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20 Best Low-Carb Protein Bars for Keto-Friendly Snacking, According to Dietitians

Whether you need a quick snack or pre-workout energy, try these bars for a nutritious boost.

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best low carb protein bars, featuring iq bar, quest bar, and no cow bar
No Cow, IQBar, Quest

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Protein bars are great for boosting energy on the go—but finding a healthy option can sometimes be tricky. “While some are made with wholesome, nutrient-dense ingredients, there are many that are laden with additives, sugar, and excess carbohydrates,” says Tamar Samuels M.S., R.D., C.D.N., a registered dietitian and co-founder of Culina Health. Luckily, the best low-carb protein bars can up your protein intake without racking up all those carbs and sugars—making them the perfect option for a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

But what makes a protein bar low-carb, exactly? “Low-carb protein bars are usually marketed as low-carb because the manufacturers don’t add as many sugars into them to drive down the net carbs,” says Amy Lee, M.D., nutritionist and Chief Medical Officer at Lindora Clinic. When looking for protein bars with low carbohydrate content, you’ll want to consider the net carbs. One way to calculate the net carbs is by subtracting the amount of dietary fiber and the amount of sugar alcohol—both of which are carbs that are not absorbed into the body—from the total carbohydrates. “As a general rule, anything with less than 10g net carbs is pretty good,” says Dr. Lee.

With less carbohydrates and sugars, a low-carb protein bar can provide that energy you need without the dreaded sugar crash—making it a nutritious high-protein snack to curb cravings, refuel after a workout, and keep you full between meals.

Meet the Experts: Amy Lee, M.D., nutritionist and Chief Medical Officer at Lindora Clinic; Brianna Frutchey, M.S., R.D., C.P.T., a registered dietitian and ACSM certified personal trainer at Jim White Fitness and Nutrition; Keri Gans, R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet and podcast host of The Keri Report; Tamar Samuels M.S, R.D., C.D.N., a registered dietitian and co-founder of Culina Health; Amanda Holtzer, M.S., R.D., a registered dietitian at Culina Health.

Our top picks:

  • 1
    Protein Bars

    Best Range of Flavors

    Quest Protein Bars

    $25 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Protein Bar

    Best-Tasting

    Barebells Protein Bar

    Read more
  • 3
    Keto Bar

    Best Plant-Based

    Dang Keto Bar

    Read more
  • 4
    Protein Bars

    Best Meat-Based

    Epic Provisions Protein Bars

    Read more
  • 5
    Dipped High Protein Bars

    Best Dairy-Free

    No Cow Dipped High Protein Bars

    Read more

Ready to stock up on keto-friendly, low-carb protein bars that are healthy and taste great? Check out all of our best nutritionist-approved picks below.

1
Best Range of Flavors

Quest Protein Bars

On Sale
Protein Bars
1
Best Range of Flavors

Quest Protein Bars

Now 18% Off
$25 at Amazon$25 at Walmart
Credit: Quest
Pros
  • High in protein and fiber
  • Wide variety of flavors
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Contains artficial sweeteners

“Quest bars average around 190 calories with 4g of net carbohydrates, making them a great option for anyone following a low-carb diet,” says Frutchey. Each bar is also very filling, containing 20g of protein from whey. Not to mention, reviewers love the taste—and the wide variety of unique flavors that are great for satisfying cravings, including everything blueberry muffin and chocolate sprinkle donut.

“I pretty much eat one of these every single morning that I work. They always taste fresh with no weird protein aftertaste,” writes a reviewer on Amazon. “I also feel full and satiated for almost an entire day during my 10-12hr shifts.”

Nutrition Facts180 calories, 7g fat, 220mg sodium, 23g total carbs, 13g fiber, 2g sugar (6g sugar alcohol), 20g protein
Flavors13 options
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2
Best-Tasting

Barebells Protein Bar

Protein Bar
2
Best-Tasting

Barebells Protein Bar

Credit: BareBells
Pros
  • High in protein
  • Great taste
  • Plant-based options
Cons
  • Not allergen-free

“I swear by Barebells protein bars,” says Frutchey. “In my opinion, they are the best-tasting protein bar on the market with 20g of protein per bar at 200 calories.” Bars average at around 10g of net carbs per bar, she adds, and there are plenty of tasty flavors to choose from—including plant-based options for those who are vegan or have dairy allergies.

