Whether you're looking for a healthy snack to fuel your workout or simply looking for a quick snack to grab on your way to work or school, choosing the right protein bar can be a game-changer. Protein bars have become increasingly popular as a great way to deliver protein in a handy, pre-packaged snack, which makes it a convenient option for dedicated gym goers, health-conscious busybodies, and anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
We’ll discuss what you need to know about selecting the right protein bar that not only meets your needs but also delivers on taste and nutritional value—fact-checked by Nutritionist-Dietitian, Samantha Morales. We'll also be ranking the best protein bars you can buy right now, readily available on Lazada and Shopee.
Quick List - Top Protein Bars
Carman's
Everyday Affordable Protein Bars With 180 Calories and 10.8g Protein
Samantha began her career in clinical nutrition and weight management at a tertiary hospital in Manila, Philippines. Her practice allowed her to give nutrition counseling and plan modified diets for patients with medical conditions. Presently, she does private practice to focus on true holistic wellness - an approach that believes in aligning one's mind, body, and spiritual well-being.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
You can enjoy protein bars as meal replacements occasionally, but for a balanced diet, your best bet is still fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Protein bars can substitute meals from time to time, but whole foods are still better at providing all the necessary nutrients your body needs. Aim for a healthy balance in your diet and use protein bars as a supplement for busier days.
Protein bars are versatile, perfect for those with low appetite or limited time for meal prep, offering a convenient calorie boost without any hassle.
Protein bars aren't just exclusively for those aiming to build muscle; they're also beneficial to boost your nutrition on-the-go, especially if you're short on time or struggle to fit in regular meals. With a dose of protein and other nutrients, adding them to your diet is a smart move if you aim for a daily nutritional boost!
With the number of options available in the market, it can be difficult to choose which ones are right for you. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind to help you find the best one.
Animal-based proteins like whey are rich in essential amino acids crucial for muscle growth and repair. For vegans, plant-based protein like organic oats and non-GMO soy are good alternatives!
Not all protein bars are created equal, so it’s important to consider the type of protein each bar contains as it can make a big difference. Whey protein is a standout protein source known for its abundance of high-quality amino acids, which the body readily absorbs. This ensures effective protein utilization for various bodily processes, such as muscle recovery, proper immune function, and hormone production.
For those following a vegan diet, plant-based options also offer a complete source of protein, similar to that of whey. Most vegan-friendly proteins also offer added nutritional benefits such as fiber and a comprehensive mix of vitamins.
Whey protein’s fast absorption rate makes it ideal for post-workout nutrition, as it swiftly delivers amino acids to muscles for efficient recovery.
Protein is essential for many bodily functions, so make sure your protein bar packs a good punch—a few extra grams can significantly impact your results.
When it comes to protein bars, it’s a no-brainer that the amount of protein is the most essential nutrient you need to look out for. But the question is: exactly how much protein do you need? Opt for bars that contain at least 10 to 20 grams of protein to help you feel satisfied for longer and provide a substantial boost to sustain you throughout the day.
Protein bars containing a significant amount of protein are also perfect for muscle building and repair. They can be conveniently eaten after a workout to support recovery and growth, making them an excellent choice for those who work out. Moreover, the practicality of protein bars can’t be overlooked—they're also great for those with busy schedules who struggle to find time to sit down for a meal to meet their daily protein needs.
Remember, each individual’s protein needs can vary based on age and activity level. To be safe, it’s best to consult your dietitian beforehand.
Protein bars containing highly processed fats, oils, and artificial sugars may lead to energy crashes. Choose bars with natural ingredients to maintain steady energy levels all day.
A tasty protein bar may not necessarily be the healthiest, with added fats and sugars to make it taste good. Overly sweet food can cause your blood sugar levels to spike, so fats and sugars should ideally only be around 5 grams per serving.
Opt for bars packed with healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and natural oils like peanut oil or coconut oil for sustained energy. Additionally, look for bars sweetened with honey, maple syrup, or fruit puree instead of refined sugars. These are best for adding flavor while maintaining stable blood sugar levels, helping you stay focused all day.
Protein bars made with fiber-rich ingredients act like a sponge to slow down digestion. This adds bulk to your food to help you feel satisfied for longer.
Fiber ensures that your body can effectively extract and absorb nutrients from the food you eat, allowing you to gain maximum benefits from vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. This means that every bite of your fiber-rich protein bar is not just a snack but also a nutrient-packed powerhouse, contributing to your overall health and well-being.
To boost the advantages of protein bars, choose ones with 6 grams or more of fiber. This generous fiber content prolongs the feeling of fullness, effectively curbing cravings and preventing overeating. Plus, opting for protein bars rich in fiber also supports digestive and gut health - it’s a win-win!
Opting for protein bars with added nutrients can help bridge nutritional gaps, promoting better overall health.
