Alright, let’s be real, finding a vegan protein bar that actually tastes good? …
“So, What’s the Secret Sauce Behind Our Choices…?”
Honestly, there’s been a major glow-up in the vegan protein bar game, and I’ve gone through Reddit threads, reviews, and of course, my own snack shelf to bring you the best ones.
Our criteria was clear: taste, protein content, clean ingredients, and support for fitness goals. No one wants a protein bar packed with sugar, right?
We’ve cut through the hype to find the real winners and categorised them for you.
Flavor: Double Chocolate Brownie and Salted Caramel (vegan flavors).
Brand: Not Fully Vegan
Lexi’s is not fully vegan, but their Double Chocolate Brownie and Salted Caramel bars are fully vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, nut-free, and refined sugar-free.
Why We Love It: In the UK, it’s rare to find vegan protein bars that actually make allergy-friendly claims, so Lexi’s feels like a win. There are only two vegan flavours, but they both hit the mark: Double Chocolate Brownie is like a fudgy treat without the guilt, and Salted Caramel nails that sweet-salty vibe. The texture’s soft but not too crumbly.
Protein Content: 10g per bar
Allergy Friendly: Yes, there are flavours Free from gluten, soy, dairy, and nuts.
Potential Drawback: At 10g of protein per 40g bar, Lexi’s might feel a bit light if you’re looking for a proper protein punch. Brands like Misfits (15g per 45g) or Barebells (15g per 55g) pack in more.
It’s true, finding vegan protein bars that are properly allergy-friendly is a bit of a mission. There are a few snack bars out there that cater to allergies, but their protein content is much lower – around 2g per bar, which is a lot less than the usual 10-15g you’d get from most vegan protein bars.
Still, if you’re open to snack bars that lean more on oats and wholesome ingredients than high protein, there are a few options worth considering.
Brands: Creative Nature Oat Bars, Graze Oat Boosts, Freee GF Oat Bars.
Allergy Friendly: Yes all brands mentioned are nut free, vegan, gluten-free.
Potential Drawback: Most of these products are low in protein and work better as a snack than a proper protein boost. Honestly, you’d probably have better luck finding an allergy-friendly protein powder and whipping up your own bars or shakes.
Flavor: Chocolate Caramel, Peanut Caramel, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Dark Chocolate & Raspberry
Brand: Fully vegan brand
Why We Love It: With essential nutrients like iron, calcium, and Vitamin D, they’re perfect for anyone trying to stay on top of their nutrition while on the go. Flavour-wise, Dark Chocolate & Raspberry brings a rich, tangy combo, while Chocolate Fudge Brownie leans indulgent and satisfying. The texture? Chewy with a soft bite that doesn’t crumble everywhere (no annoying mess in your bag, thank you). Plus, they’ve kept the sugar content low without sacrificing taste – something a lot of brands struggle with.
Protein Content: 14g per bar.
Allergy Friendly: No, but they are vegan.
Potential Drawback: While the Dark Chocolate & Raspberry flavour is widely loved, some Reddit users have commented that Peanut Caramel and Chocolate Caramel taste a bit mild. These bars aren’t overly indulgent or dessert-like, but they’re designed more for balanced nutrition with essential vitamins and minerals.
Flavor: Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Lemon Meringue Pie, Raspberry Truffle, Chunky Peanut Butter, and more.
Brand: Fully vegan brand
Why We Love It: These bars deliver 20-21g of protein per 60g bar, making them a top choice for anyone needing a high-protein snack without the sugar crash. Sweetened with monk fruit and stevia, they’re low-sugar (around 1g per bar) and perfect for anyone watching their intake. The Chunky Peanut Butter packs a creamy, nutty punch, while Lemon Meringue Piestands out for its refreshing tang. Plus, with 16g of fibre, these bars are great for digestion and keeping you full longer. They’re a practical choice for post-gym recovery or midday hunger pangs.
Protein Content: 20-21g per 60g bar, depending on the flavour.
Allergy Friendly: Yes, they contain nuts but they are free from soy and gluten.
Potential Drawback: The texture can be divisive – some Reddit users describe it as chalky or dense, particularly in drier flavours. Additionally, the flavours are more functional than indulgent, so if you’re after a dessert-like treat, they might fall short. That said, they excel as a clean, high-protein option for serious gym-goers or health-focused snackers.
Flavor: Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Chocolate.
Brand: Not fully vegan but offers vegan-friendly flavours.
Why We Love It: These bars are a gym bag essential – packed with 20g of protein each, they’re perfect for recovery after a workout or a mid-day energy boost. The flavours are rich without being overly sweet, and the texture strikes a balance between chewy and crunchy, so you don’t feel like you’re gnawing on cardboard (thankfully). The Chocolate Mint is a fan-favourite for its refreshing taste, while Chocolate Peanut Butter gives you that classic combo done right. Plus, Clif’s eco-conscious packaging and sourcing make it a feel-good purchase.
