The Best Nutrition Bars

With so many choices in the nutrition bar aisle these days, it can be tough to decide what your best option is. We've chosen a few of our favorite bars, with the following criteria in mind: minimally processed, quality ingredients (such as organic), low sugar, and of course great taste.

We've also broken them into categories based on best use, so whether you are training for a marathon, trying to crush your morning CrossFit workout, or looking for a mid-afternoon energy boost, there's a bar here for you.

High protein/low carb/Paleo bars

Carb to protein ratio: 1:1

Best use: as a high protein snack bar to keep you satiated until your next meal, or for a quick bite after an easy-medium workout.

Epic Bars

Gluten/dairy free, paleo-friendly. Core ingredients are grass-fed/organic meat and dried fruit.

A 43 gram Bison Bacon bar contains: 200 calories, 11 g protein, 10 g carb (8g sugar), 12 g fat

Tanka Bars

Gluten/dairy free, lower calorie. Core ingredients are buffalo meat, dried fruit and spices.

A 28 gram Slow Smoked Original bar contains: 70 calories, 7 g protein, 7 g carbs (6 g sugar), 2 g fat

SimplyProtein Bars

Gluten free, very low sugar, vegan, kosher. Core ingredients are soy protein, nuts, and a few other minimal ingredients.

A 40 g bar Chocolate Peanut Butter bar contains: 150 calories, 15 g protein 16 g carb (1 g sugar), 5 g fat

High protein/moderate carb bars

Carb to protein ratio: 2:1

Best use: Right after a high intensity workout to maximize muscle recovery, or as a balanced snack bar in the afternoon when your energy is flagging.

Rx Bars

Gluten/dairy free. Core ingredients are egg white, fruit and nuts; no added sugar.

A 52 gram Coconut Chocolate bar contains: 210 calories, 12 g protein, 22 g carb (15 g sugar), 9 g fat

Oatmega Bars

Gluten free. Core ingredients are: grass-fed whey protein, oats, almond butter, fish oil; some flavors contain added sugar.

A 50 g Wild Blueberry Crisp bar contains: 190 calories, 14 g protein, 21 g carb (5g sugar), 7 g fat

Snack Bars

Carb to protein ratio: varies.

Best use: For staving off hunger in between meals when you want a whole ingredient, healthy, calorie controlled option.

YAWP Bars

Grain free, vegan, low carb, high fat. Made with whole foods, no added sugar. Core ingredients are almonds, dates, and seeds.

One 36 gram Naked Nutrition bar contains: 198 calories, 7g protein, 12 g carb (6g sugar), 15 g fat

Lara Bars

Gluten, dairy and soy free; kosher, vegan. Higher carb, made from whole foods, no added sugar. Core ingredients are dates, nuts, and fruit.

One 48 gram Peanut Butter Cookie bar contains: 220 calories, 7g protein, 23 g carbs (18 g sugar), 12 g fat.

KIND Bars

Gluten free, mostly whole foods but may also contain some added sugar and other ingredients like soy protein. Look for bars with <10g of sugar.

A 40 g Caramel Almond Sea Salt bar has 200 calories, 6g protein, 15 g carb (5 g sugar), 16 g fat.

High carb/low protein bars

Best use: During or right after intense endurance exercise lasting more than 60 minutes, for easily digestible carbs to replenish glycogen and prevent muscle breakdown.

Honey Stinger Waffles or Energy Bars

Made with all organic ingredients, such as wheat flour, soy flour, honey, and rice syrup.

A 30 g Vanilla Waffle contains 160 calories, 0 g protein, 21 g carb (14 g sugar), 7 g fat.

ProBar Fuel

Gluten free, organic ingredients. Core ingredients are fruit, nuts, chia seeds and oats.

A 48 g Blueberry bar contains 160 calories, 3 g protein, 33 g carb (19 g sugar), 3 g fat.

Have you tried these bars before? If so, what did you think? And did we miss YOUR favorite?

Comment below and let us know!

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