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The Ultimate Guide to Keto-Friendly Protein Bars

Remy
Remy has reviewed over 100 protein bars. He's the founder of Human Food Bar.

Find the right keto bar for you

Whether you’re looking for an easy way to stay in ketosis while on the go, trying to lose weight, or want a tasty, guilt-free snack, protein bars can be a great addition to the keto diet.

However, finding a good keto-friendly protein bar is not easy.

There are dozens to choose from, and from low-carb to high-protein to meat (??) to collagen bars, there’s lots to wade through–and plenty of hype.

Despite marketing claims, most well-known protein bars that claim to be keto-friendly are not. How did this happen? They have a bar initially designed for the low-carb diet that they are trying to sell to us keto dieters.

Such bars are usually not high in fat. We keto dieters need to indulge in fat every chance we get, am I right?

Moreover, even bars that have keto-friendly macros are often Fake Food that could harm your health.

But don’t worry, I’ve got you!

Read on to learn which keto bars taste great and are actually healthy.

The Ugly Truth About Low-Carb Protein Bars

The vast majority of popular low-carb protein bars are not fit for the keto diet. They just don’t have enough fat.

But that doesn’t stop the brands from trying to market to us keto dieters!

Higher-than-advertised net carb counts, sugar alcohols, low-quality protein, synthetic fibers, inadequate fat, preservatives, and poor taste and texture make them unhealthy–and unappealing.

I’ve included some of those bars in this article in case you happen to be considering them, not because I recommend them.

Beyond Macros and Net Carb Counts

In this post I am going to go beyond macros and net carb counts and show you keto-friendly protein bars that are nutrient dense, nourishing and delicious – healthy options that you can safely eat as often as every day.

I’m talking about bars that include superfood fats (MCT’s and Omega 3’s), grass-fed whey protein and natural fiber–and exclude sugar alcohols, GMOs, preservatives and other disgusting synthetic ingredients. All while tasting incredible.

The Good, the Bad, and the Hideous

My research included venturing deep into the underworld of low-carb protein bars, looking at best sellers on Amazon, and in the aisles of Whole Foods, Costco, Target and Walmart.

A lot of what I found was Fake Food that disgusted me, and I’m not going to be shy about my criticism (I hope my rant against Quest Bars does not get me into trouble!).

The good news? I also found some fantastic options that I am delighted to share with you. Get one of my top three and you’ll be happy.

My Method for Rating Keto Bars

The Internet is littered with articles reviewing various keto bars and not a single one uses a compelling framework for rating them objectively.

In the comparison chart below you will see that I have done just that, evaluating eight key attributes that translate into a five star rating scale.

In addition to ingredients, macros and nutrient density, I looked at Amazon reviews as a proxy for taste and quality, assuming that anything that got over four stars likely will please the majority of people.

Naturally, I still prefer my own creation, Human Food Bar , which I launched in March 2023, long after this article was written. I’ve included it on the chart so you so you can see how it compares. 

Let’s dive in!

MariGold Bars, one of the many tasty keto-friendly protein bars I discovered.

Perfect Keto Bars are delicious and live up to their name.

Compare Keto-Friendly Protein Bars

Bars We Recommend

Perfect Keto ★★★★★

Delightful Bars that Live Up to Their Name

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Perfect Keto Bars Quick Take
The Takeaway
These high-end bars are worth the money for the taste alone. They are not the very highest in protein, but they have loads of healthy fat and taste amazing.
Nutrition macros
Taste and texture
Quality ingredients
Fat content
Value
Pros
Cold processed grass-fed whey protein concentrate
Collagen
MCTs energize your brain and body
GMO-free real food ingredients
Excellent source of prebiotic fiber
Brand is exclusively keto
Cons
Expensive
4.8

One of the most popular brands on the market, Perfect Keto bars are an excellent choice if you like nut butters and don’t require high protein content. They still pack 10 grams, and some of it is from Grass Fed Collagen (loaded Conjugated Linoleic Acid, and more). But, that’s only about half of what most other bars have.

