Updated on 23 February 2023
This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.
Grenade Carb Killa (12 bars)
High in protein and low in sugars, it is a favourite within our team. It combines everything you would expect from a bar in terms of composition, taste, texture and digestibility.
Certified under the Informe Sport programme, this triple-layer bar is the ideal post-workout snack for athletes. Quite generous in protein (38%), its composition is well balanced and its low sugar content (only 2.33%) is interesting. Our tests revealed a texture that is both chewy and crunchy. Its delicious taste also makes it pleasant to eat and it is easy to swallow, which is not always the case with the others we have tasted.
A protein bar helps you gain mass, improve your performance and recover after exercising.
To please as many people as possible, each brand offers several versions of the bar with different flavours.
The texture can be crunchy, soft, ... but the important thing is that it is pleasant in the mouth.
There are risks of allergies or intolerances: peanuts, soya, gluten and dried fruit.
To stay in shape, check its protein content and the number of calories it provides.
Amfit Nutrition (12 bars)
Properly composed, this triple-layer bar has an extremely tasty texture in the mouth. Quite rich in carbohydrates, it provides a dose of energy at a low price.
This crunchy bar offers a good price-quality ratio as it has a fairly complete composition. Rich in proteins (32%) and carbohydrates (30.6%), low in sugar (1.33%) and low in calories (188 kcal), it is a good companion for sportsmen and women, providing sufficient energy for the muscles. During our tests, it proved to be as delicious as it was pleasant in the mouth with its melting texture and crunchy side. And even if its digestibility seems to be lacking among its consumers, it was not the case for us.
Weider 60% (24 bars)
It is the typical snack of a top athlete. Its composition is the most interesting of this comparison in that it is the richest in protein and the lowest in sugar and calories.
This protein bar accompanies the great sportsmen and women before or after training by providing energy and/or favouring a good recovery. It has the highest protein content (60%) and the lowest sugar content (0.8%) at the same time. Very low in calories (164 kcal), it has without doubt the best composition of this comparison. In our opinion, the texture is good and easy to chew. The chocolate taste is not exceptional, however, and this is almost the only shortcoming of this product.
Barebells Protein Bar (12 bars)
Its low sugar content and high protein content are its main advantages. Although the texture is a bit sticky, the composition of this protein bar is suitable for vegans.
Low in sugar (only 2.6%), this 55-gram protein bar has 36% protein and 202 kcal. In our test, we found the taste to be relatively good, but nothing more. It is available in several flavours. The texture is good, even if the caramel makes it slightly sticky. Its composition is suitable for vegans. However, it also contains little fibre (8%), which is supposed to protect the intestines by quickly eliminating sugar and fat.
Our selection
| Our choice, Best mid-range | Best budget | Best high-end | High-end alternative |
|---|---|---|---|
| | | | |
| Grenade Carb Killa (12 bars) | Amfit Nutrition (12 bars) | Weider 60% (24 bars) | Barebells Protein Bar (12 bars) |
| High in protein and low in sugars, it is a favourite within our team. It combines everything you would expect from a bar in terms of composition, taste, texture and digestibility. | Properly composed, this triple-layer bar has an extremely tasty texture in the mouth. Quite rich in carbohydrates, it provides a dose of energy at a low price. | It is the typical snack of a top athlete. Its composition is the most interesting of this comparison in that it is the richest in protein and the lowest in sugar and calories. | Its low sugar content and high protein content are its main advantages. Although the texture is a bit sticky, the composition of this protein bar is suitable for vegans. |
| £ 28.00 on Amazon | £ 11.03 on Amazon | £ 58.00 on Amazon | £ 23.99 on Amazon |
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How did we test?
To determine the quality of the products, we subjected them to several tests, mainly taste tests. For greater objectivity, we were five testers of different sporting levels. Aware of the difficulty of evaluating the real effectiveness of the protein bars, we took care to taste them at fixed times and preferably before or after physical effort. We mainly judged the taste, texture and digestion with personal notes given to each product.
We know that the composition is a central element in this kind of comparison. We, therefore, focused on the reliability of the brands, but also on the balance and the main components. For this criterion, we insisted on the transparency of the manufacturers.