“They taste like a candy bar but don’t have the sugar. Getting a whopping 20g protein for a small bar is awesome,” raves one Amazon reviewer. “I use them on my way to the gym. Fast and easy with good ingredients! My new favorite!!”

Nutrition Facts200 calories, 8g fat, 80mg sodium, 18g total carbs, 3g fiber, 1g sugar (5g sugar alcohol) 20g protein
Flavors8 options
3
Best Plant-Based

Dang Keto Bar

Keto Bar
3
Best Plant-Based

Dang Keto Bar

Credit: Dang
Pros
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Mild, natural sweetness
  • Non-GMO, Gluten-free
Cons
  • Some reviewers dislike crumbly texture

This Dang bar is “an ideal low-carb protein bar for those individuals following a plant-based diet, with the first ingredient coming from peanuts,” says Gans. With only 2-5g of net carbs, it also contains 6 grams of heart-healthy fiber.

“These bars give me energy AND I don’t feel hungry for hours after eating one,” says one reviewer. “One of the reasons why I love these bars is that they are NOT gooey sweet. Instead of relying on a sugary, sweet taste, these have a crunchy, natural sweetness with various natural herbs and spices to them...I’m hooked!”

Nutrition Facts210 calories, 15g fat, 140mg sodium, 11g total carbs, 6g fiber, 3g sugar, 9g protein
Flavors6 options
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4
Best Meat-Based

Epic Provisions Protein Bars

Protein Bars
4
Best Meat-Based

Epic Provisions Protein Bars

Credit: Epic Provisions
Pros
  • Minimal ingredients
  • Meaty, savory flavors
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • High in sodium

There are a lot of sweet options for protein bars out there—but if you’re craving a meat-based one with a savory taste, Gans recommends Epic bars. Packed with protein from responsibly-sourced animal meat, they contain minimal ingredients and are low in net carbs. In addition to chicken sriracha, they also come in other great-tasting flavors including beef jalapeno, bison bacon cranberry, and more.

Writes one happy customer on Amazon:“Very tasty, highly satisfying, and can go anywhere...Best snack/meal replacement I’ve ever had.”

Nutrition Facts100 calories, 5g fat, 760mg sodium, 3g total carbs, 2g fiber, 0g sugar, 11g protein
Flavors4 options
5
Best Dairy-Free

No Cow Dipped High Protein Bars

Dipped High Protein Bars
5
Best Dairy-Free

No Cow Dipped High Protein Bars

Credit: No Cow
Pros
  • Vegan-friendly
  • High in protein and fiber
  • Wide variety of flavors
  • Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Kosher, Non-GMO
Cons
  • Some reviewers dislike dry texture

Finding a high-protein bar that isn’t whey- or milk-based might seem hard, but No Cow offers just that. These plant-based, dairy-free bars recommended by Lee are not only packed with 20g of protein from a blend of brown rice and pea protein, they also contain high levels of fiber. Plus, they come in a variety of flavors, like this chocolate peanut butter flavor that reviewers swear tastes “just like Reese’s peanut butter cups.”

Nutrition Facts200 calories, 7g fat, 190mg sodium, 26g carbs, 15g fiber, 1g sugar (7g sugar alcohol), 20g protein
Flavors10 options
6
Best Reviews

ONE Protein Bars

On Sale
Protein Bars
6
Best Reviews

ONE Protein Bars

Now 17% Off
Pros
  • High in protein
  • Plant-based option
  • Great taste
Cons
  • High in calories

With over 8,000 five-star ratings, ONE protein bars are a clear favorite—especially for their great-tasting flavor profile. “I have to say that I was immediately hooked. This is the only protein bar I have ever tried that actually tasted good,” raves one satisfied customer on Amazon. “Makes me forget sometimes that I am eating a protein bar!”

These bars are a bit higher in calories than other options, at around 220-240 calories per bar—but are still “a great option for getting in 20g of protein per serving with minimal carbohydrate content,” says Frutchney.

