Protein is essentially the building block upon which our bodies operate, protein is responsible for a wide range of functions in the body including bone maintenance and muscle growth.
It’s vital that our bodies receive an adequate amount of protein each day in order to sustain proper hormonal balance and blood flow. For women, adequate protein consumption is just as important as it Is for men so making sure that you ingest the daily minimum is absolutely critical.
One of the best ways to supplement extra protein as a female is by eating protein bars. Protein bars are packed with tons of essential minerals and nutrients that our bodies use in order to create energy.
Eating the right protein bar on a regular basis can help you shed unwanted pounds and retain muscle mass easier. There are a lot of protein bars specially formulated for women out on the market however they are not all created equal.
Certain protein bars contain nutrients from artificial sources of protein and in some instances harmful preservatives. Before you start buying protein bars that claim to be created distinctly for women, you should weigh your options as there are a lot of high-quality protein bars out there which are suitable for both men and women.
Women naturally require different amounts of hormones, vitamins, minerals, etc to produce a response within the body when compared to men. This is due to the fact that women biologically need less protein intake in order to produce stunning health results. One of the best ways to identify a high-quality protein bar that will benefit you as a woman is the number of oil extracts and nuts contained in the ingredients.
Women are very sensitive to bacteria and other sorts of pollutants, certain oil extracts like oregano are very powerful antioxidants which can help your body filter out unwanted substances. Nuts like cashews, peanuts, and almonds help regulate the feminine hormonal balance amongst other things which makes them the perfect ingredient for a women’s protein bar.
Fiber content is also very important when it comes to selecting the right protein bar. Fiber helps to reduce the amount of belly fat around your abdominal section, this is great for women who are trying to lose weight efficiently.
Protein is probably one of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing the right protein bar, a solid protein dosage for healthy women is 10g or more per serving.
Once your desired protein bar meets all of the previously listed criteria, you are ready to begin losing weight and start living a happy life. Various companies produce protein bars directly aimed at women to support their overall health and productivity, in the following section, you’ll find a list of the top protein bars for women so you can buy the perfect protein bar to meet your fitness goals.
Topic Contents
Top Protein Bars for Women
1. Pulsin Maple and Peanut Protein
Pulsin Maple and Peanut Protein bar is a non-GMO product that is gluten-free and filled with tons of natural protein sources. Pulsin Maple and Peanut Protein bars consist of pure Canadian maple syrup with no processed sugar to provide an all-natural source of delicious protein.
Pulsin Maple and Peanut Protein bars are cold pressed to preserve the maximum nutritional value, the bars also contain rice and pea protein so that you can pull energy from all types of nutrients.
Pulsin Maple and Peanut Protein bars are vegan-friendly and contain no dairy products for a clean, smooth, and potent protein bar. Pulsin Maple and Peanut Protein bars are made using premium ingredients that are sourced from natural suppliers.
Ingredients
- Brown Rice Malt
- Peanuts
- Rice Protein
- Sea Salt
- Green Tea Extract
- Carob
- Concentrated Grape Juice
- Natural Maple Syrup
- Chicory Fiber
- Cacao Butter
- Rice Starch
- And more
Pulsin Maple and Peanut Protein bars combine powerful protein sources, vitamins, and minerals into a very convenient and healthy product for consumption.
2. PhD Pharma Whey HT+ Bar Double Chocolate
PhD Pharma Whey HT+ Bar Double Chocolate is a powerful protein bar that is filled to the brim with premium protein sources and other nutrients. PhD Pharma Whey HT+ Bar Double Chocolate is formulated using milk protein, soy protein isolate, and whey protein.
PhD Pharma Whey HT+ Bar Double Chocolate is a low-sugar protein bar that is designed to help you maximize muscle growth and maintenance. PhD Pharma Whey HT+ Bar Double Chocolate protein bars are a great source of calcium which aids in healthy bone development.
PhD Pharma Whey HT+ Bar Double Chocolate contains a lot of high-quality ingredients to help you excel on your fitness journey.