If you like lots of fat these bars are for you. They have a higher percentage of fat calories than most other bars, and have MCTs. But, most of the fat is still from nut butter, which is not as nutritious as other fats.

Macros: 240 calories, 10g protein, 22g fat, 8g fiber, 2-3g net carbs

MariGold Bars ★★★★★

Best Keto Protein Bars Money Can Buy

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Marigold Bars Quick Take
The Takeaway
If you’re on a high-protein keto diet, Marigold Bars are the best option on the Internet–if you can afford them.
Nutrition macros
Taste
Nutrition macros
Fat content
Value
Pros
Cold processed grass-fed whey protein concentrate (4x more CLA!)
Only bar with grass-fed ghee
which has Omega 3s
MCTs energize your brain and body
Organic
GMO-free real food ingredients
No synthetic fibers (contains non-GMO chicory root
an excellent source of prebiotic fiber)
More keto-friendly flavors than most other brands
Cons
Expensive
Short shelf life (they are made fresh)
4.5

Hand crafted in small batches and made with love, MariGold Bars look and taste like they came from your own kitchen.

They’re the only bar that got a perfect score, easily earning 5 stars.

Their unique recipes, delicious taste and commitment to healthy, clean ingredients have earned them a passionate and loyal following.

I recommend that newbies start with the Very Low Keto Pack, which is a sampler containing Coconut Rage, Ginger Pecan Spice, Choco Pecan and Dark & Salty, my personal favorite. 

Macros: 280 calories, 20g protein, 18g fat, 8g fiber, 2-3g net carbs 

Don’t Miss out on This Goodness

MariGold Bars are one of those rare things in life that seem too good to be true, but aren’t. Watch the video and I think you’ll agree.

Keto Bars (the Original) ★★★★

Get Your Fat On

keto bars collection
Keto Bars Quick Take
The Takeaway
The original bar that created the category, Keto Bars don’t disappoint. They’re mostly fat so they will help keep you full and in ketosis–packing both nuts and coconut oil, they have more fat than any other bar. Assuming you like nuts and chocolate, they’re absolutely delicious. Whether you prefer peanuts or almonds, you’re going to love these bars.
Taste and Texture
Quality of Ingredients
Nutrition Macros
Fat Content
Value
Pros
Super low in net carbs (3g)
Very high far = Ultra decadent and tasty
Contains MCT's
All natural
GMO free
Did we mention it tastes amazing?
Cons
Relatively low in protein
Peanut fat is not the healthiest
Contains erythritol
which some people don't like
4

Macros: 250 calories, 21g fat, 8g protein, 3g net carbs.

IQBars ★★★★

This is one smart bar

IQBAR wild blueberry protein bar
IQBARs Reviews
The Takeaway
This smart, modern bar is a solid option, especially if you’re looking for a brain boost. It’s definitely tasty, but does not have as much fat as purpose designed keto bars.
Taste and Texture Rating:
Macros Rating:
Plant Protein or Fiber Content Rating:
Ingredients Rating:
Value Rating:
Sugar Rating:
Pros
They taste great and have a soft and smooth texture
Rich in protein fiber and healthy fats
Contain functional nutrients for your body and mind
They are kosher 100% non-GMO dairy-free gluten-free and soy-free
Comply with a variety of diets including keto paleo friendly and vegan
Very unique compared to other snack bars because they contain six essential brain nutrients
Use natural flavors like vegetables fruits spices and plants
Sweetened with allulose a natural sugar with a low calorie count and is suitable for diabetics
Cons
Although many of the ingredients used are organic the bars are not 100% organic
Not lectin-free because of pea protein
Contain popular allergens like almonds and coconut
3.5

Macros: 250 calories, 21g fat, 8g protein, 3g net carbs.

