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Protein bar meal replacement: 7 Best Meal Replacement Bars of 2023 – Greenbelly Meals

by alexxlab

7 Best Meal Replacement Bars of 2023 – Greenbelly Meals

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We tested the best meal replacement bars on the market today according to price, calories per ounce, macros, ingredients, and taste. Read on to see how they performed, which is best for you, and get some valuable buying advice.

Table of Contents

  • Best Meal Replacement Bars
  • Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
  • Other Things to Consider
  • FAQs

Best Meal Replacement Bars

The best meal replacement bars are:

  • Best Overall Meal Replacement Bar for Calories, Macros & Nutrition, and Taste: GREENBELLY Meals Meal2Go
  • Meal Replacement Bar With the Cleanest Ingredients: SANS Meal Bar
  • Best Macro Balance: GOMACRO MacroBar
  • Meal Replacement Bar With The Most Protein: MET-RX Big 100 Colossal
  • Best for Snacking: BOBO’S Stuff’d Oat Bar
  • Most Calorically Dense Meal Replacement Bar: PROBAR Meal
  • Tastiest Meal Replacement Bar: KATE’S REAL FOOD

    The product comparison table below is sortable. Click the arrow in the heading cell to sort the models by preferred spec.

    MODELPRICE
    PER
    PACKAGE    		WEIGHT
    PER
    PACKAGE    		CALORIES
    PER
    PACKAGE    		PROTEIN
    PER
    PACKAGE    		FIBER
    PER
    PACKAGE    		FAT
    PER
    PACKAGE    		SUGAR
    PER
    PACKAGE    		SCORE
    1. Greenbelly Meals Meal2Go$6.835.5 oz66518 g10 g23 g28 g8/10
    2. Sans Meal Bar$3.293 oz39015 g7 g23 g23 g8/10
    3. GoMacro Macrobar$3.21 3″>2.3 oz29011 g2 g11 g14 g7/10
    4. MET-RX Big 100 Colossal$4.993.5 oz41030 g1 g12 g18 g7/10
    5. Bobo’s Stuff’d Oat Bar$2.492.5 oz3306 g4 g17 g16 g7/10
    6. ProBar Meal$3.333 oz40011 g6 g22 g19 g7/10
    7. Kate’s Real Food 49″>$2.492.2 oz1303 g2 g6 g9 g7/10

    Best Overall Meal Replacement Bar

    Greenbelly Meals Meal2Go

    Pros

    ✅ Great macro balance

    ✅ Flavorful

    ✅ Full meal in each package

    Cons

    ❌ Large size is more costly per package

    KEY SPECS

    • Weight per package: 5.5 oz
    • Varieties of flavors: 5
    • Calories per package: 665
    • Protein per package: 18 g
    • Fiber per package: 10 g
    • Fat per package: 23 g
    • Sugar per package: 28 g
    • Artificial sweeteners?: No
    • Minimally processed?: Yes

    The Greenbelly Meals Meal2Go is our pick for the best overall meal replacement bar. Ok, sure, we’re a bit biased, but hear us out. Each package contains 650-695 calories, depending on which of the 5 flavors you choose. This makes the total calories close to a full meal. All the other bars on our list are under 400 calories per package.

    We designed these bars to have a well-balanced nutritional profile providing about a third of your daily value for 6 nutrients (calories, fats, fiber, carbs, protein, and sodium). The bars are thick and dense yet fluffy, like a rice crispy treat with nourishing ingredients like gluten-free oats, dried fruits, and nuts. And they taste yummy – a little salty and a little sweet.

    The only drawback is that the price per package is the highest of any we tested. But considering they’re almost double the calories and macros of other bars, we think they are good value.

    Meal Replacement Bar With the Most Macros & Cleanest Ingredients

    Sans Meal Bar

    Price per package: $3. 29

    See on AMAZON

    Pros

    ✅ Calorically dense

    ✅ Cleanest ingredients

    ✅ Lots of macros

    Cons

    ❌ Poor macro balance

    KEY SPECS

    • Weight per package: 3 oz
    • Varieties of flavors: 4
    • Calories per package: 390
    • Protein per package: 15 g
    • Fiber per package: 7 g
    • Fat per package: 23 g
    • Sugar per package: 23 g
    • Artificial sweeteners?: No
    • Minimally processed?: Yes

    Sans meal bars are a close second to Greenbelly for best meal bars. We love that these are high-calorie bars, some of the most calorically dense on our list. And they have the cleanest ingredient list of the bars we tested.

