[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EIn%20the%20modern%20world%2C%20women%20are%20leading%20busier%20professional%20lives%20and%20are%20more%20health%20conscious%20than%20ever%20before.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
And as more women are packing more meetings and gym sessions into their schedules, it’s becoming more and more difficult to sustain the proper balance of nutrition and lifestyle.
One of the hardest parts about keeping to a proper diet is snacking. For women who are on-the-go and don’t have much time for a healthy, balanced meal, not having a quick snack between meetings or before going to the gym can be a challenge.
For women with a busy lifestyle who just need a quick healthy snack in the afternoon, the best solution is to try protein bars for women.
Nowadays, companies and brands are trying to make protein bars specifically tailored to suit a woman’s nutritional needs.
Not only are they healthy, but they also provide the nutrients necessary for a healthy female diet. Some companies, like Luna, specialize in creating the healthiest protein bars for women possible by including ingredients designed to help a woman maintain a balanced nutritional intake with increased vitamin D and soy protein.
When taking a look at some of these protein bars, you have to think about how they will fit your lifestyle and diet. Do you want a nutritionally dense and heavy bar that will replace meals? Or do you want a lighter snack with fewer calories but also less protein? Do you need something that is gluten-free and GMO-free?
Regardless of what your needs are, in this article, we will be taking a look at some of the top protein bars for women, and there is something for everyone.
If you’re looking for the best protein bars for women to lose weight, then you should consider bars that are lower in calories and higher in protein and fiber because this will tide your hunger over for a longer period of time. If you’re looking for the best protein bars for women to gain weight, then think about buying protein bars that are high in calories, carbs, and protein.
You can also consider the micronutrients that each of these bars are packing. If they are rich in vitamin D and plant proteins, then they can protect against osteoporosis, which tends to erode bone mass as women age. Soy protein also increases estrogen levels, which can be a healthy option for women.
Less common sources of protein are pea protein and rice protein. Pea protein is easily digestible and is a great option for those who are hypoallergenic, and it’s also relatively inexpensive. Rice protein is a good alternative for those who are lactose-intolerant or for those who are vegan.
Egg protein and casein protein, both of which are derived from dairy, are slower-digesting proteins, but they provide a longer-lasting benefit over time. Just keep in mind that you won’t get the same quick benefit from these proteins as you would from other options (such as whey).
Whey protein is the most common protein found in protein powders. It is easily digested, boosts energy levels, and is great for a post-workout supplement.
Hemp protein is one of the newer and healthier protein options out there because it is usually 100% plant-based and contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for improving brain and liver function.
Finally, when choosing which protein bar to invest in, consider the flavor! Even though some of these bars are nutritionally-rich, if you can’t stand the flavor enough to eat them, then you won’t be getting the benefit anyway. Sample and try the ones you’re interested in before investing in a lifetime’s supply.
Out of all of the options, these bars are the best ones, in terms of taste, nutrition, and price point, that we saw to be the best candidates for women overall.
The Best Protein Bars For Women Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
[product_tables id=”1338″]
[product_tables id=”1339″]
[numbered-heading label=”ThinkThin” /]
These bars are quite filling and the texture is that of a crunchy brownie, but the flavor is not for everyone. Even though they might taste sweet and rich initially, they do have a slight artificial aftertaste. Also, if you don’t want something so heavy, then this bar might not be for you.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThat%20being%20said%2C%20ThinkThin%20is%20a%20good%20option%20for%20those%20who%20want%20something%20more%20filling%20closer%20to%20a%20meal%20replacement%20than%20a%20light%20snack.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
This bar has become one of the more well-established brands out there, and you’ll commonly see it in supermarkets and convenience stores. It also comes in a lot of flavors: brownie crunch, chocolate fudge, chocolate strawberry, caramel fudge, chocolate mint, chunky peanut butter, creamy peanut butter, cookies and cream, maple almond, sea salt almond, white chocolate, and lemon delight.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Consistency of a crunchy brownie
-High in protein and fiber
-Zero grams of sugar
-Vast flavor variety” cons=”-Artificial aftertaste
-Contains sugar alcohol” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2ED3Ltv” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”LivBar” /]