How to choose your protein bar?
Like gainers and wheys, protein bars take care of regulating your protein levels in your diet. In addition, they help to build mass, improve your performance and recover well after exercising.
With so many models on the market, you need to choose according to your diet, taste, activity level and goals:
- Composition: pay particular attention to its protein content and the number of calories it provides to ensure that you stay in shape. Soy protein should be excluded as it contains a lot of pesticides. For good efficiency, the bar should contain at least 15 grams of protein. On the other hand, we recommend less than 8 grams of fat, a high fibre content and less sugar. Choose natural ingredients.
- Taste: in general, each brand offers several versions of the bar with different flavours to satisfy as many people as possible. Beware that some manufacturers add numerous artificial colours or additives (such as sucralose) to improve the taste.
- Texture: crunchy, soft or both, the important thing is that it is easy to eat and pleasant to the palate.
- Digestion: peanuts, soya, gluten and dried fruit are risks of allergies or intolerances. Some foods are slower to digest, such as casein.
- Your goals: if you want more energy, opt for an energy bar. A bar rich in low glycemic index carbohydrates (such as maltodextrin) is ideal for recovery. Similarly, a bar with the right amount of amino acids or fatty acids is good for building muscle. For weight loss, choose one that is rich in casein protein.
Other protein bars recommended
Eafit Active Food Protein Bar (£29.83 per pack of 24 upon publication): A satisfactory composition but a little sweeter. This bar has a fairly balanced composition with a reasonable calorie content (207 kcal), a low carbohydrate content (20%) and a correct protein content (34%). In our test, we found the texture to be quite soft (although a little dry) and we digested it perfectly. In addition, the taste is not bad, but the sugar content (10%) is slightly higher than in other competing bars.
PowerBar Protein Plus 52% (£33.78 per pack of 20 upon publication): Very high in protein but less tasty. Sold individually, this 50 g product is extremely rich in protein (52%) for only 165 kcal, 6.8% fat and 1.4% sugar. Its composition has therefore been carefully studied. It is easily digested and therefore fulfils its role perfectly when consumed after a long or medium effort. However, it is quite low in fibre (2.4%). Moreover, during our tests, we judged the taste to be rather average and the texture relatively pasty.
Foodspring Bar (£27.99 per pack of 12 upon publication): Delicious, but not the most protein-rich. This 45g snack is very satisfying and opts for a new recipe with a thicker chocolate layer and a low sugar content (only 2.6%). The number of calories (157 kcal) and the fibre (10%) and carbohydrate (34%) content are broadly respected. It comes in a variety of very tasty flavours (especially the Soft Caramel, which we really enjoyed during our test) and is easily digestible. The textures are perfectly soft or crunchy (depending on the flavour). Nevertheless, it has a lower protein content (29%) than its competitors.
Other protein bars tested
Aptonia After Sport Protein Bar (£1.99 per piece upon publication): Although it has a pleasant texture, it is too high in sugars and carbohydrates, and not enough protein. It is also quite high in calories and we have mixed feelings about its taste.
Domyos Basic Protein Bar (£1.99 per piece upon publication): It is too high in sugar in our opinion and contains a lot of carbohydrates. The texture is sticky and it can quickly become nauseating, which makes it difficult to finish.
Aptonia Crunchy Bar Recovery (£2.99 per piece upon publication): While its texture is good, its carbohydrate and sugar levels are quite high. It is also not the lowest in calories and we found its taste sometimes nauseating.
Kind Nut & Spice (£19.99 per pack of 12 upon publication): It has a great taste and texture, but its higher sugar content, lower protein content and higher calories are less attractive. In addition, it sometimes sticks to the teeth.
Quest Nutrition Protein Bar (£31.49 per pack of 12 upon publication): It contains little sugar and a lot of fibre to quickly eliminate sugars and fats. However, the taste is not very pleasant and the texture is anything but soft, making it sticky and a bit dry.
MyProtein Carb Crusher: Unavailable
MyProtein Light Bar: Unavailable
Foodspring Protein Bar (old recipe): Unavailable
Optimum Protein Bar: Unavailable
Translated by Aylin Akturk
