Are you the type of person who loves having a snack bar on hand? Snack bars make it easier to get energized in the middle of a busy work day or before you head out for a run. If you’re on a low-carb keto diet, having access to the best snack bars can be tricky since most options these days are incredibly high in carbs and they also use regular sweeteners that kick you out of ketosis even in small amounts. But that’s no reason to skip these great snacks altogether. This article dives into a detailed review of Bhu keto bars, comparing them to other options like Kiss My Keto bars, and exploring a broader range of low-carb protein bars available in the market.
What Are Bhu Low-Carb Keto Bars?
Bhu keto bars are produced by Bhu Foods whose mission is to help people wean themselves off of sugar. Note that Bhu markets their product as a “keto protein bar” - so, even though they start at zero net carb per bar, they contain more protein.
Are Bhu Bars Keto-Friendly?
Yes, these gluten-free bars are a keto-friendly option. On top of being low in net carbs, Bhu sweetens each keto protein bar using prebiotic tapioca fiber and monk fruit. Both sweeteners won’t spike your blood glucose levels. However, be careful with your protein intake when you choose Bhu bars. Keep in mind that on a keto diet, you’re only allowed moderate amounts of protein.
Bhu Bars vs Kiss My Keto Bars
Both brands differ in various aspects such as macros, flavors, taste, and more. Kiss My Keto includes erythritol as one of their sweeteners. It’s worth mentioning that some keto dieters are likely to experience digestive disturbances such as increased gas and diarrhea when consuming sugar alcohols. Therefore, we do not recommend eating more than 1 Kiss My Keto bar at a time.
Macronutrients
Kiss My Keto sells bars that have the right balance of macros - they start at 3g net carbs, have a high fat count, and are moderate-protein. This is one reason to choose their bars over other brands. That would be Kiss My Keto bars. One of the defining characteristics of a well-formulated keto diet, as stated by Virta Health, is a moderate protein intake. Bhu bars have a higher protein content.
Read also: Your guide to keto-friendly bars
Flavors
Bhu has lots of flavors, providing more options for keto dieters with different taste preferences. This is such a huge advantage if you like variety. Some customers claim that they love every keto protein bar flavor that Bhu has in their bars variety pack which features 5 cookie dough flavors. Kiss My Keto has 3 chocolate flavors that are also available in a 12-count variety pack.
Taste & Texture
We’ve gathered these customer opinions from Amazon.
- “The taste is true to description and rivals many homemade recipes I have tried."
- “Just the right amount of sweetness and so satisfying."
- “These bars are really delicious and really helpful when you have sweet cravings."
- “These bars have a great taste!"
- “I’m not keto, but these are amazing !!!"
Price
Kiss My Keto and Bhu keto diet bars have different prices. A box of Bhu (8 bars per flavor) will cost you $24.99. That’s about $3.12 for a 45-gram keto bar. The bars variety pack with 10 pieces comes at $31.99 with 5 cookie dough flavors inside. A box of Kiss My Keto (12 bars for all flavors, including the variety type) costs only $35.99. That’s $2.99 per keto bar.
Benefits
Here are some benefits that customers have noted from Bhu bars:
- Keeps you in ketosis: “I have to say I enjoyed all three of them so much!! It was like I was eating a candy bar!! Felt like such a cheat!
- Satisfies hunger: “They satisfy hunger better and for longer than a protein bar.
- Cures cookie cravings: “Easily the most cookie like texture in a keto snack. I absolutely love these things and can’t get enough of them.
Other Low-Carb Protein Bar Options
Finding the best protein bars can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially if you’re looking for treats of the low-carb variety. With countless options on the market, figuring out which bars truly deliver on taste, nutrition, and value can feel like a daunting task. From the gym enthusiast seeking to refuel after a tough workout to the health-conscious individual looking to maintain a balanced diet on the go, our roundup covers a wide spectrum of needs and preferences.
