Dietician Recommended: I Tried The Best Protein Bars of 2025

glamour.com:

, which can take some time to whip up in a drink or smoothie.“Protein bars can help supplement protein intake, which is essential for muscle repair and growth, satiety, and overall health,” says , a registered dietitian nutritionist with Top Nutrition Coaching.

They can be an especially helpful choice for people who struggle to get enough protein through whole foods alone, including vegetarians, vegans, and folks with food allergies or busy lifestyles, she adds.The catch: There are more than available today, according to the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Data Central Search tool.

And not all of them are a smart choice—for your health, taste buds, or wallet.To help you ID the ones worth buying, we sought advice from 10 registered dietitians (RDs) or registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs).

Here are their top picks for best protein bars (many of which you can buy right now on Amazon), plus answers to commonly asked questions, such as whether it’s okay to eat protein bars every day, what factors to consider when browsing your options, how to choose a healthy bar, and more.Are protein bars good for you?Happy news for anyone who snarfs these products on the reg: They “definitely can be good for you, especially if they help you meet your overall health goals,” such as daily protein and calorie targets, says , a board-certified sports dietitian. “Certain bars may also contain whole grains such as oats, or nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, which are also nutritious and healthy for you,” she adds.But that doesn’t mean you should be reaching for one every time your stomach grumbles. “They’re generally not intended to be meal replacements,” says , a New York City sports dietitian.