Nutrition Facts230 calories, 8g fat, 110mg sodium, 23g carbs, 6g fiber, 1g sugar (5g sugar alcohol), 20g protein
Flavor6 options
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7
Most Indulgent-tasting

think! Keto Protein Bars

Keto Protein Bars
7
Most Indulgent-tasting

think! Keto Protein Bars

Credit: Think!
Pros
  • Great taste
  • Gluten-free, GMO-free
  • Comes in indulgent flavors
Cons
  • Not vegan-friendly

Another pick recommended by Lee, these keto-friendly and gluten-free protein bars contain 10g of protein and only 4g of net carbs. Reviewers love that it comes in indulgent-tasting flavors, raving that it “feels like a decadent dessert.” Writes one Amazon reviewer: “These are the quasi-adult, non-toothache-inducing answer to a Reese’s peanut butter cups in the best way...Basically, the candy substitute I’ve been looking for.”

Nutrition Facts180 calories, 14g fat, 95mg sodium, 14g carbs, 3g fiber, 2g sugar (7g sugar alcohol), 10g protein
Flavors4 options
8
Best Texture

IQ Bar Brain and Body Keto Protein Bars

On Sale
Brain and Body Keto Protein Bars
8
Best Texture

IQ Bar Brain and Body Keto Protein Bars

Now 33% Off
Credit: IQ Bar
Pros
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Mild, not overly sweet taste
  • High in fiber
Cons
  • Some reviewers say texture is too dry

“These have a super low sugar content, and pack 8g of filling fiber!” says Amanda Holtzer, M.S., R.D., a registered dietitian at Culina Health. There’s only 3g of net carbs, too—and 12g of plant-based protein, which comes from pea protein and tapioca starch. “They are not overly sweet with a nice soft texture, not chewy, chalky or crunchy,” writes one Amazon customer. “I feel good after eating these and they’re super healthy with pure ingredients!”

Nutrition Facts180 calories, 14g fat, 95mg sodium, 11g carbs, 8g fiber, 2g sugar, 12g protein
Flavors7 flavors
9
Best With Whey Protein

Atlas Protein Bar Keto Protein Bar

Keto Protein Bar
9
Best With Whey Protein

Atlas Protein Bar Keto Protein Bar

Credit: Atlas
Pros
  • High in fiber
  • Contains ashwagandha
  • Gluten-free, Non-GMO
  • Wide variety of flavors
Cons
  • Some users dislike gummy texture

These bars from Atlas contain only 3g of net carbs and 15g of protein from grass-fed whey, making it a great low-carb, high-protein snack. Not only that, they’re also high in fiber and contain ashwagandha—a herb that shows promise in helping with stress and anxiety, improving muscle strength, and a host of other benefits.

“I really enjoy the flavor of these bars and I find that they are much more filling than any others I’ve tried. I am amazed that they easily replace a whole meal for me,” says one reviewer.

Nutrition Facts210 calories, 11g fat, 135mg sodium, 22g total carbs, 12g fiber, 1g sugar, 15g protein
Flavors10 options
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10
Most Flavorful

Keto Bars Keto Bars

Keto Bars
10
Most Flavorful

Keto Bars Keto Bars

Credit: Keto Bars
Pros
  • Packed with flavor
  • Minimal ingredients
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Gluten-free, Soy-free
Cons
  • Not allergen-free

Satisfy your cravings with these highly-rated keto bars, which come in four different flavors that reviewers love. “These are so packed with flavor, I can’t believe how yummy these are,” writes one customer on Amazon. “Every flavor is to die for.” Each bar provides 8g of protein with only 3g of net carbs, making them a great, satisfying snack.

Nutrition Facts240 calories, 20g fat, 180mg sodium, 5g fiber, 2g sugar (5g sugar alcohol), 8g protein
Flavors4 options
11
Most Filling

Pure Protein Pure Protein Bars

On Sale
Pure Protein Bars
11
Most Filling

Pure Protein Pure Protein Bars

Now 26% Off
Credit: Pure Protein
Pros
  • Over 20g of protein
  • Great for pre- or post-workouts
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Not allergen-free

If you’re looking for a good protein bar that will keep you satisfied, you can’t go wrong with Pure Protein—it has a whopping 12,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. At 21g of protein and 180 calories, reviewers were impressed at how filling it was—making them great for pre- or post-workouts. “My favorite on-the-go meal when I literally have no time. I keep them in the car and my gym bag... They fill you up!” writes one customer.

