Being gluten free doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy delicious protein bars. However, it does mean that you need to be a little more careful when choosing which brands to buy from.
Choosing to buy gluten free protein bars means you can maximize your protein intake in an easy way without compromising your health.
The 10 best gluten free protein bars are:
- Pure Protein Bar
- Misfits Protein Bar
- Larabar
- Huel Protein Bar
- Misfits Protein Bar
- Think Protein Bar
- Luna Bar
- Kind Bar
- Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
- Kirkland Signature Protein Bar
- Trek Protein Energy Bar
In this article, I’m going to cover everything you need to know about gluten free protein bars, including the rules around what enables a bar to be labeled as gluten free and how to choose the best bar for your needs.
I’ve also included two great gluten free protein bar recipes toward the end of the article for you to try out if you don’t want to go the pre-packaged route.
Use the Table of Contents below to navigate to the section of your choice or keep reading for more information.
Are you new here? I also have the following posts to help you live gluten-free without the stress!
- How to eat out SAFELY when you’re gluten-free
- How to make ANY recipe gluten-free
- How to TRAVEL gluten-free and still have fun
…get valuable support from me, and gluten-free peers, in my EXCLUSIVE Facebook community “Stress-Free Gluten-Free” by clicking here!
The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research. Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
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Do Protein Bars Have Gluten?
Some protein bars contain gluten, but some don’t. Whether a protein bar contains gluten or not should be written on the label.
Gluten is a protein that is found in a variety of different grains, including wheat, rye, barley, or oats if they weren’t grown separately from gluten-containing grains. You might see these ingredients on the ingredients list of the nutrient label instead of the word ‘gluten’ itself.
You may also see derivatives of these grains on the label as well, such as malt (which is derived from barley and not gluten-free).
FDA Rules On Gluten Free Protein Bars
According to the FDA, a product can only be labeled as gluten free in the United States if it contains less than 20 mg of gluten per kilogram.
Another way you might see this written is a product is gluten free if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.
Aside from the 20 ppm limit, a protein bar can be labeled as gluten free if it does NOT contain any of the following:
- Wheat, rye, barley, or any crossbreeds of these grains
- An ingredient that is derived from these grains that has not been processed to remove gluten
- An ingredient that is derived from these grains that has been processed to remove gluten, but results in the food containing more than 20 ppm of gluten
Some products also go through an independent 3rd party certification process to label their products certified gluten-free.
How To Choose Gluten Free Protein Bars
The key factors to consider when choosing a gluten free protein bar (other than being gluten-free) are:
- Price
- Taste And Flavors
- Amount of Carbs and Protein
Price
Unfortunately, any time you’re looking for a gluten-free product, the price is going to be more expensive.
We investigated 30 generic protein bar brands and the average cost was $1.20 USD per bar. However, the gluten-free protein bars averaged between $2 and $3 USD per bar. Larabars are $0.88 each, making them the cheapest option on the list, and the Huel Protein Bars are the most expensive option, costing $3.02 each.
While you can find these bars at your local health food store, you may find better prices on Amazon, the company’s own website, or at a whole sale retailer like Thrive Market.
You will find that some brands will be much more expensive than others, despite containing the same amount of protein per bar.
Taste And Flavors
You might need to try out a few different brands of gluten free protein bars to determine which ones taste nice to you, especially if you plan on eating protein bars every day.
Some gluten free bars are known for being quite dry and crumbling. When searching for the best gluten free bar, find one that is moist and has an enjoyable texture.
Consider the flavorings that are used too.
Ideally, you should go for a bar that has natural flavors and actual foods, instead of artificial flavors and sweeteners, such as the Think! Protein Bars.
Going for a more natural option will not only taste better but will also provide you with more nutrition and a reduced risk of disease. Artificial flavors and sweeteners have been linked to weight gain and health conditions.
Amount of Carbs and Protein
Depending on your specific health and fitness goals, you might want a protein bar that is high in protein but low in carbs or has a relatively similar amount of both.
Take a look at the number of grams of carbs and protein to see if it meets your needs.
For example, if you want to gain muscle, search for a bar that has a higher amount of protein than carbs to increase muscle recovery and muscle growth like the Misfits Protein Bar.
If you want to maximize your endurance, going for a gluten free protein bar that contains higher amounts of carbs than protein will be better to provide your body with fuel for your prolonged workouts, such as the Huel Protein Bar.
If you’re using a protein bar as a meal replacement on a weight loss journey, search for a bar that has relatively similar amounts of protein and carbs, like Quest Bars. This will ensure that you have enough carbs to keep your energy levels up but you are still consuming enough protein to preserve muscle mass on your weight loss journey.
Best Overall Gluten Free Protein Bar
Pure Protein Bar
Calories – 200 kcals
Protein – 20 grams
Carbs – 17 grams
The winner of the best overall gluten free protein bar is the Pure Protein Bar. It contains 20 grams of protein and 17 grams of carbs, providing a relatively equal split between the two macronutrients.