    Sans meal bars don’t have soy, gluten, dairy, artificial flavors, or added sugar. They are packed with tons of natural flavor and naturally occurring sugar from fruit and are a great source of protein and fiber. Depending on the flavor, each bar has between 14 and 17 different vitamins and minerals.

    Their overall balance of macros is low on carbs since they don’t have added sugar. With each bar weighing 3 ounces and containing 390 calories, you may want to double up if you’re replacing a complete meal with these bars.

    Best Macro Balance

    GoMacro Macrobar

    Price per package: $3.21

    See on REI See on AMAZON

    Pros

    ✅ Great macro balance

    ✅ Clean ingredients

    Cons

    ❌ Less overall macros

    ❌ Flavors all taste similar

    KEY SPECS

    • Weight per package: 2.3 oz
    • Varieties of flavors: 14
    • Calories per package: 290
    • Protein per package: 11 g
    • Fiber per package: 2 g
    • Fat per package: 11 g
    • Sugar per package: 14 g
    • Artificial sweeteners?: No
    • Minimally processed?: Yes

    GoMacro Macrobar checks all the ingredients and dietary boxes—organic, clean protein source (brown rice and pea), Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, and Vegan.

    Each bar is certified R.A.W. They have a mealy texture and are filled with ingredients like peanuts, peanut butter, dates, and fair-trade chocolate chips. These have the best macro balance, tied with Greenbelly for the best overall. But they have fewer macros overall.

    We like that they aren’t too sweet, but there isn’t as much flavor distinction between the 14 different flavors as we’d like. As a cool bonus, the GoMacro factory uses 100% renewable energy to make the bars, along with labels that are manufactured out of 100% post-consumer waste. Similar to other bars on this list, they are better for snacking.

    Best Meal Replacement Bar For Protein

    MET-Rx Big 100 Colossal

    Price per package: $4.99

    See on AMAZON

    Pros

    ✅ Macro packed

    ✅ Good macro balance

    Cons

    ❌ Costs more per calorie

    ❌ Uses processed ingredients

    KEY SPECS

    • Weight per package: 3. 5 oz
    • Varieties of flavors: 8
    • Calories per package: 410
    • Protein per package: 30 g
    • Fiber per package: 1 g
    • Fat per package: 12 g
    • Sugar per package: 18 g
    • Artificial sweeteners?: No
    • Minimally processed?: No

    With an impressive 32 grams of protein, the Met-RX Big 100 Colossal is marketed as weight lifting meals bars for bulking up. We love that they pack a ton of macros and have a good macro balance.

    You may need a scientist to pronounce some of the ingredients though. Of all the meal bars we tested, these use the most processed ingredients. Some of these ingredients can cause stomach issues if you eat too many of them.

    The cost per calorie is the second highest on our list. The taste is good, like a chocolate-covered crunch bar, but it does get old if you eat multiple Met-RX bars in a day.

    Best Dense Nutrition Bar for Snacking

    Bobo’s Stuff’d Oat Bar

    Price per package: $2.49

    See on REI See on AMAZON

    Pros

    ✅ Great price per calorie

    ✅ High calories per ounce

    ✅ Good ingredient list

    Cons

    ❌ Lower amounts of macros

    ❌ Less tasty

    ❌ Small size

    KEY SPECS

    • Weight per package: 2.5 oz
    • Varieties of flavors: 4
    • Calories per package: 330
    • Protein per package: 6 g
    • Fiber per package: 4 g
    • Fat per package: 17 g
    • Sugar per package: 16 g
    • Artificial sweeteners?: No
    • Minimally processed?: Yes

    Bobo’s Stuff’d Oat Bars are a treat for anybody who loves nut butter, as there’s a hearty helping stuffed in its center. The outside of the bar is a baked outer shell made of ingredients like organic oats, coconut oil, coconut, and peanuts.

    We found the taste of this bar wasn’t very sweet, and it had a dry, crunchy, crumbly texture. We wish the total macros and macro balance were higher.