Nutrition Facts180 calories, 4.5g fat, 85mg sodium, 17g total carbs, 2g fiber, 3g sugar, (4g sugar alcohol), 21g protein
Flavors9 options
12

Misfits Vegan Protein Bar

Vegan Protein Bar
12

Misfits Vegan Protein Bar

Credit: MisFits
Pros
  • High in fiber
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Non GMO
  • Wide variety of flavors
Cons
  • Some reviewers say it doesn’t have a lot of flavor

Triple-layered and chocolate-coated, Misfits protein bars are available in indulgent flavors such as PB&J, S’mores, and Cookies and Cream. Each bar has 15g protein, less than 1g sugar, and less than 200 calories, making them a healthy on-the-go snack option. Raves one reviewer: “These were a game changer for me. If you have a sweet tooth but are trying to stick to your macros, these are a great choice. And they’re vegan?!? It’s a no brainer. Seriously. Buy these.”

Nutrition Facts180 calories, 9g fat, 90mg sodium, 16g total carbs, 10g fiber, <1g sugar (2g sugar alcohol), 15g protein
Flavors10 options
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13

UNiTE Food Protein Bar

Protein Bar
13

UNiTE Food Protein Bar

Credit: Unite Food
Pros
  • Unique flavors
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • Gluten-free, Soy-free
Cons
  • High in sugar

With unique flavors such as churro, Mexican hot chocolate, and PB&Jelly, these bars from Unite serve 10g of protein from whey, almonds, and hemp seeds for a filling, great-tasting snack. Although this one has a higher sugar content than the other ones on our list, it still packs in 6g of heart-healthy fiber for a net carb total of 11g.

“These are individually wrapped and great to take on hikes or for workouts,” says one reviewer. “The texture is soft and chewy but not too chewy.”

Nutrition Facts190 calories, 8g fat, 70mg sodium, 16g total carbs, 5g fiber, 10g sugar, 10g protein
Flavors3 options
14

CanDo Keto Krisp Bar

Keto Krisp Bar
14

CanDo Keto Krisp Bar

Credit: CanDo
Pros
  • Great texture
  • Gluten-free
  • High in fiber
Cons
  • Not allergen-free
  • High in fat

Not only do CanDo Keto Krisp bars boast 10g of protein with only 5g of net carbs, they also stand out for its excellent, chewy-and-crispy texture. “The texture is unlike any other protein bar,” raves one reviewer. “They have a crispness and chewiness to them but without being like an overly sweet rice crispy treat...I’d say they’re like a keto oat bar crossed with a rice crispy.”

Nutrition Info220 calories, 17g fat, 100mg sodium, 19g total carbs, 10g fiber, 2g sugar,(4g sugar alcohol), 10g protein
Flavors4 options
15

:ratio KETO Friendly Crunchy Bars

KETO Friendly Crunchy Bars
15

:ratio KETO Friendly Crunchy Bars

Credit: :ratio
Pros
  • Not overly sweet
  • Satisfying crunch
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • Some reviewers dislike crumbly texture
  • Not allergen-free

For those who prefer their protein bars not too sweet, these highly-rated keto-friendly bars from Ratio are a great option. With 12g of protein from ingredients like almonds and pumpkin seeds, reviewers love that it doesn’t taste overly sweet, and has a satisfying crunch. “I must say that they have become my favorite low-carb bar—not too sweet, crunchy without being bland, and satisfying all-around. With only 2g net carbs, what’s not to love about these bars?” writes one reviewer.

Nutrition Facts240 calories, 17g fat, 170mg sodium, 9g total carbs, 3g fiber, 1g sugar (4g sugar alcohol), 12g protein
Flavors3 options
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16

JUST THE CHEESE Cheese Bars

Cheese Bars
16

JUST THE CHEESE Cheese Bars

Credit: Just the Cheese
Pros
  • Just one ingredient
  • Vegetarian-friendly
  • Gluten-free
Cons
  • No fiber content

That’s right: Your protein bar could come in the form of cheese. These unique bars are made with only one ingredient (cheese!) and offer high levels of protein and calcium. The best part? They come in at less than 1g of total carbohydrates, making them a perfect low-carb snack for a keto diet.