Choosing protein bars that contain added micronutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins is particularly beneficial for those seeking to improve their health, as opting for bars fortified with essential micronutrients can help fill potential nutrient gaps in one's diet.
This blend of ingredients makes protein bars a versatile and valuable addition to any diet while offering the convenience of a healthy option that you can grab and go, making it simpler than ever to stick to your health goals.
Everyone's tastes vary, luckily there's something for everyone! Manufacturers often add nuts for crunch or sweeteners like chocolate to make protein bars even tastier.
People's tastes differ, so what one person likes in a protein bar might not suit someone else. Trying out different flavors and ingredients helps find protein bars that fit your preferences, making snacking more enjoyable and sustainable in the long run.
Experimenting with diverse flavors and varieties like nuts, chocolates, or fruits allows you to customize your nutrition in a way that supports both your health goals and personal enjoyment.
Try out different kinds to make healthy eating more fun! Not only does it help you stick to a balanced diet, but it rewards you for making healthy choices.
When buying in bulk to save money, be sure to check expiration dates, only buy what you can consume, and sample a few pieces before making a final decision.
The price of protein bars can vary considerably depending on the brand. However, purchasing in bulk often saves money in the long run, especially if you find yourself reaching for a healthy snack often.
Typically, a single bar may set you back around ₱150 to ₱ 200 per piece, but you can often score a better deal by purchasing a box of 10, readily available at your local supermarket or online via Lazada or Shopee. Plus, certain brands offer flavor variety packs, allowing you to indulge in different flavors and textures each time.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Main Ingredients | Protein Content | Calories Per Serving | Fats & Sugar Per Serving | Fiber Content | Other Nutrients | Recommended For | |||||
1 | Quest Chocolate Brownie Flavored Nutrition Protein Bars | ![]() | Flavor Variety Meets Powerful Nutrition | Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate | 20g | 180kcals | 6g | 17g | Fiber, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Potassium | Muscle Recovery | |
2 | Carman's Dark Choc Cranberry Protein Bars | ![]() | Everyday Affordable Protein Bars With 180 Calories and 10.8g Protein | Isolated Soy Protein | 10.8g | 180kcals | 9.6g | 3.4g | Not Stated | Weight Management | |
3 | Fulfil Vitamin & Protein Bar | ![]() | Nutrient-Rich Protein Bar to Fuel Your Day | Whey Protein Isolate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate | 20g | 195kcals | 1.8g | 5.2g | Fiber, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid | Energy Boost | |
4 | Kirkland Signature Chewy Protein Bar | ![]() | A Simple, No Fuss Protein Bar Packed With Flavor | Isolated Soy Protein (isolated Soy Protein, Tapioca Starch, Salt) | 10g | 190kcals | 6g | 6g | Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium | Weight Management | |
5 | Mars Snickers Hi-Protein Peanut Butter Bar | ![]() | Need Protein? Grab a Snickers! Proven Yummy and With 20 Grams of Protein | Whey Protein Concentrate (Mik), Milk Protein Isolate, Milk Protein | 20g | 213kcals | 7.4g | 0g | Not Stated | Energy Boost | |
6 | Grenade Carb Killa Protein Bar | ![]() | A High Protein, Low Sugar Option | Protein Blend (Milk Protein), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk) | 21g | 233kcals | 0.4g | 1.2g | Not Stated | Energy Boost | |
7 | Pure Protein Protein Bar | ![]() | The Right Mix of Protein, Calories, and Flavor | Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate | 21g | 180kcals | 4.5g | 2g | Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Iodine, Zinc | Muscle Recovery | |
8 | Rule 1 Bar1 Protein Crunch Bars | ![]() | A Deliciously Crunchy Protein Bar That Will Satisfy Your Cravings | Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Concentrate | 20g | 220kcals | 9g | 15g | Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium | Muscle Recovery | |
9 | Mountain Joe's Protein Bar | ![]() | A Satisfying, High-Protein Treat That's Big On Flavor | Milk Proteins, Isolated Soya Proteins, Hydrolysed Wheat Protein | 18g | 231kcals | 2.5g | 5.1g | Not Stated | Weight Management | |
10 | Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar in Peanut Butter Fudge | ![]() | A Protein-Packed Snack That Supports Your Metabolism | Proto Whey® Protein Blend (Micro Peptides™ from High-DH Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate | 13g | 215kcals | 13g | 1g | Vitamin D, Iron | Energy Boost |
Main Ingredients | Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate |
---|---|
Protein Content | 20g |
Calories Per Serving | 180kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 6g |
Fiber Content | 17g |
Other Nutrients | Fiber, Vitamin C, Iron, Calcium, Potassium |
Recommended For | Muscle Recovery |
Carman's Dark Choc Cranberry Protein Bars offer a light and delicious option for your busy days. With 10.8 grams of protein and only 180 calories, they provide a guilt-free way to curb your hunger. These bars are made with a plant-based protein blend of soy and tapioca starch, and they're packed with roasted nuts for a satisfying crunch.
