What are the best meal replacement bars of 2023? What factors should you consider when choosing a meal replacement bar? Get answers to your questions about meal replacement bars.

Best Overall Meal Replacement Bar

Greenbelly Meals Meal2Go is our pick for the best overall meal replacement bar. Each package contains 650-695 calories, making it a full meal replacement. The bars have a well-balanced nutritional profile, providing about a third of your daily value for 6 key nutrients. They are thick, dense, yet fluffy with nourishing ingredients like gluten-free oats, dried fruits, and nuts. The bars also taste great – a little salty and sweet. The only downside is the higher price per package compared to other bars, but the increased calories and macros make them a good value.

Meal Replacement Bar With the Cleanest Ingredients

Sans Meal Bar is a close second to Greenbelly for best meal replacement bars. These bars have some of the most calorically dense and cleanest ingredients on our list. They are free of soy, gluten, dairy, artificial flavors, and added sugar. Each bar is packed with natural flavors, protein, and fiber, and depending on the flavor, contains between 14 and 17 different vitamins and minerals. The only downside is the macro balance is a bit low on carbs since they don’t have added sugar.

Best Macro Balance

GoMacro Macrobar has a great macro balance with clean ingredients. Each bar contains 290 calories, 11g of protein, 11g of fat, and 14g of sugar. While the overall macros are less than some other bars, the balance is excellent. The downside is that the flavors all taste fairly similar.

Meal Replacement Bar With The Most Protein

MET-RX Big 100 Colossal is the meal replacement bar with the most protein, at 30g per package. It also has a good amount of calories at 410 per package. However, it’s a bit low on fiber with only 1g per bar.

Best for Snacking

Bobo’s Stuff’d Oat Bar is a great option for a snack-sized meal replacement. At 330 calories per bar, it’s not as dense as a full meal replacement, but it’s perfect for a smaller snack or in-between meal. It has a good amount of protein at 6g per bar, and the oat-based ingredients make it satisfying and filling.

Most Calorically Dense Meal Replacement Bar

PROBAR Meal is the most calorically dense meal replacement bar on our list, with 400 calories per 3-ounce package. It has a good balance of macros, with 11g of protein, 6g of fiber, 22g of fat, and 19g of sugar.

Tastiest Meal Replacement Bar

Kate’s Real Food bars are the tastiest meal replacement bars we tested. While they are lower in overall calories and macros at 130 calories per bar, the flavors are delicious and they use clean, minimally processed ingredients.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Meal Replacement Bar

When selecting a meal replacement bar, it’s important to consider factors like calories, macronutrient balance, ingredients, and taste. Look for bars that provide around 400-700 calories to replace a full meal, with a balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. Avoid bars with lots of added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or highly processed ingredients.

Other Things to Consider

In addition to the nutritional profile, also think about the convenience and portability of the bars. Larger, denser bars may be more filling but less portable, while smaller bars can be easier to take on-the-go. Consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing a meal replacement bar.

FAQs

What is the healthiest meal replacement bar?
The healthiest meal replacement bar will have a balance of macronutrients (protein, healthy fats, complex carbs), minimal added sugars or artificial ingredients, and use whole food ingredients. Bars like Greenbelly Meals and Sans Meal Bars tend to be some of the healthiest options.

Do meal replacement bars cause weight gain?
Meal replacement bars can be part of a healthy diet and weight management plan, but consuming them excessively or in place of whole foods can potentially lead to weight gain. It’s important to choose nutrient-dense bars and consume them as intended – as an occasional meal replacement, not a daily snack.

Are meal replacement bars bad for you?
Meal replacement bars are not inherently “bad” for you, but some lower quality options may contain excessive added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and highly processed ingredients that are less nutritious. As with any food, it’s important to read labels and choose bars with a balanced nutritional profile made with whole food ingredients.

How many meal replacement bars should you eat per day?
Most experts recommend limiting meal replacement bars to 1-2 per day, as part of an overall healthy and balanced diet. They should not replace all of your meals, but can be a convenient option for when you need a quick, nutrient-dense meal on-the-go.