10 Best Vegan Protein Bars | UK Dietitian Reviewed
We’re always looking for ways to keep our body healthy and nourished, but sometimes it can be hard to get enough nutrients in just three meals. Vegan protein bars are often chosen as great additions to one's diet as they are easy, light and small enough to take anywhere. Aiming to stay cruelty free, environmentally friendly and/or low carb? We’ve got you covered.
In this article, we will show you the best vegan protein bars currently on the market and help you find the perfect protein bar to suit your daily lifestyle and nutritional needs. With so much choice it may be hard to pick, but through our chosen sites such as Amazon, you can easily order these from the comfort of your home. Have a look inside for vegan protein bars ranging from 20 grams of protein to soy-free to completely organic!
Quick List - Top Vegan Protein Bars
Sunwarrior
An All Organic, Gluten & Soy-free Protein Bar
Author of The Bone Strength Plan and a professional, evidenced-based nutritionist in London. Jo has carried out over 1500 hours of one-to-one consultations with more than 600 clients, as well as the additional hours of workshops, research, and media work with the BBC, Channel 4, The Islam channel and more.
A recommendation service that carefully researches each product and consults with experts across many disciplines. We are constantly creating new content to provide the best shopping experience from choosing ‘cosmetics’ to ‘food and drink’, ‘home appliances’ to ‘kids and baby’ products, reaching users all across the United Kingdom.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- With Specialist Consultation From Dietitian Jo Travers
- 10 Best Vegan Protein Bars in the UK
- No. 1Tribe | Natural Vegan Protein Bar ｜Double Chocolate
- No. 2PhD | Smart Bar ｜Choc Coconut and Cashew
- No. 3Misfits | Vegan Protein Bar ｜Variety Pack
- No. 4Sunwarrior | Sōlgood Vegan Organic Protein Bar ｜Salted Caramel
- No. 5Barebells | Vegan Protein Bar ｜Hazelnut & Nougat
- 5 more products
- What Is Vegan Protein?
- Jo Travers on DIY-ing Your Vegan Protein Snacks
- Easy 4-Ingredients No-Bake Vegan Protein Bar Recipe
- More Great Vegan Food!
- Summary
With Specialist Consultation From Dietitian Jo Travers
Jo Travers, author of The Bone Strength Plan is a professional, evidenced-based nutritionist in London. She has carried out over 1500 hours of one-to-one consultations with more than 600 clients, as well as the additional hours of workshops, research, and media work with the BBC, Channel 4, The Islam Channel, and more.
You can find her comprehensive catalogue of courses and guides for everything nutrition-related on her website, as well as absolutely delicious recipe ideas on her Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
How to Choose A Vegan Protein Bar - Buying Guide
In this buying guide, we will explain what to look out for when buying protein bars and the showcase the best of the best. Be sure to peruse until the end to make sure you can make your purchases with full confidence.
Pick A Protein Source You Like
Pea protein is steadily becoming a fan favourite for its great nutritional value and high level of BCAAs (though less than soy). 28 grams of pea, which by the way are not green peas but its protein-heavy yellow cousin, will give you 22 grams of protein. Some studies have also shown it can also promote the feeling of fullness and lower blood pressure.
In the world of vegan protein bars, a mix - or blend - of plant-based protein is often used over just one source. As some plant-based protein sources lack some essential amino acids, this is balanced out through an infusion of multiple. Meaning finding a blend of different plant-based protein in one bar is a great idea when searching for the perfect snack or boost.
Even having some oats in your protein bar can fill in the gaps in the amino acid profile of plant-based proteins. Grains contain the amino acids missing from legumes so a mixture can give you the full complement. Branched-chain amino acids are a group of amino acids that are linked to muscle growth and recovery, so are a good choice if you are using your protein bar after a workout.
Decide How Much Protein You Need In A Bar
Naturally, it is right to think that more protein equals better value for your body - and your wallet - but stop! Before you jump at the bar with the highest protein content, it is best to decide why you are purchasing a vegan protein bar, is it for weight loss? muscle gain? weight gain?
