13 Best Vegan Protein Bars of 2023

It’s an exciting time to be a vegan. It seems like every day a new plant-based product hits the market and expands the number of snack options available to those who have chosen to give up animal products.

This expanding market is no more apparent than in the protein bar aisle. It used to be that the only protein bars you could find were made from whey protein—a byproduct of dairy—and tasted like chalk. Now there are hundreds of protein bar and protein powder options available to vegans looking to add a little more protein to their diet.

If you get dizzy just thinking about shopping for the right vegan protein bars to fit your needs, then we’re here to help. We’ve picked our favorite vegan bar choices based on protein content, sugar content, total calories, and allergen content.

High Protein Vegan Protein Bars

If your main goal for including protein bars in your diet is too bulk up on those necessary amino acids after your next gym visit or to replenish your system after a long day of fun on the trail, then this section is for you. Every product included here contains at least 20g of plant-sourced protein per serving to keep you going long after the rest of your friends have called it quits.

No Cow Best Seller Variety Pack, 20g Plant Based Protein

• Protein per bar: 22g
• Sugar per bar: 1g
• Protein source: Brown rice protein, pea protein

If you want all the protein Vega has to offer, but would rather not bulk up with the extra calories, No Cow protein bars are an excellent option. These rich and flavorful bars include an impressive 21 to 22g of protein per serving with only about 190 calories and 1g of sugar. They are perfect for the gym rat or meal-skipper who wants to stay lean but keep their protein intake up.

Choose the variety pack to get an assortment of awesome flavors like fudge brownie, lemon meringue pie, and blueberry cobbler.

Garden of Life Organic Sport Protein Bar

• Protein per bar: 20g
• Sugar per bar: 8g
• Protein source: Organic pea protein

If you love all the protein and reduced calories the No Cow bars have to offer but would rather steer clear of sugar alcohols, these Garden of Life Sport bars are worth a try. Like all Garden of Life products, they are packed with whole-food, nutritious ingredients that will provide a boatload of nutrition on top of the energy-producing power of 20g of protein. And they provide all of that with only 8g of sugar.

These chewy bars come in four fantastic flavors including chocolate mint and sea salt caramel.

NECTIS Green Super Protein Complete

• Protein per bar: 20g
• Sugar per bar: 7g
• Protein source: Pea protein, lentein protein powder, quinoa crisps

For those in search of a bar that delivers not just loads of protein, but plenty of nutrition as well, NECTIS bars are for you. These complete meal replacers contain 20 grams of protein plus superfood ingredients including chicory root fiber (which delivers 11 grams of fiber), prebiotic IMO, monk fruit extract, and nut butter.

The protein in these power-packed bars comes from lentein powder, a superfood in and of itself. Not only is this aquatic plant more sustainable to farm than other forms of plant protein, but it is also packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll.

Clif Builders Bar

• Protein per bar: 20g
• Sugar per bar: 17g
• Protein source: Soy protein isolate, soy protein concentrate

This classic protein bar just happens to be made with all-natural, plant-based ingredients, making it the perfect protein-powered pick-me-up for vegans.

Each of the Clif Builders products packs 20 grams of protein. This comes from more refined soy sources than other choices on our list. The bars also have quite a bit of sugar from natural ingredients like brown rice syrup and dried cane syrup.

Clif Builders bars are available in a number of flavors, including chocolate mint and chocolate peanut butter. While they are far from the healthiest option on this list, they do taste pretty dang good.

Low Carb Vegan Protein Bars

Staying vegan on a low carb diet, such as the Keto diet, can be a challenge, but it is possible. Keeping a vegan, low carb protein bar in your bag is a great way to ensure you stay on track when there are limited low carb options available.

One thing to pay attention to when shopping for a low carb protein bar is net carbs vs. total carbs. The main difference is that net carbs include all the different types of carbohydrates, like starches, dietary fiber, and sugars. Net carbs only include carbs the body can fully digest into glucose. To get the net carbs, you subtract the dietary fiber from the total, so it’s important to understand which number you need to consider to stay compliant with your diet.

IQ BAR Brain + Body Bars

• Protein per bar: 11g
• Sugar per bar: 1g
• Protein source: Pea protein

The Brain + Body Bars for IQ BAR contain only 4g of total net carbs while offering 10-11g of plant protein per serving. Aside from being vegan, they’re also keto and paleo friendly. IQ BAR also includes 6 science-backed nutrients shown to support optimal brain function, so you can get a crash-free energy boost without being in a fog.

All flavors of this bar contain almonds and coconut, so these might not be a good option for people who have allergies. And pay attention to the nutrition info, too. Even though it says “Keto” on the label, each bar has 18g of total carbohydrates, so enjoy in moderation.

Misfits

• Protein per bar: 15g
• Sugar per bar: 3g
• Protein source: Pea protein, soy protein

Misfits Protein Bars combine all the things we love about healthy vegan bars with a low-net carb recipe and indulgent flavors. With a minimum of 15 grams of protein and a maximum of 3 grams of sugar, these plant-based bars will energize without the crash. Plus, their genius mixture of pea protein and soy protein means you get all your essential amino acids in one place.

While these bars are low sugar, their delightful flavors are perfect if you have a sweet tooth. The variety box comes with an assortment of options, including cookie butter, caramel, and banoffee. Like all their products, these bars are free from palm oil and feature an ingredient list that is 100% natural.

