If you have some serious goals when it comes to losing weight, then meal replacement bars are a route down which you should consider traveling.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EMeal%20replacement%20bars%20are%20designed%20to%2C%20well%20…%20you%20guessed%20it%3A%20replace%20entire%20meals.%20While%20doing%20that%2C%20they%E2%80%99ll%20still%20get%20your%20body%20the%20nutrients%20it%20needs%20but%20not%20leave%20you%20hungry%20and%20prone%20to%20overeating.%20The%20ultimate%20goal%20is%20that%20this%20will%20contribute%20to%20achieving%20any%20weight%20loss%20goals%20that%20you%20may%20have%20set%20for%20yourself.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
Before we jump into the products themselves — and it’s a wide-ranging list — let’s talk through a few high points about meal replacement bars of which all consumers should be aware.
Information to know when looking for the best meal replacement bars
Obviously, your body has several needs when it comes to daily nutrition. The first nutrients that are often cut when people first begin dieting are protein and overall caloric intake. Both are vital to your body, but can easily get out of control if you don’t watch what you’re eating.
The way to solve the issue is limiting yourself to only what your body needs. And that’s where meal replacement bars come in, as they are often stripped down to only include the bare essentials.
Protein fills you up quickly and is a key component of the best meal replacement bars. The more protein your body takes in, the less hungry you are likely to feel. Plus, protein goes a long way towards rebuilding your muscles and keeping them healthy and strong while living an active lifestyle.
We’ve all tried to cut calories as part of a diet plan or what is supposed to be an easy way to shed some pounds. But if you’re cutting entire meals out of your diet, you’ll need to replace at least some of those calories.
The best meal replacement bars for weight loss won’t include all the calories your body needs, but they’ll give you a good start. Make sure to pay attention to exactly how many calories are in each bar, so that if you need to supplement the bar with a healthy snack, such as fruit or nuts, you’ll be able to do so without overeating.
Additionally, let’s note that there isn’t a difference in gender when it comes to finding the best meal replacement bars. While some supplements are geared towards women or men, it’s not like there is a best meal replacement bar for weight loss for women; men and women alike can benefit from all of the products on this list.
Now that we’ve got all that out of the way let’s get into the reviews and look for the best weight loss meal replacement bars.
Best Meal Replacement Bars For Weight Loss
[product_tables id=”1922″]
[numbered-heading label=”BSN Protein Crisp Bar – Syntha-6″ /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3ESure%2C%20it%E2%80%99s%20in%20the%20name%2C%20but%20we%E2%80%99re%20talking%20about%2020%20grams%20of%20protein%20per%20bar.%20As%20you%E2%80%99ll%20see%20in%20the%20rest%20of%20this%20list%2C%20that%E2%80%99s%20quite%20a%20bit%20of%20protein%20in%20one%20bar.%20And%20the%20reviews%20on%20the%20taste%20are%20centered%20on%20great%20texture%20and%20solid%20all-around%20flavor.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
There are only four grams of sugar and 240 calories per bar. Outside of the massive amount of protein, there aren’t as many ancillary ingredients that we’ll find in some of the other selections, meaning that there are less additional benefits to the bars. The BSN Protein Crisp Bar does come in 17 different flavors, including banana, chocolate cake batter, salted toffee pretzel, and more, all in packages of 12 bars.
If you’re someone that works out frequently and is wanting to build and maintain muscle mass while losing weight, then this is probably the best choice out there. Congrats to the best tasting and most healthy meal replacement bar for weight loss…
[pros-and-cons pros=”-20 grams of protein per bar
-Only four grams of sugar and 240 calories per bar
-17 flavors to choose from
” cons=”-Extremely high in protein, so not a match for everyone
-Not as nutritionally balanced as some bars includes some allergens such as milk, almonds, soy, and egg” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2EJqhAI” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Superfood Slam – PROBAR Meal Bar” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EAnother%20factor%20that%20sets%20this%20bar%20apart%20is%20that%20it%20is%20completely%20non-GMO%20and%20includes%20zero%20artificial%20ingredients%2C%20yet%20is%20still%20vegan%2C%20gluten-free%20and%20soy-free.%20Ingredients%20in%20the%20Superfood%20Slam%20are%20largely%20organic%2C%20plant-based%20foods%20such%20as%20flax%20seed%2C%20oats%2C%20dates%2C%20peanuts%2C%20and%20more.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The flavor is sweet, which may be too much for folks who aren’t expecting such a (naturally) sugary bar. There are 10 grams of protein and six grams of fiber — both solid totals.
