Barebells Protein Bar Review - Every Flavour Covered!
Protein bars are great snacks to have around for any gym goer. They're one of the most convenient (and tasty) ways to get an extra 20 grams of protein in your diet.
They come in handy at work, before or after the gym, and even as an emergency on-the-go snack.
But, how do you choose which protein bar is best for you? That’s why we are here to provide a helping hand!
Barebells launched in the UK in 2018, after being founded 2 years previously in Sweden. The brand boasts a mouth-watering range of protein bars with a minimum of 15g of protein per bar and around 200 calories.
Barebells protein bars are now available in Vegan and Soft Protein Bars as well as their classic range. No matter what kind of bar you like - there is an option for everyone!
But with so many flavours and options to pick from, how do you know which to try?
We’ve put together this Barebells protein bar review, to give you our thoughts on which flavours and types of bar taste the best.
Let’s go!
Are Barebells Bars Healthy?
Barebells bars are a protein packed snack perfect for pre or post workout, or simply as a snack. They have one of the lowest calorie, fat and sugar contents for a protein bar. This means there is little "wasted" calories, and more spent on exactly what you're looking for. Protein!
Protein bars in general are great whether you're looking to build muscle or are just looking for a healthy, tasty snack to help satisfy your sweet tooth. Protein helps to keep hunger under control, and will leave you feeling full longer than simple carbohydrates would.
Protein bars can be a good option for people who need to increase their protein intake, such as vegans, athletes and gym lovers.
However, for the average person, simply adding another source of protein to their diet, especially one that contains added sugar, is not going make them healthier or lose weight.
Are Barebells Protein Bars Good for Weight Loss?
Protein bars are a convenient way to get your daily dose of protein without having to take the time to cook and can be a great addition to your diet if you're trying to lose weight.
However, eating protein bars alone will not help you lose weight unless you are also eating healthy meals and keeping in a caloric deficit throughout the day.
If you’re trying to lose weight you should be eating fewer calories than your body burns off each day so that fat can be burned up as energy instead of just being stored as fat cells in our bodies.
Protein bars should only be used as a supplement to your diet and not as a substitute for healthier choices like fruits, vegetables or whole grains.
What are the Benefits of Barebells Protein Bars?
- Convenient to grab on the go
- Easy to get your protein fix
- No preparation needed
- Cheaper than other leading brands
- Range of flavours available including vegan and soft bar options
- At least 15g-20g of protein in each bar
- Delicious taste
If you are looking for a tasty treat without sacrificing the health benefits of your diet, Barebells Protein Bar range will provide that for you. With flavours and features like chocolate bars, these products taste just as delicious as they look on the outside!
Kerry N on Thing Testing said, ‘As someone who's gluten free, it's so hard to find protein bars that taste good and these taste amazing! 20g of protein for 200 calories and it tastes like a candy bar, I'm a forever fan now!’
Barebells Protein Bar Nutrition Facts
Every 55g snack provides 15- 20 grams of protein, primarily from milk-derived sources apart from the vegan options. They also contain 8.3g of fat (4.2 saturated), 14 carbs with 1.7 sugar and around only 200 calories overall.
Barebells Protein Bar Ingredients
Barebell bars have a protein blend of whey, collagen hydrolysate and whey protein isolate, as well as soy. There are 11 flavours in the range including two vegan options.
The protein content is 20g for most flavours. However, the peanut caramel and caramel choco soft versions contain 16g of protein while the vegan options have 15g per bar.
Each bar contains 1.5 grams of sugar and is sweetened with maltitol and sucralose (polyols). The amount of polyols is in excess of 10g, so there’s a warning about consuming too many at once.
List of Flavour Reviews
White Salty Peanut
Barebells Salty Peanut was one of the first snack bars on the market, and quickly became a huge success thanks to its wonderfully delicious taste.
Now, this classic snack has been reinvented in another irresistible bar: White Salty Peanut where salty peanuts dipped in angelic caramel sauce meet white protein mass and a blanket of white creamy chocolate.
Like other protein bars from Barebell’s original series, White Salty Peanut contains 20 grams of protein and has no added sugar.
Crispy Nougat
Crispy Nougat has a crispy milk chocolate coating and smooth nougat filling infused with vanilla, wafer and roasted hazelnut pieces. This retro-wrapped bar is sure to bring back some childhood memories! Similar to the other bars in the original range, it contains 20 grams of protein and has no added sugar.