Ingredients
- Tapioca Starch
- Soya Protein Crisp
- Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder
- Wheat Flour
- Whey Powder
- Non-Hydrogenated Palm and Palm Kernel Oil
- Humectant
- Soya Protein Isolate
- And more
PhD Pharma Whey HT+ Bar Double Chocolate is a power-filled protein bar that is perfect for those women who are serious about maintaining muscle mass. Purchase PhD Pharma Whey HT+ Bar Double Chocolate Here
3. Luna Protein Bars
One of the most popular protein bars made for women is the Luna bar. The Luna bar is the female version of the Clif bar, one of the most popular nutritional bars out there. There are the original Luna and Luna Protein – the latter having higher protein and added nutrition for active women.
Luna Protein is available in 7 flavors:
- Berry Greek Yogurt
- Lemon Vanilla
- Mint Chocolate Chip
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Chocolate Coconut Almond
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Chocolate Salted Caramel
Every Luna Protein bar is:
- Gluten-free
- Low glycemic
- Provides additional iron and vitamin D
Iron and vitamin D are very important for women’s health, which explains why Luna added these two important nutrients in.
Exact nutritional information differs between each flavor but every bar provides:
- 12 grams of protein (whey protein concentrate & soy protein)
- 3 grams of fiber
- 170 to 190 calories
- 15 grams of sugar
With every bar providing a good helping of protein, some soluble and insoluble fiber, natural sugar sources (not high-fructose corn syrup) and still being under 200 calories, the Luna Protein is a winner. These bars are well known for tasting amazing, with a minimal “protein” aftertaste that some women find to be strong.
Another benefit of the Luna and Luna Protein line is that it is fairly easy to find, even at grocery stores. Typically where the sell Clif bars, you’ll find these as well.
4. Larabar Alt Protein Bars
The second most common protein bar you’ll be able to find in stores is Larabar. Similarly to Clif bars, this brand also has a few different product lines. While they don’t have a women’s only bar, the Larabar Alt Protein is still a favorite. If you have dietary restrictions that prevent you from eating other bars, you might find this one to be appropriate.
Alt Protein has 4 flavors:
- Lemon Pound Cake
- Chocolate Chip Macaroon
- Chocolate Peanut Butter
- Peanut Butter Cookie
All Alt Protein bars are based on a mixture of fruits and nuts, making them completely vegan and gluten-free. Rather than whey or soy protein, Alt Protein uses pea protein. These bars have zero animal products, including dairy, and are Kosher.
Each bar provides:
- 10 grams of protein
- 210 to 270 calories
- 9 to 13 grams of healthy fats
- 3 to 4 grams of fiber
- Less than 10 ingredients
You read that right – each Alt Protein bars uses less than 10 ingredients, even as low as 6. For example, the Peanut Butter Cookie bar only uses:
- Sunflower Oil
- Brown Rice Flour
- Brown Rice Syrup (not corn syrup)
- Pea Protein
- Peanuts
- Dates
If you strive to eat as minimally processed foods as possible, the Alt Protein bar is the right one for you. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more natural protein bar on store shelves, especially without breaking the bank.
5. Strong and Kind Bars
Everyone has a bit of a sweet tooth, but the idea that all women crave chocolate just isn’t true! If you’re one of those that prefers a kick of something savory or even spicy, look no further than Strong and Kind bars.
Strong and Kind bars are a product within the Kind bars line. They have added protein and also only come in savory flavors. There are 5 flavors total:
- Hickory Smoked
- Honey Smoked BBQ
- Thai Sweet Chili
- Honey Mustard
- Roasted Jalapeno
Each bar is almond based and uses pea protein rather than whey. These bars are all:
- Made from non-GMO ingredients
- Gluten- and soy-free
- Low glycemic (good for blood sugar management)
- Contains no dairy or whey
These bars would be vegan, except they do use honey. Some vegans do still consume honey, but typically it’s agreed that it is an animal product and therefore should be avoided. If you are vegetarian and consume honey, these bars will still work for your diet.
Strong and Kind bars offer:
- 10 grams of protein
- 6 grams of sugar (from honey & glucose syrup)
- 230 calories
- 3 grams of fiber
If you’re interested in these bars, be sure to check the snack protein or granola bar section of your grocery store. The Kind brand is often sold there rather than in the health aisle with other protein bars.
