The 8 Best Healthy Energy Bars of 2023

Best Overall: RXBAR Protein Bars, Best Seller Variety Pack

Pros

• Extensive taste selection, including seasonal
• Easily accessible in most stores
• Basic ingredients
• Excellent source of protein

Cons

• Coarse texture may not be appropriate for everyone.

The RX bars have the shortest, most nutrient-dense ingredient list, which includes egg whites, almonds, cashews, and dates.

Depending on the taste, bars include around 12 grams of protein (from egg whites and nuts), 7 to 9 grams of healthy fats (from almonds and cashews), and 3 to 5 grams of fiber to help you feel satiated for longer.

The natural flavors stated in the ingredients are derived from oils and extracts derived from spices, fruits, and plants, as opposed to artificial flavorings. If you prefer softer, less chewy bars, they may not be the ideal option for you.

RX Bars are available in a variety of flavors, including Chocolate Sea Salt, Blueberry, Peanut Butter, Coconut Chocolate, and Mixed Berry, to accommodate a variety of tastes.

They also offer seasonal flavors, so you can forgo the sugary pumpkin spice coffee and power up with a Pumpkin Spice RX Bar.

• Calories: 220 
• Carbohydrate: 23 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Flavors: Chocolate sea salt, banana chocolate walnut, blueberry, chocolate raspberry, maple sea salt, peanut butter chocolate, vanilla almond and many more

Best Budget: Earnest Eats Chewy Breakfast Bars 12 Pack

Pros

• Excellent omega-3 fatty acid source
• Wheat-free
• Give a percentage of proceeds

Cons

• Limited taste alternatives
• Has 9 grams of added sugar

Earnest Eats bars contain whole rolled oats, almond butter, seeds, and almonds, making them an affordable breakfast or on-the-go snack. They have a softer, less solid feel than competing energy bars.

There are 230 calories, 11 grams of fat, 4 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of protein in each bar.

These bars contain walnuts, which contribute 190 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids that may reduce the risk of heart disease and promote brain function. They also contain whole grains, which provide energy-sustaining carbs rich in fiber.

Skipping breakfast may sometimes lead to overeating later in the day, so be sure to have some of them in your luggage for mornings when you're rushing out the door.

A percentage of the proceeds from the sale of this product are contributed to the International Rescue Committee, a refugee aid fund.

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrate: 30 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Flavors: Chocolate peanut butter, cran lemon zest, almond trail mix and apple ginger

Best Gluten-Free: Rise The Simplest Protein Bars 12 Pack

Pros

• Excellent source of protein
• 3 simple components
• Non-GMO

Cons

• Coarse texture may not be appropriate for everyone.
• Has 13 grams of added sugar

The only ingredients in Rise Almond Honey Bars are almonds, honey, and whey protein isolate.

Whey protein isolate is an easily digested, complete protein that includes all nine necessary amino acids - amino acids that our body cannot produce and so must obtain from food. Comparatively, whey isolate has less lactose, fat, and carbs per serving and more protein.

These bars are a post-exercise powerhouse, including 280 calories, 16 grams of fat, 4 grams of fiber, and 20 grams of protein per serving.

The abundant protein is ideal for rebuilding damaged muscle and recharging the body. Consider it a healthy protein shake in a bar, minus the undesirable ingredients found in many prepackaged shakes. Put this in your exercise bag for a gratifying boost after you've burned calories.

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrate: 21 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Flavors: Almond honey, mocha almond, snicker doodle, chocolatey coconut, mint chip, chocolatey almond, lemon cashew and more

Best with No Added Sugar: Thunderbird Real Food Bar

Pros

• Unusual taste combinations
• Non-GMO
• Family-owned and employee-owned business.

Cons

A sticky texture may not be acceptable for everyone.

• Somewhat more costly

Thunderbird bars are certified paleo, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, and they have no added sugar. They are comprised of fruits, nuts, seeds, spices, and extra-virgin coconut oil, which are all basic, nutritious components.

These genuine food components work together to deliver steady energy to help you through challenging exercises or to give you an extra boost of energy in the afternoon.

This flavor has 230 calories, 16 grams of fat, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. Enjoy their Coffee Maca taste instead of a cup of coffee as an afternoon snack.

This bar has 5 milligrams of caffeine per serving, but an 8-ounce cup of coffee includes 95 milligrams, so you will not experience a caffeine crash later in the day. calorie content varies with taste (170-240).

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrate: 16 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Fat: 16 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Flavors: Chocolate almond butter sea salt, chocolate coconut cashew, cashew fig carrot, hazelnut coffee vaca, pecan goji pistachio, Texas maple pecan, almond pecan crunch and cherry hemp turmeric

Best Vegan: Bearded Brothers Vegan Organic Food Bars 12 Pack

Pros

• Organic and GMO-free
• Basic ingredients
• Excellent omega-3 fatty acid source

Cons

• Small portion size

Bearded Brothers Energy Bars are an excellent alternative for vegans due to their limited raw ingredients. Each bar has 180 calories, 5 grams of fiber, and 5 grams of protein, making it the ideal snack.

The fantastic components include dates, almonds, dried blueberries, chia seeds, vanilla, and sea salt. Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse due to the presence of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and other minerals.

In addition, blueberries have some of the greatest concentrations of antioxidants among all fruits, which neutralize free radicals and preserve DNA.

Enjoy one of their distinctive flavors, like as Ginger Peach, for a change of pace. In addition to Raspberry Lemon, Vanilla Pecan, Almond Butter Chocolate, Coconut Mango, and Maca Chocolate, the handy assortment contains Raspberry Lemon, Vanilla Pecan, Almond Butter Chocolate, Coconut Mango, and Maca Chocolate.

