Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein Bar
Taste-first consumers who want the best-tasting high-protein bar and can tolerate sugar alcohols
KIND Protein Bar Dark Chocolate Nut
Casual snackers who want a recognizable brand with visible whole ingredients
Score Comparison
Pricing & Features
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Barebells Cookies & Cream Protein Bar
Taste-first consumers who want the best-tasting high-protein bar and can tolerate sugar alcohols
Barebells is arguably the best-tasting protein bar on the market — it genuinely tastes like a candy bar. The 20g protein and 1g sugar macros are excellent. The catch is maltitol in the coating, which dings ingredient purity and sugar profile scores. If you prioritize taste and macros over ingredient purity, Barebells wins.
Strengths
- Exceptional taste that rivals actual candy bars — consistently top-rated for flavor
- 20g whey protein with only 1g sugar makes for an outstanding macro profile
- Swedish-designed with a satisfying chocolate coating and creamy center
Limitations
- Contains maltitol in the chocolate coating — a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive issues
- No USDA Organic, NSF, or other major health-focused certifications
- Ingredient list includes several processed additives beyond the maltitol
When to Choose KIND Protein Bar Dark Chocolate Nut
Casual snackers who want a recognizable brand with visible whole ingredients
KIND built its brand on visible whole ingredients, and the Dark Chocolate Nut bar delivers that visual appeal. However, the protein comes from soy protein isolate (not the nuts), and palm kernel oil drags down ingredient purity. At 12g protein and 8g sugar, the macros are average. A familiar, accessible option rather than a health-optimized one.
Strengths
- Recognizable whole nuts and ingredients you can see — visually transparent
- Good taste with a satisfying crunch from whole almonds and peanuts
- Affordable at ~$1.50/bar and widely available in most stores
Limitations
- Contains soy protein isolate and palm kernel oil — not the cleanest ingredient list
- ~8g sugar per bar is on the higher side for a protein bar
- Only 12g protein — moderate at best for a product marketed as a protein bar