It’s going to give you a boost of energy while also helping you to maintain muscle mass.
The Pure Protein bars are made using whey protein, which is absorbed much quicker into the bloodstream from the intestines than some other forms of protein. It’s also rich in Leucine, an amino acid that is essential for protein and muscle production.
It comes in a range of delicious flavors that very few brands offer, including Birthday Cake, Chocolate Peanut Caramel, Cookies and Cream, and Marshmallow Crispy Treat.
See more reviews of Pure Protein here.
Best Low Carb & Gluten Free Protein Bar
Misfits Protein Bar
Calories – 186 kcals
Protein – 16 grams
Carbs – 5.8 grams
The Mistfits Protein Bar wins the prize for the best low carb and gluten free option. With just 5.8 grams of carbs and 16 grams of protein per bar, it’s the perfect option when you’re looking for something to boost your protein intake without increasing your carb intake too much.
The Misfits bars are also dairy free, so they are ideal if you are vegan or lactose intolerant.
There are several different flavors, from mint choc chip to cookie butter, so you’ll be able to find at least one flavor that you love.
See all the Misfits Protein Bar Flavors here.
Best Vegan & Gluten Free Protein Bar
Larabars
Calories – 210 kcals
Protein – 5 grams
Carbs – 23 grams
For the best vegan gluten free protein bar, Larabar takes the cake. It’s pure, natural ingredients make it a great snack to eat before your workouts, with natural protein from nuts.
Larabars come in a multitude of flavors –ranging from fruity, to chocolatey, to nutty. Each flavor has a similar number of calories, protein, and carbs but differs in taste.
Yet, no matter the flavor, you’ll recognize each and every ingredient on the nutrition label! Plus, it’s the most affordable option on the list (especially when you order it on Amazon with the Subscribe & Save discount!)
Best Dairy Free & Gluten Free Protein Bar
Huel Protein Bar
Calories – 200 kcals
Protein – 10 grams
Carbs – 18 grams
For 200 calories, the Huel Protein Bar provides 10 grams of protein and 18 grams of carbohydrates. While it is lower in protein than some of the other bars on the list, it is a great dairy-free option when you’re looking for something to boost your protein intake.
The Huel Protein Bar has 70% less sugar than the standard bars that they sell at Huel. They contain pea protein, which is packed full of iron, which helps to transport oxygen around your body, and it may help to lower blood pressure.
These bars are available in salted caramel, peanut butter, banoffee, and raspberry, all of which have a natural cocoa coating. Cocoa has known benefits, including decreased inflammation, lower blood pressure, and more balanced blood sugar levels.
Best Sugar Free & Gluten Free Protein Bar
Think Protein Bar
Calories – 230 kcals
Protein – 20 grams
Carbs – 23 grams
The Think Protein Bar has an almost 1 to 1 protein to carb ratio. It has 20 grams of protein and 23 grams of carbohydrates, so it’s perfect to fuel you before your workouts.
This gluten free protein bar comes in a wide range of flavors, including chocolate fudge, creamy peanut butter, cookies and cream, and lemon crisp.
There are no artificial sweeteners used in any of the Think Protein Bars, so you won’t be exposed to the potential negative effects of artificial sweetener consumption.
Check out all the flavors of Think! Protein bars here.
Other Gluten Free Protein Bars
Additional gluten free protein bars for you to consider are:
- Luna Bar
- Kind Bar
- Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
- Kirkland Signature Protein Bar
- Trek Protein Energy Bar
Luna Bars
Calories – 190 kcals
Protein – 7 grams
Carbs – 29 grams
Luna bars are a great option for an energy boost, with each bar containing 7 grams of protein obtained from soy. There are 29 grams of carbs.
Luna Bars are made using soy protein. Soy protein is naturally cholesterol-free and low in fat. It contains healthy fats and compounds called isoflavonoids that may help to prevent bone loss.
Additionally, soy is a high quality protein source, which is commonly consumed by plant-based athletes and bodybuilders.
See all of Luna Bar’s varieties here.
Kind Protein Bars
Calories – 240 kcals
Protein – 12 grams
Carbs – 18 grams
With a limited range of flavors such as Caramel Nut and Almond Butter Dark Chocolate, the Kind Protein Bar is suitable for a mid-afternoon snack. It contains 12 grams of protein and around 18 grams of carbs per bar.
These protein bars are made by the same company as the KIND snack bars, so you can expect the same great flavors, but with more sustained protein.
Quest Nutrition Protein Bar
Calories – 180 kcals
Protein – 24 grams
Carbs – 21 grams
The Quest Nutrition bars have 20 grams of protein obtained from milk protein isolate. There are 23 grams of carbs in each bar so it’s a great way to fuel yourself for the day ahead.
Quest Nutrition Protein Bars come in an extensive range of flavors, from blueberry muffin to sprinkle doughnut to mint choc chip.
They aren’t known for being the most amazing tasting protein bars but I personally love them. They’re an acquired taste but if you enjoy a more bitter, chewy bar, you’ll love Quest.