    We like that for the price and weight Bobo’s packs a lot of calories. But at just 2.5 ounces, we think the Bobo’s is best as a snack-sized bar. We would recommend doubling up if you’re replacing a full meal.

    Most Calorically Dense Meal Replacement Bar

    ProBar Meal

    Price per package: $3.33

    See on REI See on AMAZON

    Pros

    ✅ High calories per ounce

    ✅ High macros per ounce

    ✅ Good budget option

    Cons

    ❌ Not as tasty

    ❌ Low macro balance

    KEY SPECS

    • Weight per package: 3 oz
    • Varieties of flavors: 12
    • Calories per package: 400
    • Protein per package: 11 g
    • Fiber per package: 6 g
    • Fat per package: 22 g
    • Sugar per package: 19 g
    • Artificial sweeteners?: No
    • Minimally processed?: Yes

    Probar Meal bars are high-calorie bars that pack a whopping 133 calories per ounce, making them the most calorically dense bars on our list. We like that they pack in a lot of macros and are a good value with lots of calories per dollar.

    The biggest downside for us is the macro balance. We would have liked to see more carbs and a little less fat for a true meal replacement bar.

    The ingredients list is mostly good, with whole chunks of fruits, nuts, chia, and flaxseed. However, these bars have a lot of added sugar, which makes the flavor a little too sweet for our liking. The texture of these bars is a mix of chewy and crunchy.

    Tastiest Meal Replacement Bar

    Kate’s Real Food

    Price per package: $2.49

    See on REI See on AMAZON

    Pros

    ✅ Tastiest Bar

    ✅ Wholesome ingredients

    Cons

    ❌ Expensive per calorie

    ❌ Low calories per ounce

    ❌ Low macros per serving

    KEY SPECS

    • Weight per package: 2.2 oz
    • Varieties of flavors: 7
    • Calories per package: 130
    • Protein per package: 3 g
    • Fiber per package: 2 g
    • Fat per package: 6 g
    • Sugar per package: 9 g
    • Artificial sweeteners?: No
    • Minimally processed?: Yes

    Kate’s Real Food bars were some of the tastiest bars we tested. They skew slightly sweeter than saltier. We love the clean ingredient list, one of the best on our list. The bar comes with a hearty helping of organic oats, dark chocolate, peanut butter, fiber-packed raisins, and brown rice crisps which give it a dense, moist, chewy texture.

    We didn’t like that the total macros per ounce were the lowest on our list and that the overall macro balance wasn’t as good as other bars. At 2.2 ounces, this is the smallest bar we tested, packing only 130 calories in total.

    Because of this size, it’s best for a snack or packed multiple bars if you’re trying to replace a full meal. All of their 7 flavors are gluten-free.

    Key Factors To Consider When Choosing

    Price

    Inexpensive meal replacement bars are often smaller or made with more processed ingredients. Premium meal replacement bars have quality, whole ingredients, are full of macros, and are packed with calories.

    When assessing price, look at how many calories you are getting for your money. In some cases, you might need 2 smaller, less expensive bars to make a full meal.

    Meal replacement bars that provide the greatest value:

    • GREENBELLY Meals Meal2Go
    • SANS Meal Bar
    • GOMACRO MacroBar

    Most affordable meal replacement bars (most calories per $1):

    • BOBO’S Stuff’d Oat Bar
    • PROBAR Meal
    • SANS Meal Bar

    Premium meal replacement bars (least calories per $1):

    • KATE’S REAL FOOD
    • MET-RX Big 100 Colossal
    • GOMACRO MacroBar

    Calories Per Ounce

    Meal replacement bars should be noticeably heavier and more substantial in size due to the additional, nutrient-dense foods they’re packed with. Hiking isn’t the time to skimp on calories or pick food that falls under the “weight loss” category.

    To get enough calories, you’ll want a bar that’s at least 3 ounces or more in weight and packs in at least 300 calories, ideally closer to 500-600.

    The most calorically dense meal replacement bars:

    • PROBAR Meal
    • BOBO’S Stuff’d Oat Bar
    • SANS Meal Bar

    Macros

    Macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and protein, which are the nutrients you use in the largest amounts. We’ll cover them in more detail below, but in general, carbohydrates provide instant energy, fats provide long-term energy, and proteins build muscle framework and structure.