If you are aiming to bulk up i.e. muscle gain, it is best to get a vegan protein bar with at least 20 grams of protein. That way you can ensure that your muscles are receiving the best possible care while you make them gains.
The protein you are eating will derive from everything you consume within a day and the recommended amount is around 46 to 56 grams per day. If you are looking for a boost try and stick to a bar with 10 grams of protein or more, but you need not have to get one as high as 20 grams. The most important part is an accompanied balanced diet that will slowly fuel your body throughout the day.
For most people, a top-up to their protein intake is all they need. Most people can only really use around 0.8g - 1g of protein per kilo of body weight, and having too much protein can actually put pressure on the kidneys.
More protein metabolism produces more urea, a by-product of protein metabolism that is excreted via the kidneys. Additionally, protein contains more calories than carbohydrates per gram, so more protein than necessary can mean excess calorie intake.
Analyse the Nutritional Content of the Bar
If you are aiming to lose weight, look for vegan protein bars that have less than 200 calories. As these are ideal levels it can be hard to find exactly matching products, but using this as a way to make informed choices and avoid potential red flags such as bars with a protein content lower than 10 grams is a great way to start.
Finally, check the fine print for any potential allergens. Many vegan protein bars make use of blended plant-based proteins and may not include them in the design of the packaging if it is a specific flavour. So if you are allergic to soy or looking for an organic blend of ingredients, be sure to make sure that what you buy does not contain anything that your body may disagree with.
Some protein bars have lots of sugar added to make them taste better, but too much sugar can cause blood glucose to spike.
A blood glucose spike is bad for two reasons. One, it is always followed by a sugar crash meaning you have low blood sugar and will probably be tired and hungry despite the snack you just ate; and two, the sugar will get converted into fat and stored rather than being used as an energy source.
Check To See How Many Are Included
Vegan protein bars can help you in many ways, but making them work within your monthly expenditure is equally important and that means considering how many are included in 1 box. With this in mind it is important to set a budget in regard to how much you want to spend. You may be buying upwards of 3 boxes a month, so think about how many you will eat in a month, not just the price of 1 box.
A box of protein bars may contain 9 to 16 bars, so it is important to purchase a pack of protein bars that will be cost effective for you. For example, if protein bars are more of a snack, it may be worth opting to find vegan protein bars that contain 15 bars or more, but you may be unable to do this if you are looking for organic ingredients or niche flavours.
Having a variety of different protein bars can be good too, especially if you are using them differently on different days. Having some higher protein, soy bars that are high in BCAAs for workout days for example, and lower protein ones for days when you just need a snack. Variety in flavours and textures can also stop you from getting bored!
10 Best Vegan Protein Bars in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tribe Natural Vegan Protein Bar ｜Double Chocolate | | Fibrous, Low Calorie Chocolate Heaven. In a Bar. | |
2 | PhD Smart Bar ｜Choc Coconut and Cashew | | A Tasty Blend of Chocolate, Coconut and Cashew | |
3 | Misfits Vegan Protein Bar ｜Variety Pack | | Five Sweet and Sumptuous Flavours | |
4 | Sunwarrior Sōlgood Vegan Organic Protein Bar ｜Salted Caramel | | An All Organic, Gluten & Soy-free Protein Bar | |
5 | Barebells Vegan Protein Bar ｜Hazelnut & Nougat | | A Very Hazelnutty Protein Bar | |
6 | Tribe Natural Energy Bar ｜Mixed Bundle | | An Overflowing Mix of Energy and Flavour! | |
7 | The Protein Works Ridiculous Vegan Protein Bar ｜Wild Chocolate Peanut | | A Ridiculously Wonderful Vegan Protein Bar | |
8 | Clif Bar Energy Bar ｜Crunchy Peanut Butter | | A Great Plant Based Source of Protein | |
9 | Oatein Millionaire Crunch ｜Salted Caramel | | A UK Branded, Sugar-free Salted Caramel Crunch | |
10 | Chia Charge Protein Bar ｜Jaffa Cake | | 20 Grams of Soy Goodness With Natural Chia Seeds! |
Fibrous, Low Calorie Chocolate Heaven. In a Bar.
