Did you know that you can stay energized and healthy, even with diabetes?
In my work with clients managing diabetes, I've learned the importance of careful meal planning and monitoring blood sugar levels. It's crucial to keep starch, fiber, and carb under control, while resisting sugar cravings.
After sampling dozens of protein bars and gathering feedback on their effects on blood sugar levels from clients with diabetes, I've pinpointed seven types that consistently rank at the top for those managing the condition.
Read on and find out which protein bars are best for a diabetic diet that also supports fitness goals effectively.
- Best Overall Protein Bar for Diabetics: Orgain Organic
- Cheapest Protein Bar for People with Diabetes: Kind Bars
- Best-Tasting Protein Bar for Diabetics: Orgain Organic
- Best Protein Granola Bar for People With Diabetes: Kashi TLC
- Best Pre-Workout Protein Bar for Diabetics: Quest Nutrition
- Best Vegan Protein Bar for Diabetics: Orgain Organic
- Best Protein Bar Rich in Fiber: BSN Protein Crisp
- Best Protein-Rich Snack for Diabetics: Quest Nutrition
Our Top Diabetic Protein Bars (April 2024)
1 - Orgain Organic (Best Overall & Best-Tasting)
- Calories : 150
- Protein : 10g
- Carbs : 19g
- Fat : 5g
Pros and Cons
Pros
- 10g of protein and 150 calories per serving
- 19 grams of carbs and high in fiber
- Sugar content is low for better blood sugar levels
- 100% plant-based ingredients
- Comes with a variety of tasty flavors (chocolate chip and S'mores are must tries)
Cons
- Low protein amount when compared to other protein bars
After recommending the Orgain Organic Protein Bar to many of my clients with diabetes, they've consistently praised its low-carb, gluten-free composition. This bar boasts 10 grams of plant-based protein, 6 grams of fiber, and a mere 5 grams of sugar, making it a top choice among them.
These are lean, healthy snack bars for diabetes to control blood sugar levels.
Personally, the chocolate chip cookie dough and S’mores were my favorite protein bar flavors. I do reach out for the peanut butter sometimes, but nothing beats the classic chocolate chip.
These are ideal meal replacement bars for diabetes because of the clean and healthy ingredients.
You might want to read the recommended protein bars for women, where Orgain Organic Protein Bar is also number one on the list.
30% Off Your First Subscription Order until the end of April
2 - BSN Protein Crisp (Best Protein Bar Rich in Fiber)
- Calories : 240
- Protein : 20g
- Carbs : 24g
- Fat : 7g
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Packed with 20 grams of protein, through whey protein isolate
- Helps keep you energized on the go
- Low in sugar (4g or less) for better or low blood sugar
- Satisfies your sweet tooth cravings, guilt-free
Cons
- Not vegan-friendly
- Quite high in total carbs (24 g per serving)
Many clients managing diabetes expressed disappointment with protein bars that felt just like candy. Yet, BSN Protein Crisp Bars has consistently received positive feedback. They emphasize its high protein, low carb content, and the ideal balance it strikes between health and flavor.
Each of these snack bars for diabetes has about 3 grams of sugar, and based on our experience, many folks with diabetes find it manageable and healthy.
Many reviewers also claimed that these protein bars for diabetes are perfect for snack because it helps with the sugar cravings.
3 - Quest Nutrition (Best Pre-Workout and Protein-Rich)
- Calories : 200
- Protein : 21g
- Carbs : 21g
- Fat : 9g
Pros and Cons
Pros
- An array of candy bar flavors to choose from
- No sugar alcohols protein bars sweetened with allulose
- 1/10 the calories of real sugar
- Ideal pre-workout for diabetics to improve blood sugars
Cons
- Texture may not be for everyone
- A few flavors don’t work so well
Users have found Quest Nutrition bars to be a game-changer. They provide a balanced amount of carbs and protein, allowing people with diabetes to enjoy a treat without the concern of excessive added sugars.