Popular Bars to Avoid

Atlas Protein Bars ★★★

Missing the Bar on Healthy Fats

Atlas bar stack
Atlas Protein Bars Quick Tale
The takeaway
Atlas Bars might be the right choice for you if you adore Reeses Peanut butter cups and are missing them while on the keto diet. But make no mistake, this is not healthy food.
Nutrition Macros
Quality of Ingredients
Fat Content
Taste and Texture
Value
Pros
Tastes like Reeses
Grass fed why protein
No GMOs or preservatives
Cons
Not enough fat to be ideal for keto
Too many net carbs for keto (9g)
13g of fiber will be excessive for some
3

Atlas Bars might be the right choice for you if you adore Reeses Peanut butter cups and are missing them while on the keto diet.

Their rich flavor may make them tasty, but they’re sorely lacking in healthy fats, with the only source being nut butter. Additionally, only about 40% of their calories come from fat, which is less than ideal for keto.

These may not bad for you, but why settle? There are other options that contain grass-fed ghee (Omega 3’s) and coconut oil (MCTs). Don’t eat these with regularity.

Macros: 16g protein, 13g fiber, 12g fat, 9g net carbs

Bulletproof Collagen Bars ★★

Not Bad…But Definitely Not Bulletproof 

Low FODMAP protein bars
Bulletproof Collagen Bars Quick Take
The Takeaway
These bars are nutrient dense, but based on the taste, Bulletproof probably should have stuck with coffee.
Nutrition Macros
Quality of Ingredients
Fat Content
Taste and Texture
Value
Pros
Contains collagen and MCTs
Chicory root fiber
Cons
Relatively expensive
Too many carbs for keto (11g)
Most people don't like the taste
Cashews are high in lectins
2

With the great sucess of Bullet Proof coffee, it’s tempting to believe that these bars must have something special going on. Loaded with grass-fed collagen and added MCT oil, they’re nutrient dense.

However, they only have 5g of fiber and lots of cashews, leaving them with a relatively high net carb count of 11g that could easily kick you out of ketosis.

Taste is always somewhat subjective, but with 3.5 stars on Amazon, there are plenty of people who are just not that into Bulletproof Collagen bars. These are definitely not the most keto-friendly protein bars. Unless you’re extra hot for collagen and MCTs, you can do better.

 

Macros: 210 calories, 12g protein, 12g fat, 5g fiber, 8g net carbs

Julian Bakery Whey Protein Bar ★

The Most Bizarre Bar of the Bunch

Julian Bakery Bars Quick Take
The Takeaway
Trading low net carbs for a gut-disturbing 18g of tapioca fiber, Julian Bakery’s low carb protein bar is simply bizarre. 
Nutrition Macros
Quality of Ingredients
Taste and Texture
Fat Content
Value
Pros
1g net carbs
Grass-fed whey protein
Costs
18g low quality tapioca fiber will probably give you a stomach ache
Low calories content will leave you hungry
Super low fat is bad for keto
Bad taste and texture
1

Julian Bakery is a rather unusual brand that has come up with some odd products over the years, including some of the first meat bars. They seem to miss on taste and texture most of the time, and this low-carb protein bar is no exception.

It’s basically just a hunk of grass-fed whey protein with a ton of tapioca starch. And I do mean a ton: there’s 18g of resistant fiber in this modest 130 calorie bar. If you can tolerate 18g of tapioca starch without getting a stomach ache, it’s possible that this bar could be good for your gut bacteria (they feed off resistant starch). 

The super low net carb count may make this seem like an excellent option for keto, but it’s sorely lacking in fat which means you’re going to be left hungry. Like their other products, I don’t really understand Julian Bakery Protein Bars.

