There is no telling how many high protein low calorie protein bars I have consumed in my life (or protein products in general!). If I see a new brand, I try it; if I see a new flavor, I try it. Protein bars are convenient, easy to travel with, taste pretty good, and help reach daily protein goals.
I do not make any money from this list or other recommendations. I try to do the work for you with these posts and keep incentives, like money or free products, completely out of it.
With so many bars and flavors on the market, you should be able to find one to your liking! Let’s dig into answering some questions and then discover the 6 high protein low calorie protein bars I would recommend trying.
What makes it a high protein low calorie protein bar?
There is no universal definition for “high protein” as everyone’s protein needs differ, whether based on age, activity level, specific goals, etc. High protein for a bar is 15 grams per bar or more. Low calories for a bar is 150 calories per bar, though most hover closer to 200 calories.
What protein bar has the least amount of calories?
The brand Built has the least amount of calories per “bar” at 140 calories. This is the lowest one I have discovered. The products from Built are “Puff” products and not explicitly labeled as a bar, though they look it, and are between 140-160 calories.
What is the highest protein but lowest calories?
In terms of protein bars, the Built brand has the highest protein “bar” with 17 grams each for only 140-160 calories. Considering all protein sources, chicken breast is the highest protein with fewest calories, considering 100 grams (3.5 oz) provides 27 grams of protein and 165 calories.
What is the healthiest protein bar for diabetics?
The healthiest protein bar for diabetics is one that has around 15 grams of total carbohydrates or less with 15 grams of protein or more. Pure Protein, Built, Quest, One Bar, and Ready Clean bars meet this criteria. These would be the best protein bars for those with type 2 diabetes.
What is the best protein bar for those with kidney disease?
The best protein bar with kidney disease depends on your individual protein needs, which varies significantly based on the stage of kidney disease. Talking to a Registered Dietitian to determine your protein needs and then an appropriate protein bar is strongly advised.
Top Choices for High Protein Low Calorie Protein Bars
The following list is in no particular order, as all these bars are high protein and low calories. Surprisingly, only 6 bars in my search met the criteria of 200 calories or less and 15 or more grams of protein.
A lot of bars were either too high in calories to make the list or not high enough in protein. I provided the facts for each brand/bar and have written my opinion on the texture below, since taste is subjective. I would encourage trying each so that you can determine which you like!
Barebells
- Calories: 200 calories
- Protein: 20 grams
- Total Carbohydrates: 18-20 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Number of Flavors: 20
- Seen on Barebells website
This is one of the best protein bars I have tasted! They live up to their “candy bar” claim by being smooth and creamy in texture. I have only found them in convenience stores, however.
Pure Protein Bars
- Calories: 180-200 calories
- Protein: 19-21 grams
- Total Carbohydrates: 16-20 grams
- Fiber: 0-4 grams
- Number of Flavors: 22
- Seen on Pure Protein website
I discovered this brand on a sale (refund!) and liked the texture better than most I’ve tried, which is dense but flavorful.
Built
- Calories: 140-160 calories
- Protein: 15-17 grams
- Total Carbohydrates: 13-19 grams
- Fiber: 0-6 grams
- Number of Flavors: 15
- Seen on Built website
I recently saw this brand and tried it. I didn’t really read the packaging, honestly, so when I bit into it, I was shocked. The texture was more like a marshmallow and I was not expecting that at all.
Quest Protein Bars
- Calories: 170-200 calories
- Protein: 18-21 grams
- Total Carbohydrates: 16-25 grams
- Fiber: 8-15 grams
- Number of Flavors: 19
- Seen on Quest website
This bar can be described as chalky, likely due to the higher fiber content. There are a lot of flavors so you should be able to find a good one. Plus, they have other products, like protein chips and protein powders, in case the bars don’t work out.
Ready Clean Bars
- Calories: 200 calories
- Protein: 20 grams
- Total Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Number of Flavors: 7
- Seen on Ready Clean website
This is the most recent purchase and taste test, after seeing them in Walmart one day. The bars have crispies throughout so it is more like a rice krispie bar with a dryer texture.
Wild Fox Bars
- Calories: 170 calories
- Protein: 15 grams
- Total Carbohydrates: 23-24 grams
- Fiber: 10-11 grams
- Number of Flavors: 3
- Seen on Wild Fox website
This is the only bar on this list that I have never tried, to be honest. I just discovered the brand in my search for this post. I intend to try them!
Alternatives to Bars
Some people do not like protein bars, and that is okay. I’ve seen protein chips, protein cookies, and even protein pop tarts in the grocery store these days. So, alternatives may not pack as much protein as a bar, but they can be a great, high protein snack nonetheless.
Another alternative is a pre-made protein shake or protein powder, which could be whey, casein, or plant-based. With so many options on the market, the best protein powder is one you enjoy, has 20 or more grams of protein per serving, and fits your budget.
Conclusion
There are a lot of protein bars on the market, like A LOT. Whether you need high protein and low calories or high protein and high calories, there’s a bar for that!
Finding the right high protein low calorie bar really comes down to your goals, taste preferences, and nutrition needs. While some bars are creamier and candy-like, others lean more dense or fiber-heavy. The important part is that you have options.
Whether you’re managing diabetes, supporting kidney health, or just looking for a convenient way to boost protein without blowing your calorie budget, protein bars are a tool to do just that.
Try a few different brands, experiment with flavors, and keep the ones that leave you feeling satisfied. And remember, bars aren’t the only option—protein shakes, powders, or even good old chicken breast can help you meet your protein goals in a balanced way.
If you choose any of the bars listed above, be sure to let me know which you liked best! Be sure to check out my other reviews, like low carb hot dog buns and low carb yogurt picks.