• Calories: 180 g
• Carbohydrate: 22 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Flavors: Blueberry vanilla, raspberry lemon, vanilla pecan, almond butter chocolate, coconut mango and maca chocolate

Best Organic: GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Protein Bars 12 Pack

Pros

• Easily accessible in most stores
• Certain tastes are Low FODMAP friendly
• Organic and GMO-free
• Excellent source of protein

Cons

• Has 12 grams of added sugar
• Reduced in fiber

The protein bars from GoMacro contain healthful, organic, vegan components, such as seeds, nuts, nut butters, puffed rice, dried fruits, pea protein, and brown rice protein.

With 280 calories, 11 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, and 11 grams of protein (peanut butter taste), these bars can maintain you between meals for a longer duration.

Notable on this bar is the presence of organic brown rice syrup as the first component. Brown rice syrup is a natural sweetener and binder derived from the decomposition of cooked rice starches.

Although though it is naturally occurring, it is still considered added sugar and should be used in moderation.

GoMacro makes it simple to choose a bar that suits your specific requirements. Their website provides a tool that allows you to specify any dietary restrictions you may have.

It will take you to the bars that meet your requirements, such as those that are nut-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and fodmap-friendly.

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrate: 36 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Flavors: cashew caramel, double chocolate + peanut butter chips, banana + almond butter, lemon + lemon, oatmeal chocolate chip, coconut + almond butter + chocolate chips, sunflower butter + chocolate and more

Best Tasting: Larabar Gluten-Free Snack Bar Variety Pack 16 Pack

Pros

• Extensive taste selection, including seasonal
• Maximum of nine components per taste
• Easily accessible in most stores

Cons

• Has 10 grams of added sugar

Depending on the bar, LARABARs include between two and eight components, all of which are full, natural meals. Ingredients include dates, almonds, fruit, chocolate powder, coconut, vanilla essence, and sea salt.

All of the bars are sweetened with dates, which give a natural sugar source in addition to fiber. When natural sugars are digested with fiber, they are taken more slowly into the circulation, so they do not induce the same blood sugar surge (and subsequent decrease) as manufactured, concentrated sweets.

Featuring flavors such as Cashew Cookie, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and Cherry Pie, this bar will satisfy your sweet need.

There are 210 calories, 11 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs, and 3 grams of protein in the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough taste.

• Calories: 210
• Carbohydrate: 25 g 
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Flavors: Apple pie, carrot cake, chocolate chip brownie, chocolate peanut caramel truffle, cinnamon roll, coconut cream pie, key lime pie and many more

Best Caffeinated: Quantum Organic Caffeinated Energy Square Caramel Almond Sea Salt 8 pack

Pros

• Excellent source of protein
• Non-GMO
• A pastry chef contributed to the recipe.

Cons

• Not readily accessible at many retail outlets.
• Extra caffeine may not be appropriate for everyone.

Each Quantum Caffeinated Energy Square has 100 mg of caffeine, which is derived from green coffee beans. As an alternative to grabbing a cup of coffee or pre-workout liquids, this snack may be an excellent source of sustained energy.

In addition, you would receive 10 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber if you consumed this as a noon snack.

Moreover, these bars include MCT oil, or medium-chained triglyceride oil. Although research on the potential advantages is limited, it is a popular source of energy among athletes.

• Calories: 200
• Carbohydrate: 20 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Flavors: Caramel almond sea salt, salted peanut butter crunch, peanut butter dark chocolate, dark chocolate pink Himalayan salt, caffe mocha almond chip, coconut almond chocolate chip

Ingredients

While selecting energy bars, it is important to examine both the nutrition label and the list of ingredients. Seek for basic components such as entire foods, such as nuts, seeds, and fruits.

Adhere to brief lists (10 components or less), and keep in mind that the order of the ingredient list represents the product's ingredient concentration.

Sugar

Although natural bars may contain more sugar than others on the market, it is recommended to go for products sweetened with natural sugars derived from dried fruits, such as dates.

The recommended daily intake of added sugar is less than 25 grams for women and less than 37 grams for men. Assess the amount of added sugar you eat through other foods, and aim to select those with less than 15 grams of sugar.

Protein and Fiber

Choose bars with at least 3 to 5 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber to feel filled for longer.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 recommend 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day for adults. Many of us fall short of this target, so seeking out bars with a greater fiber content can help us attain it.

Most individuals get their protein needs from other sources, but a protein-enriched energy bar might help you feel filled for longer!

What makes a nutrition bar healthy?

The elements of an energy bar are what make it healthy. Energy bars are a practical method to sustain an active lifestyle. Examine the food label while looking for a healthy energy bar.

Choose a bar with a brief list of recognizable components, such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and dried fruit.

You should also consider the energy bar's sugar, fat, and fiber composition. Pick a bar low in added sugar and saturated fat that is also an excellent source of fiber.

What should you avoid while purchasing energy bars?

Use energy bars with caution if they include a significant level of added caffeine, which may induce unpleasant effects such as headaches and agitation.

Sugar alcohols such as xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol are used to sweeten energy bars without adding extra calories.

Although sugar alcohols are safe to ingest, your body cannot entirely break them down, which can lead to gas, bloating, and diarrhea if you drink too much. Energy bars with full, authentic meals that you individually tolerate well are optimal.

What effects do energy bars have on the body?

It varies on the energy bar's components, but they often include carbs, protein, and healthy fats to keep you energized and satiated between meals.

Assess the context of your whole diet and complement meals with nutritious snacks such as natural energy bars to suit your particular nutritional requirements.

BestForHomes (bestforhomes.org) hopes that our evaluations of the best healthy energy bars have helped you narrow down your options and pick the appropriate product for your requirements.