Macros: 140 calories, 20g protein, 5g fat, 1g net carbs  

Stoka Bars ★★

Nothing to Get Stoked About

stoka bars
Stoka Bars Quick Take
The Takeaway
Although Stoka Bars have been marketed as keto friendly, with 7g net carbs, their macros are not a good fit for the diet.
Nutrition Macros
Fat Content
Quality of Ingredients
Taste and Texture
Value
Pros
Decent taste
Crunchy texture may appeal to some
Too minimalist (less isn't always more!)
Cons
Not enough fat for keto
7g net carbs is too much
All fat comes from almonds
Lacks high quality protein
2

Stoka’s motto is “More krunch, less carbs”, and it’s crunchy texture is about the only thing that makes this protein bar stand out. In fairness, there are some people who don’t like their keto bars to be chewy. But unless you’re one of them I’d encourage you to move on–there’s nothing to see here other than sugar alcohols, almonds and almond butter.

Stoka Bars have erithritol, which means their true net carb count is slightly larger than claimed. And they don’t have a lot of protein. This is a good reminder that just because something looks natural doesn’t mean it’s the healthiest choice. 

Macros: 250 calories, 22g fat, 9g protein, 6g fiber, 7g net carbs.

Quest Bars ★★

A True Insult to the Keto Diet

quest bars
Quick Take on Quest Bars
The Takeaway
Masquerading as a healthy option, Quest Bars are actually one of the least healthy protein bars available. There’s no shortage of better options.
Taste and Texture
Macros
Ingredients
Value
Safety
Pros
High in protein
Low sugar options
Acceptable taste
Cons
Low quality protein (contains isolates)
Loaded with sugar alcohols
Net carbs may not be as low as claimed
Loads of artificial ingredients and preservatives
Can be expensive
2

Let me be honest: there’s no low-carb protein bar I hate more than Quest Bars. It’s the perception that they’re a healthy choice that bothers me the most. In fact, Quest Bars are very unhealthy. 

If you’re trying to eat well, the fact that they can be microwaved and then successfully reconstituted into cupcakes, cookies and crepes tells you everything you need to know.

I still included them in my list of the top 10 keto bars because, due to Quest Nutrition’s marketing prowess, they’re extremely popular and I know people are wondering about them.

I think folks should be educated about why they’re a bad choice for keto (and for any diet, for that matter).

There’s a wide misconception that Quest Bars are keto-friendly because of their purported low net carb count.

It’s actually higher than advertised because they’re sweetened exclusively with sugar alcohols, which are NOT completely indigestible, as claimed. Your body still absorbs some of them as carbs.

This misleading marketing lead to Quest Nutrition being sued, and losing. 

The other reason Quest Bars are a very poor choice for keto is that they have inadequate fat. Only about 30% of their calories are from fat, and some or all of it is usually palm oil. They’re also loaded with artificial ingredients.

Now, I will concede that Quest Nutrition has made some strides towards making more nutritious low-carb protein bars in recent years.

But there’s still no good reason to make them your go-to keto bar unless you just can’t afford the real deal. If you must, slather a bunch of coconut oil or butter on, because they just don’t have enough fat.

Macros: 108 Calories, 6g fat, 20g protein, 6g erythritol, 13g fiber, 5g net carbs

Pure Protein Bars ★

More Like Pure Garbage: Maltitol, Sucralose, Palm Kernal Oil Oh My!

Pure Protein Bars Review
The takeaway
Pure Protein Bars is a quintessential Fake Food bar that does not hold back on harmful ingredients such as Carnuba Wax, which I use to wax my car. If your health is a priority, avoid this bar.
Macros
Quality of Ingredients
Taste
Value
Nutritiousness
Pros
Cheap source of protein
May taste good (if you like junk food)
Cons
Misleading net carbs (sugar alcohols increase true carb count)
Contains maltitol and sucralose
Contains palm kernel oil
Inadequate fat for keto diet
Only 2g fiber
Artificial everything
1

Low-carb protein bars are a minefield for keto dieters, because many people on the diet think that just being low in net carbs is good enough. Any bar that markets itself as low-carb is almost certainly a poor choice for keto. Yet, Amazon searches for “keto bar” return many such bars. This is definitely a problem.