Read also: Guilt-Free Chocolate Treat
Testing Methodology
To determine the best low-carb protein bars available today, we’ve tested over 50 different profiles from the industry’s best brands, using a multi-point methodology to rate each profile on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
- Formulation: Our testers scored each product on its ingredient quality.
- Protein Source: The protein source is also critical - some people prefer whey protein, which may help with muscle gains, while others prefer plant-based sources like pea protein.
- Macronutrients: We also evaluated the overall macronutrient profile of each pick on this list: protein, carbohydrates, and fat per bar. A high-quality protein bar supplies you with the protein content you’re looking for without loading up on excessive carbs or fat. For individuals following a keto diet, protein bars low in net carbs may also be helpful - although not net carbs are total carbs minus dietary fiber.
- Calories: The calorie content per bar was also considered in our testing since these are often consumed for specific health goals such as weight loss, weight management, or building muscle.
- Taste and Texture: In search of the best-tasting low-carb protein bar out there, we tested several different flavors for each brand on this list. Then, we chose products that have superior taste to other protein bars so that you can take the guesswork out of your shopping experience.
- Price and Value: Seeking dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, or low-calorie options? We’ve got you. We also cater to health goals like weight loss or muscle gains with bars containing higher protein or lower calories.
- Effectiveness: For this category, we looked at whether the product sufficiently does what it’s intended to do, although this is dependent on what you’re taking protein bars for. Examples of effectiveness could include whether it keeps you full in between meals or perhaps fuels your athletic performance. We also tested the product for any side effects after consuming the product, such as gastrointestinal symptoms - which can be common in protein bars that contain high quantities of sugar alcohol.
Other Low-Carb Protein Bar Options:
- IQ Bar: IQ Bar stands out for its high-quality ingredients, low-carb content, and suitability for various dietary needs. For general health needs, IQ Bar is an excellent choice out of all the low-carb protein bars out there. IQ Bar is the #1 keto-friendly snack bar for brain and body support, and it’s not hard to see why. With 12 grams of high-quality, plant-based protein from peas, only 9 to 10 grams of carbs (with 2 to 3 grams of net carbs for those following a ketogenic diet), and 8 to 9 grams of a prebiotic fiber blend that helps you stay fuller for longer, IQ Bar has a top-notch formulation that has you covered in between meals and on-the-go. Another great aspect of this protein bar is the thoughtful ingredients that are added for extra health benefits for general wellness. First, it contains nuts like almonds, which contain “healthy” fats that support your heart health. (5) It also contains lion’s mane, which may support brain and cognitive function as well as medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). (6) MCTs are more readily digested and absorbed in your body and also may support brain health. So, is this product too good to be true? Well, this pick scored a 3 out of 5 for taste - which is decent, but could be better. “If you’re looking for a low-carb, plant-based protein bar, these are pretty decent, but I thought it had a grassy undernote. However, if you’re unsure what flavor you might like, you’re in luck. This low-carb protein bar is available in various sample flavors.
- Onnit Protein Bites: Onnit’s protein bites combine the decadence of a dark chocolate coating with a great tasting center, available in three delicious flavors - Chocolate Cookie Dough, Chocolate Coconut Cashew, and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Looking for an economical option to satisfy your sweet tooth while meeting some of your protein needs? We think Onnit Protein Bites might fit the bill. For a 24-pack, this pick only costs $1.41 to $1.66 per bar. The formulation also contains nutrients from over 60 plant-based ingredients like guava, avocado, mango, sweet potato, and cassava, to name a few. It also has a high fiber content, similar to other high-fiber foods, which can help you stay fuller longer throughout the day. (4) However, where the formulation lost points in our testing was in the added sugar content - the USDA recommends limiting added sugars to less than 10 percent of your daily calorie intake. Additionally, the outer coating, while tasty, contains filler ingredients like sugar, palm oil, and sunflower lecithin. This pick is one of the higher-rated products on our list for taste, with a score of 4 out of 5. Our tester excitedly states, ”These taste like candy bars - the Cookies and Cream flavor is dangerous because it’s like an Oreo in a protein bar form. Chef’s kiss.” Furthermore, the texture also grabs a perfect score, with a 5 out of 5.