All of the ingredients come from fresh and local sources, and most of the ingredients in this bar are organic superfoods. Thus, this bar is gluten-free, soy-free, GMO-free, and corn-free.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EThe%20flavor%20of%20these%20bars%20is%20more%20than%20palatable%20and%20is%20full%20of%20great%20nuts%2C%20fruits%2C%20and%20seeds.%20However%2C%20they%20do%20break%20apart%20easily%20because%20they%20don%E2%80%99t%20contain%20preservatives.%20That%E2%80%99s%20the%20only%20downsides%20to%20producing%20a%20bar%20that%20is%20so%20natural.%20So%20you%20might%20have%20to%20eat%20it%20more%20like%20granola%20than%20a%20bar%2C%20but%20the%20health%20benefits%20make%20that%20task%20well%20worth%20the%20investment.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
For the highly health conscious, this bar would be a great choice. And, considering that this bar only contains high-quality ingredients, the price is $30.37 for a 12-pack.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Very unique flavors
-Top-notch ingredients
-Developed by healthcare professionals” cons=”-More expensive than most bars
-Flavor combinations might not be for everyone” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3luVf0a” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”RX Bar” /]
In terms of nutrition, this bar is pretty middle-of-the-road, with, on average, 12 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, and 200 calories in each bar. Also, since this bar is made out of entirely natural ingredients, it contains more sugar than the typical protein bar. But since these are whole ingredients, the sugars in this bar are easier on the digestive system than other bars.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EAs%20you%20can%20see%20by%20the%20ingredients%2C%20these%20bars%20are%20gluten-free%2C%20soy-free%2C%20dairy-free%2C%20GMO-free%2C%20and%20there%20is%20no%20added%20sugar.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
There is a vast array of flavors that RX Bars come in: apple cinnamon, chocolate chip, chocolate sea salt, maple sea salt, coconut chocolate, peanut butter, mint chocolate, mixed berry, berry blast, pumpkin spice, and peanut butter chocolate.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Simple and whole ingredients
-Gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO-free, and no added sugar
-Tastes great” cons=”-Not as filling as other bars
-High in sugar” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3ls9WRN” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”LUNA Protein” /]
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EAs%20far%20as%20fiber%20and%20protein%20go%2C%20this%20bar%20is%20average%2C%20at%203%20grams%20of%20fiber%20and%2012%20grams%20of%20protein%20per%20bar.%20However%2C%20there%20are%20only%20170-190%20calories%20per%20bar%2C%20and%20it%20is%20packed%20with%20organic%20ingredients%2C%20micronutrients%2C%20and%20minerals.%20It%20is%20also%20low%20on%20the%20glycemic%20index.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
One thing to be careful of is that these bars are formulated from Soy Protein Isolate, so they do have milk, soy, and nuts.
This is also one of the best tasting bars out there. It’s also suggested that you microwave the bar for about 10 seconds, then you’ll have a bar that melts in your mouth. Even for those who are hard to please and don’t like the taste of protein bars, this one is sure to surpass your expectations. And it comes in some delectable flavors: berry greek yogurt, chocolate peanut butter, chocolate salted caramel, chocolate chip cookie dough, mint chocolate chip, and chocolate walnut fudge.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Tastes delicious
-Low glycemic index” cons=”-Contains milk, soy, and nuts” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3jnqJDH” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”PRO Bar” /]
It is also made from Soy Protein Isolate, so it is vegan-friendly. Moreover, soy protein helps to build bone mass, which is helpful if you have osteoporosis or any bone disorders. Soy protein also reduces cholesterol which can help reverse some of the negative stress that menopause can cause.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EAs%20far%20as%20nutrition%20goes%2C%20PRO%20Bar%20is%20packed%20with%20protein%20with%2020%20grams%20in%20each%20bar.%20These%20bars%20also%20have%205%20grams%20of%20fiber.%20In%20addition%20to%20the%20plant%20proteins%2C%20PRO%20Bar%20also%20includes%20flax%2C%20chia%2C%20and%20cocoa%20powder%2C%20which%20injects%20a%20healthy%20dose%20of%20Omega-3%20fatty%20acids%2C%20antioxidants%2C%20and%20minerals%20into%20the%20mix.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
The PRO Bar company is also highly ecologically conscious, so it’s optimized business model allows production of these bars to leave a minimal footprint.
The only main concern of these bars is the high caloric content. There are 290 calories in each bar, but all of the bars do taste delicious. Considering the nutritional value and rich flavor that each bar has, 290 calories is a small sacrifice to make, especially if you’re aware of the caloric content prior to consuming it.
Another concern is that PRO Bars tend to be on the more expensive side at $25.99 for a 12-pack.
