Eating a protein bar before a workout can help you perform better and recover faster, but you must select the correct food that will give you energy rather than slow you down. Pre-workout protein bars have a greater carbohydrate content and some even contain extra calories to keep you going during a long workout. Here are some of the best pre-workout protein bars to keep you energized during your workouts.
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What is the Best Pre Workout Protein Bar?
To find the absolute best pre workout protein bar we have searched through most of the available protein bars before workout and read all the comments left by people who bought and used them. Then we compiled the list of the top 8 pre workout protein bars based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users. Feel free to use the results of hours of our research now and thank us later in the comments.
Oh, and just so you know, there are also Buying Guide and FAQ sections below the top products that provide a handy overview of things you may need to know before and after you buy your new pre workout protein bar.
1. 88 Acres Oat and Seed Granola Snack Bar
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Bars in a Pack: 12 Protein Content: 6 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: Yes Vegan: Yes Calories per Bar: 200 |
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This pack of 12 granola snack bars from 88 Acres is an excellent treat to share with your friends and family. These granola bars are composed of a trademark seed mixture of organic sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds, and are created using basic, healthful ingredients you’d find in your own home. Despite the fact that they are low in protein, they are high in other minerals including iron and calcium, as well as dietary fiber. These snack bars are free of common food allergens including gluten, nuts, and dairy, making them an allergen-free snack option.
Pros
- Nut-free bars suitable for individuals with food allergies,
- Can be added to your vegan diet,
- Do not contain gluten
Cons
- The snack bars may be tough to chew,
- Contain sea salt which may make the snack bars taste a little too salty
2. Naked Nutrition Chocolate Protein Bars
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Bars in a Pack: 12 Protein Content: 15 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Calories per Bar: 180 |
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Naked Nutrition chocolate protein bars feature a unique blend of protein, fiber, and fats. Each bar contains a high amount of dietary fiber, providing about 39% of the daily required amount. Its 180 calories make it a great pre-workout snack option that can provide adequate energy during workout sessions. In addition to its high protein content, this chocolate protein bar is also certified gluten-free, GMO-free and soy-free. Naked Nutrition chocolate protein bars are also good sources of iron, calcium, and potassium, providing up to 8% of the required daily intake in each bar. They however contain cholesterol which may make them an unsuitable snack choice for individuals looking to control their cholesterol intake.
Pros
- Do not contain artificial sweeteners or flavors,
- Great taste,
- Gluten-free and GMO-free,
- Contains a high amount of dietary fiber
Cons
- It is not cholesterol-free
3. Enjoy Life Foods Chewy Bars
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.9 Pounds (0.4 kg) Bars in a Pack: 30 Protein Content: 2 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: Yes Calories per Bar: 140 |
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Each Enjoy Life Foods chewy bar is free of 14 major food allergens and is baked with all-natural ingredients in a specialized nut-free and gluten-free facility. These certified gluten-free snack bars features a unique combination of gluten-free flours that provides a soft, chewy texture. These allergy-friendly snacks are also Non-GMO Project verified and cholesterol-free. Enjoy Life Foods bars are however low in protein content and contain added sugars. They also contain minerals such as iron and calcium, which have several health benefits.
Pros
- Free from 14 major food allergens,
- Has a soft chewy texture that lets you enjoy every bite,
- Also provides you with some essential minerals and vitamins,
- Non-GMO project verified
Cons
- Low protein content,
- Includes added sugars
4. 88 Acres Granola Bars
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Bars in a Pack: 6 Protein Content: 6 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: Yes Vegan: Yes Calories per Bar: 200 |
See it in your local store:
This 88 Acres 6-pack of granola snack bars is a great addition to your lunch pack, and can also be taken on-the-go. These granola bars are made with simple, healthy ingredients that include plant-based seed proteins which make them suitable for athletes and vegans alike. They are abundant in other minerals such as iron and calcium, as well as dietary fiber, despite their low protein content. These snack bars are allergen-free because they are devoid of common food allergies including gluten, nuts, and dairy. This variety pack has all of your favorite 88 Acre granola bars in one convenient package.
Pros
- Do not contain nuts,
- Can make a good workout snack,
- This granola bars can spice up your vegetarian diet,
- They are also gluten-free
Cons
- May contain a much denser quantity of seed that some may not enjoy
5. GoMacro Kids MacroBar Organic Vegan Snack Bars
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 0.5 Pounds (0.2 kg) Bars in a Pack: 7 Protein Content: 4 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: No Vegan: Yes Calories per Bar: 110 |
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The GoMacro Kids snack bar is made from organic ingredients and has an unique blend of peanut butter and chocolate, which gives it a great taste but may make it unsuitable for individuals who are allergic to nuts. Its low calories and sugar content make it an ideal snack option that can be included in a child’s lunch pack. Adults on a vegan diet may also welcome this organic vegan-friendly snack bar as a dessert choice to add variety to their diet. This organic snack bar does not contain any artificial sweeteners or harmful additives, and is also Non-GMO verified.
Pros
- Great addition to a vegan diet,
- Low calorie content makes it a healthy snack option to add to your kids’ lunch pack,
- Low fat content,
- Perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate
Cons
- Not suitable for individuals with nut allergies,
- May be tough to chew
6. Blake’s Seed Based Snack Bar
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1 Pounds (0.5 kg) Bars in a Pack: 9 Protein Content: 4 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: Yes Vegan: Yes Calories per Bar: 150 |
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This Blake’s seed based snack bar is made from high-quality organic ingredients. They are made in a nut-free, gluten-free facility and are also dairy-free and sesame-free. They are great additions to your breakfast and they provide you with essential nutrients for the day. Despite the unpleasant after-taste some individuals may experience, this seed-based snack bar will fulfill your sweet craving without the use of additional sweeteners. This variety pack features a range of flavors to pick from if you get bored and need a change of flavour. Blake’s seed-based snack bars are an excellent choice for camping, hiking, or during lunch breaks at work or school.