- Promix Protein Puff Bars: These crunchy bars are reminiscent of a rice crispy treat that's packed with protein and absent all that unwanted sugar. Promix Protein Puff Bars are uniquely gluten-free in a world of protein bars often packed with gluten ingredients. Following a strict gluten-free diet through consuming naturally gluten-free foods or certified gluten-free foods is important to those who live with celiac disease and equally important to individuals who live with gluten sensitivity. (9) Additionally, Promix Protein Puff Bars avoid cross-contamination, as they’re produced in facilities that focus on being gluten-free, which is important as people with celiac disease may inadvertently consume gluten without their knowledge. In addition to checking off the gluten-free box, these best protein puffs contains a solid stack of ingredients. With 16 to 17 grams of protein per bar from whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. Whey isolate, in particular, is an impressive ingredient to see in an ingredient list, as it undergoes more processing than standard whey to yield a more nutrient-dense product. Isolate may be more well-tolerated for a variety of individuals and is more readily digested and absorbed since it has minimal lactose content. (11) The only downside in the formulation that we saw was that it contains some added sugar, which should be limited to less than 10 percent of your diet. Lastly, the texture is also decent for a gluten-free product - many of us can attest to gluten-free products not having as good of a texture as products with gluten. “The texture is a little gritty, but it’s not bad.
- EPIC Protein Bars: This natural meat-based protein bar is perfect for dieters who want to avoid carbs and lean into fats. Time’s up whey, collagen, and plant-based protein bars. For a high-protein, low-carb protein bar with all-natural ingredients, check out EPIC Protein Bars. These bars bring a unique and refreshing approach to the protein bar game by offering savory flavors with 100 percent meat as the protein source. This is important for anyone seeking a higher protein intake since the bioavailability of protein is higher in animal-based products. With this protein bar, you can get up to 12 grams of protein per bar, depending on the flavor, which is helpful when you have higher protein needs than the average individual. While the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein for a sedentary person is about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, some individuals may have higher protein needs if they are very active or trying to gain muscle mass. According to our product testing team, the flavors are great for meat lovers - they scored the taste a 5 out of 5. Our tester states, “I love every flavor I tried, but my favorite is bison bacon cranberry. If you haven’t tried an EPIC Protein Bar before, the texture might be something you need to get accustomed to. Our tester gave the texture a strong 4 out of 5, stating, “I don’t mind the texture, but some people might not like it - it’s a very particular texture that’s meaty.
- Quest Bars: Quest Bars are the tastiest low-carb protein bar option, offering a wide array of flavors and a substantial protein punch. Quest Nutrition takes the cake (literally) as the best-tasting, low-carb protein bar on our list of picks. Overall, our testing team rated this pick a 4 out of 5 for its stellar taste. If you thought enjoying a regular Quest Bar was tasty, try microwaving a Quest Bar on a plate for 15 to 20 seconds - you’ll get a soft-baked treat to enjoy. It’s a delicious way to transform a dense Chocolate Brownie bar into a best protein snack in the form of a warm, gooey, and chewy chocolate brownie to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with zero guilt. These tasty protein bars also come in many different flavors, so you’re bound to find a flavor that you love. That said, the texture isn’t for everyone. The hardness of the bars can be tough for chewing, especially for those eating these on the go without a means to heat them up. For this reason, our tester rated the texture of this product a 3.5 out of 5. From a nutritional standpoint, Quest Bars are high in protein, with up to 21 grams of protein per bar and excellent protein sources (whey protein isolate and milk protein isolate). Whey protein isolate is readily more digestible compared to regular whey protein. Finally, Quest Bars contain erythritol, a sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohols are notoriously known for their potential to cause gastrointestinal symptoms like gassiness and bloating. (3) “These bars can cause digestive upset due to the level of erythritol.
