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The Best Protein Bar For Breakfast

Last updated on April 18, 2023

We looked at the top 15 Protein Bars For Breakfast and dug through the reviews from 35 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Protein Bars For Breakfast.

Best Protein Bar For Breakfast

Our Review Process

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It’s not always possible to whip up a healthy breakfast from scratch. You may have only a few minutes to get to work after rushing the kids out the door to catch the bus. When life gets busy, you’ll want to opt for a protein bar for breakfast. Protein bars are excellent as a meal replacement since they provide both nutrition and hunger control.

There are a few things to keep in mind as you browse the many available protein breakfast bars on the market.

Begin by examining the protein content in the breakfast bar. The higher the protein content, the longer you’ll go before feeling hungry again. Some bars have just 10 grams of protein per serving, which is fine if you’re using the bar as a healthy snack. For a meal replacement, however, you’ll want to go with the Pure Protein Bars, Chocolate Variety Pack, as each bar contains 20 grams of protein per serving.

Next, take a look at the sugar content. This is especially important if you are diabetic or trying to lose weight. You’ll find plenty of protein bars for breakfast that have 5 grams or less of sugar, including bars that keep the sugar level down to just 1 gram per serving.

Determine whether the protein bar has any other nutritional benefits. For example, some bars have 19 different vitamins and minerals in each bar that help support the body’s immune system. Other bars use alternative ingredients to keep the recipe safe for those who can’t consume gluten.

Don’t forget to take flavor into consideration when choosing the best protein bar for breakfast. Some protein bars are not only delicious, but also have that crunchy texture you crave. If you aren’t a big fan of French vanilla, you can go for dozens of other flavors, like red velvet, triple chocolate and cookies and cream.

Our Picks For The Top Protein Bars For Breakfast

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Gatorade Athletic Protein Bars For Breakfast, 18-Count

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Gatorade

Athletic Protein Bars For Breakfast, 18-Count

If you're searching for a protein bar for breakfast that has at least 20 grams of protein, then this variety pack is your best bet. Each of the three boxes contain six bars and you'll receive two flavors - chocolate chip and chocolate caramel. The bars are individually wrapped and easy to toss in a purse, gym bag or backpack when on the go.

Overall Take

Best After Workout BarEnjoy this protein bar for breakfast after exercising to help rebuild your muscles.

Pros
" This Gatorade Whey Protein Bar is supercharged in carbohydrates and protein. If you are extremely active, the Gatorate Whey Protein Bar can give you the replenishment you need before or after a workout."
Cons
"Not good for those who are dieting."
 Runner Up

KIND Super Grains Protein Bars For Breakfast, 32-Count

KIND

Super Grains Protein Bars For Breakfast, 32-Count

Individuals who love combining peanut butter with chocolate will find this protein bar for breakfast super yummy! The bars are non-GMO, as well as gluten free, so you can feel good about your meal. Each box contains eight bars that are an excellent source of protein and energy.

Overall Take

Versatile OptionThese protein bars for breakfast are made with five super grains to give you a healthy energy boost to tackle the day ahead.

 We Also Like

Quest Nutrition Dairy-Free Protein Bars For Breakfast, 12-Count

Quest Nutrition

Dairy-Free Protein Bars For Breakfast, 12-Count

Health-conscious consumers will love this protein bar for breakfast, which is made almost exclusively with natural ingredients. It does contain erythritol and sucralose in some flavors, so you may want to pay close attention to the ingredients of the bar you choose if you're concerned about those. You'll get 21 grams of protein with this bar, makin...

Overall Take

Natural IngredientsTons of protein and natural ingredients make this protein bar a winner, especially for health-conscious eaters.

Pros
" All natural ingredients and no added sugar. Doesn't contain gluten or soy. Boast exceptional protein from whey and milk."
Cons
"steer clear of Quest’s bars that contain sucralose, like the popular Cookies & Cream."
 Also Great

Special K Kellogg’s Portable Meal Protein Bars For Breakfast, 18-Count

Special K

Kellogg's Portable Meal Protein Bars For Breakfast, 18-Count

Thanks to this protein bar for breakfast variety pack, you'll be able to switch between flavors. The set features mouth-watering chocolate peanut butter, decadent brownie batter and sweet strawberry. There are 18 bars in total, each of which offers 12 grams of protein to get your day started off right.

