The Barometer · editor's picks
The best protein bars, by category
Chosen by the data, not vibes — every winner comes straight from the leaderboard and its published formula. Updated as the numbers change.
Best overall
David Protein Bar
David · Peanut Butter
Score 87 · 28g protein
Highest health score across the whole board.
Best whole-food / clean label
IQBAR Plant Protein Bar
IQBAR · Chocolate Sea Salt
12g protein · clean ingredients
No seed oils, best ingredient quality.
Best keto / low-carb
David Protein Bar
David · Peanut Butter
11g net carbs · 28g protein
Keto-friendly with the best score.
Best vegan
No Cow Protein Bar
No Cow · Chocolate Fudge Brownie
20g plant protein · score 76
Top plant-based bar by score.
Highest protein
MET-Rx Big 100 Colossal
MET-Rx · Super Cookie Crunch
32g protein
The most protein in a single bar.
Leanest (protein per calorie)
David Protein Bar
David · Peanut Butter
18.7g protein / 100 cal
Most protein for the fewest calories.
Best value
Kirkland Signature Protein Bar
Kirkland Signature · Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
18.3g protein / $ · $1.15/bar
Most protein per dollar.
Lowest sugar
David Protein Bar
David · Peanut Butter
0g sugar · 28g protein
Least sugar, still real protein.
Candy bars in disguise
Great taste, not a health play — the lowest scorers on the board. Nothing wrong with a treat, just know what it is.
