My Favorite Protein Bars

I try not to eat protein bars very often, but when you’re traveling or on the go they can be pretty convenient.  This is my list of favorite go-to protein bars when in a pinch. I always try to find bars that have real ingredients that I can read and pronounce. I also try to stay away from fake sugars or sugar alcohols as they tend to cause digestive issues for a lot of people.

NuGo

I first started eating NuGo bars when I was in college, which was a little while ago. At the time I really only remember there being the Family bars.  I would take them to practice or while we were playing tournaments. I honestly kind of forgot about this brand until a couple years ago.  The reason I like NuGo bars because they have real ingredients that I can read.  hey pride themselves on using real dark chocolate, not the fake stuff, not using fake sugars or sugar alcohols, and keeping GMOs out of their products. They also taste pretty good, and they have vegan options!  If i’m looking for a higher protein option I choose the NuGO Slim bars, however, if I just need a little snack I’ll sometimes opt for the NuGo Dark.  My favorite is to put peanut butter on the NuGo Vanilla Family bar. They are located in Oakmont, PA (woot woot). NuGo Nutrition

Oatmega

I honestly hadn’t heard of this brand until a friend who worked for them put me on the promotion list to get some products.  I honestly was a little nervous to try them when I found out that they contain fish oil.  I’m allergic to fish and wasn’t sure if I would have a problem with these bars. Luckily I didn’t, and I’ve actually purchased them a few time since then. Spending my hard-earned money on them means they are pretty decent. Their products are gluten-free, Kosher, free of artificial sweeteners and sugar alcohols, and free of GMOs. They are not vegetarian or vegan due to the added fish oil. They have a wide variety of flavors, and so far I think the lemon chia is my favorites.  My coworkers even enjoyed the free samples I handed out! Oatmega

Epic

The first time I saw the Epic products was on a random trip to Trader Joe’s.  The label looked decent so I decided to give it a shot.  The Sriracha Chicken is by far my favorite.  I do, however, enjoy spicy food, so keep that in mind. I also tried the Turkey Strip in the cranberry sage flavor and it was also delicious. Their products aren’t packed with sugar like some other jerky is, and it’s just real food. Their website also says that they support organizations devoted to improving animal welfare standards, which is nice. Epic Bar

Square Organics

At one point in time I had at least 4 boxes of these in my cupboard. I honestly don’t remember how I first heard about these bars.  I was probably googling at some point.  These bars have real ingredients that you can read.  Are you noticing a theme here? They are gluten-free and dairy free if those things are important to you. They aren’t as high in protein as some other options, but I prefer real ingredients over mega protein. Square Organics

Rx Bar

These are some of the cleanest bars out there. The ingredients are right on the front of the package so you know what you’re getting. No B.S. I also had 4 boxes of these in my cupboard too. They also aren’t as high in protein, but as an on the go pick me up, they are great. I like all the flavors that I’ve tried, but I think I have to stick with Blueberry or Mixed Berry.  The Mint Chocolate tastes like dessert, however, there’s something about the peanut butter one that I just don’t like as much. Rx Bar

Honorable mentions

Perfect Bar- I really love these bars, but you are supposed to keep them refrigerated or the oils kind of separate. This makes them not as great for on the go, but they are still delicious and real ingredients. Perfect Bar

GoMacro Macrobar – For some reason I really like the taste and texture of these bars.  They are natural ingredients, but pack a lot of calories.  I’m not too worried about that, they are just more expensive than some of the others. GoMacro

What are your favorite go-to protein bar when you’re on the go and need something fast?