    Getting enough of these is essential but the balance of these macros is just as important. The USDA recommends the total calories of a meal to be 45-65% carbs, 20-35% fats, and 10-35% protein.

    Meal replacement bars with the best balance of macros:

    • GREENBELLY Meals Meal2Go
    • GOMACRO MacroBar
    • MET-RX Big 100 Colossal

    The best meal replacement bars for protein:

    • SANS Meal Bar
    • MET-RX Big 100 Colossal
    • PROBAR Meal

    The best meal replacement bars for fiber:

    • SANS Meal Bar
    • PROBAR Meal
    • GREENBELLY Meals Meal2Go

    The best meal replacement bars for fats:

    • SANS Meal Bar
    • PROBAR Meal
    • BOBO’S Stuff’d Oat Bar

    Ingredients

    The quality of the ingredients that make up a meal replacement bar is just as important as the macros. Look for minimally processed, whole foods with no artificial sweeteners. These foods are easier for your body to digest on top of being healthier. We will cover more specific details later in this article.

    The best meal replacement bars for minimally processed ingredients:

    • SANS Meal Bar
    • KATE’S REAL FOOD
    • GOMACRO MacroBar

    Other Things to Consider

    • Ingredients
    • Packaging
    • Taste & Texture

    Ingredients

    As we mentioned above, it’s important to get enough macronutrients as well as the correct balance of them. Make sure that your meal replacement bars contain only quality, whole foods that are minimally processed and free of artificial sweeteners. Below are specific recommendations.

    Protein

    Protein is an essential macronutrient to any well-rounded meal, and we recommend at least 10g per serving. It keeps you full and helps build strong bones and muscles.

    Like with protein bars, different kinds of protein are used in different kinds of meal replacement bars.

    Here’s a look at the most common sources:

    • Whey – Stemming from milk, whey is a complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids. It can aid in muscle recovery and growth, especially during endurance activities.
    • Soy – A staple in plant-based diets, soy comes in many forms, from powder to tofu, edamame to tempeh. A ½ cup can give anywhere from 7-10 grams of protein, along with high levels of iron and calcium (important if following a non-dairy diet!)
    • Pea – Pea protein has gained some popularity over the years, probably because you can get over 25% of your daily fiber and around 9 grams of protein in a single cup.
    • Brown Rice – This protein is a great option for people with food allergies because brown rice is naturally hypoallergenic. It’s also loaded with antioxidants.
    • Quinoa – Like oats, quinoa is a grain often ground into flour and used to make baked goods. It’s a complete source of protein, with around 9 grams per cup.
    • Oats – Just ½ a cup can give you over 6g/protein. It’s not a complete protein, but oats keep you full and are high quality and clean.
    • Seeds, nuts, and nut butter – An excellent source of healthy fat and fiber, foods like peanuts, almonds, chia seeds, and nut butter can have more than 2g/protein in a single tablespoon.

    Many dieticians suggest at least 10g of protein per bar to stay nourished and more if you are trying to build muscle. Protein also helps you feel full and satiated, so you won’t be hungry immediately afterward.

    Sugar

    Sugar is simple; the cleaner and more natural the sugar is, the easier it is on your body. We recommend bars that have 100% natural sugars. Artificial sweeteners are much harder for your body to digest and can result in the dreaded “gut rot” feeling.

    The best source of sugar comes from whole ingredients like fruit. If you check the back of most bars, they will break down total sugar from added sugar. The difference is the sugar from the fruit and other ingredients in the bar.

    Some of the better natural sugars are cane sugar, honey, agave syrup, maple syrup, and tapioca syrup. And it’s even better if it’s organic. All these sugars come from recognizable plants, aren’t genetically modified, and are easier to digest.

    Sweeteners

    Some artificial sweeteners are sugar alcohols that end in “-ol” like xylitol, erythritol, and sorbitol. They are known to cause digestive problems because they aren’t fully digestible.

    Other sweeteners like maltodextrin and corn syrup also should be avoided. They are at the very top of the glycemic index, meaning your blood sugar skyrockets when ingesting it and increases your likelihood of crashing afterward.

    Greenbelly Meal2Go ingredients on pack.

