar
Protein sources can come from many different places but whey isolate is a premium source great for those who want majority protein. A bar made with whey isolate can ensure great protein intake while also aiding in things like muscle growth and weight loss.
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars
Calories
280
Protein
16g
Carbs
24g
Fat
14g
Sugar
19g
Flavors
Chocolate Coffee, Chocolate Chip
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars are delicious and nutritious for all of those health and fitness needs. A 2:1:1 ratio of carbs, protein, and fats ensures you have plenty of fuel to power those workouts and daily activities. Made with real food ingredients, there are no artificial sweeteners, colorings, or preservatives to ruin the quality of this bar. Great flavors and quality care ensure all of your needs are taken care of with these protein bars.
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars have a 2:1:1 ratio of carbs, protein, and fat to deliver great macros along with great taste.
Pros
Great ratio of macronutrients
Made with real food ingredients
From a reputable company in Transparent Labs
Cons
Only available on their website
Tend to be a bit dry
Price: $29.99/12 Bars
Best Protein Bar For Energy & Metabolism Support
A protein bar should be easy on your stomach and allow for quick energy. Designed for convenience, you should be able to use a protein bar for all your goals so you maximize all sources of fuel.
GNC Total Lean Layered Protein Bar
Calories
190
Protein
16g
Carbs
14g
Fat
8g
Sugar
5g
Flavors
Whipped Chocolate Mousse, Girl Scouts Coconut Caramel
GNC Total Lean Layered Protein Bar is a great protein bar to satisfy hunger and provide for lean, high quality protein support for muscle growth. Being gluten-free, and with great flavors, you can enjoy this bar and get all of the benefits without the guilt. At 190 calories per bar and with 16g protein, 8g fat, and 14g carbs, this provides a perfect ratio for all of these macronutrients for your diet. Made with a protein blend of whey concentrate and isolate, as well as other ingredients to fuel muscle growth, repair damaged muscle, and aid in other bodily functions, this meal replacement bar is perfect for a pre-workout boost or a post-workout recovery protein packed snack while also being great tasting to boost your protein intake and help lose weight.
GNC Total Lean Layered Protein Bar is perfect for satisfying hunger and providing lean muscle support. A protein blend of whey isolate and concentrate is perfect for muscle growth and repair.
Pros
Great ingredients
190 calories and 16 grams of protein
Delicious flavors
Cons
It does contain sucralose and maltodextrin
High amount of sugar adds to the taste but may not be compatible with certain diets
Price: $11.99/5 bars
Check out our individual review for GNC Total Lean Layered Protein Bar here!
Best Protein Bar For Tackling Cravings
Protein bars should keep you full to pump you with nutrients and eliminate cravings. By getting rid of cravings you are well on your way to less snacking and weight loss.
Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
Calories
210
Protein
20g
Carbs
22g
Fat
10g
Sugar
1g
Flavors
Birthday Cake, Blueberry Muffin, Caramel Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Sprinkled Doughnut, Cinnamon Roll, Cookies & Cream, Double Chocolate Chunk, Lemon Cake, Maple Waffle Protein, Mint Chocolate Chunk, Mocha Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Brownie Smash, S’mores, White Chocolate Raspberry
Quest Nutrition protein bars are made with complete, dairy-based proteins to provide your body with 9 essential amino acids to help with muscle growth. With a lot of flavors to choose from, each bar is a sweet treat with less than 2g of sugar in each bar to satisfy cravings to keep you full longer. With up to 21g of protein and 16g of fiber per bar, net carbs round out to 4-6g giving you a really great ratio of all of those macronutrients you need for fuel, growth, and recovery along with your diet needs. With a solid protein blend and not a lot of ingredients, this bar comes out to be a great option for those looking to satisfy cravings while also seeing gains from a protein packed snack with clean ingredients to provide energy and build muscle.
Quest Nutrition Protein Bar is a complete, dairy-based protein bar perfect for muscle growth. Nine essential amino acids and 21g protein will fuel growth, recovery, and performance.
Pros
There are a multitude of flavors to choose from
Ratio of macronutrients is perfect
High in protein and one of the best tasting bars
Little sugar
Cons
May be hard to digest for some
Does contain sucralose as well
Price: $24.99/12 Bars
Best Natural Protein Bar
A natural protein bar is what we want because it doesn’t contain anything artificial. To maintain our health and essential needs, a natural bar can certainly be right for you.
