The Best and Worst US Protein Bars: A Blind Taste Test Reveals All
In a world where protein has infiltrated everything from oatmeal to doughnuts, the humble protein bar remains a staple for those on the go. But with an explosion of brands and varieties in recent years, from David's high-protein offerings to Barebells' candy-like creations, one question lingers: do they actually taste good? To find out, The Guardian conducted a blind taste test with 22 colleagues in New York City, sampling 12 of the top protein bar brands in the US. The results were stark, with only four bars scoring above a 3 on flavour, while others were described as 'vile' or tasting like 'compacted dust'. This article delves into the methodology, highlights the standout performers, and explores why many protein bars still struggle to balance nutrition with palatability.
How We Conducted the Taste Test
To ensure an unbiased assessment, the test was conducted blind. Packaging was removed from each bar, and they were labelled A through L, so volunteers had no idea which brand they were sampling. The 22 participants were split into small groups to avoid palate fatigue, each trying six different bars rather than all 12. For consistency, chocolate flavours or the closest approximation were tested across all brands. Water and crackers were provided as palate cleansers, with the water notably running out by the end of the session. After each tasting, anonymous feedback forms were completed, scoring bars on flavour, texture, aftertaste, and overall quality on a scale of 1 to 5. The final rankings were based on average scores and detailed comments, revealing a clear divide between the few enjoyable options and the many disappointing ones.
The Top Performers: Protein Bars That Actually Taste Good
Only four protein bars managed to impress the testers with their flavour profiles. Here are the winners, each excelling in a specific category.
Best Overall: Barebells Chocolate Dough
With a flavour score of 4 out of 5, Barebells Chocolate Dough was hailed as the best overall protein bar. Tasters praised its resemblance to a candy bar, with comparisons to Twix and notes of real sugar and butter. The bar features a chocolate nougat centre coated with crisps and a milk chocolate shell, delivering 200 calories and 20g of protein from a milk protein blend. However, some testers found it too sweet or noted a bitter aftertaste, and it comes with a warning about potential laxative effects due to sugar alcohols.
Best with High Protein Content: Gatorade Chocolate Chip
Scoring 3 out of 5 for flavour, Gatorade's offering stood out for its high protein content and crispy texture. Testers enjoyed its similarity to chocolate Rice Krispies treats, though it packs 350 calories and 28g of sugar. The bar uses whey protein isolate and concentrate, making it a post-workout recovery snack, but its long ingredient list may concern those wary of ultra-processed foods.
Best Vegan: NuGo Dark Chocolate Mocha
This vegan and gluten-free bar scored 3.4 out of 5, with tasters appreciating its crunch and mild coffee-like flavour. Made with soy protein, it contains 200 calories and 11g of protein, but some found it too sweet despite its use of real dark chocolate. Its simple ingredients and ethical credentials make it a popular choice among health-conscious consumers.
Best Organic: Aloha Chocolate Fudge Brownie
With a flavour score of 3 out of 5, Aloha's organic bar impressed with its dark chocolate taste and candy-like crunch. It uses a blend of brown rice and pumpkin seed protein, offering 220 calories and 14g of protein. As a Certified B Corp and Climate Neutral Certified company, Aloha appeals to those prioritising sustainability, though some testers noted a lingering aftertaste.
The Disappointments: Protein Bars That Fell Short
Eight of the 12 bars scored below average, with testers delivering harsh critiques. David Protein Bar was described as 'mushy' and reminiscent of Tootsie Rolls, while Quest Nutrition Protein Bar took tasters 'on a journey to sadness'. Clif Bar was criticised for being too dense and chalky, and Rx Bar was labelled 'horrible' and a potential choking hazard due to its stickiness. Think! High Protein Bar received mixed reviews, with some praising its dark chocolate flavour but others complaining of a chalky texture. Built Bar was deemed 'vile' and compared to sludgy goop, GoMacro Bar tasted like 'boiled-down leather boots', and Perfect Bar was likened to 'compacted dust' or 'sweepings from a fireplace'. These reactions highlight the ongoing challenge of creating protein bars that are both nutritious and enjoyable to eat.
Conclusion: The State of Protein Bars Today
The taste test underscores that while protein bars have evolved, many still prioritise utility over decadence. As one tester remarked, 'It must be really hard to make a good protein bar, because these basically all sucked.' For those seeking a tasty option, Barebells, Gatorade, NuGo, and Aloha offer promising choices, but consumers should be prepared for trade-offs in sweetness, texture, or aftertaste. Ultimately, this experiment serves as a reminder that in the crowded protein bar market, flavour remains a elusive goal for many brands.