Caramel Cashew
This bar is far too gooey and chocolaty to be compared with anything other than the most decadent of desserts and it has 20 grams of protein without added sugar.
Barebells Caramel Cashew has been one of the most popular flavours released by Barebells from the beginning and has remained a favorite worldwide.
Kristal W on ThingTesting said, ‘honestly one of the most delicious protein bars I’ve ever had the pleasure of trying. I bought the caramel-cashew and cookies & cream flavour on a whim and was initially sceptical. I find that many protein bars taste/feel chalky, and I usually end up tossing them. I’m also not a big fan of sugar alcohols in foods as it leaves a metallic taste in my mouth.
However, these were delicious! They're very reminiscent of candy bars since they're soft and filled with nougat and nuts. a little sweet too, but I don’t mind it! it's a fun treat to have on my fitness journey and I’m just happy I found something made with sugar alcohols that doesn’t have that weird metallic taste. Great macros, great taste, and price. caramel-cashew is my favourite!’
Salty Peanut
Salty Peanut is a unique combination of milk chocolate and crunchy peanuts. This tasty bar contains 20 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for any gym goer or athlete.
Jane H on ThingTesting said, ‘I LOVE BAREBELLS. I have to pick up a few during every weekly grocery trip! They're unlike any protein bar I've ever tried; some of the flavors actually just taste like candy bars. My favorites are the Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Dough, and Salty Peanut. They're also super affordable - especially at retail stores like Trader Joe's. These are a must if you want to up your protein!’
Hazelnut & Nougat
Barebells Hazelnut Nougat is inspired by Nordic nature, mountains and forests. It comes with smooth milk chocolate that meets crunchy hazelnuts and creamy nougat.
Cookies & Cream
Inspired by an American classic, we present: Cookies & Cream – soft dough with milk chocolate and crunchy cookie crisps. Because life is better when it has cookies in it! Part of Barebells classic range, Cookies & Cream also has 20g of protein.
Maria P on ThingTesting said, ‘I don't know how I lived my life without these, I consider them the best protein bar on the market. The cookies & cream flavour has become a staple purchase in my life. I try to have a mainly natural diet, but these I will forever make an exception for. I've tried protein bars in the past with similar macros that left me unfulfilled, but for some reason these just hit the spot every time. It might have something to do with the texture that also makes it very pleasing to eat and I just be taking my time with it. Cannot rave enough about these, just so good.’
White Chocolate Almond
Another Barebells Classic! A rich caramel center coated in creamy white chocolate and topped with crunchy almonds—it doesn’t get more delectable than that! This snack is sweet, it's healthy, but most importantly: IT TASTES GREAT.
Vegan Hazelnut & Nougat
Barebells Vegan Protein Bars prove that delicious, protein-packed snacks can be made without animal products. Their mouthwatering Hazelnut Nougat flavor is a tasty way to support the plant-based movement! Barebells Vegan range includes 15g of plant-based protein.
Vegan Salty Peanut
Barebells Vegan Salty Peanut is a nut lover’s dream come true- the perfect balance of sweet and salty. With 15 grams of plant-based protein per bar and no added sugar.
Soft Caramel Choco
Think Mars but better! Get ready for a taste sensation like no other- Caramel Choco! This soft bar encloses layers of caramel and milk chocolate. It's the perfect go-to snack after your workout or when you're on the run: delicious, nutritious and sure to keep hunger at bay. Barebells soft Caramel Choco include 16g of protein and 203kcal per bar.
Soft Salted Peanut Caramel
Soft Salted Peanut Caramel contains a fluffy caramel core and salty peanut crunch with milk chocolate coating. It tastes great as a post-workout snack or pick-me up, providing the energy you need to power through your day. Barebells Soft Peanut Caramel includes 217kcal per bar and 16g of protein.
Which Barebells Bar is Best? Our Pick
This is such a hard decision, as we love the whole range. There are loads of different flavours to pick from - so picking just one is a hard task.
If we had to choose one it would be Caramel Cashew.
This was one of Barebells first bars ever made and has been a favourite ever since. It's not just our favourite though - it is the best selling flavour here at Snackfully, and continually sells out. Even with the introduction of the new flavours and bars launched by the brand.
The delicious taste, is almost like you are enjoying a fan favourite such as Twix or Milky Way but with the health benefits, high protein content and only 200kcal for the 55g bar.
If you're lifting weights, and are looking for a sweet treat without cheating on your diet - give this flavour a go.