Overall Take

Economical PickYou won't have any trouble sticking to your budget when you opt for this protein bar for breakfast.

Pros
" Calorie-wise they pack minimal damage. There are only 90 calories in Special K’s Cereal Bars, 180 calories in Special K’s Protein Meal Bars."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
22

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the protein bars for breakfast available to purchase.
15

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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35

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Fooducate, Home Tester Club, Quora, Lean It Up, Bar Bend.

131,622

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 15 Protein Bars For Breakfast and also dug through the reviews from 35 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Protein Bars For Breakfast.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Special K Kellogg’s Portable Meal Protein Bars For Breakfast, 18-Count

Our Expert Score

9.2
4 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.9
44 user reviews

Our Take

Thanks to this protein bar for breakfast variety pack, you'll be able to switch between flavors. The set features mouth-watering chocolate peanut butter, decadent brownie batter and sweet strawberry. There are 18 bars in total, each of which offers 12 grams of protein to get your day started off right.

What other experts liked

Calorie-wise they pack minimal damage. There are only 90 calories in Special K’s Cereal Bars, 180 calories in Special K’s Protein Meal Bars.
- Lean It Up
November 12, 2012 | Full review

What other experts didn't like

Multiple sugar ingredients listed
- Fooducate
The sheer number of artificial ingredients, chemicals, and preservatives in each bar is actually astonishing.
- Quora
The sheer number of artificial ingredients, chemicals, and preservatives in each bar is actually astonishing.
- Lean It Up
November 12, 2012 | Full review

What to Look For

  • If you have any medical conditions that require you to follow a specific diet, it’s best to consult your family physician before replacing a meal with a protein bar. Additionally, if you are pregnant or nursing, you may want to use the bar as a quick and healthy snack, but follow your doctor’s guidelines about how many calories you should be consuming at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Always consume protein bars in moderation. Eating them in excess can lead to unwanted side effects such as diarrhea, cramps and bloating. If the breakfast bars contain vitamins and minerals as well, you don’t want to eat so many bars that you are taking more than the daily recommended vitamin allowance.
  • Be aware that even if the protein bar doesn’t contain an ingredient that you are allergic to, the bars may be manufactured in a plant that also creates foods that have those allergens in them. Individuals who are severely allergic will want to check the product label for this information before they chance buying and consuming a bar.
  • You can make your own protein bars for breakfast instead of buying them. Common ingredients include oats, dark chocolate chips made with stevia, nut butter, cinnamon, ground flax seeds and local honey. You can also add a touch of sea salt, a scoop of whey protein powder or a sprinkle of coconut flakes.
  • It’s a good idea to determine how much you’re willing to spend per protein bar. You can calculate the price per bar when buying in bulk, which is generally cheaper than buying breakfast bars individually, by dividing the total price by the number of bars in the set.

Protein Bar For Breakfast Rankings

1. Gatorade Athletic Protein Bars For Breakfast, 18-Count

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 4

2. KIND Super Grains Protein Bars For Breakfast, 32-Count

Overall Score: 9.5
Reviews Included: 1

4. Rise Whey Handmade Protein Bars For Breakfast, 12-Count

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 1

6. ONE Seasonal Whey Protein Bars For Breakfast, 12-Count

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 8

10. think! High Fat Protein Bars For Breakfast, 10-Count

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 4

11. ONE Travel Protein Bars For Breakfast, 12-Count

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 4

13. RXBAR Kosher Protein Bars For Breakfast, 12-Count

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 5

More to Explore

Did you know that your body is made up of almost 20% protein and that most proteins only last two days? Both are true! Here are a few more fun facts about this essential macronutrient.

  • Humans digest animal proteins easier than plant proteins.
  • There are over 100,000 different types of proteins within the human body.
  • Since eggshells are only made from protein that comes from hens, it is scientifically proven that a chicken came before an egg.
  • Insects are higher in protein than animals like cows and chickens.
  • The yellowfin tuna has the highest protein content among fish, while Parmesan cheese contains more protein than any other cheese.

More to explore