The Superfood Slam from PROBAR comes in 12 different flavors, including almond crunch, banana nut bread, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, and more and are sold in packages of 12.
The company itself is a private, family-owned business that was started to create healthy, natural bars without all the stuff you don’t need. Indeed, they have a winner on their hands with the Superfood Slam.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Non-GMO, vegan bars that are gluten-free and soy-free
-Mostly organic ingredients derived from plant-based whole foods
-10 grams of protein and six grams of fiber
-High-calorie option with 370 calories per bar
” cons=”-Very sweet taste” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3b5hCoo” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Protein Chewy Bar – Nature Valley” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3ENature%20Valley%E2%80%99s%20Protein%20Chewy%20Bar%20includes%20a%20solid%2010%20grams%20of%20protein%20and%20seven%20grams%20of%20sugar%20while%20maintaining%20high%20levels%20of%20fiber.%20If%20you%E2%80%99re%20looking%20to%20replace%20breakfast%20with%20a%20meal%20replacement%20bar%2C%20this%20could%20be%20the%20best%20option%2C%20as%20they%20have%20a%20great-tasting%2C%20chewy%20texture%20with%20a%20roasted%20nut%20flavor.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The calories on the Nature Valley option won’t blow you away; they are only 170 calories per bar. If you grab one from breakfast, consider adding a banana or an apple to make sure you are able to make it until lunch time. Also, these bars are only sold in boxes of five.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-10 grams of protein, high in fiber
-Delicious, chewy texture
-Some natural ingredients, including peanuts and almonds
” cons=”-Only 170 calories per bar
-Not a mostly-natural product” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/34JewoQ” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Builder’s Protein Bar – Clif” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EClif%E2%80%99s%20Builder%E2%80%99s%20Protein%20Bar%20is%2C%20of%20course%2C%20high%20in%20protein%20with%20a%20whopping%2020%20grams%20included.%20Unfortunately%2C%20the%20bars%20also%20come%20with%20an%20equal%20amount%20of%20sugar%2C%20placing%20it%20as%20one%20of%20the%20sugariest%20entries%20on%20our%20list.%20There%20are%2010%20flavors%20to%20choose%20from%2C%20including%20chocolate%2C%20chocolate%20mint%2C%20cookies%20%E2%80%98n%20cream%2C%20crunchy%20peanut%20butter%2C%20and%20more.%20You%20can%20grab%20these%20Clif%20bars%20in%20packages%20of%20either%208%20or%2012.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The 270 calories included is fairly middle-of-the-road for protein bars, but at least the majority of ingredients are organic, including dates, oatmeal, and almonds. The bars are also non-GMO and low-glycemic, which allows you to process food slowly and for your body to grab all the nutrients it can possibly extract. This keeps your blood sugar from spiking and gives you longer-lasting energy instead of a quick spike with a downward spiral.
If you’re extremely active and exercise frequently, a high-protein option like the Builder’s Protein Bar is the way to go.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Non-GMO, low-glycemic option using many organic ingredients
-20 grams of protein per bar
-270 calories per bar
-10 flavors to choose from
” cons=”-20 grams of sugar per bar” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2YJqFpY” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”KIND Bars” /]
We’re reviewing the Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate variety, which includes natural varieties of nuts. They are low-glycemic, which means that they’ll digest slowly and prolong the energy derived from the bar.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThese%20KIND%20Bars%20have%20a%20delicious%20and%20nutty%20flavor%20and%20are%20coated%20in%20roasted%20peanut%20butter%20and%20dark%20chocolate.%20They%20are%20200%20calories%20each%2C%20which%20is%20about%20average%20for%20the%20bars%20that%20made%20it%20onto%20our%20list.%20You%20can%20purchase%20them%20in%20standard%20boxes%20of%2012%20bars%2C%20or%20a%20variety%20pack%20with%20multiples%20flavors%20in%20a%20package%20of%2040.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Non-GMO, gluten-free, all-natural
-Low-sodium, low-glycemic, dairy-free
-Great source of fiber
-Delicious taste
” cons=”-The nutty bars can be somewhat crunchy” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3hIoYAB” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”MacroBar – GoMacro” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EGoMacro%E2%80%99s%20MacroBar%20holds%20R.A.W.%20and%20C.L.E.A.N.%20certifications%20and%20is%20USDA%20Certified%20Organic%2C%20meaning%20that%20you%20can%20ensure%20that%20you%20aren%E2%80%99t%20putting%20any%20pesticides%20or%20chemicals%20inside%20your%20body.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The bars have six grams of protein, which is perfect for the average meal replacement bar consumer but perhaps a bit low if you’re a frequent weightlifter looking to build and maintain large amounts of muscle.