These are also budget-friendly and bursting with flavor, making them ideal for everyday consumption. Stock up on a few boxes and enjoy a delicious protein boost whenever you need it, without breaking the bank!
Main Ingredients | Isolated Soy Protein |
---|---|
Protein Content | 10.8g |
Calories Per Serving | 180kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 9.6g |
Fiber Content | 3.4g |
Other Nutrients | Not Stated |
Recommended For | Weight Management |
Main Ingredients | Whey Protein Isolate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Concentrate, Soy Protein Isolate |
---|---|
Protein Content | 20g |
Calories Per Serving | 195kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 1.8g |
Fiber Content | 5.2g |
Other Nutrients | Fiber, Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid |
Recommended For | Energy Boost |
Main Ingredients | Isolated Soy Protein (isolated Soy Protein, Tapioca Starch, Salt) |
---|---|
Protein Content | 10g |
Calories Per Serving | 190kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 6g |
Fiber Content | 6g |
Other Nutrients | Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium |
Recommended For | Weight Management |
Imagine enjoying one of the crowd-favorite chocolate bars, now as a protein bar! That's right! Snickers bars have long been a beloved go-to sweet snack for satisfying hunger. While that remains true, this version is just as indulgent but packs a whopping 20 grams of protein!
This set of 12 bars offers a variety of flavors to choose from, from classics like Mars and M&M, to more unique flavors like Bounty, you're sure to have your Snickers stash always stocked. However, it's important to note that these bars do not contain fiber and have a higher sugar content, at 9.5 grams. If you're primarily seeking a protein bar to meet your protein needs without much concern for other factors, this is the perfect option for you.
Main Ingredients | Whey Protein Concentrate (Mik), Milk Protein Isolate, Milk Protein |
---|---|
Protein Content | 20g |
Calories Per Serving | 213kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 7.4g |
Fiber Content | 0g |
Other Nutrients | Not Stated |
Recommended For | Energy Boost |
Main Ingredients | Protein Blend (Milk Protein), Whey Protein Isolate (Milk) |
---|---|
Protein Content | 21g |
Calories Per Serving | 233kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 0.4g |
Fiber Content | 1.2g |
Other Nutrients | Not Stated |
Recommended For | Energy Boost |
Main Ingredients | Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate |
---|---|
Protein Content | 21g |
Calories Per Serving | 180kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 4.5g |
Fiber Content | 2g |
Other Nutrients | Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Iodine, Zinc |
Recommended For | Muscle Recovery |
Main Ingredients | Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Concentrate |
---|---|
Protein Content | 20g |
Calories Per Serving | 220kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 9g |
Fiber Content | 15g |
Other Nutrients | Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Potassium |
Recommended For | Muscle Recovery |
Main Ingredients | Milk Proteins, Isolated Soya Proteins, Hydrolysed Wheat Protein |
---|---|
Protein Content | 18g |
Calories Per Serving | 231kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 2.5g |
Fiber Content | 5.1g |
Other Nutrients | Not Stated |
Recommended For | Weight Management |
Main Ingredients | Proto Whey® Protein Blend (Micro Peptides™ from High-DH Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate |
---|---|
Protein Content | 13g |
Calories Per Serving | 215kcals |
Fats & Sugar Per Serving | 13g |
Fiber Content | 1g |
Other Nutrients | Vitamin D, Iron |
Recommended For | Energy Boost |
Know more about protein bars and proper nutrition below! Here are Samantha Morales' answers to some of the internet's most asked questions.
While protein bars are generally considered to be good for you, eating too many can lead to weight gain, stomach problems, nutritional imbalances, and potential allergic reactions from additives.
Balanced nutrition is key! Focus on whole foods for most of your nutrients, and indulge occasionally to maintain your health.
Generally, it's best to limit protein bars to no more than one or two per day. How much you consume still depends on your overall diet, nutritional needs, and fitness goals.
To be sure, it’s recommended to consult your nutritionist-dietitian for more personalized recommendations.
Protein bars can be considered healthy as long as they're made of simple and real ingredients. They should not be made of too much sugar, trans fat, artificial flavoring, additives, or fillers.
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Quest|Chocolate Brownie Flavored Nutrition Protein Bars
No. 2: Carman's|Dark Choc Cranberry Protein Bars
No. 3: Fulfil|Vitamin & Protein Bar
No. 4: Kirkland|Signature Chewy Protein Bar
No. 5: Mars|Snickers Hi-Protein Peanut Butter Bar
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Beauty
Health
Household goods
PCs and laptops
Home appliances and electronics
Cameras
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Mom and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, and DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Home improvement and tools
Smartphones and tablets
Banking and finance
Insurance
Audio
Smartphone applications
Others