5 Best PowerBars - Oct. 2026

BEST OF THE BEST

PowerBar

Performance Energy Bar, Chocolate

Holds Up in Heat

This energy bar holds up in extreme temperatures without losing its flavor or chewy texture.

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PROS

Great chocolate flavor highlights this very chewy protein bar, which also contains less fat than competing products.
Doesn’t melt, even on hot days spent hiking or training.

CONS

There’s a strong aftertaste, and some find the bar too sweet.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

PowerBar

Protein Snack Bar, Peanut Butter Caramel

Tasty Energy Booster

A PowerBar favorite based on taste, but its protein content is much lower than other bars.

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PROS

Provides on-the-go energy with a smaller 12g protein boost.
Best for a between-meals snack.
Tasty, with a great texture that is neither too chewy nor too crumbly.

CONS

Loaded with sugar, at 12g per bar.

PowerBar

Protein Plus 20g, Chocolate Peanut Butter

Balanced, Easy to Chew

A 20g protein punch is packed within this soft, easy to chew bar, making it a good post-workout snack.

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PROS

Its soft texture is much easier to chew, something those with dental work, braces, or chewing issues will appreciate.
Has a balanced flavor with very little aftertaste.
High protein-to-carb ratio, and an added fiber boost.

CONS

The chocolate coating melts easily in warm temperatures.

PowerBar

Clean Whey Protein Bar, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Gluten and Soy-free

For bodybuilders who suffer through whey supplement shakes, this offers slightly less suffering – in chewy bar form.

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PROS

Gluten- and soy-free, with whey and milk protein isolates as the source for an impressive 20g of protein.

CONS

Annoyingly gummy and hard to chew, with a strong aftertaste.

PowerBar

Protein Plus 30g, Chocolate Brownie

For Muscle Building

For those looking to augment lean muscle growth, this is a tasty protein bomb.

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PROS

A huge hit of protein blasts muscles with a combination of soy, casein, and whey.
Plus, 4 grams of fiber to move things along.
Bar has a balanced texture that is slightly chewy, with a bit of crumble.
Great chocolate flavor with little aftertaste.

CONS

All that protein and fiber has its price: gassy side effects for some.

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First Reviewed

December 11, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Samantha Bookman

Updated December 2021

PowerBar is one of the anchor brands of the sports nutrition market. The company started in the 1980s by distance runner Brian Maxwell and nutritionist Jennifer Bidulph. Their goal was to create a bar that would prevent elite athletes from “hitting the wall” during endurance events like marathons by supplying plenty of carbohydrates and other nutrients. Since then, the variety – and protein content – of PowerBars has expanded. There’s now a wide choice of PowerBars for every activity – from snack bites for kids after soccer practice, to protein-loaded whey bars aimed at body builders. Fun fact: PowerBar’s logo colors are the same as those of UC Berkeley, Maxwell’s alma mater.

Best PowerBars

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

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