11 No-Bake Protein Bar Recipes | Healthy Homemade Protein Bars (2024)

Nov 11, 2014

Dairy FreeGluten FreeHigh FiberHigh ProteinLow CarbLow FatRawSugar FreeVegan

Tired of buying protein bars from the store and shelling out all that cash for them? Then make protein bars at home! Here are 11 popular protein bar recipes that I’ve posted on the blogover the years — they’re all no-bake, ultra fudgy, and perfectly sweet. You’d never know they’re refined sugar free, gluten free, vegan, and all natural. Yup, that means there are absolutely no preservatives, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavorings in these homemade protein bar recipes.

This is the perfect time to announce thatthe DIY Protein Bars Cookbookis officially PUBLISHED!

*happy dances*

This was a long time coming. I poured my heart and soul into this book, and I could not be happier to hold these copies in my hand 🙂

The DIY Protein Bars Cookbookis a collection of 48 easy, healthy no-bake protein bar recipes!

11 No-Bake Protein Bar Recipes | Healthy Homemade Protein Bars (1)

.

11 No-Bake Protein Bar Recipes | Healthy Homemade Protein Bars (2)

.

From Peanut Butterto S’mores, from Red Velvetto Death By Chocolate(and soooo many more), you’ll be sure to find a favorite. Or three. Or four dozen. 😉

Words cannot even describe how amazing these homemade protein bars are!

.

11 No-Bake Protein Bar Recipes | Healthy Homemade Protein Bars (3)

And there are options for everyone — gluten free protein bars, vegan protein bars, low carb protein bars, etc. Each protein bar recipe is not only healthier than storebought, but they’re cheaper too.

Yes, for real. I even did a cost comparison analysis in the book — each bar costs just a little over $1 to make (anything around $1.12 to be exact!), which means you can save up to $2.07 PER protein bar by going the DIY route.

*jaw drops to floor*

Anyways, enough talk. Here are all the protein bar recipes I’ve posted to the blog over the years.

11 No-Bake Protein Bar Recipes | Healthy Homemade Protein Bars (4)

.

These are literally like brownies — fudgy, sweet, chocolatey… except they don’t require any baking! Oh, and they’re actually good for you too. This post also includes a FREE recipe printable, plus a cooking video showing you how to make these yourself!

I also based these Black Velvet DIY Protein Barsoff this recipe.

.

Talk. About.Fudgy. These Peanut Butter DIY Protein Bars arepacked with peanut butter flavor, kind of like, you know… peanut butter out of the jar? Don’t judge me! We’ve allll been there.

Be sure to check out my too!

.

Are you craving brownies? Yes? Okay, me too. These Triple Chocolate Fudge Protein Brownieswill satisfy your every chocolate/sugar/dessert/brownie craving andmore. They’ll pretty much restore your faith in everything.

.

Cookie Dough DIY Protein Bars?!? Hell yes. I’ll take seven. These are fudgy, sweet, buttery and rich, just like cookie dough, but without the white flour, white sugar, butter, and eggs. There’s really nothing better than protein cookie dough guys. Y’all need this in yo life.

.

Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby Ice Cream is loved by all. And so are these Chubby Hubby DIY Protein Bars. They’re packed with peanut butter, pretzels and chocolate chips (and none of the white sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives and artificial flavorings).

.

Wanna feel like royalty? Make theseMillionaire’s DIY Protein Bars. They have a rich, almond butter fudge protein base, a layer of liquid gold caramel, and a thick shell of decadent dark chocolate. That’s as rich as things can get.

.

Protein-packed candy bars? Um, I’ll take seven of these as well. And to-go, please. Because I’m not sharing.

.

Cinnamon spice and everything nice! Wait, no, it’s cinnamon spice and everything nice, healthy, nutritious and delicious. And packed with protein, of course!

.

Red Velvet. Fudge. Protein Bars.

Need Isay more? 😉

.

If you like matcha, then these are for you. It’s got all the flavor of a cup of matcha green tea, justin the form of a fudgy protein bar!

.

Do you like/love-so-much-you-want-to-marry Nutella? Oh my gosh! Me too. That’s why these Nutella DIY Protein Bars are one of the top 10 recipes on this blog!

.

.

So, um… are you drooling? Because I’m drooling. Like, a lot. Thank goodness I have a stash (aka a lifetime supply) of protein bars in my freezer. Whichis actually kinda dangerous becausemy freezer is about 15 feet away from me… hold on, I’ll be right back.

*nom nom nom*

Okay, I’m back 😉

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this protein bar recipe roundup! If you’re a protein bar addict (like me), then I think you’ll fall in love with the DIY Protein Bars Cookbook.

11 No-Bake Protein Bar Recipes | Healthy Homemade Protein Bars (11)

.

It warms my heart to know that thousands of people around the world have a copy of my book in their very own homes, make my recipes, and send photos of their homemade creations to me <3

.

Be happy.

Live fully.

Eat homemade protein bars.

(And leave none for Gretchen Wieners, bye)

.

– Jess

.

11 No-Bake Protein Bar Recipes | Healthy Homemade Protein Bars (12)

Want to join the healthy dessert club?

11 No-Bake Protein Bar Recipes | Healthy Homemade Protein Bars (13)

Subscribe to the newsletter and get decadent, yet healthy, treats sent straight to your inbox... FREE!

Indulge − no strings attached!

Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.

posted in , DIY, No Bake

146 comments »

11 No-Bake Protein Bar Recipes | Healthy Homemade Protein Bars (2024)

FAQs

What ingredients should not be in protein bars? ›

Avoid any bars with palm oil or kernel oil (often included in bars coated with chocolate) Sugar. If sugar, sucrose or high fructose corn syrup is the main ingredient, don't buy it.

Is it cheaper to make your own protein bars? ›

Homemade protein bars are much more cost-effective than buying protein bars at the store. A single protein bar can range from $. 99 to $3.99. This entire recipe (for 16 bars) will cost you less than $5 and you likely already have these ingredients on hand!

Are homemade protein bars good for weight loss? ›

Because they're a rich source of protein, these bars can provide a boost of nutrition before a workout or support recovery afterward. They might even benefit weight loss and help you feel full between meals ( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ).

What is unhealthy about protein bars? ›

Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients. Focus on eating a balanced and nutritious diet that includes a variety of high-protein foods, such as lean meats, eggs, tofu, legumes, nuts and seeds.

Is it okay to eat a protein bar every day? ›

While protein bars are a healthy and filling snack, they're not a meal replacement and can lead to unhealthy weight gain. It might not feel like it, but protein bars are calorie-dense, and you have to count them up into your diet. Otherwise, what seems like a tiny snack can have a huge impact on your weight.

What is better than a protein bar? ›

There are plenty of other foods that can provide you with the protein and other nutrients your body needs after a workout, such as: Greek yogurt with berries and granola - a creamy and refreshing snack that provides about 15 grams of protein per cup of yogurt, plus antioxidants, fibre and healthy carbs.

What protein bars does Jennifer Aniston use? ›

Aniston announced the launch of the Vital Proteins & Jennifer Aniston Protein and Collagen Bar via Instagram with a video of herself talking about the partnership and eating one of the bars that she says is "just so good."

What is the healthiest protein to use? ›

Proteins that come from animal sources, such as meat, eggs, and milk, as well as soy and quinoa, are called complete proteins. This means they contain all the essential amino acids the body needs and are the highest-quality protein sources. You can also get essential amino acids from plant-based foods.

What can I eat instead of a protein bar? ›

Real Food Options
  • Lowfat yogurt and fruit.
  • Lowfat cottage cheese and fruit.
  • Snack size can of tuna and whole grain crackers.
  • Ready-to-eat whole grain cereal and milk.
  • Dried fruit and nut mix.
  • Whole grain bread spread with peanut or almond butter.
  • Hummus with vegetables or whole grain pita.
  • Homemade fruit smoothie.

How long can homemade protein bars last? ›

To store: Homemade protein bars are best stored in the fridge in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to two weeks. To freeze: Place the bars in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Is it OK to replace meals with protein bars? ›

Meal replacement

While a protein bar doesn't compare to a breakfast made with a variety of healthy whole foods, some may work well in a pinch. If you're looking for a quick breakfast on occasion, protein bars on the higher calorie end that don't contain added sugar or hydrogenated oils may be a good option.

What food has the most protein? ›

Top 10 Protein Foods
  • Lean beef (including tenderloin, sirloin, eye of round)
  • Skim or low-fat milk.
  • Skim or low-fat yogurt.
  • Fat-free or low-fat cheese.
  • Eggs.
  • Lean pork (tenderloin)
  • Beans and Lentils.
  • Nuts and Seeds.
Aug 20, 2024

Can you lose weight by only eating protein bars? ›

Protein bars don't directly cause weight loss, but can help you feel fuller for a longer time and avoid taking in unnecessary calories. Not all protein bars are created equal, so it's best to make sure the protein bar you're eating is weight-loss friendly.

What should be avoided in energy bars? ›

Ingredients to avoid: High-fructose corn syrup: Added as an inexpensive sweetener, it is worse than regular white sugar. Soy isolate: It may sound natural and healthy, being a soy product, but it's not something you could make yourself (warning sign!).

What ingredients should not be in a protein powder? ›

10 Protein Powder Ingredients to Avoid
  • Casein + WPC. These are also known as whey protein concentrate and sodium caseinate. ...
  • Gluten. ...
  • Dextrins/Maltodextrin. ...
  • Artificial sweeteners. ...
  • Skim milk powders/milk solids. ...
  • Soy protein. ...
  • Vegetable oils and fats. ...
  • Thickeners and gums.

What should you look for in protein bars? ›

4 things to look for in a healthy protein bar
  • Made of whole ingredients. Read the ingredient list and look for whole, natural foods like fruit, nuts and seeds. ...
  • High in protein. A good protein bar has protein from nuts, seeds and whey or soy isolate. ...
  • Lower in carbohydrates and sugar. ...
  • Try one with superfoods.

What ingredient in protein bars cause gas? ›

The Bottom Line. Protein bars often contain compounds called sugar alcohols, which are lower in calories than traditional sugars. Sugar alcohols are associated with multiple gastrointestinal side effects including abdominal pain, bloating, and gas.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Arline Emard IV

Last Updated:

Views: 6175

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arline Emard IV

Birthday: 1996-07-10

Address: 8912 Hintz Shore, West Louie, AZ 69363-0747

Phone: +13454700762376

Job: Administration Technician

Hobby: Paintball, Horseback riding, Cycling, Running, Macrame, Playing musical instruments, Soapmaking

Introduction: My name is Arline Emard IV, I am a cheerful, gorgeous, colorful, joyous, excited, super, inquisitive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.