    Fiber

    Fiber keeps our digestion consistent and slows down our body’s absorption of sugar, so we keep more regulated blood sugar. The USDA suggests 25-35g of fiber per day, so look for bars with at least 8g of fiber.

    Kate’s Real Food ingredients on pack.

    Whole Foods

    Quite simply, whole foods mean nutrient-rich ingredients with little to no processing. Reading the ingredient list and seeing if you can pronounce everything is a great place to start. Have you seen these ingredients at the grocery store, or do they come from a lab?

    Whole food contains tons of micronutrients, vitamins, and minerals our body needs to operate efficiently and effectively. They are easier to digest and won’t leave us hungry 15 minutes later.

    We recommend keeping food as natural and minimally processed as possible. They should also be free of food additives like maltodextrin, for example, which is a common ingredient found in packaged foods.

    A Bobo’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oat Bar.

    Dietary Restrictions

    Vegan, gluten-free, and keto bars are all available. Nowadays, it’s easy to find vegan bars. Just make sure to check for any honey or egg whites. Gluten-free bars are also easy to find and will clearly be labeled GF. Also, make sure to check that the oats are certified gluten-free.

    Keto bars are a bit more challenging to find as the primary source of calories is typically carbs. Depending on how strict your carb intake is, this might be a time to choose artificial sweeteners over natural sweeteners.

    Gomacro Macrobar ingredients on pack.

    Packaging

    It’s no secret you should always take out of the forest whatever you bring in (Leave No Trace Principles and all that). But if you want to take your green efforts one environmentally-friendly step further, then investing in meal replacement bars with recyclable packaging is a good place to start.

    Not all plastic packaging is created the same. You can tell if your bar’s plastic is recyclable by checking the back label for a symbol like 3 arrows forming a triangle (♻️) or a note about being compostable.

    Different packaging of meal replacement bars.

    Taste & Texture

    There are two ways to make meal bars. Some are cold-pressed, and others are made using a process called extrusion. The process used will affect how the bar tastes and its overall texture.

    • Extruded bars are made by blending the ingredients and injecting them into a bar shape. Cooking of the bars is done by using large external heaters. This is a common process used in the creation of several packaged foods, and its method results in a very consistent, mealy texture.
    • Pressed bars are made by mixing the ingredients and pressing them into a bar shape. They are either baked or refrigerated. The theory behind pressed bars is that the ingredients withhold their highest level of nutritional value because they remain in their most natural state. We find these bars have a more flavorful taste and chunky and crunchy texture, which makes them closer to eating a real meal.

    A squirt of Justin’s nut butter on a dark chocolate/banana Meal2Go is the perfect combo.

    FAQs

    Why Meal Replacement Bars?

    1. Fast. A meal replacement bar is a well-balanced, immediate meal you can eat while you’re still movin’ and groovin’ on the trail. They’re carefully crafted to fill in as a healthy, full-meal alternative, and there’s no stopping or cooking required. The bars are ready-to-eat whenever hunger strikes.

    2. Easy. With a meal replacement bar, there’s no clean-up! There’ll be enough of that on the trail already, so it’s nice to have an alternate, satisfying food option that doesn’t take much work. Or planning. Just be sure to pack out your wrappers so they can be properly (and responsibly!) recycled or disposed of.

    3. Compact. One of the great things about meal replacement bars is you can pack a whole bunch of them, and they hardly weigh a thing or take up much room in your pack. They’re often no bigger than the size of your hand, and they come in airtight packaging that’s durable and keeps them well protected.

    4. Filling. Where granola bars, protein bars, and even ramen noodles make for great lightweight snacks or meal starters, they don’t contain enough calories or nutritional value alone to be a complete meal like a meal replacement bar is.

    Greenbelly Meal2Go and ingredients on pack.


    How to Make Your Own Meal Replacement Bars

    With the right ingredients, you can whip up a batch of customized meal replacement bars right at home. They’re relatively easy to make and often only require blending, mixing, melting, spreading, and baking or refrigerating, depending on the recipe.

    Ingredients: Many meal replacement bars include common household ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, nut butter, maple syrup or honey, coconut or olive oil, eggs, and spices. You can customize recipes however you want by swapping out ingredients or adding other items like coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

    Gear: To get started on making a batch, all you need is a mixing bowl, a small pot, parchment or wax paper, a blender, a pan or baking dish, a spatula, an oven (or a fridge if it’s a no-bake bar), and, of course, the right recipe! Here’s two to get you started.