With 14 grams of fiber per serving, this protein bar has one of the highest fiber content among the snack bars on this list. Based on our tests, it's a great feature since it helps with digestion while ensuring you don't suffer any health drawbacks.
In this case, Quest Nutrition is one of the best protein bars for diabetes because it contains 21 grams of protein.
This snack bar is also sweetened with allulose instead of added sugar alcohols which provides only 1/10 the calories.
4 - Kind Bars (Cheapest Option)
- Calories : 200
- Protein : 8g
- Carbs : 16g
- Fat : 13g
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Available in a wide variety of flavors
- No genetically modified organisms
- Great texture and equally great taste
- Sweetener is from honey and/or dried fruit
Cons
- Not as high in protein as others
These bars are free from refined sugars and meet dietary needs such as wheat, gluten-free, and dairy-free. That’s why my diabetic clients love them.
Based on our observations, they’re probably as close as you’ll get to ‘clean’ and healthy protein snacks or meals, and your body will likely appreciate that [1].
These protein bars for diabetes has a low glycemic index, which may help individuals with diabetes control their blood sugar levels.
Whether they have diabetes or not, some people prefer eating protein bars for diabetes for its nutritional value. If you have allergies, you might want to check the label first because the snack bar often contains different types of nuts.
5 - NuGO Slim
- Calories : 180
- Protein : 16g
- Carbs : 17g
- Fat : 8g
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Available in raspberry truffle, dark brownie crunch, and roasted peanut
- Only 2 grams of sugar per bar
- No trans fats or high fructose corn syrup
- Real chocolate coating
Cons
- Can be challenging to find
My clients tell me that NuGo Slim Brownie Crunch protein bars are a great option. They're high-protein and low-sugar, aligning well with the needs of those monitoring their blood sugars.
Each protein bar has 2 grams of sugar -- our research indicates that this load is highly manageable, along with 9 grams of fiber to help you feel satiated.
6 - RX Bar
- Calories : 210
- Protein : 12g
- Carbs : 23g
- Fat : 9g
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Delicious sugar-free protein bars
- Produced in certified Kosher facility
- 5 mg caffeine per bar for energy boost
- Subscriptions available
Cons
- Those with nut allergies may want to steer clear
Our investigation demonstrated that the RX Bar may be just what the doctor recommends for diabetics who are looking for sugar-free protein bars for diabetes that also provide a bit of a pick me up during the long day [2].
It is made without GMOs and artificial preservatives. It’s also soy-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free. It is also certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union.
RX Bars utilize 5 mg of caffeine to produce the aforementioned ‘pick me up' without relying on the sugar alcohols.
Like some of our other protein bars for diabetes, though, if you have nut allergies along with diabetes, you'll want to be careful.
7 - Kashi TLC (Best Granola Bars)
- Calories : 140
- Protein : 7g
- Carbs : 19g
- Fat : 5g
Pros and Cons
Pros
- No high fructose corn syrup or sugar alcohols
- Sugar-free chewy bars, refined or otherwise
- 5-7 grams of protein per bar
- Naturally low in starch
Cons
- Chocolate coating tends to melt, making these chewy bars messier
- Not as tasty as some other snack bars
Our findings show that Kashi TLC Chewy Granola Bars are not as high in protein as some of the other items on our list, but they are delicious, contain plenty of fiber, and free of high fructose corn syrup and sugar.
These protein bars for diabetes are packed with plenty of whole grains, sun-dried fruit, and roasted nuts that our body needs every day.
They're also free of gluten, soy, and artificial ingredients. It is perfect for those who want to satisfy their appetite without the added sugar.