Protein Content: 20g per 68g bar.
Allergy Friendly: No, but they are vegan and gluten free.
Potential Drawback: The bars are larger and more calorie-dense than some other options, which might be a downside if you’re looking for a lighter snack. Also, not all Clif Bars are vegan, so make sure to stick with the vegan-labelled ones.
Flavor: Salty Peanut, Hazelnut Nougat, and Chocolate Dough.
Brand: Not fully vegan but offers two vegan-friendly flavours.
Why We Love It: Honestly, Barebells vegan bars feel like a treat disguised as a protein snack. The Salty Peanut hits that perfect sweet-salty balance, while Hazelnut Nougat gives major Ferrero Rocher vibes (without the dairy). Their Chocolate Dough is great if you’re into a richer, dessert-like taste. Texture-wise, they’re soft yet chewy, with none of that dry or powdery nonsense you get with some protein bars. Plus, with 15g of protein per bar, they’re ideal for post-workout or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Protein Content: 15g per 55g bar.
Allergy Friendly: No, but they are vegan and gluten free.
Potential Drawback: The bars are on the smaller side compared to other high-protein options like Clif Builders or No Cow. Some Reddit users have mentioned that while the flavours are indulgent, they’re not as filling as they’d hoped, especially if you’re looking for something to fuel a heavy workout.
Flavor: Gooey Salted Caramel and Chocolate Brownie Crunch.
Brand: Fully Vegan
Why We Love It: These bars bring a touch of indulgence to the protein world. The Gooey Salted Caramel actually lives up to its name – think soft, gooey layers with a caramel sweetness that doesn’t feel artificial. The Chocolate Brownie Crunch balances rich cocoa flavour with a satisfying crunch, making it feel more like a treat than a chore. They’re small but mighty, with 15g of protein per 50g bar – ideal for an on-the-go snack or a post-workout boost. The branding is minimal and chic, and they’re clearly made with the busy, health-conscious crowd in mind.
Protein Content: 13g per 55g bar.
Allergy Friendly: No, but they are vegan and gluten free.
Potential Drawback: Some users have noted that while the texture is indulgent, the Gooey Salted Caramel can lean towards being too sweet for some.
Flavor: Chocolate Mint, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Chocolate.
Brand: Fully Vegan
Why We Love It: Misfits bars are honestly a crowd favourite, and for good reason. The White Choc Salted Peanut is a Reddit darling, praised for being the closest thing to a proper candy bar while still packing 15g of protein. If you’re a fan of creamy textures, Cookies & Cream is a winner – it’s got that indulgent cookie crumble vibe without feeling overly dense. Reddit reviews rave about how the Chocolate Hazelnut gives Nutella energy in bar form, while the Birthday Cake is perfect for those with a proper sweet tooth (think sprinkles and all). These bars deliver a soft, chewy texture that’s satisfying but not overly sticky, making them a great grab-and-go option. The flavour variety means you won’t get bored, and they feel like a treat rather than a chore – no chalky protein aftertaste here.
Protein Content: 14g per 50g bar.
Allergy Friendly: No, but they are vegan and gluten free.
Potential Drawback: If you’re after a “clean” bar, these might not be your go-to. They lean more into the indulgent category, with some flavours on the sweeter side – Birthday Cake, in particular, might be a bit too sugary for those who prefer subtle tastes
Flavor: Chocolate Chip (cookie dough vibes) and Peanut Butter (classic PB lovers’ choice)
Brand: Not Fully vegan but offers vegan-friendly flavours.
Why We Love It: These bars are minimalism at its finest. Think five key ingredients: dates, nuts, oats, and a blend of pea and almond protein. The soft, chewy texture is a win – thanks to the whole-grain gluten-free oats – and there’s 0g of added sugar, which is rare for something that tastes this indulgent. Chocolate Chip is the MVP for Reddit users
Protein Content: 10g per bar.
Allergy Friendly: These are gluten-free and soy-free, but not nut-free – almonds and peanuts feature heavily.
Potential Drawback: If you’re used to high-protein bars (think 15-20g per bar), these might not pack enough for your macros.
Flavor: Chocolate Mint, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Coconut Chocolate Almond, and Chocolate Fudge Brownie
Brand: Fully vegan
Why We Love It: These bars are celebrated for their clean ingredient list – think organic pumpkin seeds, pea protein, and coconut sugar. The Chocolate Mint flavor stands out as a refreshing treat (think healthier after-dinner mint vibes), and the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip balances a natural sweetness with a hint of salt. The texture is a big win – soft and chewy but without being sticky, which many users on Reddit have praised. They feel indulgent but don’t come with a sugar crash, which makes them ideal for a midday energy boost or pre-workout snack.