    Are protein bars good meal replacements?

    No, protein bars are not good meal replacements. Protein bars tend to focus specifically on one ingredient, protein. These bars typically will not have a full spectrum of nutrients and won’t fuel your body with carbs and fats to keep you going throughout the day.

    While they may make you feel full, your body will still need many other nutrients to operate efficiently. Protein bars are a great supplemental product if you are looking to build muscle but aren’t great for truly replacing a meal.

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    The 10 Best Meal Replacement Bars

    The 10 Best Meal Replacement Bars

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    Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph. D., CSCS,*D, CISSN, Nutrition — By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD — Updated on January 5, 2021

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    • Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
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    Was this helpful?

    Regularly fueling your body with nutritious meals and snacks is essential for your overall health.

    However, you may occasionally find yourself short on time and in need of a quick meal replacement to take on the go. Meal replacement bars are also a good choice for people who are traveling and don’t have access to healthy meals.

    Additionally, if you’re hitting the trails on a backpacking or hiking trip, you may be searching for portable meal bars to keep you energized while exploring the great outdoors.

    Keep in mind that although meal replacement bars are a great choice in a pinch or when trying to travel light, they should not be regularly relied upon if you have the ability to prepare complete meals.

    Also, many bars that are advertised as meal replacements don’t contain nearly enough calories to constitute a meal. This is especially true for backpackers and hikers who burn a large number of calories per day.

    The bars on this list are made with whole food ingredients and contain at least 250 calories per bar.

    Even though some people may be satisfied with this number of calories for a light meal or snack, most people need many more calories per meal to maintain their weight, depending on their body size and activity level (1).

    If you’re using bars to replace breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s a good idea to pair them with other foods to ensure you’re consuming enough calories.

    Bars can be combined with other portable foods like hard-boiled eggs, trail mix, Greek yogurt, or fruit paired with nut butter or cheese to create a more complete meal.

    Here are the 10 best meal replacement bars.

    A note on price

    General price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.

    Pricing guide

    • $ = under $25 per multipack
    • $$ = $25–$50 per multipack
    • $$$ = over $50 per multipack

    Note that all the products in the roundup have comparable prices per ounce (28 grams) of $1.07–$1.75.

    They’re generally sold as multipacks with either 8, 12, or 15 items per pack, depending on the product.

    Was this helpful?

    Sans Meal Bar

    Price: $$

    Sans Meal Bars are one of the best whole food options for meal replacement bars on the market. Each bar is made with nutritious ingredients like nuts, fruit, oats, egg whites, and flax seeds. They’re also dairy-, gluten-, and soy-free.

    Plus, these bars contain no added sugar and are higher in calories than most bars, which makes them appropriate to use as a meal replacement.

    Here is the nutrition info for the PB&J Bar:

    Calories390
    Protein15 grams
    Fat23 grams
    Carbs36 grams
    Fiber7 grams

    Thunderbird Bar

    Price: $$

    Thunderbird bars are paleo-friendly energy bars that are made with nutrient-dense ingredients like nuts, hemp seeds, and coconut. Plus, they’re sweetened with dates — not sugar.

    These bars are a bit low in calories and protein, so they should be paired with other high protein foods like eggs if you’re using them for a meal replacement.

    Here is the nutrition info for the Hemp Sunflower Pumpkin Seed Bar:

    Calories250
    Protein6 grams
    Fat18 grams
    Carbs20 grams
    Fiber6 grams

    ProBar

    Price: $$

    ProBar offers higher calorie, on-the-go meal bars that are made with healthy ingredients like oats, peanut butter, cashews, raisins, and flax seeds.

    While these high calorie bars contain 13 grams of added sugar, they make a perfect choice for hikers and backpackers who need the extra carbs to fuel them throughout their day.

    Here is the nutrition info for the Superfruit Slam Bar:

    Calories380
    Protein10 grams
    Fat18 grams
    Carbs48 grams
    Fiber6 grams

    The Good Lovin Bar

    Price: $

    The Good Lovin Bar makes bars that are perfect when you’re looking for a quick bite on the go. These bars are certified organic and GMO-free, as well as sweetened with fruits like blueberries, dates, and raspberries.

