Top Selling Protein Bars Reviewed by a Dietitian

Recreation's Nutrition Expert Takes a Bite to Tell You What's Worth Eating

By Elizabeth von Klan, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian

As Recreation’s resident Registered Dietitian, I have gathered some of UC San Diego students’ favorite protein bars (most available on or around campus) to review them for their nutrition content, taste, and cost, so you don’t have to! If you missed Part 1, where I break down what makes a high-quality bar, make sure you check that out!

Note: Taste and texture preferences are my own, and let it be known I am not a fan of very obvious whey protein flavors nor chalky texture.

1. Barebells Protein Bar

Taste: 8/10
Texture: 9/10
Cost: $2.33 each (when purchased in a pack of 12)
Where to buy: Walmart, Target, Vons, Trader Joe’s

This Barebells bar has a decent amount of fiber for a protein bar (up to grams). The amount of saturated fat is not fairly high, and there are also no added sugars, so this bar relies on the sugar alcohol maltitol. Eating sugar alcohols is a personal preference, as they can sometimes create some stomach upset for those who are sensitive. The type of protein used (hydrolyzed beef collagen and milk protein blend) supports post-exercise recovery. If you would prefer a plant-based option, Barebells also offers plant-based varieties!

2. ALOHA Organic Protein Bar

Taste: 8/10
Texture: 8/10
Cost: $2.91 each (when purchased in a pack of 12)
Where to buy: Shake Smart, Walmart, Target, Vons

Aloha offers a variety of flavors and may be a bit more allergen-friendly, as they are gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free. They utilize brown rice and pumpkin seed protein (complementary proteins) rather than an animal source, which makes them a great option for vegan folks and boasts a beneficial nutrition profile from the addition of fiber and minerals. With 10 grams of fiber, as well as 4 grams of added sugar, this bar gets a decently high score in my book! Plus, Aloha is a Certified B Corporation.

3. Quest Protein Bar

Taste: 5/10
Texture: 5/10
Cost: $2.08 (when purchased in a pack of 12)
Where to buy: Target, Vons, Walmart

Quest bars have a pretty similar profile to the Barebells– they utilize sugar alcohol erythritol as a sweetener, as there are no added sugars. The type of protein used is milk protein isolate and whey protein, which provides a complete protein profile. The con here for me is that I am not a fan of the very distinct whey protein taste and flavor, hence my lower taste and texture score, but to each their own!

4. Rx Bar

Taste: 6/10
Texture: 7/10
Cost: $2.00 (when purchased in a pack of 12). Copycat version is available at Target from the Good & Gather brand for $1.50 each!
Where to buy: Amazon, Walmart, Target

The Rx bars are minimally processed and have only a few ingredients (just four ingredients total), so these are a great option for those looking for a bit more fiber, healthy fats, and who want to avoid sugar alcohols. They also have no added sugar since the sugars come from dates! Remember, protein bars and supplements can be an easy and convenient way to reach your protein goals, but make sure to also get a variety of proteins, carbs, and fats throughout the day to achieve a balanced dietary pattern. Eating protein from different foods, like beans, nuts, dairy, fish, and meat, helps you cover more nutritional bases by providing unique vitamins, minerals, and amino acid profiles.

Want a more in-depth, personalized nutritional review of your dietary intake? Book your own nutrition counseling session here to work with me one-on-one! Learn more and book your session here!