6. FucoProtein Bars
FucoProtein bars are made by Garden of Life, the number 1 brand in the natural products industry. You probably won’t find these bars in most stores but you will find them online and possibly in speciality stores than carry the Garden of Life brand.
These bars only come in two flavors:
- Peanut Butter Crunch
- Chocolate Macadamia Nuts
Both flavors are well liked but the reason for FucoProtein’s praise is one special ingredient – fucoxanthin.
Fucoxanthin is actually a seaweed extract and is similar to a vitamin in structure. However, rather than acting like a typical vitamin, this extract is thermogenic in nature. It works as a fat burner by heating up your body and improving your metabolism. Similar to how eating a hot pepper boosts your body with heat, fucoxanthin does the same thing – minus the spiciness.
These bars also contain:
- 14 or 15 grams of protein (milk, brown rice and whey proteins + fucoxanthin)
- 7 or 9 grams of fiber
- 9 or 11 grams of sugar
- Made of 77% organic ingredients
If your reason for looking for protein bars is to fuel a new active lifestyle for weight loss, you’ll really enjoy these bars. Rather than just providing protein, the added benefit of a metabolism booster and fat burner is really beneficial.
7. GreensPlus Natural Protein Bars
GreensPlus has a huge range of different health products, with a heavy focus on going the most natural route possible. All of their products are organic and GMO-free, using wild-crafted ingredients whenever possible. The brand has a couple different bars but their Natural Protein Bars are what you’ll want to try out.
The Natural bars come in three flavors:
- Natural
- Chocolate
- Whey Crisp
Unlike other protein bars that contain heavily processed ingredients, these bars use actual whole foods. Read the label and you’ll find recognizable, healthy ingredients. Every bar is:
- Gluten-free
- Contains Green+ Advanced Multi-formula (AlgaeCal, Organic B Complex and Vitamin D3)
- Designed for post workout consumption
Nutritional Facts
The GreenPlus Natural Protein bars really offer whole nutrition rather than just protein. If protein alone isn’t your main concern but overall health is, these are perfect. Each bar offers:
- 15 to 18 grams of protein
- 200 to 270 calories
- 8 to 13 grams of fats
- 15 to 19 grams of sugar
- Loaded with additional vitamins, minerals and other nutrients
GreensPlus is more likely to be found in speciality health food stores than your local grocery store. The extra effort to find these is well worth it considering how much nutrition is packed in a simple bar.
FAQs
Q: Is it safe for me as a woman to eat protein bars made for men?
A: One of the most common misconceptions about protein bars is that if a label reads something like “alpha protein” it means that it’s only safe for male consumption. Protein bars are marketed according to their ingredients and their specific health benefits, there is no protein bar made “only” for men or women so you can eat any protein bar you want.
Q: How many protein bars should I eat a day?
A: The answer to this question will largely depend on your intended fitness goals, for someone who is trying to lose weight, eating more protein bars may help you achieve your goal faster. There is no set limit to how many protein bars you should eat each day, it all depends on your diet.
Q: When should I eat my protein bars?
A: Protein bars are very versatile and you can eat them virtually anywhere or anytime. A lot of people eat their protein bars before working out or after working out. Some people even eat a protein bar both before and after their workout, you decide the optimal time to eat a protein bar.
Bottom Line
Protein is such an important part of overall health. You should focus on getting more protein from your diet in the form of vegetables, lean meats and legumes.
Powdered protein shakes are also a great way of getting higher levels of protein. These options aside, you really can’t beat a healthy yet delicious protein bar for when you’re on the go.
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Alt Protein Team is a team of professionals and enthusiasts committed to bringing you the most up-to-date information on alternative protein, health and wellness, workouts, and all things health-related. We’ve reviewed a lot of products and services so you don’t have to guess when you spend your hard-earned money on them. Whether you want to shed some pounds, build lean muscle or bulk, we can help you figure out what you need to do and what you need to have to achieve your goals.