Tribe's Double Chocolate pack is the perfect vegan protein bar for chocolate lovers. Using a blend of almonds, pea and rice that adds up to a total of 20 grams of protein, this protein bar pack is incredibly good value.
Additionally, with 16 bars included at 1.25, it is the cheapest set of vegan protein bars in the list without skimping on quality. Taking into consideration its low calorie content, too, we think this is a fantastic & affordable addition to anyone's diet.
A Tasty Blend of Chocolate, Coconut and Cashew
Packed with a whopping 21 grams of protein from pea, soy, cashew and coconut, PhD Smart Bar's are the perfect addition for anyone looking to increase their protein intake and for a smart price.
With only 1.9 grams of sugar and 15 grams of fibre, they are the perfect choice for those aiming to cut their sugar intake while also providing a high quality, easy to digest, and delicious refuelling of their body.
Five Sweet and Sumptuous Flavours
Misfits really give you variety when it comes to this pack. 12 bars in 5 flavours make this the most exciting bundle on our list. Committing to one flavour is not for everyone and could lead to unused bars, so if you are looking to experiment, these are the ones for you.
Ranging from 185 to 199 calories, these protein bars are perfect for those looking to keep their calories down while looking for a serious 15-16 gram protein boost. A great pack for first-timers.
SunwarriorSōlgood Vegan Organic Protein Bar ｜ Salted Caramel
An All Organic, Gluten & Soy-free Protein Bar
This luxury soy and gluten-free vegan protein bar is the perfect way to add some extra protein into your life for people who also care about high-quality ingredients. Packed with 14 grams of fibre, this bar is great in aiding digestion.
What's more, this vegan protein bar is packed with 100% organic ingredients and is a great way to treat yourself with not only a protein boost but a variety of organic goodness at only 230 calories with added organic Madagascan vanilla bean and sunflower butter.
A Very Hazelnutty Protein Bar
Using a protein blend of pea, soy and rice, this vegan protein bar is a great way to increase your protein intake. With 1 gram of sugar, 12 bars, and an average price of 1.79 each, it is great value.
Additionally, with its high fibre content and a protein blend of 4 sources, this bar is highly nutritious and a great way to help aid in digestion. Its low-calorie content means it is great for all lifestyles.
An Overflowing Mix of Energy and Flavour!
With 16 bars at 1.37 each, Tribe's mixed bundle of natural energy bars make the perfect addition to anyone's daily life and for a great price.
Whether you are aiming to lose weight or gain, these bars float between 191 to 237 calories and are packed with flavour, making them perfect for first-time users or long-term protein bar veterans.
The Protein WorksRidiculous Vegan Protein Bar ｜ Wild Chocolate Peanut
A Ridiculously Wonderful Vegan Protein Bar
Full of flavour and texture, these ridiculous vegan protein bars are the perfect light snack or post-workout boost. With only 200 calories per bar, they are light and easy to digest.
These bars are great for those looking to boost their protein intake but stay as low as possible on the calorie front. A great boost to any workout, though slightly pricey for the amount of bars included.
A Great Plant Based Source of Protein
Perfect for post workouts, Clif Bars are a great way to revitalise and reset your body. The high calorie content means it acts as a temporary boost when you are away from other food sources.
While Clif Bars have a lot of great ingredients, 280 calories is slightly on the higher side of calories, especially given it has a lower protein content than others on the list, which means that it is less viable than others when looking to lose weight or bulk.
A UK Branded, Sugar-free Salted Caramel Crunch
Oatein's fabulous millionaire crunch is the perfect snack or boost for anyone. With a generously low-calorie content, 0.3 grams of sugar, and a reasonable price, this protein bar is perfect for those wanting to try the benefits of a vegan protein bar.
While soy is a great way to get protein into your system, when we compare this bar to other ingredient lists, the amount of protein derivatives is less varied and high in fat, which may not be suited to everyone.
20 Grams of Soy Goodness With Natural Chia Seeds!
Chia Charge have included one of the nation's most beloved flavours into the mix: Jaffa Cake - a personal favourite in the office and one that is a nice change from the more nutty flavours that protein bars are famous for.
