Protein bars often get a bad rap because of their chalky texture and bland taste, but there are some brands that taste like the ultimate upgrade to a candy bar—delicious, satiating, and packed with protein. As a self-proclaimed protein bar connoisseur, I'm here to share my expert opinion. Whether you’re looking for a tasty and filling snack or a way to increase your protein intake, these are the protein bars you need to know about.

#10 Think! DELIGHT Bars

Think! bars have never been my favorite, but their DELIGHT line is a total game-changer. With divine flavors including Peanut Butter Mousse Pie, Chocolate Mousse, and Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookie Dough, combined with a meringue-like crunch, these bars feel more like dessert than a protein bar.

They’re easy to find at most grocery and convenience stores, but the only downside is that they’re lighter on protein (10 grams per bar) and higher in fat (14 grams per bar) than most protein bars. However, their decadent, melt-in-your-mouth quality makes them a true treat.

Photo by Leah Gold

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#9: NuGo Dark Bars

Chocolate-covered pretzel fans, meet your new favorite bar! NuGo’s Chocolate Pretzel is the perfect combination of salty and sweet. This tasty bar, along with others, is part of NuGo’s Dark collection, featuring crunchy protein crisps coated in rich dark chocolate.

I’ve only ever found these flavors in grocery stores, so if you want to grab other options or their original bars, you'll need to head online. I’ve tried their Slim collection too—those flavors and firmer texture didn’t quite hit the mark for me, but the Dark bars are total winners!

BONUS: these bars are made with plant protein and are gluten-free. They’re naturally sweetened with cane sugar and tapioca syrup, so if you’re avoiding sugar alcohols, these are a great pick!

Photo by Leah Gold

#8: RXBARs

RXBARs are all about keeping it real. Their proteins come from simple ingredients that are naturally high in protein, like egg whites and nuts, and they are sweetened with dates.

They’re very honest with their customers, listing their ingredients on the fronts of their wrappers. This transparency is refreshing, especially since most protein bars contain an abundance of artificial ingredients. They even have videos explaining what's in their products.

I’m a big fan of the chewy texture the dates provide, though they can get stuck in your teeth. The bars are minimally processed and free of fillers, so they can sometimes get a bit hard if stored in a cooler environment. When that happens, I simply pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds—it softens up perfectly! My go-to flavors are Chocolate Sea Salt and Blueberry, but honestly, their ingredients are so straightforward that whatever flavor appeals to you, is sure to taste amazing. These bars are widely available, and their “no-B.S.” motto makes them a solid choice for anyone who loves clean, simple snacks.

Photo by Leah Gold

#7: TRUBARS

TRUBARS are mouth-watering desserts in disguise. They have a dreamy cookie dough-like texture with some bars covered in sweet glaze and others coated in dark chocolate. These 100% plant-based bars are super clean, made from all-natural ingredients like cassava flour and brown rice protein. They’re free from oils, high in fiber (11 grams per bar!), and sweetened with organic cane sugar. While they’re a bit harder to find (check CVS, Whole Foods, or GNC), you can always order them online to try all the flavors.

Photo by Leah Gold

#6: Power Crunch Bars

If Kit-Kats were protein bars, they’d be Power Crunch. These wafer bars are super crispy and flavorful, with the Strawberry Crème flavor being a personal favorite in my house. You can find them at most grocery stores in a variety of flavors. Though they are a little higher in fat than other protein bars (14 grams per bar), they’re worth it for the delightful crunch and smooth flavor.

Photo by Leah Gold

#5: N!CK'S Bars

N!CK's, a Swedish brand best known for their "better-for-you" ice cream, has recently had their protein bars gain increasing popularity. The classic Karamell Choklad is my favorite, but Choklad Peanöt, Almond Choklad, and Krispi Cookie deliver big on flavor and texture.

They’re sweetened without added sugar and pack 14 grams of protein per bar. You can find some flavors at CVS or order online for more variety.

Photo by Leah Gold

#4: FULFIL Bars

FULFIL Bars are a convenient yet flavorsome snack. The smaller bars pack 15 grams of protein, while the full-size bars (available online) go up to 20 grams. They’re soft and flat, with a nice crunch in every bite– think of a chocolate covered caramel cookie! They’re a great choice if want a quick, sweet bite.

Photo by Leah Gold

#3: David Protein Bars

Let me start by saying: 28 grams of protein per bar! David Protein Bars are insanely low in fat, with just 2 grams per bar, and 75% of their calories come from protein—about 50% more than any other bar on the market. The only reason they’re not ranked higher is that they don’t taste quite as good as my #1 and #2 picks, but the macronutrients are absolutely incredible.

Despite being the most protein-dense bar in existence, they’re not dense or dry. Instead, they’re soft, with little bits of cookie crisps that add a pleasing crunch. These bars are hard to find in stores (I could only find these two flavors at The Vitamin Shoppe), so you’ll likely need to order them online.

Photo by Leah Gold

#2: Barebells

You can't go wrong with any flavor or texture of Barebells. Creamy Crisp is like a Twix, and Cookies & Caramel might be my new favorite. These bars are satiating, and I love heating them in the microwave for 15 seconds—it turns them into a dessert! This brand offers a wide variety of flavors, vegan options, and even different textures to suit any preference—and they never disappoint.

Their Soft bars are chewy, gooey, and perfectly complemented by a delightful snap from the chocolate coating. What really stands out to me are their unique flavors, like Banana Caramel, which is perfect if you enjoy the nostalgic sweetness of banana candy, and Minty Chocolate, with its cool, minty cream reminiscent of an Andes mint. The original bars are widely available in a variety of flavors at grocery stores, but I’ve only been able to find the Soft bars at GNC, as they are typically sold online. With no added sugar and 16-20 grams of protein per bar, these are a great choice for a protein-packed, indulgent snack.

Photo by Leah Gold

#1: Built Bars

Built Bars are hands-down the best protein bars I’ve ever had (better than most candy bars, if you ask me). They’re known for their Puffs, which taste like chocolate-covered marshmallows with their light, airy, almost mochi-like texture. They have a generous 17 grams of protein per bar, are a lot lower in fat than most protein bars (3 grams per bar), and even contain collagen to support your skin, muscles, and bones. The Coconut Puff is a standout—it’s rare to find a coconut flavored protein bar, and paired with the chocolate coating is an unbeatable combination. Another favorite is the Cookies ’N Cream Puff, which stays true to its name with a delicious blend of chocolate cookie and sweet cream flavors, wrapped in smooth, sweet white chocolate.

Their Original Built Bars are equally impressive, with a thick, fudgy texture and rich flavors like Salted Caramel, Coconut, and Double Chocolate Fudge. Built Bars aren’t the easiest to find in stores. CVS, GNC, and The Vitamin Shoppe often carry a few of the Puff flavors, but they tend to be low in stock or sold out. If you want to try the other mallowy Puff flavors (which I highly recommend you do) or the nougat-like Original Built Bars, you’ll have to order them online.

Photo by Leah Gold

Whether you’re looking for a hearty snack or a more nutritious treat, these protein bars prove that protein isn’t just steak, eggs, and tofu– it can be just as delicious in sweet dessert form. Which one are you going to try first?