Top Protein Snack Brands for a Flavorful Energy Boost

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy diet while on the go has become increasingly important, leading many to turn to protein snacks for a quick nutritional boost. Various brands have emerged, offering an array of tasty and nutritious options to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for something vegan, high in fiber, or just a delicious post-workout treat, there's a brand that caters to your requirements. For a comprehensive list of the best brands for protein snacks available right now, look below.

Illustration of protein snacks

Best brands of protein snacks in 2025

Quest Nutrition

Quest Nutrition stands out as a leading producer of protein snacks, having achieved significant growth and market penetration. In the first quarter of fiscal 2024, Quest Nutrition saw a 20% year-over-year retail takeaway growth, with its snacks segment accounting for 45% of measured channel retail sales and a notable 45% quarterly growth in the salty snacks category. Quest chips now constitute over 20% of the total Quest Nutrition revenue, and around 30% of new users have been drawn to the brand through these chips. The company is expected to reach billion-dollar retail sales status by the end of the year, driven by its innovative product offerings and strong customer base. Quest Nutrition's products, such as protein bars and chips, are known for their high-quality ingredients and favorable macronutrient profiles.

RXBAR

RXBAR is a pioneering brand in the protein snacks market, known for its transparent and health-focused approach. Founded in 2012 by Peter Rahal and Jared Smith, RXBAR quickly gained popularity for its raw food protein bars made with minimal, recognizable ingredients, such as three egg whites, two dates, and six almonds. The brand's honest packaging and commitment to whole foods resonated with consumers, leading to rapid growth and a $600 million acquisition by Kellogg's in 2017. RXBAR has continued to innovate, launching its first plant-based protein bar in June 2021 with 10 grams of protein. The brand's influence has significantly impacted consumer behavior towards healthier food choices. For more information, visit RXBAR's official website.

KIND Protein

Kind, a leading brand in the protein snack market, has established itself as a top producer of nutrient-dense snacks since its founding nearly two decades ago. Acquired by Mars in 2020 for over $5 billion, Kind has expanded its product line beyond core bars to include refrigerated items, chocolate, soft granola, cereal bars, and frozen bars. With sales totaling about $1.7 billion in 2021, Kind is found in an estimated 20% of American households. The brand prioritizes plant-based, nutrient-dense ingredients and has navigated challenges such as inflation and supply chain issues. Kind's diverse product range caters to various consumer needs, solidifying its position in the health-conscious snacking market. For more insights, check out the interview with Kind's CEO on Food Dive.

Clif Builders

Clif Builders is a renowned brand in the protein snack market, known for its high-quality, great-tasting bars designed to support total body fitness. Each Clif Builders bar contains 20g of complete protein, available in a variety of flavors, and is kosher and low-glycemic. The brand has been successful in catering to a broad demographic, from athletes to busy professionals, with over 10.53 million consumers in the United States alone in 2020. Clif Builders is part of Clif Bar & Company, which has been a leader in the bar category for more than a decade and continues to innovate with new products. The brand's commitment to using whole, non-GMO ingredients has resonated well with health-conscious consumers.

Pure Protein

Pure Protein is a renowned brand in the protein snacks market, known for its high-quality and nutritious products. The brand offers a variety of snacks, including bars, crisps, and powders, catering to the growing demand for healthy and convenient snacking options. In the protein snacks market, which is expected to reach USD 13.1 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 9.7%, Pure Protein stands out with its diverse product range. The market's shift towards plant-based options, with plant-based protein snacks holding over 60% of the market share, aligns with Pure Protein's offerings that include several plant-based alternatives. The brand's products are widely available through dominant distribution channels such as e-commerce, which accounts for over 40% of the market share.

MusclePharm Combat Crunch

MusclePharm Combat Crunch is a renowned brand in the protein snack industry, offering multi-layer baked protein bars that deliver 20 grams of protein per bar, along with 12 grams of fiber and only 5 grams of sugar. These bars are gluten-free, low in sugar, and provide a satisfyingly crispy and chewy texture. Each bar contains 210 calories, 7 grams of fat, and essential nutrients like calcium and potassium. Introduced to meet the high standards of athletes and fitness enthusiasts, Combat Crunch bars are ideal for pre or post-workout nutrition and as a healthy snack option. With a commitment to quality and safety, MusclePharm ensures these bars are crafted to support muscle recovery and growth. Discover more about the MusclePharm Combat Crunch on their official website.

Atkins

Atkins is a leading brand in the protein snack market, known for its high-quality products that cater to health-conscious consumers. In the snack bars category, Atkins has seen significant growth, with its products featuring high protein, low carbs, and low sugar content. For instance, the Atkins Advantage bars contain up to 19 grams of protein and only 1 gram of sugar, making them a popular choice. The brand's strong performance is evident from its continued growth, such as the 19.9% increase in sales for Quest, another brand under The Simply Good Foods Company, which also manages Atkins. Atkins' products are designed to meet the demand for quick, healthy, and tasty snack options. For more details, visit the Atkins official website.

NuGo Nutrition

NuGo Nutrition stands out as a leading producer of protein snacks, renowned for its use of real dark chocolate and high-quality, plant-based ingredients. Their product lineup, which includes gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and organic options, caters to various lifestyles and dietary needs. With a revenue range of $10M - $50M, NuGo Nutrition competes effectively in the market alongside brands like GoMacro and Grenade. Their bars are certified Kosher, trans fat-free, and do not contain high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, making them a preferred choice for health-conscious consumers. The company's commitment to using natural sweeteners like chicory root and avoiding sugar alcohols enhances the nutritional value of their products. Find out more about their products on the NuGo Nutrition website.

OhYeah! ONE

OhYeah Nutrition, now known as ONE Brands, is a pioneering force in the protein snack market, founded in 1999 by Ron McAfee. The company's flagship product, the ONE Bar, boasts 20 grams of protein and just 1 gram of sugar, making it a favorite among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. With indulgent flavors like Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Peanut Butter Cup, ONE Bars have exploded onto the snack nutrition market, driven by a partnership with CAVU Venture Partners to enhance growth and distribution. The brand's success is part of the broader trend in nutritional/intrinsic health value bars, which saw a 5.2% increase in sales in 2023, contributing to a $3.53 billion subcategory. As the protein snacks market is projected to grow at a 12.19% CAGR from 2024 to 2031, ONE Brands is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Think!

Think is a prominent brand in the protein snacks market, known for its high-quality and nutritious products that cater to the growing demand for healthy snacking. With the global protein snacks market expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% and reach $10 billion by 2032, Think is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The brand's products, which include protein bars and other snacks, are favored by consumers who prioritize high protein content, with over 55% of U.S. households considering "high protein" important when making food purchases. Think also benefits from the rising awareness of health benefits associated with protein snacks, particularly among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. As the market expands, especially in regions like North America and Europe, Think is likely to see significant growth. Learn more about their offerings by visiting their official website.