With wonderful chia seeds and a high protein content, this bar is great. Though, it's low fibre content and high levels of fat and sugar are not ideal for all lifestyles.
What Is Vegan Protein?
Protein can derive from a whole range of food such as tofu, nuts, and wholegrain such as oats or quinoa. There are many different ways to get protein into your diet and vegan protein bars are a perfect addition to anyone's daily life, whether you regard this as a snack, part of a bulking aim or a weight loss journey.
Plant based protein is sometimes cited as an incomplete protein due many plant sources lacking one or more essential amino acids, but as long as you are consuming a good balance of other foods, you can rest easy as it is a perfectly viable and healthy way to live.
Jo Travers on DIY-ing Your Vegan Protein Snacks
"If you have the time, there are plenty of tasty vegan protein bar recipes to try yourself. Making your own means you can add the things you like. Most can be kept in the fridge for several days or frozen, so you can make a batch to keep you going for a while."
Easy 4-Ingredients No-Bake Vegan Protein Bar Recipe
As Jo said, making your own vegan protein bars is also a great option because you know exactly what's gone in and you can customise the recipe to your mood and preferences. Take a look at this fantastic 4 ingredients no-bake recipe and check out the recipe on the website for further instructions!
More Great Vegan Food!
Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian or simply aiming to try and lower your carbon footprint, vegan products are great for everyone. Feel free to browse our range of other vegan articles to find more ways to enhance your vegan food life. It is okay to spoil yourself on such great things, plus - we won't tell anyone.
Summary
Well, there you have it! The top 10 vegan protein bars in the UK. We hope this list helped you in making some decisions in regard to your own personal fitness journey and how these products can fit into your life. Vegan protein bars are not a one size fits all and it is important to find the right food for your body and lifestyle.
Above all else, remember that vegan protein bars will only work with a balanced and highly nutritious diet. Make sure every meal time is packed with a variety of foods to keep your body happy, inside and out.
Author: Josh Welch
Top 5 Vegan Protein Bars
No. 1: Tribe｜Natural Vegan Protein Bar ｜Double Chocolate
No. 2: PhD｜Smart Bar ｜Choc Coconut and Cashew
No. 3: Misfits｜Vegan Protein Bar ｜Variety Pack
No. 4: Sunwarrior｜Sōlgood Vegan Organic Protein Bar ｜Salted Caramel
No. 5: Barebells｜Vegan Protein Bar ｜Hazelnut & Nougat
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Search by category
Automotive
Agricultural vehicle parts & equipment, Car & motorbike care, Car & vehicle electronicsBaby Products
Activity & entertainment, Car seats & accessories, Carriers & accessoriesBeauty
Bath & body, Fragrances, Hair careBooks
Antiquarian, rare & collectable, Arts & photography, Biographies & memoirsBusiness, Industry & Science
3D printing & scanning, Abrasive & finishing products, Agricultural equipment & suppliesComputers & Accessories
Accessories, Barebone PCs, Components & replacement partsDIY, Garden & Tools
Building supplies, Construction machinery, ElectricalElectronics & Photo
Accessories, Camera & photo, Car & vehicle electronicsFashion
Baby, Boys, GirlsGrocery
Baby foods, Bakery, Beer, wine & spiritsHealth & Personal Care
Baby & child care, Dental care, Diet & nutritionHome & Kitchen
Arts & crafts, Artwork, BathroomLarge Appliances
Beer & wine storage & dispensers, Compact kitchens, Dishwashers & dish dryersMusical Instruments & DJ
Bass guitars & gear, DJ & VJ equipment, Drums & percussionPC & Video Games
Currency & subscription cards, Handheld game systems, Legacy systemsPet Supplies
Birds, Cats, DogsSports & Outdoors
Accessories, Fitness, Hunting & fishingStationery & Office Products
Art & craft supplies, Calendars, planners & personal organisers, Envelopes & mailing suppliesToys & Games
Arts & crafts, Baby & toddler toys, Building & construction toys