Protein Content: 14g per 56g bar.
Allergy Friendly: These bars are gluten-free and soy-free, but they do contain nuts.
Potential Drawback: While the Chocolate Mint and Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip flavors have a fan following, the Coconut Chocolate Almond has divided opinions – the coconut flavor can be quite strong, which might not be for everyone.
If you’re wondering what’s powering your vegan protein bars, here’s a breakdown of the most common plant-based protein sources and why they’re chosen:
If you’re gluten-free, soy-free, or have nut allergies, this is your starting point. Always check the labels! Bars like RXBAR Plant or 88 Acres are ace for catering to allergies, with clean ingredients that keep it simple.
Are you after a high-protein bar to fuel your workouts or just a quick snack to keep you going? For heavy hitters, Misfits packs 15g of protein, and Clif Builders brings a whopping 20g. For something less intense, Shreddy’s Gooey Salted Caramel feels like a treat without overdoing it.
Trust me, clean ingredients make all the difference. Look for bars with whole foods like oats, dates, or nuts and avoid those with endless chemical-sounding additives. RXBAR Plant and Aloha Bars absolutely nail this with their no-nonsense approach.
Some bars sneak in loads of sugar disguised under fancy names. Look for options naturally sweetened with fruit, like dates, instead of syrups or artificial sweeteners. No one’s got time for a sugar crash mid-afternoon, innit?
Reddit is your best mate here—people don’t hold back in their reviews. Or ask around! Friends or a dietitian can steer you in the right direction based on what you need.
You’d think all vegan protein bars would be top-tier healthy, but some sneak in ingredients that make you go, “Wait, what?”. Here’s what to watch out for:
Honestly, the UK has so many options now. If you’re after something indulgent but balanced, Misfits Protein Bars are a top pick with fab flavours like Dark Choc Raspberry. For clean ingredients, RXBAR Plant is lush, and if you love a gooey centre, Shreddy’s Salted Caramel might just be your new obsession.
DIY vegan protein bars are super easy and way cheaper. Use a mix of oats, nut butter, plant protein powder, and dates for sweetness. You can even customise with your fave add-ins like dark chocolate chips or seeds. (Pinterest is a great tool to find specific recipes).
H&B is like the holy grail for vegan snacks. They stock brands like TREK, Clif Builders, and Misfits, and they often have deals so you can stock up guilt-free.
If you’ve just been at the gym, trust me, these bars are clutch. Something like a Misfits or Clif Builders bar (with 15g-20g of protein) can really help with muscle recovery. Quick, easy, and way better than faffing with a shake, innit?
Not gonna lie, sometimes you just need a sweet fix. Swap out those dodgy corner-shop chocolates for a Shreddy Gooey Salted Caramel or an RXBAR Plant. They’re naturally sweetened, so no sugar crash later.
Feeling peckish mid-morning or need something quick on-the-go? Add a bar alongside your avo toast or a salad. Aloha Bars with their clean ingredients are lush if you want a light but filling protein boost.
There’s literally a flavour for everyone—chocolate, peanut butter, fruity ones, you name it. Experiment until you find your ride-or-die bar. For me, Misfits Dark Choc Raspberry is a personal fave.
Take it up a notch by pairing your bar with fruit, nuts, or even a dollop of vegan yogurt. An RXBAR with some berries? Chef’s kiss. Balanced, delicious, and keeps you full for hours.
If you’re watching calories but still want a protein boost, try bars with under 200 kcal, like TREK Protein Flapjacks or Misfits Choc Hazelnut. They’re high in protein to keep you full but without loads of sugar or carbs.
Yep! Tesco’s got your back with brands like TREK, Naked Bars, and even Fulfil Vegan Bars. Perfect for a quick grab while doing your food shop
The main difference is the protein source. Vegan bars use plant-based proteins like pea, soy, or brown rice, while regular ones might include whey or egg whites. Vegan bars are also more likely to be free from animal by-products and sometimes better for allergies.
Honestly, it depends on the bar. If it’s loaded with added sugar and artificial ingredients, probably not. But bars like RXBAR Plant and Aloha Bars focus on clean, whole ingredients, making them a great choice for a healthy snack. Always check the labels, innit?
Not gonna lie, most vegan protein bars are geared toward adults, but some can work for kids if you pick the right ones. Stick to options with minimal sugar and whole food ingredients like dates and nuts. Be extra careful, though—some bars sneak in caffeine or functional ingredients like adaptogens, which definitely aren’t kid-friendly. And as always, double-check for allergens like peanuts or soy before handing one over to the little ones.