RXBar
Calories
210
Protein
12g
Carbs
23g
Fat
9g
Sugar
13g
Flavors
Coconut Chocolate, Maple Sea Salt, Chocolate Chip (Plant-Based), Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Blueberry, Chocolate Sea Salt, Banana Chocolate Walnut, Mixed Berry, Mint Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter (Plant-Based), Chocolate Raspberry, Vanilla Almond
RXBar is a great protein bar made with real and simple ingredients. With 9 ingredients or less, this bar is packed with high-quality protein with plenty of fiber perfect for an addition to breakfast, a midday snack, or anytime near a workout. Great flavors and texture ensure you never grow bored of the taste and that this protein bar can work for those performance and lifestyle goals with ease.
RXBar is a protein bar made with real and simple ingredients with high-quality protein and great flavors.
Pros
Real, simple ingredients
Plenty of protein
Good amount of fiber
Great for any time of day
Cons
Can be a bit chewy for some
Price: $18.89/12 Bars
Best Non-Dairy Protein Bar
For those looking for a plant-based protein bar, a non-dairy option will still deliver quality plant-based protein without leaving you with that dairy discomfort or sensitivity.
No Cow High Protein Bars
Calories
200
Protein
22g
Carbs
25g
Fat
5g
Sugar
1g
Flavors
Maple, S’mores, Cookies N’ Cream, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Sticky Cinnamon Roll, Chunky Peanut Butter, Lemon Meringue Pie, Mint Cacao Chip, Blueberry Cobbler, Vanilla Caramel, Raspberry Truffle, Chocolate Coconut, Carrot Cake, Pumpkin Pie
No Cow High Protein Bars are packed with protein great for those looking for a plant-based option. Providing clean fuel, you will find this bar to be great for your daily routine. With 4 net carbs, this bar is keto friendly and with 1g of sugar you get all the taste without the guilt. An impressive plant-based protein bar, this is vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and soy-free. Great flavors and packed with protein, this is solid for those in need of something without dairy.
No Cow High Protein Bars are plant-based and protein packed to fuel your workouts and lifestyle without the guilt of a sugary bar.
Pros
Plant-based option
Packed with 21g of protein
Low sugar bars
Cons
Chalkier texture than most bars
Price: $24.98/12 Bars
Benefits Of Protein Bars: Whey Protein Isolate, Pea Protein, Or Other Protein Sources
Protein bars have great benefits to your growth and recovery while also aiming to keep you full. Benefits of protein bars include:
Packed with protein: Provide enough protein content to offer growth and keep you full while still allowing for proper digestion (1). This will also aid in muscle building and maintenance and workout recovery from protein like vegan sources, whey protein isolate, or others (2).
Full of fiber: Keep you full longer and moving regularly which is an important piece for your body to properly function and keep weight off (3).
Short on sugar (if any at all): Be careful of added sugar and other sweeteners that ruin the health benefits of a good bar and ruin all of your dietary work thus far, especially for certain diets, like those who are vegan.
Inexpensive and convenient: Don’t break the bank for a protein bar that will only provide some benefits and really look for one that will give you everything you need (and deserve) from a bar.
How Much Are These Protein Bars?
Finding the right protein bars can be challenging. Those more premium bars will cost more money so knowing how much may help make your decision a little easier. We’ve broken down our list so you can see the overall price as you compare amongst our Best Protein Bars list.
Category
Product
Price
Why We Love It
Best Protein Bar Overall
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars
Price: $29.99
Per Box Of 12: $2.49
Made with real food and a great balance of macronutrients.
Best Post-Workout Protein Bar
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars
Price: $29.99
Per Box Of 12: $2.49
High in protein and made with real food ingredients.
Best Protein Bar For Muscle & Performance
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars
Price: $29.99
Per Box Of 12: $2.49
Made with real food and a great balance of macronutrients.
Best Whey Isolate Protein Bar
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars
Price: $29.99
Per Box Of 12: $2.49
Made with real food and a great balance of macronutrients.
Best Protein Bar For Energy Metabolism & Support
GNC Total Lean Layered Protein Bar
Price: $11.99
Per Box Of 5: $2.39
Great ingredients and flavors with nice nutritional value.
Best Protein Bar For Tackling Cravings
Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
Price: $24.99
Per Box Of 12: $2.08
High in protein and little sugar while balancing other macros nicely.
Best Natural Protein Bar
RXBar
Price: $18.89
Per Box Of 12: $1.57
Good amount of protein and fiber with real and simple ingredients.
