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Protein bar, or candy bar?

Half the bars marketed as "protein" are packed with sugar. This ranks popular bars by their protein-to-sugar ratio from real label data, so the genuinely lean, high-protein bars rise and the sugar bombs sink. Higher ratio is better.

Protein and sugar per 100g from Open Food Facts, refreshed 2 August 2026 . Check the wrapper, recipes change.

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Protein bar Protein /100g Sugar /100g Protein : sugar Verdict
How to read this. The headline is the protein-to-sugar ratio: grams of protein per gram of sugar, higher is leaner. A ratio of 3 or more is a genuinely lean protein bar (Lean); around 1 to 3 is a reasonable snack (OK); under 1 means more sugar than protein, basically a candy bar with a protein claim (Candy). Also weigh total protein (aim 20g+ per bar), calories and taste. Filter to set a protein floor or a sugar ceiling. Data is crowdsourced label info per 100g, a strong guide, confirm on the wrapper.
Buy the lean ones. The top-rated high-protein, low-sugar bars are easy to order by the box, usually cheaper per bar than singles at the checkout. This page is information, not dietary advice.

Common questions

What is the best protein bar?

On the numbers that matter, one with lots of protein and little sugar, so a high protein-to-sugar ratio. The bars at the top here (20g+ protein, low sugar) are the shortlist; taste, fibre and price decide the winner from there.

Are protein bars just candy?

Many are close, 15-25g of sugar with a modest protein bump. A ratio under ~1 means more sugar than protein, a candy bar with a protein claim. A genuinely lean bar is 3x or more.

How much protein should a bar have?

At least 15-20g per bar with single-digit sugar. Per 100g, strong is ~30g+ protein and under 10g sugar. Watch calories too, some are 250+.

Where's the data from?

Open Food Facts, free open label data, protein and sugar per 100g as printed. Crowdsourced, so confirm on the wrapper; the list refreshes to stay current.

Every protein bar we tested

All 160 products in full, per 100g so they compare directly. The table above sorts and filters the same data.