Nugo Slim Protein Bars

• Protein per bar: 17g
• Sugar per bar: 3g
• Protein source: Soy protein, rice protein

If you drift low carb because of the horrible things sweets can do to your blood sugar, Nugo Slim protein bars are worth a look. Not only are these bars loaded with protein—17 grams per bar—but they also only contain 3 grams of sugar. What’s more, they have been independently certified as having a very low glycemic index.

These tasty bars won’t shoot up your blood sugar like other options here. They contain more grams of fiber per bar than sugar and feature protein from soy and brown rice protein. If you’re concerned about maintaining stable blood sugar levels and consistent energy levels, these bars are a good option.

In addition to our favorite chocolate mint flavor, they are also available in peanut butter, raspberry, and brownie.

Low-Calorie Vegan Protein Bars

For many vegans, protein bars are as much about finding a healthy, quick, and tasty snack as they are about adding some extra protein to the diet. For those whose main concern is finding a treat that won’t add too much to the waistline but can still provide sustained energy, here are our choices of the best low-calorie vegan protein bars.

Garden of Life Organic Fit Bar

• Protein per bar: 14g
• Sugar per bar: 3g
• Protein source: Organic pea protein, organic pea protein crisps, organic sprouted brown rice protein

Garden of Life is back on our list with their lower-calorie, lower-protein Fit bar. With 14 grams of protein, these bars still provide a substantial boost but do it while adding only 200 calories per serving. As an added weight loss benefit, these treats also contain 14 grams of fiber with prebiotics to help you feel fuller longer.

These satisfying snacks come in a long list of tasty flavors including chocolate-covered cherry and s’mores.

Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Bar

• Protein per bar: 10g
• Sugar per bar: 6g
• Protein source: Organic brown rice protein, organic protein crisps (pea, rice, chia seeds)

Another great option for any vegan counting their calories is the plant-based protein bar from Orgain. These crispy, chewy bars are free from all artificial ingredients, carrageenan, and GMOs. They don’t pack quite as much protein (10g) or fiber (6g) as the Fit Bars, but at only 140 calories, they make the perfect pick me up that won’t spoil dinner.

Thanks to the chia seeds added to the protein mix, they also offer plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. And they contain only organic ingredients that are better for the planet.

With flavors like chocolate coconut, chocolate brownie, and chocolate chip cookie dough, these bars are made for chocolate lovers everywhere.

Raw Rev Glo Protein Bars

• Protein per bar: 15g
• Sugar per bar: 5g
• Protein source: Pea protein, brown rice protein, raw organic hemp protein

Not only are these Raw Rev protein bars lower calorie than many at only 180 with less than 5 grams of sugar, but they also pack an impressive 10 to 15g of protein, depending on the flavor. But what really sets these bars apart is the use of superfood ingredients like chia, sprouted flax, and pumpkin seeds.

These tasty bars are as good for you as they are for your waistline. And, since they come in nine different indulgent flavors, you’re sure to find the right one (or ones) for you.

Allergy-Friendly Vegan Protein Bars

If you’re one of the growing majority of people who suffer from food allergies or intolerances, it can make the task of finding a healthy, yummy, vegan protein bar that much more difficult. For you, we’ve picked three of our favorite bars that deliver tasty protein without some of the more common allergens.

Amrita Foods – Top 14 Allergy Free, Variety Pack Protein Bar

• Protein per bar: 15g
• Sugar per bar: 9g
• Protein source: Brown rice protein, sunflower seed butter

Not only are these Amrita vegan bars packed with 15g of protein each, but they do it all without the top eight most common allergens. They are tree nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, and of course include no eggs, dairy, or animal products. And as a major plus, they taste great and have a smooth, satisfying texture.

The bars come in seven superfood flavors including unique combinations like chocolate maca, mango coconut, and dark chocolate quinoa.

ALOHA Organic Plant Based Protein Bars

• Protein per bar: 14g
• Sugar per bar: 4g
• Protein source: Organic brown rice protein

These organic Aloha bars may not go as far as the Amrita bars when it comes to excluding allergens, but they are gluten and soy-free. They are also kosher and don’t contain any sugar alcohols or stevia. Not bad considering they only have 4g of sugar and 240 calories, most of that coming from the impressive 14g of protein. This is also a good low carb option.

These bars come in six decadent flavors including vanilla almond crunch and chocolate chip cookie dough.

R.E.D.D. Plant Based Protein Bar

• Protein per bar: 10g
• Sugar per bar: 5g
• Protein source: Pea protein, organic hemp protein, organic pumpkin seed protein

Last but certainly not least, these gluten-free, soy-free protein bars from REDD are a great choice for anyone with wheat or soy sensitivities who is looking for a nutrient-packed protein bar to keep them at their best. Each flavor contains at least 10 grams of protein coming from unique sources like hemp and pumpkin seeds as well as peas.

And, they all include REDD’s special blend of adaptogenic mushroom powder which provides a ton of unique nutrients and boatloads of iron. Plus they have 11 grams of fiber from prebiotic dietary cassava.

Our favorite flavor from REDD is salted caramel. But you can also find mint chocolate, oatmeal, chocolate, and peanut butter.

Make Your Own Vegan Protein Bars

Any one of the great products featured above would make a worthy protein-packed addition to your vegan diet. But if you’re after something a little more simplistic or easier on the wallet, this homemade protein bar recipe is for you.

There are no overly processed ingredients here. Just wholesome whole foods and simple protein powder that bring plenty of flavor, nutrition, and natural energy to the table. Best of all, these protein-packed bars are super easy to make and taste amazing.