    Good Lovin Bars are best refrigerated or frozen. Therefore, they may not be the best option for travelers or hikers, though they can last outside of the fridge for about 1 week.

    Plus, they’re lower in calories and protein than other meal bars on this list and would need to be paired with other nutrient-dense foods to create a filling meal.

    Here is the nutrition info for the paleo-friendly berry flavor bar:

    Calories250
    Protein6 grams
    Fat16 grams
    Carbs24 grams
    fiber6 grams

    Perfect Bar

    Price: $$

    Perfect Bars come in a variety of tasty flavors and are higher in calories than most protein bars, making them a good option for a meal replacement. They’re high in protein and made with filling ingredients like peanut butter and whole egg powder.

    Keep in mind that Perfect Bars are best refrigerated, though they can be left at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Still, this may make them less appropriate for traveling or hiking, especially at higher temperatures.

    Here is the nutrition info for the Coconut Peanut Butter Bar:

    Calories350
    Protein16 grams
    Fat22 grams
    Carbs26 grams
    Fiber4 grams

    EXO Cricket Energy Bar

    Price: $$

    As the name suggests, EXO Cricket Energy Bars are made with crickets. Crickets and other insects are a sustainable source of protein, which is why EXO uses cricket powder to give their products a protein boost (2).

    In addition to cricket powder, these bars contain wholesome ingredients like seeds, spices, and fruits. They’re also paleo-friendly.

    Here is the nutrition info for their Banana Bread Bar:

    Calories290
    Protein10 grams
    Fat17 grams
    Carbs26 grams
    Fiber7 grams

    Kate’s Real Food Bar

    Price: $$

    Kate’s Real Food makes energy bars that are packed with ingredients that can help keep you fueled throughout your day. They’re filling and shelf-stable, making them a good choice for hikers and backpackers.

    They’re lower in protein, so it’s a good idea to pair these bars with a protein-rich food like hard-boiled eggs, nuts, or jerky.

    Here is the nutrition info for their Lemon, Coconut & Ginger Bivy Bar:

    Calories300
    Protein6 grams
    Fat10 grams
    Carbs30 grams
    Fiber6 grams

    Sunflower Cinnamon Protein Rise Bar

    Price: $$

    If you’re looking for a nut-free bar option, Rise Bars are an excellent choice.
    The Sunflower Cinnamon Protein Rise Bar is made with five ingredients — sunflower seeds, coconut nectar, pea protein, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

    Since it’s under 300 calories, pair this bar with another filling food to make it appropriate for a meal.

    Here is the nutrition info for the Sunflower Cinnamon Protein Bar:

    Calories280
    Protein15 grams
    Fat15 grams
    Carbs21 grams
    Fiber2 grams

    Big Spoon Roasters Bar

    Price: $$

    Big Spoon Roasters makes energy bars in delicious flavors, including Figgy Chai, Cherry Pecan, and Apricot Pepita. These bars are dairy-, soy-, and gluten-free and loaded with nutritious, whole food ingredients like peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruit.

    Enjoy these bars alongside hard-boiled eggs or veggies and hummus for a complete meal.

    Here is the nutrition info for their Cherry Pecan Bar:

    Calories270
    Protein11 grams
    Fat15 grams
    Carbs27 grams
    Fiber5 grams

    GreenBelly Meal 2 Go Bar

    Price: $$$

    GreenBelly Meal 2 Go Bars were created by a backpacker who struggled to get proper nutrition while on long backpacking expeditions.

    They’re very high in calories and carbs, making them an excellent choice for hikers and backpackers who need to refuel with calorie-dense, portable meals while on the trail.

    Here is the nutrition info for a two-bar serving of their Mango Cashew Coconut Bar:

    Calories665
    Protein16 grams
    Fat25 grams
    Carbs100 grams
    Fiber7 grams

    When shopping for meal replacement bars, it’s important to consider why you’re using them as a meal replacement. If you simply need a quick option when you’re short on time, bars may be a good choice.

    Likewise, people who are traveling, backpacking, or hiking may find that meal replacement bars are a convenient way to nourish themselves when preparing a meal isn’t an option.