Pure Protein bars are a perfect example of a horrible bar that somehow sells well on Amazon, presumably because some like the taste (and may not realize they’re unhealthy). Seeing as it looks like a candy bar and contains copious amounts of maltitol and sucralose, I can’t say that I am surprised.

It’s hard to imagine anything worse than a Quest Bar, but Pure Protein manages. It has less fiber and fat, and more artificial ingredients.

Macros: 21g protein, 4g fat, 2g fiber, 7g net carbs

One Bar ★

Definitely Not the One (Avoid this Low-Carb Protein Bar)

One Bar taste test
One Bars Review
The takeaway
One Bars are the worst Fake Food protein bar I’ve seen yet–and considering I’ve reviewed dozens, that’s really saying something. One Bars are actually bar for you. Avoid at all costs. 
Taste
Ingredients
Macros
Value
Fiber
Pros
Dirt cheap (apropos for the dirty bar they are)
Cons
Contains isomolto-olligosacharides
8 net carbs (sugar alcohols increase true carb count)
Contains maltitol and sucralose
Palm kernel oil
Inadequate fat for keto
Artificial everything
1

Right when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, I came across One Bars, the worst low-carb bars availabe. Fittingly for it’s name, the One Bar gets just a single star.

One look at the inside of this bar and you can immediately tell this is not going to be good for you. Popular flavors include Glazed Donut and Birthday Cake. Who eats these things?!

They contain isomolto-olligosacharides (ISO), the fake and misleading fiber that Quest Bars got sued over. One of the many problems with ISO is that it’s partially digestible, increasing net carbs. One Bars also contain Carnauba Wax, which is what I use to polish my car (no, really).

I included them here because, despite their inferiority, they’re selling well on Amazon and anyone in the market for a keto-friendly protein bar could come across them.

Sadly, taste and price alone are enough to earn bars high ratings on Amazon. The problem is that the people these bars are being marketed to are trying to be healthy. Beware, keto friends: these could be the unhealthiest bars money can buy.

Macros: 20g protein, 7g fat, 9g fiber, 8g net carbs

Still don’t see the perfect bar for you? We’ve got more keto-friendly bar reviews that we’ve added since this article was written. Check out our IQBars review and Extend Bars review.  

 

FAQs

Are keto bars good for weight loss?

Definitely! The best keto bars will enable you stay in ketosis, and anything that does that is going to help you lose weight. As a bonus, most of the better keto protein bars out there contain MCT oil and/or coconut oil, which is known to help burn fat. Bars that have grass-fed whey protein and/or collagen are extremly high in Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), which is has been scientifically proven to help with weight loss.

What the Heck Is Isomalto-oligosaccharides?

Isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO) is the notorious synthetic fiber invented by QUEST Nutrition. It was purportedly not capable of being digested by the human gut, and was used to falsely reduce the net carb count on the labels of Quest Bars. The fiber became notorious when QUEST Nutrition was sued after it was found that IMOs are in fact partially absorbed. IMOs have a glycemic index of 35, which is comparable to Malitol, one of the least preferred sugar alcohols. Many low-carb protein bars are still using Isomalto-oligosaccharides. What this means for you if you’re on the keto diet is that you should avoid them. But if you must, you should take about 50% of the listed grams of fiber and add them back in as carbohydrates to your net carb count. Failing to count the carbs in these bars could really throw off your macros, especially if you’re busy and eating one every day, which can happen. Always scrutinize the labels!

What’s Soluble Corn Fiber (SCF) and is it safe?

