15 Best Vegan Protein Bars You Won’t Be Able To Resist
As a vegan, keeping fit and healthy is often a lot harder than it sounds. Not only do you have to ensure that your body gets the right nutrients, but you also have to check that whatever you’re eating is cruelty-free. And with so many animal ingredients you have to avoid, getting the required nutrients can often be challenging.
Protein bars are an excellent way to give your body some extra nutrients to help rebuild your muscles after you’ve been to the gym. It’s a massive industry, and there are hundreds of different brands that produce their own bars.
But with so many different recipes and ingredients out there, not all protein snacks are made the same. From different types of protein to different fillings, there are plenty of ingredients to look out for.
Traditionally, protein bars contain whey protein as their main ingredient. This type of protein comes from either casein in milk or is formed as a by-product of cheese making. As you can probably tell, whey protein isn’t vegan since it’s an animal by-product. This often raises the question: “are there any vegan protein bars out there that exist?”
Well, the answer is undoubtedly YES.
Luckily, there is more than one source of protein out there, which means whey protein can easily be replaced by cruelty free alternatives. A good example of this is pea protein, which as you can probably guess, is made from peas.
By extracting the protein from peas, not only do you get a cruelty-free protein, but it also tastes likes peas, is gluten, lactose and cholesterol free, and has an excellent amino acid profile.
If you’re looking for some protein bars to help improve your diet, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve handpicked 12 of the highest quality cruelty-free protein bars on the marketing. Featuring popular brands, and brands you’ve never heard of, we’ve done all the hard work and research to ensure these protein bars are 100% vegan.
No matter if you’re looking for low carb, low sugar, high protein, or gluten-free protein bars, we’ve assorted them into their own lists below.
Low Carb Vegan Protein Bars
Carbs in protein bars can often range dramatically depending on their filling. If you’re looking for something appetising and filling without lots of calories and carbs, then these are the bars for you.
1. Orgain Organic Protein Bar
Per Bar (40G):
- 140 calories
- 5g fat (1.5g saturated)
- 105mg sodium
- 20g carbs (6g fiber, 5g sugar)
- 10g protein
Coming in at only 140 calories per 40g bar, these protein bars by Orgain have around the same calories as half an Avocado. However, unlike Avocado’s, they contain a lot more protein to help fuel muscle recovery and recover your body after a long session at the gym.
Made from 100% plant-based protein and other ingredients, these protein bars give you clean and delicious nourishment whenever and wherever you need it.
Available in 4 different flavors including Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, and S’mores (marshmallow and chocolate), these protein bars are sure to go down a treat after your workout.
2. IQ BAR Brain + Body Bar
Per Bar (45G):
- 170 calories
- 10g fat (2g saturated)
- 200mg sodium
- 19g carbs (12g fiber, 1g sugar)
- 10g protein
If you’re looking for a low calorie, low carbs, 100% plant-based protein bar, then you need these handy protein snack bars by IQ Bar. Designed to give your brain and body all the nutrients they require, these bars are stuffed full of natural, organic, and plant-based ingredients.
In each of these 45g bars, you’ll find 170 calories with only 19g of carbs! Taking a closer look at the carbs list, only 4g makes up the sugar intake while the rest is natural fiber.
Sold in boxes of 12 and 6, you can choose whether you just want your favorite flavor, or an assortment of various flavors from their 9 different bars.
Flavors include Almond Butter Chip, Cacao Almond Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chip, Lemon Blueberry and many more.
3. Dang Bars
Per Bar (40G):
- 210 calories
- 16g fat (6g saturated)
- 110mg sodium
- 10g carbs (6g fiber, 2g sugar)
- 10g protein
Some diets can require an extremely low carb intake, which means limiting sugar and fiber carefully. If you’re after some seriously low carb snacks, then these are what you’re looking for. Produced by the guys at Dang Bars, these bars contain nothing but the good stuff.
Containing only 10g of carbs in each 40g bar, these bars are sure to leave you saying “Dang, that’s good!” without feeling guilty. Free from artificial sweeteners and any sugar alcohols, you can munch on these knowing you won’t be ruining your diet.
Sold in packs of 12 of individual flavors or variety packs containing multiple flavors, you can choose from 6 different unique flavors including Almond Vanilla, Chocolate Sea Salt and Lemon Matcha.
High Protein Vegan Bars
Getting enough protein when you’re trying to bulk up can be tricky, especially for vegans. These high protein vegan bars are full of plant-based protein that will help you get the protein you need and grow your muscles.
4. Vega Protein Bar
Per Bar (70G):
- 290 calories
- 10g fat (5g saturated)
- 290mg sodium
- 27g carbs (4g fiber, 18g sugar)
- 20g protein
Coming in at 70g per bar, these delicious protein bars by Vega are packed with 290 calories each. If you’re looking for some much-needed calories and protein to fuel your body, then these bars are overflowing with goodness.