    However, if you’re using meal replacement bars to lose weight, you may want to reconsider. Whenever possible, you should take the time to prepare whole, nourishing meals for yourself, especially when trying to lose excess body fat.

    Although bars can be a convenient option to occasionally rely on for energy, they may not be best as a weight loss tool. As mentioned above, most meal bars are too low in calories for most people.

    Consuming a bar with only a couple hundred calories as your breakfast, lunch, or dinner could result in you overeating at subsequent meals, which can derail your weight loss efforts.

    Whether you’re trying to lose, maintain, or gain weight, fueling your body with nourishing meals that contain the appropriate number of calories for your body size and activity level is key.

    Regardless, when shopping for meal replacement bars, choose products that contain whole food ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Select bars that deliver at least 250 calories and contain no added sugar whenever possible.

    Keep in mind that products made for hikers and backpackers who require a large number of calories per day usually contain added sugars and are high in fat to meet their energy demands. Under these circumstances, some added sugar is OK (3, 4).

    Pairing bars under 300 calories with other nutrient-dense foods can help round out the meal and ensure you’re getting enough calories, as well as macronutrients and micronutrients.

    Remember that calorie needs differ significantly depending on factors like age, sex, weight, and activity level. Talk to a registered dietitian if you’re unsure how many calories you should be consuming per day.

    Although preparing complete meals is always the best option, meal replacement bars can be a great choice when you need a quick, nourishing fuel source.

    When choosing a bar, make sure to pick products that are made with healthy ingredients like the bars listed above.

    Last medically reviewed on January 5, 2021

    How we reviewed this article:

    Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

    Current Version

    Jan 5, 2021

    Written By

    Jillian Kubala MS, RD

    Edited By

    Susanne Arthur

    Medically Reviewed By

    Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN

    Copy Edited By

    Copy Editors

    Sep 14, 2020

    Written By

    Jillian Kubala MS, RD

    Edited By

    Susanne Arthur

    Medically Reviewed By

    Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN

    Copy Edited By

    Christina Guzik, BA, MBA

    Share this article

    Medically reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN, Nutrition — By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD — Updated on January 5, 2021

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    meal replacements? – blog FITBAR.RU

    What is it to eat so that it is fast, tasty and, most importantly, healthy at the same time? Athletes today have a wide choice to answer this question. But when it comes to the fastest intake of protein, then here the undisputed favorite is still protein bars.

    Why protein bars are needed

    In general, there are several types of sports bars, and their intake is primarily determined by the goals of the athlete. They can be either carbohydrate-protein, which help to gain weight, or low-carb, used mainly during “drying”.

    As far as protein bars are concerned, their main role is the supply of protein: a good value = 20 g/piece. The composition of such a product usually includes two types of protein at once: whey protein, which acts as a building material for muscles, and casein, which can inhibit the process of catabolism.

    Protein bars benefit athletes: they are indispensable in conditions of lack of time for a full meal or preparation of a protein shake. Bars are mainly used right before training, or after sports. The high protein content allows you to fill the so-called “protein window” when the muscles most need building material and slow down the process of catabolism.

    In addition, protein bars perfectly cope with the feeling of hunger and provide energy for training, at a fairly low content of carbohydrates. They are also suitable for those athletes who cannot refuse sweets: this is a harmless alternative to sweets.

    Protein bars: isn’t that bad?

    On the net, you can sometimes find the opinion that protein bars can harm human health. Where are such conclusions from?

    The fact is that a low-quality product can be harmful, due to its composition. Some unscrupulous sports nutrition manufacturers add too much sugar and fructose to the bars, as well as artificial flavor enhancers and flavors. Such a product costs less, but the benefits from it are much less. Therefore, always pay attention to the composition: in the right protein bar, the amount of protein is several times higher than the amount of carbohydrates and fats, and all sweeteners and flavors are natural. A good product is able to give the athlete not only the right balance of nutrients, but also often includes vitamins.

    High quality protein bars can bring serious benefits to athletes, there can be no harm from them. However, it is worth remembering: despite the balanced composition of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, not a single protein bar can become a complete meal replacement. But it can perfectly act as a snack or filler in the “protein window”. You can consume protein bars from 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the number and intensity of training.

    Don’t miss interesting news and events in the telegram channel: https://tlgg.ru/fitbarnews

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