Top Protein Bar Brands Worth Trying

When it comes to nourishing your body with a quick snack, protein bars are a go-to option for many health enthusiasts. The market is brimming with a variety of brands, each offering unique flavors and nutritional benefits tailored to fit different dietary needs. From the organic options of KIND to the high-protein content in Quest Bars, there is something for everyone seeking a nutritious boost. For those interested in exploring the top selections of protein bars available today, explore the comprehensive list provided below.

Illustration of protein bars

Best brands of protein bars in 2025

Quest Nutrition

Quest Nutrition is a leading brand in the protein bar market, known for its high-quality ingredients and exceptional macronutrient profiles. The company dominated online nutrition bar sales, holding a 25% market share as of 2017, and experienced a 40% year-over-year growth in the same period. Quest Nutrition's products, such as their protein bars, are popular for their low net carbs and high fiber content, with some bars containing up to 17 grams of fiber. The brand has expanded its product line to include chips, cookies, and cereal bars, appealing to a broad range of consumers beyond just athletes. Quest Nutrition's commitment to quality and innovation has led to significant growth, including a 57,000% increase in just three years, earning them the #2 spot on the Inc. 500 list. For more details, visit their official website.

RXBAR

RXBAR is a leading brand in the protein bar market, known for its transparent and simple ingredient list, primarily sourcing protein from egg whites, which contain all nine essential amino acids. The brand experienced exponential growth, with a 365% increase in sales in the January-July 2017 period, driven by its unique packaging and health-conscious consumer appeal. Acquired by Kellogg's in 2017 for $600 million, RXBAR has maintained its popularity among health-conscious consumers, especially millennials. The bars are recognized for their balanced combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, with up to 20 grams of protein per portion. RXBAR's innovative approach has made it a favorite choice for those seeking convenient and clean protein.

KIND

Kind is a leading producer of protein bars, known for its high-quality and nutritious products. In the snack bars category, Kind saw a 10.9% increase in sales, reaching $314 million in the period ending March 26, 2023. The brand also performed well in the nutritional/intrinsic health value bars subcategory, with $306 million in sales and a 3.5% increase. Kind's products are popular for their sustained energy and good source of protein, often made with whole grains and super grains like oats, millet, and quinoa. This growth underscores Kind's strong position in the evolving snack bar market. Explore their protein bars for more information on their offerings.

Clif Bar

Clif Bar, a leading producer of protein bars, has established itself as a premier brand in the health and fitness industry. Founded in 1991 by Gary Erickson and Lisa Thomas, Clif Bar quickly gained popularity, achieving revenues exceeding $700,000 in its first year and surpassing $20 million by 1997. The company is renowned for its use of organic ingredients, with 70% of its purchased ingredients being certified organic, and its steadfast commitment to sustainability, evidenced by sourcing 100% of its cocoa from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms since 2012. Clif Bar was acquired by Mondelez International for $2.9 billion in 2022, further solidifying its market position. By 2023, Clif Bar & Company attained the status of the leading nutritional/intrinsic health value bar company in the United States, with sales amounting to about $819 million. For more information, visit the Clif Bar website.

Optimum Nutrition

Optimum Nutrition is a leading brand in the protein bar market, known for its high-quality and nutrient-rich products. As part of the global protein bar market, which was valued at USD 4.77 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 7.28 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.5%, Optimum Nutrition leverages its expertise and existing customer base to promote its protein bars. The brand's products are popular among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers, particularly in North America, where the protein bar market is driven by a robust health and fitness culture. Optimum Nutrition's strong distribution networks and continuous product development are crucial factors in its success in this competitive market. With a focus on taste, nutritional value, and ingredient quality, Optimum Nutrition remains a preferred choice for many consumers.

ONE Brands

ONE Brands stands out as a leading producer of protein bars, offering guilt-free indulgence with 20 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar per serving. Founded in 1999 by Ron McAfee, the company, formerly known as Oh Yeah Nutrition, has a long history in sports nutrition and is committed to exceptional taste, texture, and ingredients. Their protein bars are available in decadent flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter Cup, making them ideal for health-conscious consumers and athletes. With distribution in major retailers such as GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, and regional grocers, ONE Brands continues to innovate and satisfy the growing demand for high-protein, low-sugar snacks. As part of the expanding protein bar market, which is projected to reach USD 11.33 billion by 2030, ONE Brands remains a significant player. For further details, visit their official website.

Larabar

Larabar, now owned by General Mills, is a renowned producer of protein bars, known for its commitment to using minimal, pure ingredients and adhering to strict dietary standards such as gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. Founded by Lara Merriken in 2000, Larabar achieved significant success, reaching $20 million in sales by 2006 and expanding to sell 40-50 million bars per year. The brand is celebrated for its simple production process, using real fruit, nuts, and spices, and for its environmental efforts, including the use of Fair Trade Certified™ cocoa and recycled cardboard packaging. Larabar's products are highly regarded for their nutritional value and taste, making them a popular choice among health-conscious consumers. The brand continues to innovate, introducing high-protein bars with pea protein and other nutritious ingredients. For more about their nutrient-rich offerings, visit the Larabar website.

Pure Protein

Pure Protein is a renowned brand in the protein bar market, known for its high-quality and nutritious products. As part of the broader protein supplements market, Pure Protein benefits from the growing demand for convenient and healthy snack options, with the global protein bar market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2024 to 2030, reaching USD 20.87 billion by 2030. Pure Protein bars are popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, offering a quick and easy way to meet protein needs, with sports nutritional bars accounting for 49.2% of the market share in 2023. The brand's products are widely available in major distribution channels, including hypermarkets and online platforms, which contributes to its market presence. With a strong focus on consumer health and fitness, Pure Protein continues to innovate and meet the evolving nutritional needs of its customers.

Built Bar

Built Bar is a leading producer of protein bars, known for its high-quality products that offer a perfect balance of macronutrients, with each bar containing between 15-19 grams of protein. The brand has gained a significant following, more than tripling its retail footprint over the past three years and expanding to 3,700 Walmart stores across the U.S. by 2023. Built Bars are made with 100% real chocolate and are gluten-free, making them a popular choice for health-conscious consumers. The brand's commitment to taste and nutrition has resonated with millennials and Gen Z, contributing to its rapid growth. With a focus on overall wellness and self-care, Built Bars have become a staple in the protein and nutritional bar market.

Garden of Life

Garden of Life is a prominent player in the vegan protein bar market, known for its high-quality, organic, and non-GMO products. The brand's commitment to health and wellness aligns with the growing demand for plant-based diets, contributing to the market's expected growth from $757.5 million in 2023 to $3,965.7 million by 2033, with an 18% CAGR. Garden of Life's products, such as their RAW Organic Protein bars, are popular among consumers seeking convenient and nutritious options, particularly in the health and wellness segment which is projected to generate significant profits during the forecast period. The brand's focus on using natural ingredients like nuts, which are expected to grow at a CAGR of 14% over the forecast period, further enhances its market position. As the fitness community expands, Garden of Life's protein bars are likely to remain a favorite among health-conscious consumers.