Best Non-Dairy Protein Bar
No Cow High Protein Bars
Price: $24.98
Per Box Of 12: $2.08
Great plant-based option that is high in protein and low in sugar.
What To Consider Before Buying
Before buying your protein bar, there are some important factors to consider so you get the best product possible.
Calories
Protein bars should reflect your lifestyle and goals and should not be particularly high in calories. While some may be higher than you would like, if the added benefits outweigh this, consider strategically putting it in your routine to not hurt your gains.
Protein
It is called a protein bar for a reason and your protein source matters. You want to make sure your bar as ample amounts of protein to keep you full and aid in muscle growth and has as much protein as you would get in a meal. The right bar will have a great balance of macronutrients with a priority put on protein, regardless of source be it plant-based or whey protein isolate, for example.
Sugar
It is important that you enjoy your protein bar, however, if a company just adds sugar then it takes the point away from a protein bar. While you want to enjoy it, it shouldn’t just be a candy bar replacement with added sugar.
Added Ingredients
Made with whole food ingredients, your protein bar should have those added ingredients that work well for all your gains. Fiber and other digestive enzymes are also helpful to absorb these nutrients and not cause any discomfort. Not all protein bars will have this, but it is good to consider for the best tasting protein bars.
How We Choose
When choosing this list of the best protein bars, we wanted to focus on three things: reputability of the company, taste and effectiveness, and price. Each company should be working for you and the name of the brand matters. We look at those trusted companies who work tirelessly to product the best protein bars around. We also know your bar should taste good and be effective for keeping you full and working on producing more gains. These bars have both of those covered and you shouldn’t settle for anything less. We also know people look for vegan and non-vegan sources and we take that into consideration as well. Lastly, price matters. We know it can be expensive to find a good bar and these above are perfect for all your goals while still being affordable options.
FAQ Section
What is the best protein bar?
Transparent Labs UNCUT High Protein Energy Bars. These are delicious and nutritious for all of those health and fitness needs. A 2:1:1 ratio of carbs, protein, and fats ensures you have plenty of fuel to power those workouts and daily activities.
What makes a protein bar great?
Protein bars should offer the right balance of macronutrients with the highest amount being protein, either vegan sources or whey. Often times, protein bars will have a lot of fat and carbs that don’t match the amount of protein. They should also taste good and be effective in their goal of providing you with the best nutrients and ingredients so you progress with your goals.
Can protein bars be used as meal replacements?
Protein bars can be used as meal replacements but sparingly. It is always best to eat a whole food meal so you don’t miss out on any nutrients, or even looking to products designed for meal replacements is a great place to start as well.
When is it best to eat a protein bar?
Protein bars are great for many occasions. For your pre-workout or post-workout fuel, protein bars can really prove to be worth your while. On busy days, taking a protein bar on the go is a great option when looking to stay on your diet and eliminate the desire to snack.
On the whole, are protein bars healthy?
That is a tough question as it really depends on the bar. Protein bars can be healthy if they have the right balance of macronutrients and don’t contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, or sugar alcohols. Doing your research is the best way to determine if the bar of your choosing is a healthy option for you, as well as if it fits your dietary needs, for example those who are vegan.
Wrap Up
Protein bars should work for your benefit and your benefit only. While they should taste good, they should also provide for overall quality health benefits and it is possible to have both. These protein bars listed above are really great sources of protein, vegan and not, that taste good and will give you that boost to fuel a workout, recover from tough training, or offer a healthy snack during the day as you power through to the end.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References
Paddon-Jones, D.; et al. (2008). “Protein, weight management, and satiety”. (source)
Pasiakos, S.; et al. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Clark, M.; et al. (2013). “The effect of fiber on satiety and food intake: a systematic review”. (source)
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars Review For Superior Taste & Results
These protein bars are made with real ingredients for only the best results.
Product Overview
We all know the value of a premium protein bar. But finding one can be a challenge. Picture this. You sit at the office, get that hunger craving, and realize you just can’t wait to eat a full meal. You need that snack. You dig into your bag, pull out some run of the mill protein bar, and take that first bite. Chalky, bland, just not what you needed and a total waste of money. Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are those protein bars you need most for their real ingredients, great tastes, and effective results.
What a good protein bar can do is keep you full and aid in satiety while also working to maximize lean muscle growth and better recovery. The convenient and worthwhile snack you need, Jacked Factory Authentic Bars do this and much more and are a reliable bar for all your wants and needs.