The MacroBar is vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free, so you’ll know exactly what you’re putting into your body. Also, there are 15 flavors available, including granola with coconut, apple walnut, peanut butter, cherries/berries, and plenty more. These bars are also sold in packs of 12.
To this point, this is the best organic meal replacement bar for weight loss that we’ve found.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Bars made from plant-based protein
-USDA Certified Organic and vegan, dairy-free and gluten-free
-6 grams of protein
-15 flavors to choose from
” cons=”-Depending on your goals, six grams of protein could be considered low
-Only 200 calories per bar” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3jqZIPY” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Luna Protein” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3ENot%20only%20are%20Luna%20Protein%E2%80%99s%20bars%20gluten-free%2C%20but%20they%E2%80%99re%20also%20non-GMO%20and%20low-glycemic.%20And%20it%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20stop%20there%3A%20these%20are%20the%20first%20bars%20we%E2%80%99ve%20come%20across%20that%20emphasize%20their%20richness%20in%20Vitamin%20D%20and%20iron%20–%20two%20nutrients%20that%20are%20vital%20to%20your%20body%20that%20you%20won%E2%80%99t%20find%20in%20just%20any%20meal%20replacement%20bar.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
There are 12 grams of protein per bar, which is higher than most bars we reviewed, although the 170 calories is definitely on the low side. Flavors to choose from include chocolate chip cookie dough, berry greek yogurt, chocolate peanut butter, and plenty more, all in packages of 12.
The flavor is good, although this is another option that folks who don’t want anything to do with a sweet meal replacement bar may ultimately want to stay away from.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Non-GMO, gluten-free bars
-Low-glycemic
-Rich in iron and Vitamin D
-Many flavors to choose from
” cons=”-Too-sweet taste?” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3gJHtmW” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”On-The-Go Variety Pack – Nutrisystem” /]
There are five flavors included: two each of fudge graham, sinnamon bun, double chocolate caramel, and peanut butter granola, and one each of harvest nut and apple strudel. Assorted variety pack, indeed.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EAs%20for%20the%20healthy%20stuff%2C%20these%20bars%20have%20at%20least%20200%20calories%20each%2C%20although%20it%20does%20vary%20slightly%20depending%20on%20which%20flavor%20you%20select.%20They%20are%20relatively%20high%20in%20sugar%20with%20anywhere%20from%207%20to%2012%20grams%20per%20bar%2C%20again%20depending%20on%20flavor.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
We don’t have much information on the nutrients included, and there is less of an emphasis on the ingredients than with some of the other options on our list.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-200 calories per bar
-Great-tasting bars
-5 flavors included in 10-bar sampler pack
” cons=”-Less ingredient information available
-Some bars have high sugar counts” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/31H31wp” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=” Active Greens Chocolate Bars – Organic Food Bar” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20proprietary%20and%20exclusive%20green%20superfood%20blend%20of%204000mg%20includes%20certified%20organic%20Spirulina%2C%20wheat%2C%20and%20barley%20grass%20juice%20powder%2C%20plus%20blueberry%20and%20raspberry%20and%20other%20ingredients.%20Everything%20about%20these%20bars%20is%20USDA%20certified%20organic%20and%20gluten-free%2C%20soy-free%2C%20and%20trans-fat-free.%20You%20can%20buy%20them%20in%20packs%20of%2012.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The bars are non-GMO and 100 percent raw, and include 16 grams of protein per bar. They are simplified when it comes to ingredients, and the bars are both vegan and gluten-free. Active Greens Chocolate Bars have tons of antioxidants and don’t have any additives or preservatives.