Value for Money
Barebells Protein Bars are reasonably priced at £2.49 per individual bar or £24.99 for a pack of 12 bars.
If you aren’t sure which one to choose and would like to try a selection, you can also get a Mixed Case Taster Box including 6 bars for £14.99.
You can also save 5% and go for the Barebells Protein Bars Bulk Bundle (36 Pack) for £70.99.
In comparison to other leading brands such as Grenade, which are £27.99 for a full case, you are saving £3 a case going with this brand.
Looking for a protein bar combination? Why not try our Gym Lovers High Protein Sweet Snack Bundle which includes a mix of protein bars and balls from Barebells, Grenade, Warrior Crunch and The Protein Ball Co.
Barebells Protein Bar Alternatives
Trek Protein Flapjacks
TREK Protein Flapjacks are a quick and convenient snack to eat before or during exercise that keep you fuller for longer.
TREK bars deliver long lasting energy, contain natural proteins and no artificial ingredients and they’re minimally processed to retain more of the nutritional value provided by their raw ingredients.
Pro’s
- Range of flavours
- Cheaper option
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
Grenade Protein Bars
Grenade Protein Bars give you all the energy and nutrients you need to power through your workouts, whether they're at home or on-the-go. These bars are designed to help increase strength during training while promoting recovery to get the most out of every minute in the gym!
Grenade Bars are available in a variety of flavours including new Oreo, Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel, Lemon Cheesecake and White Chocolate Salted Peanut with every bar containing at least 20g of protein.
Pro’s
- High protein content
- Low sugar
- Popular brand
- Layered bars with incredible taste
Fulfil Vitamin & Protein Bars
The Fulfil Protein Bar is an excellent pre-workout snack. It contains many of the same ingredients as most supplements, but in an easy to eat package. With a perfect balance of protein and carbs that makes for great fuel before your workout!
The bars come in four flavours including Salted Caramel, Peanut & Caramel, Chocolate Caramel and Chocolate Brownie. Each bar contains 14-15g of protein, low sugar and less than 200 calories per bar.
Pro’s
- Includes 8 vitamins
- 30% of your daily allowance
- Great taste
Eat Natural Protein Packed Fruit & Nut Bars
Eat Natural Protein Bars are made with high quality ingredients and low in sugar to provide the body protein without excess calories. The bars come in two flavours: Peanut & Chocolate and Salted Caramel & Peanuts.
Eat Natural Protein Packed Bars contain 10 or more grams of protein, as well as 3 grams of fibre per serving. They are an excellent choice for those who want to eat healthy snacks before working out or exercising.
Pro’s
- Low cost
- Packed with healthy ingredients
- Recyclable wrappers
- No artificial flavours, colours or preservatives
KIND Protein Bars
KIND Whole Nut Protein Bars are an excellent source of protein, with 12 grams per bar, as well as fibre and no artificial ingredients. They come in two delicious varieties: Crunchy Peanut Butter and Dark Chocolate Nut.
Pro’s:
- Gluten Free
- Plant Protein
Pulsin Protein Bars
Pulsin's range of tasty snack bars are packed full of feel-good nutritional goodness and balanced with the right amount super ingredients to power you through your workout, keep you fuller for longer.
Pulsin’s entire range of protein & snack bars are gluten free, suitable for vegetarians & plant-based.
Pro’s:
- Plant based
- Keto options
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Dairy Free
PHD Protein Bars
PhD Smart Protein Bars are delicious with high protein and low sugar perfect for your pre-workout fix.
PhD Smart Bars deliver 20g of quality protein and less than 2.1g sugar (depending on flavour). In addition to this, Smart Bars are palm oil free.
Pro’s
- 6 delicious flavours
- Vegan
- Dairy Free
To Wrap Things Up…
Not only do you want to ensure that your Barebells Protein bar is full of the right nutrition to keep you energised for your session, but ensure you make a delicious choice to satisfy your cravings.
No matter which of the Barebells range that you go for, we are sure that you won’t be disappointed!
The new Soft Protein Bars in Peanut Caramel and Caramel Choco are similar to Mars and Snickers, with all of the taste and none of the guilt!
If you are new to pre and post workout nutrition, you might want to take a look at When To Eat Protein Bars - Everything You Need To Know.
And if you still can’t make your decision on which snack bar to choose for your pre-workout fix, visit The Absolute Best Pre-Workout Snack Bars.