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are made with authentic ingredients with great taste and results. No artificial sweeteners make these bars great for muscle growth and recovery.
Jacked Factory is a great supplements company who fully understands the needs of athletes and what it takes to succeed at the highest level. As a result, they deliver the most premium, hard-hitting, and effective supplements on the planet. With products formulated using science-backed ingredients, all of their products are made with honesty and the idea of fueling your fitness journey. Transparency is key, especially for your gains, and Jacked Factory takes this very seriously.
Authentic Bars Highlights
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are a great protein bar with authentic ingredients, taste, and results. This decadent high protein bar is made with real ingredients and whey protein isolate for that clean, filtered protein to help with muscle growth and recovery. With no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, this protein bar is exactly what you need to round out a great dietary routine.
Packed with 15g of protein, the ratio of macronutrients is fairly good being 12g of fat and 27g of carbs, all sitting at just 260 calories. No gut-wrenching fibers and awesome flavors are matched by honesty and transparency with this amazing protein bar as it is manufactured in a cGMP facility, scientifically formulated, and made right here in the United States.
Ingredients
Whey Protein Isolate: A more filtered form of whey this is loaded with protein with minimal to no carbs and fat as a result of the filtration process. This form of protein is great for those looking to pack on lean muscle, lose unwanted weight, and boost recovery for effective muscle repair (1,2).
Peanut Butter: A great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as protein and fats, peanut butter boosts energy, helps keep you full leading to weight loss, and improves memory, among other benefits (3).
Soybean and Palm Oil: Both are healthy options and rich in healthy fats. Soybean oil works well for bone health and contains great omega-3 fatty acids, while palm oil works to balance cholesterol and is considered to be an anti-thrombotic, something that reduces blood clots (4).
Other Ingredients
Honey, Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Yellow Corn Flour, Cornstarch, Chocolate, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Brown Rice Syrup
Calories
280
Protein
15g
Carbs
27g
Fat
14g
Sugar
20g
Flavors
Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter Candy, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Coconut Cashew, Kitchen Sink, Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookie Crumble, Caramel Apple (Limited Edition)
Price, Flavors & Effectiveness
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are high in protein and made with real food ingredients so you only get the best in terms of your muscle building, recovery, and nutrition goals. With the option of either a 6-pack or 12-pack, you get a great deal on these healthy and transparent bars.
Plenty of flavors ensure you never grow bored of the taste including: Caramel Apple (Limited Edition), Cookie Crumble, Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter Candy, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Coconut Cashew, Kitchen Sink, Mint Chocolate Chip.
Pros
High in protein and uses whey isolate
No artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols
Made with real ingredients
Great flavors
Cons
Comparable to less expensive bars
Price: $24.99 for 12-pack
Check out our list of the Best Protein Bars to see where Jacked Factory Authentic Bars landed!
Overall Value
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars are that high-quality, protein-packed, and healthy protein bar option you need most. With plenty of flavors and real ingredients, your wants of taste and results have never been higher. Jacked Factory is a company who knows the needs of athletes and seeks to produce only the best in terms of sports supplements and nutritional products. What you are really getting is a high-quality protein bar packed with tons of real and effective ingredients, great flavors, and an honest company backing it. Check out Jacked Factory Authentic Bars today and see what these can do for your desired results.
Generation Iron may receive commissions on purchases made through our links. See our disclosure page for more information.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Jacked Factory and Envato
References
Pal, S.; et al. (2010). “Effects of whey protein isolate on body composition, lipids, insulin and glucose in overweight and obese individuals”. (source)
Cooke, M.; et al. (2010). “Whey protein isolate attenuates strength decline after eccentrically-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals”. (source)
Arya, S.; et al. (2016). “Peanuts as functional food: a review”. (source)
Oguntibeju, O.; et al. (2009). “Red palm oil: nutritional, physiological and therapeutic roles in improving human wellbeing and quality of life”. (source)
Are Protein Bars Worth The Hype Or Just An Excuse To Eat “Candy”?
Protein bars have potential to be game changers but is the word protein simply synonymous with candy.
It’s fair to say that many of us have heard the comparison of protein bars to candy bars. But we think to ourselves, why is that a fair comparison? For those who believe that, it can be easy to see how it’s a possibility. With flavors like Birthday Cake and Cookie Dough, as well as so many others that make it feel like an ice cream shop, how can these bars not be synonymous with candy? But companies have begun to work tirelessly to produce great tasting and healthy protein options so those athletes on the go can enjoy a good source of fuel while not compromising all of their gains.