100% certified vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and free from artificial flavors and preservatives, you’ll struggle to find any negatives about these bars. With 20g of protein per bar, if you’re looking for some quality plant-based protein, then your search ends here.
Choose from a range of 5 flavors including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Salted Caramel, Blueberry Oat and Coconut Almond. Also available in packs of 12 or 4, if you’re still not convinced they’re the high protein bar for you, then you can start small before you commit to a larger pack.
5. Garden of Life Organic Sport Protein Bar
Per Bar (70G):
- 280 calories
- 9g fat (2g saturated)
- 180mg sodium
- 36g carbs (10g fiber, 8g sugar)
- 20g protein
When you’ve just finished your workout and you need some quick nutrition, these are the bars you should be reaching for. At 280 calories per 70g bar, these protein bars by Garden of Life are certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, and Certified Vegan.
Containing multi sources of plant-based protein, each bar delivers an impressive 20g of protein to refuel and recharge your muscles. As a bonus, they also contain 10g of naturally occurring fiber and 6mg of natural caffeine.
Available in packs of 12, you can choose from 4 different flavors including Chocolate Fudge, Chocolate Mint and Sea Salt Caramel. When you’ve just spent what feels like hours in the gym, making sure you get your protein intake is crucial to aiding muscle recovery. With these bars by Garden of Life, you can enjoy them knowing that your muscles will thank you later.
6. Organic Food Bar Vegan Protein Bar
Per Bar (75G):
- 330 calories
- 9g fat (1.5g saturated)
- 5mg sodium
- 33g carbs (8g fiber, 15g sugar)
- 22g protein
Packed with 22g of protein per 75g bar, these raw protein bars by Organic Food Bar really are a vegan’s dream snack. With no nasty artificial flavors or preservatives, these bars are great for anyone looking to bump up their daily protein intake or just needs some extra energy during the day.
Unlike other protein bars, these bars contain only 100% raw ingredients, which means no preservatives, additives, GMOs or trans fats.
Currently, the bar comes in 2 exciting flavors which are the standard Chocolate as you might expect, but also Pumpkin and Pea if you prefer a healthier and more natural taste.
Gluten Free Protein Bars
For some people out there, gluten is a no go. Especially if you have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. When looking for gluten-free food your choices can often be very limited. Luckily, there are plenty of gluten-free protein bars out there, as you will soon see!
7. good! Snacks Protein Bar
Per Bar (60G):
- 220 calories
- 7g fat (4g saturated)
- 210mg sodium
- 29g carbs (11g fiber, 10g sugar)
- 15g protein
100% plant-based, vegan, kosher and gluten-free certified with no soy or dairy, these vegan bars from Good Snacks are suitable for anyone in need of a quick boost. Each 60g bar contains 220 calories, 29g of carbs and 15g of protein to help keep you energized throughout the day.
As for the protein, these bars contain a mixture of Fava Bean and Brown Rice protein to create a nice mix of plant-based proteins.
When it comes to flavors, you can pick from 6 different ones including Blueberry, Chocolate Mint, Cookie Dough and even Lemon.
8. GoMacro MacroBar Organic Vegan Protein Bar
Per Bar (69G):
- 290 calories
- 11g fat (3g saturated)
- 40mg sodium
- 37g carbs (2g fiber, 14g sugar)
- 11g protein
At 69g per bar, these gluten-free, non-GMO and kosher certified protein bars really do deliver what they promise: plant-based nutrition. Including a range of organic ingredients such as organic pea and brown rice protein, it’s clear that a lot of effort has gone into these bars to create the best natural taste.
In addition to creating excellent vegan-friendly protein bars, GoMacro also gives back a portion of their profits to support community organizations.
If that isn’t enough to convince you these bars are worth a try then wait till you see the available flavors. Currently, there are an impressive 14 different flavors ranging from Cashew Caramel and Peanut Butter, to Sunflower Butter and Chocolate. With so many different ones to choose from we’re confident they’ll be a flavour you’ll fall in love with!
9. NuGo Dark Protein Bar
Per Bar (50G):
- 200 calories
- 7g fat (4g saturated)
- 135mg sodium
- 25g carbs (2g fiber, 14g sugar)
- 12g protein
Nothing makes anything taste better than a nice layer of chocolate, and the guys over at NuGo know exactly that. That’s why their Dark protein bars contain real dark chocolate which makes them really delicious and nutritious.
Featuring 12g of soy protein in a 50g bar, these bars only contain the finest ingredients to make sure they are 100% gluten free and suitable for herbivores.