Pros
- Do not contain added sugars,
- Great breakfast addition,
- Suitable for both adults and kids,
- Made from organic ingredients
Cons
- May have an unpleasant after-taste
7. No Nuts! 100% Nut Free Dairy Free Vegan Protein Bars
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Bars in a Pack: 4 Protein Content: 12 grams Gluten-Free: Yes Nuts-Free: Yes Vegan: Yes |
See it in your local store:
This vegan protein bar from No Nuts is nut-free and dairy-free. It is produced in a nut-free and gluten-free facility, allowing most individuals with nut allergies to enjoy at the same level. Each pack has a variety of protein bar flavors supported with added sugars, allowing you to try new flavors while still getting the same quantity of nutrients. These dairy free protein energy bars will become one of your new go-to vegan protein bars to help you through those post-workouts or as a quick snack to pack in your bag.
Pros
- Do not contain allergic ingredients such as nuts,
- Gluten-free bars,
- Do not contain dairy ingredients for those who maybe lactose intolerant,
- Suitable for people on vegan diet
Cons
- Price may be a little steep,
- Includes added sugars
8. Quest Nutrition Chocolate Brownie Keto Friendly Protein Bars
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Bars in a Pack: 12 Protein Content: 20 grams Gluten-Free: Yes |
See it in your local store:
Made from high-quality ingredients containing complete, dairy-based proteins that provide your body with essential amino acids, the Quest chocolate brownie protein bars taste like freshly-baked brownies. In addition to it’s high protein content, these yummy chocolate protein bars are low in carbs, and gluten-free as well, making them perfect for anyone on a keto diet. Each Quest chocolate protein bar is packed with fiber, which gives your body a more balanced macronutrient composition. You can also satisfy your sweet tooth and brownie cravings with this protein bar without worrying about added sugars.
Pros
- Do not contain added sugars,
- Gluten-free protein bars,
- Suitable for individuals on a keto diet,
- Packed with fiber
Cons
- Manufactured in a facility that also processes peanuts and tree nuts,
- They might be a bit difficult to chew
Verdict
We went through most of the pre workout protein bars available today and considered what people who used them are saying about these protein bars before workout. We also looked closely at their pricing and specs to find that 88 Acres Oat and Seed Granola Snack Bar is the overall best pre workout protein bar out there.
However, Enjoy Life Foods Chewy Bars is a very good affordable alternative for those who want to get one of the budget protein bars before workout.
For those who need the absolute best of the best, regardless of the price, Naked Nutrition Chocolate Protein Bars is the premium pick.
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Pre Workout Protein Bars
Allergens
Protein bars are a really good option as a snack and for fulfilling your protein needs. However, most of the protein bars contain one or more common allergens like gluten, fish, peanuts, milk, soy protein, eggs, and nuts. If you are allergic to any one of these options or you are a vegan, then be careful to research and look at the ingredients of the protein bar before buying any.
Fiber Content
Fiber is one of the essential components of your protein bar. Fibers help in lowering cholesterol, controlling sugar levels, and helps to maintain bowel health. Aim for a protein bar with 6- 15 grams of dietary fiber. Make sure that you are not exceeding your daily fiber intake because some bars are high in fiber and constant overconsumption of them can cause bowel problems and bloating. Protein bars contain a varied amount of fiber ranging from 6gram to even 20 grams. Choose a protein bar according to your nutritional requirements.
Flavours
Protein bars come in flavors such as dark chocolate, cookie dough caramel, mint, apple pie and more. You can choose a flavor of protein bars by your taste preference. However, there are some with a lot of artificial flavouring or sweetener, which could make it more unhealthy.
Cost Per Bar
Protein bars come in various level of quality and range, and their price depends heavily on the ingredients. Some bars are designed specially for diabetic people while others are power bars designed for athletes. Their prices vary depending on their flavor and ingredients but most of the protein bars can cost between $1- $8 per bar.
Questions and Answers About Pre Workout Protein Bars
How soon before a workout should I eat a protein bar?
There is no hard and fast rule for protein intake. Pre-workout protein bars give you energy and essential amino acids for your body and muscles. As we don’t want to feel heavy before a workout so we can eat a protein bar almost 30-60 mins before the workout. The intake of protein bars entirely depends on body needs and may vary from person to person but as we don’t want to feel heavy and bloated before a workout.
Can I eat protein bar without working out?
Yes, even if you don’t work out daily, you can still take a protein bar as a snack. A protein bar contains carbs, fibers, protein of coz and many essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. But remember; moderation is the key. Anything taken in excess can cause harm to the body. So make sure that you are taking a moderate amount of protein bars. 1 a day is a balance quantity.
What difference does the type of protein make?
Amino acids are building blocks of proteins. And proteins are building blocks of our muscles. All amino acids come from vegetable sources and animal sources. Animal sources are considered ideal sources of protein because they provide all amino acids needed for the body also known as complete proteins. Plants lack some of the amino acids necessary for the body so are incomplete proteins. We intake proteins from animals and plants. Our body digests them into simple amino acids which are then used for building muscles. Make sure to add animal sources in diet so you don’t lack essential amino acids.
Is it OK to eat 2 protein bars a day?
It depends on how active is your lifestyle, your body requirements, and your body type. Normally it is acceptable and good to eat one or two bars a day if the bars are rich in nutrition, have natural content and have minimal sugar. But take into consideration that excess of anything can be dangerous. Excessive protein intake can cause several anomalies in the body such as headache, nausea and intestinal discomfort, etc