Let’s take a look at protein bars and see how effective they can be. When compared to a candy bar, the option is very clear as to which choice is better and why and while we all know it, sometimes we have to just see it to believe it.
What Is A Protein Bar?
Protein bars are nutritional supplements perfect for those always on the go. Formulated to contain a great ratio of macronutrients, they can fit nicely into your diet and not totally destroy all your gains. As a popular and convenient source of all dietary needs, it is no wonder why people have gravitated towards these as their source of on-the-go fuel to enhance energy and physical activity (1).
Benefits Of Protein Bars
What a good protein can do for you is really amplify the effects of growth and recovery, especially for those of us always on the go. Benefits of protein bars include:
Great ratio of macros: A good protein bar will offer the right balance of macros to ensure all of your gains are met in an effective and healthy way (2).
Packed with fiber: With a focus on fiber, they can keep you moving regularly and work to be easier on your gut.
Sugar control: While many think these bars are packed with sugar, most companies are adding in alternatives to control just how much sugar is actually in them (3).
Convenient for on-the-go: For those always on the go, protein bars are that convenient option to stay full and boost growth and recovery.
Comparison With A Candy Bar
We felt it would be interesting, and sort of fun, to take a look at two protein bars and compare them to a fan favorite candy bar in the Kit Kat Bar. We all love that crunch covered in chocolate, but to make this point about the health benefits of these bars, it may be good to see the real difference between these. While every protein and candy bar is different, it is important for us to remember that the general point being made is that protein bars have great benefits to our health and wellness, especially those of us who are active.
For this, we are going to look at Jacked Factory Authentic Bars, Question Nutrition Protein Bars, and as mentioned before, the famous Kit Kat Bar. Both protein bars are Birthday Cake flavor.
Jacked Factory
Quest Nutrition
Kit Kat
Calories
270
180
518
Total Fat
13g
6g
26g
Total Carbs
26g
24g
65g
Protein
16g
21g
6.5g
Fiber
2g
14g
1g
Sugar
16g
Less than 1g
49g
In looking at this comparison, we can see that the candy bar (Kit Kat) is moving us in the wrong direction when it comes to our gains. It is nearly double in calories and total fat, and even more in terms of total carbs and sugar, while the protein content just doesn’t compare.
Now, we know that you know a candy bar isn’t the best nutritional option. This comparison was supposed to break the myth that most protein bars are just candy in disguise. While protein bars taste good and do have high amounts of carbs, fat, and sugar (in some cases), it is about ratio and the other intended ingredients included that make protein bars great. While it is totally fine to splurge a bit and enjoy a good Kit Kat once in a while, adding a protein bar to your busy schedule is not going to kill all your gains.
Featured Protein Bar
While finding the right protein bar for your own personal goals can be a challenge, we wanted to share a great option for you to help tackle any challenges that may come your way. Swiss Natural Foods T Bar is one of those options that can work to give you the best in terms of ingredients and includes natural ingredients like Ashwagandha, Tongkat Ali, and zinc to really enhance your health and wellness.
Swiss Natural Foods T Bar
Swiss Natural Foods T Bar is a fully natural protein bar with a twist. They have added a few extra ingredients to ensure your health and muscle growth take priority. Powerful plant extracts mixed with the right vitamins and minerals for optimal hormonal balance, this bar is the best Mother Nature can offer with great potential for your power, performance, but more importantly, health. With 16g of protein, a good ratio with the other macronutrients, and only 250 calories, this protein bar does its job, and it does it well.
Click here for the best price
Price: $29.99
Check out our individual review for Swiss Natural Foods T Bar here!
Check out our list of the Best Protein Bars for more great protein products!
Wrap Up
Protein bars are great sources of fuel for those of us athletes on the go and can be game changers when it comes to our training, performance, health, and wellness. Finding the right bar is incredibly important and can work wonders for us when we finally manage to come across it. Looking into solid options is exactly what we need to do in order to achieve our goals as best we can and with the right guidance, a good protein bar is just around the corner.
Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
*Images courtesy of Swiss Natural Foods and Envato
References
Tanskanen, Minna M.; Westerterp, Klaas R.; Uusitalo, Arja L.; Atalay, Mustafa; et al. (2012). “Effects of Easy-to-Use Protein-Rich Energy Bar on Energy Balance, Physical Activity and Performance during 8 Days of Sustained Physical Exertion”. (source)
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Hassan, Sami K. (2020). “Quantitative and qualitative effects of proteins and natural sugars on hardening and color of high-protein nutrition bars during storage”. (source)
Best Protein Bars For Bodybuilding Growth & Performance (Updated 2021)
These protein bars are sure to keep you full and aid in your bodybuilding goals by pumping you with protein and other nutrients that are vital for maximum growth.
Protein bars are designed to serve as a convenient source of nutrition for athletes, gym-goers, and everyday people to keep nutrition at the top of the list for priority. If you’ve ever walked through the isle at a store, boxes upon boxes of protein bars line the shelves and the choices become so overwhelming, you just give up. And we don’t blame you. That’s why we provided this list of the best protein bars for your bodybuilding goals for 2021.
Don’t let an overly saturated market keep you from seeing great gains and while many companies claim their protein bars can serve as solid meal replacements, it is important to remember that many bars are loaded with sugar and other additives that you just don’t need from a bar. This list has some of the best bars on the market today to make your life a little easier when it comes to choosing the right protein bar.
Check out our list of the Best Protein Bars as you aim to continue your health hunt to aid in your overall growth, performance, and wellness for the best protein bar. We seek to make your life easier by providing you with a solid list to start to narrow down your search as you look for nothing but the best for your fitness, health, and wellness goals.
Best Protein Bar For 2021
Best Protein Bar Overall: Jacked Factory Authentic Bar
Calories
280
Protein
15g
Carbs
27g
Fat
14g
Sugar
20g
Flavors
Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter Candy, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Coconut Cashew, Kitchen Sink, Mint Chocolate Chip
Jacked Factory Authentic Bar is a great protein bar with authentic ingredients, taste, and results. This decadent high protein bar is made with real ingredients and whey protein isolate for that clean, filtered protein to help with muscle growth and recovery. With no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, this protein bar is exactly what you need to round out a great dietary routine. No gut wrenching fibers and awesome flavors are matched by honesty and transparency with this amazing protein bar.
Pros
High in protein and uses whey isolate
No artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols
Made with real ingredients
Great flavors
Cons
Comparable to less expensive bars
Price: $24.99 for 12-pack
Click here for the best price
Best For Strength & Performance: Swiss Natural Foods T Bar
Calories
240
Protein
16g
Carbs
19g
Fat
12g
Sugar
15g
Flavors
Honey & Salt, Peanut Chocolate
Swiss Natural Foods T Bar is a fully natural protein bar with a twist. They have added a few extra ingredients to ensure your health takes priority. Powerful plant extracts mixed with the right vitamins and minerals for optimal hormonal balance, this bar is the best Mother Nature can offer with great potential for your power, performance, but more importantly, health. With 16g of protein, a good ratio with the other macronutrients, and only 250 calories, this protein bar does its job, and it does it well.
Pros
Packed with whey protein and other powerful ingredients
Natural and effective
Innovative approach to protein bars
Cons
Taste is hard to swallow
Usual chalky texture from protein bars
Price: $29.99
Click here for the best price
Check out our individual review for Swiss Natural Foods T Bar here!
Best For Energy & Metabolism Support: GNC Total Lean Layered Protein Bar
Calories
190
Protein
16g
Carbs
14g
Fat
8g
Sugar
5g
Flavors
Whipped Chocolate Mousse, Girl Scouts Coconut Caramel
GNC Total Lean Layered Protein Bar is a great protein bar to satisfy hunger and provide for lean, high quality protein support. Being gluten-free, and with great flavors, you can enjoy this bar and get all of the benefits without the guilt. At 190 calories per bar and with 16g protein, 8g fat, and 14g carbs, this provides a perfect ratio for all of these macronutrients for your diet. Made with a protein blend of whey concentrate and isolate, as well as other ingredients to fuel muscle growth, repair damaged muscle, and aid in other bodily functions, this meal replacement bar is perfect for a pre-workout boost or a post-workout recovery protein packed snack while also being great tasting to boost your protein intake and help lose weight.
Pros
Great ingredients
190 calories and 16 grams of protein
Delicious flavors
Cons
It does contain sucralose and maltodextrin
High amount of sugar adds to the taste but may not be compatible with certain diets
Price: $9.99/ 5 bars
Click here for the best price
Check out our individual review for GNC Total Lean Layered Protein Bar here!