To get your taste buds tingling, the bars come in 6 different flavors include Coconut, Mint Chocolate Chip and Peanut Butter Cup. If you’re a big lover of chocolate and don’t want to feel guilty eating it, then these natural protein bars are a great excuse.
10. Amrita Paleo Friendly Nutrition Bar
Per Bar (60G):
- 230 calories
- 8g fat (0g saturated)
- 75mg sodium
- 30g carbs (6g fiber, 13g sugar)
- 15g protein
If you’re an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or you just like to work out and have an active life, these coconut bars are just what your body needs to keep you energized in a healthy way.
Made in the USA by Amrita Health Foods, these bars are gluten free, dairy free and soy free, while also containing plenty of raw and natural ingredients. Each 60g bar contains 230 calories with 30g of carbs and 15g of protein derived from Brown Rice.
Currently available in packs of 12, you can choose from 8 different unique flavors including Apple Cinnamon, Chocolate Maca, and Mango Coconut to name a few.
11. MusclePharm Protein Bar
Per Bar (50G):
- 160 calories
- 5g fat (0.5g saturated)
- 150mg sodium
- 24g carbs (3g fiber, 12g sugar)
- 15g protein
Another excellent vegan protein bar that offers a low-calorie count while also being 100% gluten free with no artificial ingredients, are these organic protein bars by MusclePharm.
At 50g per bar, each bar contains 160 calories and is 100% cruelty-free. They’re also packed with 15g of protein from whole brown rice and pea protein, 24g of carbs, and a range of non-GMO ingredients. Unlike other plant-based protein bars on this list, you won’t find any soy in these bars as they specifically use soy-free ingredients.
With 2 flavors to choose from including Chocolate Toffee and Peanut Butter, these are certainly a snack you can look forward to eating throughout the day.
12. Beachside Snacks Protein Bar
Per Bar (62G):
- 260 calories
- 14g fat (6g saturated)
- 170mg sodium
- 25g carbs (12g fiber, 5g sugar)
- 16g protein
These delicious protein bars by Beachside Snacks pack 16g of protein, 12g of dietary fiber, and 8g of net carbs, all into 1 delicious bar to help you reach your goals. No matter if you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or just improve your overall health, these gluten and GMO free bars will help you achieve all of your goals.
Delivering a uniquely soft and chewy texture, these bars will win you over from your first bite. Available in chocolate and peanut butter, the flavors and unique texture will only leave you wanting more.
Low Sugar Vegan-Friendly Protein Bars
If you want to stick to a natural and healthy diet, then reducing the amount of sugar, especially added sugar, in your diet is crucial. No matter if you have diabetes or you don’t want to experience a sugar crash during the day, these low sugar vegan bars are perfect for keeping fit.
13. OLLY Plant-Based Protein Bar
Per Bar (45G):
- 180 calories
- 7g fat (3.5g saturated)
- 150mg sodium
- 20g carbs (6g fiber, 3g sugar)
- 12g protein
Containing only 3g of sugar per 45g bar, these low sugar protein bars by OLLY help you get the nutrients you need without getting too much sugar. With 20g of carbs and only 180 calories, you won’t feel guilty eating one of these after your workout. In fact, with 12g of soy protein in them each, your body will be thanking you!
Available in packs of 8 or 24, you can choose from delicious flavors including Chocolate Coconut Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate, or Salted Caramel Chocolate. Curb your hunger and reach for these OLLY bars instead of diving into the biscuit tin.
14. No Cow Protein Chunky Bar
Per Bar (60G):
- 210 calories
- 6g fat (2g saturated)
- 190mg sodium
- 25g carbs (17g fiber, 1g sugar)
- 21g protein
With a name like No Cow, you feel confident knowing that these bars don’t contain any animal by-products such as dairy. In fact, not only do they not contain any animal by-products at all, but they also don’t contain any soy, gluten, GMOs or added sugar.
If you take a close look at the ingredients, you’ll actually see that each one of these 60g bars only contains 1g of sugar and 210 calories. Compared to other protein bars on the market, that’s an incredibly low amount of sugar.
Suitable for fitness enthusiast and anyone with a dairy or gluten intolerance, these Chunky Peanut Butter bars are available in packs of 12 or 24.
15. Bhu Keto Protein Bars
Per Bar (45G):
- 200 calories
- 15g fat (5g saturated)
- 90mg sodium
- 14g carbs (10g fiber, 1g sugar)
- 11g protein
These vegan and gluten-free protein bars contain exactly one gram of sugar in them. But unlike the sugar contents, these bars are packed full of other goodness including 11g of plant-based protein and 14g of carbs.
With nothing to feel guilty about, you can always give in to your cravings and keep yourself energized without snacking on unhealthy treats.
Available in a range of interesting flavors, including Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, White Chocolate Macadamia, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Coconut Cookie Dough, no matter the flavor, each bar contains only 1g of sugar.