As a result of the Isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMO) lawsuit, QUEST Nutrition eventually replaced IMO with Soluble Corn Fiber (SCF), another synthetic fiber that changed the taste and texture of Quest Bars significantly–to the dismay of many loyal customers. While there’s not much scientific research available on Soluble Corn Fiber yet, anecdotal evidence based on blood glucose testing suggests that it’s almost entirely indigestible (this is a good thing) and has a low glycemic index. Hence, you need only add back in about 10% of the list of carbohydrates on keto protein bars that are fortified with SCF. You’re still better off with natural fibers like inulin.

How many protein bars can I safely eat on keto?

It really depends on the bar and how much protein you’re getting from other dietary sources. If you’re eating a healthy, nutrient dense keto bar like MariGold or Perfect Keto, and your diet is diverse and well balanced, you can safely eay one a day. If you’re eating a Quest Bar, you really shouldn’t have one more than once a week.

Can I trust nutrition labels?

Aside from bars I recommend on this site, no. Protein bar manufacturers are notorious for lying to consumers. Many popular keto and low-carb protein bar manufacturers use synthetic fibers and sugar alcohols that are only partially indigestible and yet they subtract every gram of carbohydrate from the net carb count, listing a number that is much lower than it actually is. Offending synthetic fibers include Isomalto-oligosaccharides, which has been shown to contain about 50% digestible carbohydrates. In the case of sugar alcohols, many bars contain Maltitol, a common ingredient in low sugar candies – and the worst offender of all. Bottom line: if a low net-carb count in a suspiciously sweet bar seems too good to be true, it is. Watch out or you will be out of ketosis before you know it.

What common sugar alcohols should I avoid?

Malitol: This is the most common sweetener in sugar-free candies, and it’s considered to be the worst sugar alcohol. It actually has 2.5 cal per gram and a glycemic index of between 35 and 60. It’s been known to reach a glycemic index of up to 65 in concentrated syrups, like those used in many Atkins diet foods. Not to be consumed on a regular basis! Avoid this, but if you must, add about 50% of Malitol carbs into your net carb count. Erythritol: With a glycemic index of zero and just .2 cal per gram, erythritol is by far the best option of the sugar alcohols. I still prefer natural zero calorie alternatives such as Stevia and Monk Fruit. Allulose: Allulose is a new synthetic sugar (not technically a sugar alcohol) that was created by QUEST Nutrition. They’ve dubbed it a “rare sugar“. It’s not clear what this means but that’s how it is described on the back of some newer Quest Bars, such as the Hero Bar. Some consumers are reporting that it tastes good and is easy to digest, while others are saying it’s overrated. Given QUEST Nutrition’s poor track record, I’m avoiding Allulose until it’s proven to be safe.

Is tapioca fiber keto friendly?

Yes, tapioca fiber is one of the best soluble fibers for keto. Tapioca fiber is in many high-quality keto bars and is considered to be safe from a net carb counting standpoint. And because tapioca is a prebiotic fiber, it’s great for feeding your healthy gut bacteria.

Founder
Remy is the founder of Human Food Bar. A health and wellness enthusiast based in Berkeley, California with a deep interest in dietary nutrition, he's well versed in the Plant Paradox, Keto, Paleo and Vegan diets. He has a borderline obsession with nutrition bars that eventually gave birth to the Human Food Bar. In his free time he likes to blog, cook, mixologize, garden and mountain bike.
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Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Nutritional Synergy
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Kathy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with a Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in Human Nutrition. She's been a Registered Dietitian for 32 years serving in all capacities of my profession from clinical nutrition to public health and education. She's passionate about helping people change their lives for the better using medical nutrition therapy and in the art and practice of writing about all aspects of functional and integrative nutrition.
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Founder
Remy is the founder of Human Food Bar. A health and wellness enthusiast based in Berkeley, California with a deep interest in dietary nutrition, he's well versed in the Plant Paradox, Keto, Paleo and Vegan diets. He has a borderline obsession with nutrition bars that eventually gave birth to the Human Food Bar. In his free time he likes to blog, cook, mixologize, garden and mountain bike.

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