Best For Recovery: Optimum Nutrition Opti-Bar
Calories
250
Protein
20g
Carbs
20g
Fat
9g
Sugar
1g
Flavors
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Brownie, Cookies ‘N Creme
Optimum Nutrition Opti-Bar is a high quality and very convenient protein bar designed for on-the-go muscle support to assist muscle recovery and muscle growth in efforts to get you primed for that next workout. As a leader in sports nutrition and a reputable brand you can trust, Optimum Nutrition seeks top-tier products with innovative technology to really get consumers to where they need to be with their diet, like with this meal replacement bar. With 20g of protein per bar, up to 10g of fiber per bar, and less than 5g of sugar, your recovery goals are surely on their way. Three great flavors in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Brownie, and Cookies ‘N Crème make this bar a delicious option for your on-the-go needs as one of the best bars on the market to build muscle.
Pros
High protein, low carb, and very little sugar
From a reputable company
Great flavors and taste
Cons
Little sugar is very healthy
Some may not enjoy the texture
Price: $29.95/ 12 bars
Click here for the best price
Best For Tackling Cravings: Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
Calories
210
Protein
20g
Carbs
22g
Fat
10g
Sugar
1g
Flavors
Birthday Cake, Blueberry Muffin, Caramel Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Sprinkled Doughnut, Cinnamon Roll, Cookies & Cream, Double Chocolate Chunk, Lemon Cake, Maple Waffle Protein, Mint Chocolate Chunk, Mocha Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Brownie Smash, S’mores, White Chocolate Raspberry
Quest Nutrition protein bars are made with complete, dairy-based proteins to provide your body with 9 essential amino acids. With a lot of flavors to choose from, each bar is a sweet treat with less than 2g of sugar in each bar to satisfy cravings to keep you full longer. With up to 21g of protein and 16g of fiber per bar, net carbs round out to 4-6g giving you a really great ratio of all of those macronutrients you need for fuel, growth, and recovery along with your diet needs. With a solid protein blend and not a lot of ingredients, this bar comes out to be a great option for those looking to satisfy cravings while also seeing gains from a protein packed snack with clean ingredients to provide energy and build muscle.
Pros
There are a multitude of flavors to choose from
Ratio of macronutrients is perfect
High in protein and one of the best tasting bars
Little sugar
Cons
May be hard to digest for some
Does contain sucralose as well
Price: $22.22/ 12 bars
Click here for the best price
Importance Of Protein For Growth
Protein is a macronutrient vital for many functions in the human body. Since the body cannot produce protein, we must obtain this vital nutrient from foods. Once digested, amino acids are produced which are the building blocks of protein the body then uses to build and maintain muscle (1), produce blood and connective tissue, and work to keep your body primed for whatever comes its way.
While it is easy to obtain protein from a great whey powder, whether that be a concentrate or an isolate, sometimes we need to get protein from other sources, those sources preferably being whole foods. Yet even still it can be hard for us to make a home cooked meal with our busy schedules and this is where protein bars come into play to really advance our goals and give us all of that protein for serious growth (2). As a vital component for muscle growth and muscle maintenance, protein in whatever form should never be overlooked, especially for workout recovery and a protein bar is a great way to get that nutrition.
Benefits Of Protein Bars
Protein bars have great benefits to your growth and recovery while also aiming to keep you full (3). Benefits of protein bars include:
Packed with protein: Provide enough protein content to offer growth and keep you full while still allowing for proper digestion. This will also aid in muscle building and maintenance and workout recovery.
Full of fiber: Keep you full longer and moving regularly which is an important piece for your body to properly function and keep weight off.
Short on sugar (if any at all): Be careful of added sugar and other sweeteners that ruin the health benefits of a good bar and ruin all of your dietary work thus far.
Inexpensive and convenient: Don’t break the bank for a protein bar that will only provide some benefits and really look for one that will give you everything you need (and deserve) from a bar.
Why You Should Eat Protein Bars For Performance?
Protein bars are simple, tasty, and convenient snacks to enjoy while also adding protein and other nutrients quickly into the body for any lifestyle. It is important to not fall victim to the best looking box or advertisement because its all about ingredients. You need to find the right bar for you as many are flooded with sugar and other ingredients that can really hurt your gains (4).
While this may seem like a daunting task, trust us, we get it. We’ve all spent time wandering the isles in the supermarket or health store, or browsing endless pages online searching for the next best thing to elevate our health and fitness. Sometimes there is a diamond in the rough and once we find it, it is game over. But sometimes it takes more diligence than we want, or have time for, and that can really hurt our chances of finding a really great supplement or health food product.