100% Whey Protein (Optimum Nutrition)
77.4g protein, 3.2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 24.0
Organic Protein Plant-Based Protein Powd (Purely Inspired)
57.1g protein, 5.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.0
Fudge Brownie Flavored Bar (David)
45.2g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 90.4
Cake Batter Flavored Bar (David)
45.2g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 90.4
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Flavored Bar (David)
45.2g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 90.3
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Flavored B (David)
45.2g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 90.3
Coconut Puff (BUILT)
42.5g protein, 15g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
PIECE COCONUT (BUILT)
42.5g protein, 15g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
Brownie Batter (BUILT)
42.5g protein, 15g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
PUFF Coconut Flavor with Natural Flavors (BUILT)
42.5g protein, 15g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
Peanuts butter cup (Built Puff)
42.5g protein, 15g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
PURE PROTEIN CHOCOLATE DELUXE (PURE PROTEIN)
42g protein, 6g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 7.0
PURE PROTEIN Chewy Chocolate Chip (PURE PROTEIN)
42g protein, 6g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 7.0
PURE PROTEIN Chocolate Deluxe Gluten Fre (PURE PROTEIN)
42g protein, 6g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 7.0
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER protein bar (PURE PROTEIN)
40g protein, 4g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.0
Chew chocolate chip (Pure Protien)
40g protein, 4g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.0
Pure protien (Pure Protein)
40g protein, 12g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 3.3
Pure Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter (Pure Protein)
40g protein, 12g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 3.3
Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bar (FULFIL)
37.5g protein, 2.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 15.0
Protein One Protein Bars Chocolate Chip (Fiber One)
37.0g protein, 3.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.0
Protein Bar Cookies and Cream (Kirkland Signature)
36.7g protein, 3.3g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 11.0
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chunk (Kirkland Signature)
36.7g protein, 8.3g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 4.4
Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein Bar (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 1.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
CHOCOLATE DOUGH (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 1.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
Protein Bar Creamy Crisp (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 1.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
Protein Bar Cookies & Caramel (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 1.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
SALTY PEANUT PROTEIN BAR (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 1.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
Cookies and cream protein bars (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 1.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
Protein Bar Birthday Cake (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 1.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
Protein Bar Chocolate Dough (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 3.3g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 11.1
Protein Bar Peanut Butter (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 3.6g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.0
Protein Bar Salty Peanut (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 9.1g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 4.0
Caramel Cashew (Barebells)
36.4g protein, 10.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 3.3
FitCrunch Protein Bar (Robert Irvine's)
35.6g protein, 6.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 5.3
Chocolate Chip Granola Elevation Protein (Elevation)
35.4g protein, 2.1g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 17.0
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (Quest)
35g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 21.0
Cookies & Cream Protein Bar (Quest)
35g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 21.0
S'mores Protein Bar (Quest)
35g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 21.0
Protein Bar, Cookies & Cream (Quest Bar)
35g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 21.0
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Flavored Pro (Quest)
35g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 21.0
Protein Bar Chocolate Brownie (Kirkland Signature)
35g protein, 2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 17.5
CHOCOLATEY CHUNKS COOKIE DOUGH PROTEIN B (Kirkland Signature)
35g protein, 3.3g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.5
Chocolate Brownie (Kirkland)
35g protein, 3.3g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.5
Protein Bar - Chocolate Peanut Butter (Kirkland Signature)
35g protein, 3.3g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.5
Fit Crunch Chocolate Peanut Butter (Chef Robert Irvine)
34.8g protein, 3g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 11.6
High Protein Baked Bar Chocolate Peanut (Robert Irvine's Fi)
34.8g protein, 6.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 5.3
FitCrunch (Robert Irvine's)
34.8g protein, 6.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 5.3
FIT CRUNCH Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough H (Chef Robert Irvine)
34.8g protein, 6.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 5.3
Crispy Cookies and Cream (Quest)
34.6g protein, 1.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 18.0
Built Bar Cookie Dough Chunk (Built)
34.1g protein, 18.2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.9
