Exercise is one of the best ways to bounce back from a break-up. Elle Woods, our favorite break-up consultant, said it herself in Legally Blonde: “Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you happy!” However, whether you’re new to the workout scene or a seasoned pro, choosing a protein bar can be a daunting task (and it’s a task you shouldn’t skip if you’re terrible at finding ways to protein-up your meals after a workout). Some protein bars have great packaging with flavors that sound promising, only to turn out to be total duds. Other protein bars are bulky and intimidating, but end up being pretty decent. If you’re like us and are forever searching for the protein bar of your dreams, we’ve taste-tested a few of the most popular brands to help you narrow it down. You don’t have to drudge through your workout when you’ve got a great protein bar waiting for you afterwards!
1. Luna Protein
This bar is relatively new on the protein bar scene, but it’s debut is less than thrilling. It boasts flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, but these taste far from a sweet treat. The protein is extremely detectable and even the chocolate tastes artificial. But who are we kidding, nothing tastes like cookie dough except actual cookie dough. A good alternative is a regular Luna bar- there are a variety of flavors with protein ranging anywhere from 9-11 grams per bar. Lemon Zest is the closest thing to your grandma’s lemon bars.
2. Clif bar
These bars are seriously hit or miss. Some flavors, like Nuts & Seeds, are just plain boring. But others, like White Chocolate Macadamia Nut and Maple Nut (which tastes kind of like a crumb donut) make me want to work out extra just so I can eat another. Our advice, stay away from the more unique flavors, like Carrot Cake and the seasonal Iced Gingerbread, which are bound to be poor substitutes for the actual thing. And keep in mind that while they provide a good boost of protein, they are loaded with sugar (mostly natural, but sugar nonetheless).
3. Larabar
These are scary. Their packaging is cute, but we’ll admit on behalf of everyone in the world that the idea of just 3 ingredients, with dates as the base, is frightening. If you’re vegan, you might like these for their simplicity, but “simple” is really the only thing that comes to mind. Nothing amazing, but a good supply of natural protein (just don’t eat too many, as dates are known to be rather fattening). The best flavor, in our opinion, is Blueberry Muffin.
4. Quest bar
Their Strawberry Cheesecake protein bar is probably one of the best protein bars on the planet. It is indeed slightly cheesecake-y, but it doesn’t try too hard. Quest bars come in tons of other flavors, too, but they’re not all created equal. The usual advice: stay away from flashy and seasonal flavors and stick to one’s that just can’t go wrong, like Peanut Butter.
5. Power bar
Caramel Peanut Fusion is the closest thing to a Snickers bar on the protein bar scene, and for that we are eternally grateful. If you’re not opposed to eating something other than natural protein, this is the bar for you, touting 11 grams of whey protein. And we won’t blame you if you eat more than one. Hey, it’s healthy, right?