What To Look For In A Good Protein Bar
A good protein will have:
Minimal calories: Be sure to look for a lower calorie bar that also has plenty of benefits. They do exist.
A quality fat content: Depending on your goals, knowing the fat content can be extremely important. Also, make sure it is conducive to whatever diet you may be on.
Clean ingredients: Be sure to look for any harmful additives or just extra junk that you do not want in your protein bar snack.
At the end of the day, choosing the best bar for you all comes down to preference. What you desire in taste, what you want in texture, and what you seek for your bodybuilding goals. The best part is, you can always mix and match bars and are not tied down to one in particular. Many companies offer a variety of bars for various occasions while you can work to create your own group of different bars to really diversify your palate and your goals (5). Don’t get hung up on trying to find the one perfect bar for you because the truth is there may be more than one that fits your desired goals. In fact, there are more than one and it just takes some work in finding it.
How We Choose
When choosing this list of the best protein bars, we wanted to focus on three things: reputability of the company, taste and effectiveness, and price. Each company should be working for you and the name of the brand matters. We look at those trusted companies who work tirelessly to product the best protein bars around. We also know your bar should taste good and be effective for keeping you full and working on producing more gains. These bars have both of those covered and you shouldn’t settle for anything less. Lastly, price matters. We know it can be expensive to find a good bar and these above are perfect for all your goals while still being affordable options.
FAQ Section
What is the best protein bar?
Jacked Factory Authentic Bars. This is a great protein bar with authentic ingredients, taste, and results. This decadent high protein bar is made with real ingredients and whey protein isolate for that clean, filtered protein to help with muscle growth and recovery. With no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, this protein bar is exactly what you need to round a great dietary routine.
What makes a protein bar great?
Protein bars should offer the right balance of macronutrients with the highest amount being protein. Often times, protein bars will have a lot of fat and carbs that don’t match the amount of protein. They should also taste good and be effective in their goal of providing you with the best nutrients and ingredients so you progress with your goals.
Can protein bars be used as meal replacements?
Protein bars can be used as meal replacements but sparingly. It is always best to eat a whole food meal so you don’t miss out on any nutrients, or even looking to products designed for meal replacements is a great place to start as well. Check out our list of the Best Meal Replacements for some awesome supplements!
When is it best to eat a protein bar?
Protein bars are great for many occasions. For your pre-workout or post-workout fuel, protein bars can really prove to be worth your while. On busy days, taking a protein bar on the go is a great option when looking to stay on your diet and eliminate the desire to snack.
On the whole, are protein bars healthy?
That is a tough question as it really depends on the bar. Protein bars can be healthy if they have the right balance of macronutrients and don’t contain artificial flavors, sweeteners, or sugar alcohols. Doing your research is the best way to determine if the bar of your choosing is a healthy option for you.
Wrap Up
Protein bars should work for your benefit and your benefit only. While they should taste good, they should also provide for overall quality health benefits and it is possible to have both. These protein bars listed above are really great sources of protein that taste good and will give you that boost to fuel a workout, recover from tough training, or offer a healthy snack during the day as you power through to the end.
With protein as an essential building block for muscle, having a protein packed bar is something to really look for to advance your goals. While it can be frustrating to search and search for the best option, it is out there. Your goals are priority number one and while it can be daunting to know there are a ton of products on the market, the benefit is that you don’t have to change your goals to find the right one. It will find you. Check out these protein bars for your bodybuilding goals and see your progress unfold today with a great meal replacement.
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Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
References
Pasiakos, Stefan M.; McLellan, Tom M.; Lieberman, Harris R. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
Tipton, K. D.; Wolfe, R. R. (2001). “Exercise, protein metabolism, and muscle growth”. (source)
Tanskanen, Minna M.; Westerterp, Klaas R.; Uusitalo, Arja L.; Atalay, Mustafa; et al. (2012). “Effects of Easy-to-Use Protein-Rich Energy Bar on Energy Balance, Physical Activity and Performance during 8 Days of Sustained Physical Exertion”. (source)
Hassan, Sami Kadhim (2020). “Quantitative and qualitative effects of proteins and natural sugars on hardening and color of high-protein nutrition bars during storage”. (source)
Shmerling, Robert H. MD (2015). “Are protein bars really just candy bars in disguise?”. (source)