See other reviews of Quest protein bars here.
Kirkland Signature Protein Bar
Calories – 190 kcals
Protein – 23 grams
Carbs – 21 grams
There are 190 calories, 23 grams of carbs, and 21 grams of protein in each Kirkland Protein Bar. They are gluten free and non-GMO, and come in lots of delicious flavors, each of which is coated in real chocolate.
Whether you’ve got a busy day at work or you’re out for the day with your family, the great balance of carbs and protein in the Kirkland Protein Bars will provide you with adequate nutrition and energy.
See other reviews of Kirkland Signature Protein Bars here.
RXBAR Protein Bar
Calories – 2106 kcals
Protein – 12 grams
Carbs – 24 grams
RXBars contain a higher than average amount of protein compared to traditional snacks and bars. You can also regularly find these at grocery and convenience stores, which are great for on the go!
Every bar is made with natural ingredients, mainly egg, nuts and fruits, with no artificial sweeteners. Everything is stated clearly on the label!
Gluten Free Homemade Protein Bar Recipes
If you want to make your own gluten free protein bars at home, you might be searching for some healthy recipes to follow.
Store-bought products always carry a risk of being cross-contaminated in the factory. By baking your own protein bars, you can control which ingredients you use and ensure that the bars are completely gluten free.
I searched the internet and found two of the best recipes for homemade gluten free protein bars that you can follow. Both recipes take minimal time to prepare and create delicious protein bars that are guaranteed to be 100% gluten free.
No-Bake Double Chocolate Nut-Free Protein Bars (gluten free + no oats!)
Preparation time – 10 minutes
Cooking time – 0 minutes
Makes 8 bars
These double chocolate protein bars are nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free made with cocoa crispy rice cereal (so they’re oat free too!) With only 5 ingredients and no baking time, these are bars you’re sure to love – and totally kid friendly too!
Ingredients
- gluten free cocoa crispy rice cereal
- honey
- sunflower seed butter
- protein powder
- chocolate chips
Snag the full recipe for these chocolatey no bake bars here!
No Bake Gluten Free Homemade Brownie Protein Bars
Preparation time – 10 minutes
Cooking time – 0 minutes
Makes 10 bars
These Gluten Free Homemade Protein Bars have the soft texture of a brownie but are much healthier. Instead of using table sugar, they are sweetened using the natural sugars of Medjool dates and the sweet flavor of protein powder. They’re perfect for a high-protein, delicious dessert or snack.
Ingredients for the Date Version
- Gluten free rolled oats–my favorite are the purity protocol oats by GF Harvest
- Gluten free protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)–see my favorite gluten-free protein powder brands here
- Pitted soft Medjool dates
- Pure maple syrup
- Pure vanilla extract
- Kosher salt
- Milk (any kind)
- Unsweetened chocolate chopped and melted (optional)
- Bittersweet chocolate chopped and melted (optional, for coating)
Ingredients for the Nut Butter Version
- Gluten free rolled oats–my favorite are the purity protocol oats by GF Harvest
- Gluten free protein powder (vanilla or chocolate)–see my favorite gluten-free protein powder brands here
- Unsweetened cocoa powder natural
- Smooth natural nut butter
- Pure maple syrup
- Kosher salt
- Milk (any kind)
- Unsweetened chocolate chopped and melted
- Bittersweet chocolate chopped and melted (optional, for coating)
Learn more about this Homemade Protein Bar recipe on GlutenFreeOnAShoeString.com.
Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars
Preparation time – 5 minutes
Cooking time – 30 minutes
Makes 9 bars
Nutritional information – 313 kcals, 27 grams carbohydrates, 16 grams protein, 18 grams fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 12 grams of sugar
These Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars are gluten free and egg free. They are perfect as a healthy snack or a delicious breakfast when you’re looking for something high in protein. You can use whey protein or a vegan alternative, depending on your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- Banana
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate protein powder
- Peanut butter, natural
- Dark chocolate chips
Learn more about this Homemade Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars recipe on HungryHobbit.net.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mars Protein Bars Gluten Free?
Mars protein bars contain barley so they are not gluten free.
Are Pure Protein Bars Gluten Free?
Yes, Pure protein bars are gluten free.
Are Think Protein Bars Gluten Free?
Yes, all Think protein bars are gluten free.
Are Gatorade Whey Protein Bars Gluten Free?
No, there are gluten-containing products in Gatorade bars, such as wheat.
Are Barebells Protein Bars Gluten Free?
Some of the Barebells protein bars contain traces of gluten.
Are Quest Bars Gluten Free?
Yes, all Quest bars are gluten free.
Are Misfits Protein Bar Gluten Free?
Yes, the Misfits protein bars are free from gluten.
Are One Protein Bars Gluten Free?
Yes, One Protein bars are gluten free.
Are Kirkland Protein Bars Gluten Free?
Yes, all of the Kirkland protein bars are free from gluten.
What’s they key to loving your gluten free life? Take this quick quiz to get a personalized plan with the guide you need to thrive!
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