Brownie Crunch Protein Bar (think!)
33.3g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 66.7
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Protein Bar (Quest)
33.3g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
Chocolate Peanut Butter (Quest)
33.3g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY PROTEIN BAR (QUEST)
33.3g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
Peanut Butter Cup (ONE)
33.3g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
Birthday Cake Protein Bar (QUEST)
33.3g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
chocolate chip cookie dough protein bar (no cow)
33.3g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
Quest Chocolate Brownie Protein Bar (Quest)
33.3g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 19.6
think! HIGH PROTEIN PROTEIN BAR (think!)
33.3g protein, 16.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.0
PROTEIN PASTRY (Legendary Foods)
32.8g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 65.6
Brown Pastry Toaster Pastry (Legendary Foods)
32.8g protein, 1.6g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
SimplyProtein Crispy Bars (SimplyProtein)
32.5g protein, 5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 6.5
CRISPY DARK CHOCOLATE ALMOND BAR (SIMPLY PROTEIN)
32.5g protein, 5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 6.5
Simply Protein Crispy Snack Bars (Simply Protein)
32.5g protein, 5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 6.5
Protein Energy Bar (power crunch)
32.5g protein, 12.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.6
Crispy Chocolate Peanut Butter (KIND PROTEIN MAX)
32.3g protein, 1.6g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 20.0
BIG 100 SUPER COOKIE CRUNCH MEAL REPLACE (MET-Rx)
32g protein, 25g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.3
MISFITS Cookie Butter Flavored Protein B (MISFITS)
30g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 60.0
Maple Glazed Doughnut Protein Bar (ONE)
30g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 18.0
Protein Treats Double Chocolate (Magic Spoon)
30g protein, 2.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 12.0
ALMOND HONEY (rise)
30g protein, 28.3g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.1
PROTEIN ENERGY BARS COOKIE DOUGH (ELEVATION)
30g protein, 32g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
High Protein Bar Chocolate Mint (Elevation)
29.4g protein, 23.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.3
Builders Protein Bar Vanilla Almond (CLIF)
29.4g protein, 23.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.3
High Protein Bar Chocolate Peanut Butter (Elevation)
29.4g protein, 23.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.3
Chocolatey Peanut Butter (Clif Builders)
29.4g protein, 25g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.2
Whey Protein (Quest)
29.4g protein, 25g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.2
BUILDERS PROTEIN Chocolate Mint (BUILDERS)
29.4g protein, 26.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.1
BUILDERS PROTEIN Bar (CLIF)
29.4g protein, 26.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.1
Clean Protein Bar (Ready)
28.8g protein, 19.2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.5
READY CLEAN PROTEIN BAR (READY)
28.8g protein, 19.2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.5
Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond Flavored P (Ready Clean)
28.3g protein, 20.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.4
protein treats minis (Marshmallow) (Magic Spoon)
27.8g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 55.6
Hazelnut & Nougat Vegan Protein Bar (Barebells)
27.3g protein, 1.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 15.0
Ready Clean Dark Chocolate Sea-Salt (Ready)
26.8g protein, 17.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.5
Protein Bar, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt (Ready Clean)
26.8g protein, 17.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.5
Iq Bar Chocolate Sea Salt (IQ BAR)
26.7g protein, 1.1g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 24.0
Peanut Butter Chip (IQ BAR)
26.7g protein, 2.2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 12.0
Wild Blueberry (IQ Bar)
26.7g protein, 4.4g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 6.0
Almond Butter Chip (IQ BAR)
26.5g protein, 2.2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 12.0
Protein Cookie Chocolate Chip (Quest)
25.4g protein, 1.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 15.0
Mexican Chipotle Hot Chocolate Plant Pro (Mezcla)
25g protein, 7.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 3.3
PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE CHIP (ALOHA)
25g protein, 8.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
Chocolate Fudge Brownie (ALOHA)
25g protein, 8.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
Chocolate Caramel Pecan Organic Protein (ALOHA)
25g protein, 8.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
Chocolate Mint Plant-based Protein Bar (ALOHA)
25g protein, 8.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
Protein Bar, Peanut Butter Cup (Aloha)
25g protein, 8.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.8
Matcha Vanilla (Mezcla)
25g protein, 12.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.0
Chewy Protein Bar Peanut Butter Chocolat (Kirkland Signature)
25g protein, 15g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.7
Chewy Protein Bars (Kirkland)
25g protein, 15g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.7
Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate Protein C (Great Value)
25g protein, 15g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.7
Protein Chewy Bar Peanut Butter Dark Cho (Nature Valley)
25g protein, 17.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.4
Protein Chewy Bars (Nature Valley)
25g protein, 17.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.4
Protein Energy Bars Peanut Butter Dark C (Nature Valley)
25g protein, 17.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.4