PRO Bar also comes in a wide variety of flavors, including: Mint Chocolate, Chocolate Blixx, Chocolate Nuts, Cookie Dough, Coffee Crunch, Frosted Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chocolate, and Frosted Coconut.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Tastes delicious
-GMO-free and gluten-free
-Ecologically-conscious company” cons=”-High in calories” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3hCHjz5″ color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Orgain Organic Protein Bar” /]
It’s a plant-based bar that is gluten-free, soy-free, GMO-free and does not have any artificial flavors or preservatives. It is also USDA Organic Certified.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EOrgain%20Organic%E2%80%99s%20protein%20bar%20is%20better%20more%20as%20a%20snack%20than%20a%20meal%20replacement.%20This%20bar%20has%20a%20lower%20protein%20content%20with%2010%20grams%20of%20protein%20per%20bar%2C%20but%20it%20also%20has%20very%20few%20calories%20at%20140%20per%20bar.%20Thus%2C%20it%20is%20one%20of%20the%20best%20protein%20bars%20for%20women%20for%20weight%20loss%20purposes.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
This bar also packs in 6 grams of fiber to satiate hunger between meals. Although it might be very filling as a meal replacement, the Orgain Organic bar has just enough to get you between meals. This bar comes in several different flavors: peanut butter, peanut butter chocolate chunks, chocolate chip cookie dough, and s’mores.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-No artificial flavors or preservatives
-High in protein and fiber
-Low in calories” cons=”-Not as filling as other bars
-Only comes in 4 flavors” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/34GKRMV” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Garden of Life” /]
In terms of nutritional value, Garden of Life is packed with protein with 20 grams per bar. It also has a high quantity of fiber with 10 grams per bar. However, it is also high in calories at 290 per bar and carbs at 33 grams per bar.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EReviewers%20also%20rave%20about%20the%20flavor%20and%20consistency%20of%20this%20bar.%20The%20texture%20is%20similar%20to%20that%20of%20a%20dense%20brownie%2C%20and%20the%20flavor%20isn%E2%80%99t%20overwhelming%20with%20artificial%20sweetness.%20Instead%2C%20it%20has%20a%20subtle%20natural%20sweetness%20with%20no%20bad%20aftertaste.%20Furthermore%2C%20it%20doesn%E2%80%99t%20have%20the%20sticky%20taffy%20feeling%20that%20most%20bars%20leave%20you%20with.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
For women who exercise heavily or are using this bar as a meal replacement, this is one of the best protein bars for women out there. Flavors for Garden of Life include: chocolate mint, sea salt caramel, peanut butter chocolate, and chocolate fudge.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Has the consistency of a brownie
-Packed with protein and fiber
-Very filling bar” cons=”-High in calories and carbs” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2YICEEk” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Her Whey” /]
This is also a protein bar that is meant for women who are serious about weightlifting and fitness. Many bikini pros and fitness models sponsor and consume this bar, but it might not be for the casual consumer who is looking for a bar as a light snack during work or school.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EAlso%2C%20the%20flavor%20is%20quite%20polarizing.%20Some%20reviewers%20absolutely%20hated%20the%20whey%20flavor%20and%20threw%20it%20in%20the%20trash%20after%20a%20couple%20bites.%20Just%20make%20sure%20you%20grab%20a%20sample%20first%20to%20make%20sure%20that%20you%20like%20it%20before%20diving%20into%20the%20deep%20end%20after%20seeing%20the%20nutritional%20facts.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
But if you don’t mind the flavor, this bar is one of the best nutritionally, especially if you’re looking to gain weight or are a serious female athlete.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Specifically made for women
-Lots of protein and fiber
-Good for serious athletes” cons=”-Taste might not be for everyone” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3b70dMc” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
[numbered-heading label=”Simply Protein” /]
Nutritionally, this bar is solid with 15 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber and only 1 gram of sugar and 150 calories. With the high protein and fiber content and low calories, this bar is fantastic for weight loss.
[highlight color=”pink” content=”%3Cp%3EIn%20addition%20to%20that%2C%20these%20bars%20are%20vegan-friendly%2C%20gluten-free%2C%20and%20GMO-free.%20Ingredients-wise%2C%20these%20bars%20only%20have%20a%20few%3A%20chicory%20root%20fiber%2C%20cashew%20butter%2C%20vegetable%20glycerin%2C%20tapioca%20starch%2C%20cinnamon%2C%20pecans%2C%20and%20salt.%3C%2Fp%3E” /]
With these ingredients, the bars taste like soy protein crisps and have a sesame bar-like texture. They are crunchy and crispy, unlike most protein bars, which are overly chewy.
As far as flavors go, there is a wide variety: chocolate coconut, cinnamon pecan, chocolate caramel, cocoa coffee, double chocolate, cocoa raspberry, lemon coconut, maple pecan, and peanut butter.
[pros-and-cons pros=”-Low in calories and sugar
-Lots of protein and fiber
-Good for weight loss” cons=”-Not everyone will like the flavor and consistency” /]
[call2action label=”See Product Details on Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/2YJBpVp” color=”yellow” rel=”no-follow” target=”blank” /]
Conclusion
Overall, you can see that the protein bar market has come a long way since producing the original chewy and horrendously flavored PowerBar. Now there are a wide variety of offerings with different flavors, textures, nutritional content, and production styles that will accommodate anyone looking for a bar to satisfy their daily hunger.
Especially as more women are living busier professional lives and are getting more into fitness and health than ever before, the prevalence of protein bars that are more female-friendly is rising. Brands like Luna and Her Whey are leading the charge by producing and selling bars specifically designed to suit a woman’s needs.
However, just because a certain bar is advertised a certain way or has a high rating doesn’t mean that it suits your needs. Remember to keep in mind the ingredients, nutritional content, and price point when selecting the protein bar that is right for you.