10 Best Protein Bars UK 2022 | Misfits, Keto Keto and More

For example, if an adult weighs 70 kg they will need around 56 g of protein or 84 g if they are particularly active. You should look for protein bars with 10g of protein or more if you are looking for a supplement to easily reach your daily protein target.

For alternative sources of protein, try our Best Whey Protein!

Milk and whey are the most common ingredients found in protein bars. Whey protein is a dairy-based protein source created as a by-product of cheese production and suitable for vegetarians. For vegans or those who wish to avoid dairy or other animal derivatives in their diet, plant-based proteins such as oats, soy and pea protein are all great alternative options!

Many protein bars contain nuts, particularly almonds and peanuts which have a naturally high protein content and taste delicious. You may also come across other protein rich ingredients such as egg whites or soy crispies, which are used to up the overall protein content and provide a crunchy texture.

We have already covered the importance of protein, but it is equally important to enrich our diets with high quality carbohydrates and fats. Monounsaturated fats found in nuts and seeds are great for lowering cholesterol. Try to look for bars with a low percentage of unhealthy saturated fats (ideally less than 3 grams per serving) and avoid bars that contain trans-fats entirely.

When it comes to protein bars, carbohydrates typically come in the form of dried fruits and grains. We use carbohydrates for energy production and the carbohydrate that comes from whole-grains is usually bundled with plenty of fibre to keep us feeling full and aid with our digestive health.

For the accessories to aid your health journey, try our Best Protein Shakers!

Sugar can appear on the ingredients list under various different names so keep an eye out for dextrose, sucrose, glucose, high fructose corn syrup, coconut sugar, agave nectar and maple syrup just to name a few. To keep sugar consumption down, seek protein bars with 15 g of sugar or less.

Manufacturers often use sugar as an inexpensive way to bulk out products and make them taste good. However, excessive refined sugar consumption is linked to various health problems such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Even too much naturally-occurring sugar, often deemed healthier, can cause these same issues.

Protein provides only 4 calories per gram, so in a protein bar with 10 g of protein, only 40 calories of the bar’s total calorific amount will come from the protein itself. The rest of the calories come from the carbohydrates and fats found in the bar’s ingredients.

The calorie count is a great overall indicator of the nutrition a protein bar will provide. Most good quality protein bars will have between 200 and 300 calories, though there are some slightly lower or higher depending on portion size and ingredients. 

Whether you are looking for gluten-free, nut-free or vegan, you are sure to find a bar to meet your needs. There are even protein bars that cater to raw food and ketogenic diets. Some will advertise dietary suitability on their packaging, while others do not. We recommend always checking the ingredients list before you buy.

Check out our best Vegan Protein Bars and Vegan Protein Power articles for a more comprehensive guide!