“When I need a kick of protein I grab a package of Just the Cheese! Very handy when I am traveling,” writes a happy customer. “They appease my need for a quick snack and are a healthy addition to my diet when eaten in moderation.”

Nutrition Facts150 calories, 12g fat, 140mg sodium, <1g total carbs, 0g fiber, 0g sugar, 8g protein
Flavors4 options
17

Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Bar-GMO, 1.41 Ounce, 12 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Organic Plant Based Protein Bar-GMO, 1.41 Ounce, 12 Count (Packaging May Vary)
17

Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Bar-GMO, 1.41 Ounce, 12 Count (Packaging May Vary)

Credit: Orgain
Pros
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Soy-free, Lactose-free, Kosher, Non-GMO
  • Great texture
Cons
  • Slightly higher amount of net carbs

With over 3,000 five-star ratings, these vegan, USDA organic, gluten-free bars serve 10 grams of plant-based protein from ingredients such as brown rice, pea, and Chia seeds. Although it’s slightly higher in net carbs than other options on our list at 13g, it’s still a solid plant-based option for a nutritious, satisfying plant-based protein bar.

Nutrition Facts160 calories, 7g fat, 125mg sodium, 18g total carbs, 2g fiber, 6g sugar (3g sugar alcohol), 10g protein
Flavors3 options

How to choose the best low carb protein bars

line break

Check the net carbs. You can calculate the net carb amount of a protein bar by subtracting the dietary fiber and sugar alcohol from the total carbs. Generally, anything with less than 10g net carbs is a great option.

Consider the amount of protein and calories. “In general, a good option for a protein bar will have around 20g of protein and about 200 or fewer calories,” says Frutchey.

Look for sugar alternatives. Gans recommends avoiding added sugars such as cane sugar, honey, evaporated cane juice, syrup, or molasses. “Some ingredients that you can look for in a low-carb bar are things such as polydextrose, Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), sugar alcohol, and monk fruit, which are all sugar alternatives that can provide the sweetness without all the sugars,” adds Dr. Lee.

Watch out for high fat content. “Many low carbohydrate bars will have a high-fat content,” warns Frutchey. Ideally, make sure that saturated fats are less than 5g total, says Gans Most of the fat content should come from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats instead, which are found in foods like nuts and seeds.

Aim for high fiber. Holtzer recommends 6-8 grams of fiber for each bar. “Fiber is a super slow-digesting nutrient—aka it contributes to satiation and helps you feel fuller longer,” she explains. “Choosing a protein bar with a solid fiber content will give that bar more staying power.”

Consider the taste. Of course, beyond just the nutritional contents, you’ll want to make sure that the protein bar’s taste is to your personal liking—including everything from the texture to the range of flavors offered.

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How many carbohydrates should you have on a low-carb or keto diet?

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The amount of carbs you should aim for per day is dependent upon your overall goals and your unique nutrition plan, notes Holtzer. Frutchey agrees: “Daily carbohydrate content will not be a one size fits all recommendation,” she says.

That being said, a low-carb diet is generally defined as 25% or less of total daily calorie content, says Frutchey, while a ketogenic diet is comprised of approximately 70-80% of daily caloric intake from fat intake, 10-20% protein, and 5-10% carbohydrates. For a 2000-calorie diet, this would equate to about 125g carbohydrates or less a day for a low-carb diet, and 25-50g carbohydrates per day for a keto diet.

How we chose the best low carb protein bars

line break

We consulted Amy Lee, M.D., nutritionist and Chief Medical Officer at Lindora Clinic; Brianna Frutchey, M.S., R.D., C.P.T., a registered dietitian and ACSM certified personal trainer at Jim White Fitness and Nutrition; Keri Gans, R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet and podcast host of The Keri Report; Tamar Samuels M.S., R.D., C.D.N., a registered dietitian and co-founder of Culina Health; and Amanda Holtzer, M.S., R.D., a registered dietitian at Culina Health. We also combed through countless ratings, reviews, and product specs to narrow down the best low-carb protein bars for various needs and preferences.

Headshot of Hannah Jeon
Hannah Jeon
Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention

Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.

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