You can choose from original, chocolate, or chocolate chip. But regardless of which flavor you pick, you’ll be getting a delicious and versatile meal replacement bar.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Non-GMO, 100 percent raw
-Vegan, gluten-free, USDA certified organic
-No additives or preservatives
-16 grams of protein per bar
” cons=”-Limited flavors to choose from” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3hFBX61″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Odwalla Superfood Bars” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EOutside%20of%20the%20actual%20fruit%2C%20other%20natural%20ingredients%20include%20flax%2C%20figs%2C%20oat%20flour%2C%20sunflower%20seeds%2C%20and%20more.%20The%20bars%20are%20210%20calories%20each%2C%20which%20is%20about%20middle-of-the-road%2C%20but%20they%20do%20have%20a%20high%20sugar%20content%20at%2016%20grams%20per%20bar.%20Each%20package%20includes%2015%20Superfood%20Bars.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The ground flax that is included in Odwalla’s Superfood Bars includes 1000mg of essential omega-3 fatty acids –– a nice added bonus.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Lots of natural berries
-Other natural ingredients, including flax that provides essential omega-3 fatty acids
-Many organic compounds included
-Lots of flavors to choose from
” cons=”-High in sugar” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2ECO4mb” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
Additional Information
Now that you’ve looked through our entire list of the best weight loss meal replacement bars on the market, you have no doubt seen some trends.
Virtually all of the bars we reviewed landed somewhere between 7 and 20 grams of protein. While single-digit grams is probably a bit low for what you’d be looking for, 20 grams really only makes sense for those of us with a fairly intense workout routine. If you find a bar in the 10 to 15-gram range, you’ll probably be in the right spot.
When it comes to calories, you’ll need to take out the calculator and start by figuring out what your current caloric intake looks like. If you make the jump to to replacing at least one meal with a meal replacement bar, it more than likely won’t come close to matching the calories you’re eliminating by taking out that regular meal.
And that’s okay; you want to lose weight, after all. But be careful to not cut calories too drastically, as it a) may not be all that healthy to do so suddenly, and b) if you drop all the way down to a low-calorie meal replacement bar, you may be hungrier and end up eating more calories than intended because you never feel full.
Make sure you know how many calories are in the bars that you choose, and be sure to supplement with healthy snacks where appropriate to make sure that your body is able to generate the energy that it needs.
Final Thoughts
We’ve looked at the best meal replacement bars for weight loss list, and we’ve found that there are (at least) 10 solid options. As it turns out, meal replacement bars are an effective way to help you lose weight, and as long as you do your research and are motivated to find the best fit for your wants and needs, you could be well on the way to achieving your weight loss goals.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EAs%20always%2C%20be%20sure%20to%20consult%20your%20doctor%20before%20doing%20anything%20drastic%20–%20such%20as%20cutting%20an%20entire%20meal%20out%20of%20your%20diet.%20While%20meal%20replacement%20bars%20are%20generally%20completely%20healthy%20and%20a%20viable%20part%20of%20the%20solution%2C%20it%E2%80%99s%20important%20to%20make%20sure%20that%20your%20doctor%20agrees%20with%20the%20changes%20you%E2%80%99re%20making.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The bar that you ultimately go with needs to be the right fit for you. Start with something that has a lower quantity, just in case you don’t like it, and go from there. A huge upside to meal replacement bars is that there are tons of flavors to choose from, so it isn’t like you’re pigeonholed to one option.
Maybe you think you want a product with a lower calorie count as you’re going to ease into cutting out a meal by supplementing with fruit or vegetables. Or perhaps you are cutting protein out in other areas of your diet and need to get what you can out of your meal replacement bar.
Whatever camp you might be in, take your time, do your research, and don’t marry yourself to the idea of one bar or another. There are plenty to choose from, and there really isn’t a right or wrong answer, only what is best for you.