How We Picked the Best Protein Bars for Diabetics
In selecting the ideal protein bars for diabetics, my team and I concentrated on several crucial aspects to ensure they cater to specific health requirements:
Protein Content and Source
We carefully analyzed the protein content in each bar, ensuring it was sufficient to meet dietary needs without causing blood sugar spikes. We prioritized bars containing protein sources like whey, casein, or plant-based proteins (like pea or rice protein), which have a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
Carb and Fats Balance
It was crucial to find bars with a balanced ratio of carbs and fats. We looked for options with minimal sugar content and healthy fats to provide energy without adversely affecting blood sugar levels. We focused on finding bars with a low glycemic index, containing between 15-30 grams of carbohydrates per serving, to minimize blood sugar spikes.
Flavor and Taste
We tested each bar for flavor, ensuring they were sweetened with diabetic-friendly sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit, which do not significantly impact blood sugar levels.
Ingredients Quality
The quality of ingredients was closely examined with a preference for natural, wholesome ingredients over artificial additives. We scrutinized the ingredient list for the presence of whole food components, avoiding bars with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, or preservatives.
Buyer's Guide: Choosing The Top Protein Bar for Diabetics
As long as you understand that protein snack bars are not completely risk-free (some contain chocolate, starches, and other ingredients that can cause a spike in blood sugar), then any of the best protein bars for diabetes profiled above should fulfill between-meal cravings [3].
When choosing protein bars for diabetes, it's important to look for:
- Quality natural ingredients
- Outstanding taste
- Nutritional value (low sugar, high in healthy fats and fiber)
- No sweeteners
If you want to ensure that the protein bars you have in your pantry are indeed diabetic-free, you can make your own using the best protein powders for diabetics. With this, you can customize your bars to cater to your nutritional needs without worrying about hidden ingredients some brands like putting in as fillers.
Important: Always read the label carefully, look for 5 to 15 g of protein (the more, the better generally), steer clear of artificial ingredients, avoid high-fructose corn syrup, and enjoy.
Other Articles to Check Out:
- Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Diabetics
- Best Paleo Diet Protein Bars
- Best Meal Replacement Bars
- Protein Bars Vs. Shakes - What's Better?
Be sure to check out this video if you want to learn more ...
FAQs
What Should You Look For in Energy Bars for Diabetes?
You should look for energy bars for diabetes with less than 10 grams sugar and 30 grams carbohydrates content. At the same time, it should contain at least 5 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and a maximum of 250 calories.
Are Protein Bars Ok for Diabetics?
Yes, protein bars are ok for diabetics. Most protein bars offer an excellent snacking option for people with diabetes because of the significant amount of protein they provide.
Do Protein Bars Spike Sugar?
Some protein bars spike sugar. That's why you should aim for protein bars with less than 15 grams of net carbs since that represents the only safe option for keeping your blood sugar level healthy.
Our Verdict on the Best Protein Bars for Diabetics
The best protein bars for diabetics are those low in sugar and have enough protein and carbs you need to stay energized throughout the day.
These are never going to be without risk, as we mentioned, but if you have diabetes, they can help you respond to sugar cravings in a positive way.
The Orgain Organic Protein Snack Bar is an ideal example of the type of well-rounded, healthy snack bars that most diabetics need to maintain adequate blood sugar levels.
It is packed with 10g of premium plant-based protein, 5g of sugar, and also one of the delicious tasting protein bars I've ever tried.
Our #1 Recommendation
Orgain Organic (Best Overall & Best-Tasting)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- 10g of protein and 150 calories per serving
- 19 grams of carbs and high in fiber
- Sugar content is low for better blood sugar levels
- 100% plant-based ingredients
- Comes with a variety of tasty flavors (chocolate chip and S'mores are must tries)
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of April
- Low protein amount when compared to other protein bars
About The Author
You May Also Like
The reason why I avoid these protein bars is because most of it have high sugar content that increase my blood sugar levels. Thanks a bunch for listing the best protein bars for diabetics. One less problem for me.
Diabetic snack bars are so helpful. Now, I can snack without worrying too much!
Love how you got a link for each diabetic protein bar. Easier access for us who struggle. Thanks!