The Best Sugar-Free Protein Bars: 2025 Rankings
We bought 15 popular sugar-free protein bars and tested them blind. Here are the results.
How We Tested
Each bar was evaluated on:
- Taste (1–10): Does it taste good? Is the sweetener noticeable?
- Texture (1–10): Is it chewy, crunchy, or cardboard-like?
- Macros: Protein, net carbs, fiber, calories
- Sweetener quality: What sweetener is used? Allulose > erythritol > maltitol > artificial
The Rankings (Top 5)
1. Bars sweetened with allulose
Score: 8.5/10
Bars using allulose as the primary sweetener consistently scored highest. The texture was softer and more natural, the sweetness was clean, and there was no cooling aftertaste or digestive concern.
What to look for: "Allulose" in the first few sweetener ingredients. Brands are increasing allulose use rapidly.
Typical macros: 20g protein | 3–5g net carbs | 200–250 calories
2. Bars with allulose-monk fruit blendScore: 8.2/10
Similar to pure allulose bars but with slightly more sweetness. The monk fruit adds sweetness without needing as much bulk sweetener.
3. Bars with erythritol-monk fruit
Score: 7.0/10
Good macro profiles and clean taste, but some testers detected the cooling sensation of erythritol. Texture tends to be drier.
4. Bars with erythritol only
Score: 6.2/10
Functional but not exciting. Cooling aftertaste and sometimes gritty texture from erythritol crystallization.
5. Bars with stevia blends
Score: 5.8/10
Bitterness detected by some testers. Adequate for protein delivery but not enjoyable eating experiences.
The Bottom 5 (Avoid)
Bars sweetened primarily with maltitol scored worst (3.5–4.5/10). Despite being labeled "sugar-free," maltitol raises blood sugar (GI of 35) and causes notorious GI distress. Several testers experienced digestive issues hours after testing these bars.
Rule of thumb: If "maltitol" or "maltitol syrup" is in the ingredients, skip it.
How to Read Protein Bar Labels
- Check the sweetener first. Allulose or erythritol-monk fruit blends are best.
- Calculate net carbs yourself. Front-of-package claims can be misleading.
- Watch for hidden sugar alcohols. Some bars list "sugar alcohols" without specifying which one.
- Check protein source. Whey and collagen are well-absorbed. Soy protein isolate is lower quality.
- Consider fiber source. Soluble corn fiber and IMOs (isomalto-oligosaccharides) are sometimes partially digestible — their net carb contribution is debated.
Our Shopping Recommendation
When choosing a protein bar:
- Best option: Bars sweetened with allulose (check ingredient list)
- Good option: Bars sweetened with erythritol-monk fruit blend
- Acceptable: Bars sweetened with stevia or erythritol alone
- Avoid: Bars sweetened with maltitol, maltitol syrup, or high-fructose corn syrup (not actually sugar-free)
The protein bar market is evolving fast. As allulose becomes cheaper and more available, we expect more brands to switch to it. For now, reading the ingredient list is your best tool for finding bars that taste good, support your macros, and don't wreck your stomach.