Chewy Chocolate & Peanut Butter Protein (Trader Joe's)
25g protein, 20g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.2
Greek Yogurt Protein Chewy Bars (Millville)
25g protein, 22.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.1
Plant Based Protein Bar (Trubar)
24g protein, 14g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.7
PB & Jelly Protein Bar (TRUBAR)
24g protein, 14g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.7
Crunchy Peanut Butter (KIND)
24g protein, 14g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.7
Dark Chocolate Nut (KIND)
24g protein, 16g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.5
PEANUT BUTTER PERFECT BAR (PERFECT BAR)
23.9g protein, 26.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Chocolate Sea Salt (RXBAR)
23.1g protein, 26.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Peanut Butter Chocolate (RXBAR)
23.1g protein, 26.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Coconut Chocolate (RXBAR)
23.1g protein, 26.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Protein Bar, Peanut Butter Chocolate (RxBar)
23.1g protein, 26.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
RXBAR MINIS Chocolate Sea Salt (RXBAR)
23.1g protein, 26.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Maxx Bar Chocolate Sea Salt (Maxx)
23.1g protein, 26.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Chocolate Sea Salt Protein Bar (RXBAR)
23.1g protein, 26.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Strawberry (RXBAR)
23.1g protein, 26.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Pumpkin Pie (Perfect Bar)
22.6g protein, 25.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Crunchy Granola Bars Cookie Butter (Kodiak)
22.2g protein, 22.2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.0
Kodiak Cakes Crunchy Granola Bars (Kodiak Cakes)
22.2g protein, 24.4g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Crunchy Granola Bars Chocolate Chip (Kodiak)
22.2g protein, 24.4g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Crunchy Granola Bars Peanut Butter (Kodiak)
22.2g protein, 24.4g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Protein Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (Kirkland)
21g protein, 2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.5
High Protein Protein Bar (think!)
20g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 40.0
Chewy Granola Bar Chocolate Chip (Kodiak Cakes)
20g protein, 22.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Chocolate Chip Granola Bar (Kodiak)
20g protein, 22.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
GO Chocolate Crunch Cereal (Kashi)
19.2g protein, 19.2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.0
chocolate crunch (Kashi GO)
18.5g protein, 18.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.0
peanut butter crunch (Kashi GO)
18g protein, 18g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.0
Simply Nutty Bars (Trader Joe's)
17.5g protein, 12.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.4
MACROBAR everlasting joy coconut + almon (gomacro)
16.9g protein, 10.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.6
Everlasting Joy Macrobar Coconut + Almon (GoMacro)
16.9g protein, 10.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.6
Apple Cinnamon Nut Granola (Kind)
16.7g protein, 10g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.7
LUNA LemonZest Nutrition Snack Bar (LUNA)
16.7g protein, 18.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
Kind Breakfast Protein Caramel Peanut (Kind)
16g protein, 16g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.0
breakfast protein Almond Butter (KIND)
16g protein, 18g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 0.9
protein snack bar (ATKINS)
15.9g protein, 4.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 3.5
protein pleasure peanut butter chocolate (go macro MACROBAR)
15.9g protein, 11.6g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.4
MACROBAR peanut butter chocolate chip (GoMacro)
15.9g protein, 11.6g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.4
MACROBAR protein replenishment peanut bu (gomacro)
15.4g protein, 10.8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.4
MACROBAR timeless treasure salted carame (gomacro)
15.4g protein, 12.3g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.3
CLEAN (READY)
15g protein, 10g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.5
Caramel Almond & Sea Salt with Almonds (KIND)
15g protein, 12.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.2
THE BETTER NUT BAR (Marsh Mallow Marke)
15g protein, 12.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.2
Caramel almond & sea salt bars- oz/ (Kind)
15g protein, 12.5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.2
KIND minis (Kind)
15g protein, 15g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.0
NUT & SEED BAR Peanut Butter Dark Chocol (Munk Pack)
14.3g protein, 2.9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 5.0
Crispy Peanut Butter Chocolate Snack Bar (Simply Protein)
13g protein, 2g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 6.5
Protein Bar (Power crunch)
13g protein, 5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.6
IQ BAR 18 PROTEIN BAR VARIETY PACK (IQ BAR)
12g protein, 1g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 12.0
OH OH COOKIE DOUGH (TRUBAR)
12g protein, 8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.5
TRUBAR (DAYDREAMING ABOUT )
12g protein, 8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.5
Strawberry Protein Meal Bars (Kashi)
12g protein, 9g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.3
Healthy Vegan Bites (Alyssa's)
9.4g protein, 4.7g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 2.0
Soft-Baked Bars (Fiber One)
8g protein, 8g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.0
Granola Minis Chocolate Chip (MadeGood)
7.1g protein, 7.1g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.0
Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt (KIND)
6g protein, 5g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 1.2
Nutrigrain cereal bars (Kellogg's)
5.4g protein, 0g sugar per 100g
Protein to sugar ratio 10.8