- BHU Foods Vegan Protein Bars: BHU Foods Vegan Protein Bars offer a vegan-friendly option with plant-based ingredients and a delicious taste and texture. Vegan options can be hard to come across in a protein bar form since many protein-based products contain whey, milk, collagen, or casein. Some animal-based ingredients are also hidden on the ingredient list, making a vegan lifestyle challenging when you’re trying to increase your protein intake. Thankfully, BHU Foods Vegan Protein Bars are 100 percent vegan! As a bonus, these bars are rich in soluble fiber, sourced from organic tapioca, with a whopping 11 to 15 grams of dietary fiber per bar. Soluble fiber is beneficial since it can help slow down stomach emptying and help lower cholesterol. (14)(15) While the USDA recommends 31 to 34 grams of fiber per day for men and 22 to 28 grams of fiber per day for women, dietary fiber is a common nutrient that we lack in our diets. Finding a vegan protein bar that also happens to taste good and has an agreeable texture can also be tough - vegan foods (including the best vegan protein powders) aren’t often known for being tasty compared to animal-based products. However, we think this product checks off the boxes for taste and texture, with a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Now, for the downsides. While these bars are well-suited for vegan diets (and maybe even vegan keto diets), they may not be the best for those looking for a bar with higher protein, lower carb, and lower fat content.
- No Cow Dipped Bars: The name of these bars says it all: No Cow. About 36 percent of Americans have lactose malabsorption, so it’s no surprise that dairy-free products are in high demand. (17) No Cow Dipped Bars provide clean, plant-based fuel without any whey, with 20 grams of protein sourced from brown rice and peas, only up to 1 gram of added sugar, and up to 15 grams of dietary fiber from soluble corn fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer. No Cow Dipped Bars are one of the few dairy-free protein bars out there - and there are so many flavors to choose from, so you’re bound to find one that you like, which is important because some of the dairy-free products out there just aren’t very tasty. Now Cow Bars also come in a variety pack containing six of their most popular flavors, if you’re not sure about what flavor to try. Overall, these bars will do the trick for those avoiding dairy products and are formulated pretty well - they received a solid final rating of 4 out of 5 for the ingredients category. However, this product lost some marks for its sugar alcohol content and fillers. For a dairy-free product, the texture isn’t too bad, either. “I didn’t mind the texture - it’s smooth and creamy, but also a little dry and mealy. I’d recommend having a glass of water with it,” our tester adds. For the freshest taste, we also recommend refrigerating these bars, which makes them less dry.
- KIND Zero Snack Bars: KIND Zero Snack Bars stand out for their irresistibly crunchy texture and nutrient-rich ingredients, including heart-healthy nuts and indulgent chocolate drizzle. KIND Zero Snack Bars pack so much crunch with every bite. Our tester gave this product a solid 4 out of 5 for texture, noting, “I tried the Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt flavor and enjoyed the hard, nutty aesthetic of this bar. It’s a break from the chewier options out there. It’s not too hard to chew, but also isn’t a gooey, melting mess.” Consuming protein bars with a crunchy texture can be helpful, as the texture can help with perceptions of satiety and consumer preferences. As far as the formulation goes, there’s a lot to love. It’s packed with heart-healthy, nutrient-dense nuts as its protein source. While nuts are a high-fat food, studies have shown that nuts may help to reduce the risk for heart disease, given their high “healthy” fat content, called unsaturated fats. (19) It’s also rich in dietary fiber with, 7 to 8 grams of fiber per bar, which can support satiety - one study found that people ate fewer calories and felt fuller for longer. But as the name implies - this pick is great as a snack or energy bar when you need steady energy, but not as great for those looking for a meal replacement bar or something to help you meet higher protein needs. It only contains 5 grams of protein, whereas the average individual would need about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight, which equates to at least 18 to 24 grams of protein per meal or snack. “I think it’s …
Read also: Looking for a healthy dessert? Check out this keto Tagalong bars recipe.