Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Best Kind Bars

Updated March 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
KIND Bar Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt
KIND Bar
Dark Chocolate Nuts and Sea Salt
Check Price
Classic Go-to Snack
Bottom Line

A classic bar balancing nutty goodness and tasty chocolate, topped with Brazilian sea salt. A good mix of protein, carbs, and fat.

Pros

Higher protein than some of the brand's regular bars. Not overly sweet. Gluten-free. Low glycemic index, with only 5 grams of sugar. Kosher, non-GMO.

Cons

Some bars are shipped past the expiration date or arrive with a stale taste.

Best Bang for the Buck
KIND Bar 12 Bar Variety Pack
KIND Bar
12 Bar Variety Pack
Check Price
Flavor Assortment
Bottom Line

Get a sampling of several different bars with this 12-pack containing 3 varieties.

Pros

Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt provides 6 grams of protein and a significant dose of heart-healthy almonds. Get that classic salty and sweet combination with Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, while Caramel Almond & Sea Salt is a gluten-free treat. Comes with 4 of each variety.

Cons

A few buyers mentioned a stale taste, and that the nuts were hard to chew.

KIND Bar Almond and Coconut
KIND Bar
Almond and Coconut
Check Price
Gluten-free & Balanced
Bottom Line

A well-balanced, delicious combination of crunchy almond and chewy coconut in this bar.

Pros

Not overly sweet. Fewer than 200 calories per bar. Good for those avoiding chocolate. A perfect snack for those looking for a tasty, healthy, gluten-free treat.

Cons

Some find the bars too small to be filling. Can be a bit tough to chew.

KIND Bar Protein Double Dark Chocolate Nut
KIND Bar
Protein Double Dark Chocolate Nut
Check Price
Protein-packed
Bottom Line

Creamy yet crunchy bars with whole pieces of nuts and delicious dark chocolate.

Pros

Each bar packs 12 grams of protein. Gluten-free, non-GMO, kosher, with a low glycemic index and low sodium. Sure to be a hit in any household.

Cons

Chocolate can melt in warmer climates or months. Some find them too gooey to handle cleanly while eating.

KIND Bar Kind Plus Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Bar
KIND Bar
Kind Plus Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Bar
Check Price
Delicious Combo
Bottom Line

A nutritious nut bar with roasted peanut butter and dark chocolate coating that feels deliciously indulgent.

Pros

Very low sodium and low glycemic index. Dairy- and gluten-free. Contains 8 grams of protein per bar. No GMO ingredients and no trans fat. Provides energy and is delicious and filling.

Cons

Some wish the peanut butter taste was a little stronger.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

54
Models
Considered
60
Consumers
Consulted
24
Hours
Researched
Category cover

Buying guide for Buying guide for best KIND bars

If there was an award for the perfect snack, KIND bars would be a strong contender. Not only are these snacks portable, tasty, and filling, but you’d be hard-pressed to find another bar with so many unique flavors, textures, and whole-food ingredients compatible with a wide range of dietary needs including keto, paleo, gluten-free, and low glycemic-index diets. 

KIND bars are available in a host of options that vary by taste, ingredients, nutritional value, shelf life, ratio of superfoods, and whether or not the bar has added sugar or contains gluten. You may find that you prefer one type of KIND bar for meal replacement and another type for snacking or dessert.

If you’re looking for a new treat or an easy on-the-go breakfast with ingredients you can pronounce, our buying guide can help you compare the features that set different KIND bars apart. Keep reading to meet your new favorite bar!

I1 
Try breaking up a KIND bar and mixing it with yogurt for a delicious breakfast parfait.

Key considerations

Taste and texture

While all KIND bars are known for high-quality, whole food ingredients, the taste and accompanying texture varies from bar to bar. For example, the Almond and Coconut KIND Bar, which is heavily coconut-based, is too chewy and sweet for some people. Others find the KIND Breakfast Peanut Butter Bar to be a little bland. The most balanced and complex bar flavors and textures are the ones with several different contrasting ingredients (e.g., chocolate, almonds, and whole grains).

Dietary needs and preferences

Some KIND bars might check all your boxes for taste but fall short in terms of dietary needs. Luckily, each variety is so unique that customers can usually find a bar that meets their preferences and needs.

Ratio of fat, carbs, and protein: While all KIND bars contain some fat, carbs, and protein, they vary considerably in ratio. All types have a higher fat content (10 to 15 grams) since nuts are a primary ingredient, which isn’t a problem for many popular diets like paleo or keto. Protein content varies between 3 and 8 grams, while carbohydrate content varies quite drastically, ranging from 8 net carbs (carbs minus fiber) to 22 net carbs.

Caloric value: At the lower end of the spectrum, you’ll find KIND bars with 170 calories, while the more calorie-dense bars weigh in at 220 calories.

Glycemic index: Some types of KIND bar weigh in rather heavily on the glycemic index with added sugars like honey and glycerine. If you’re pre-diabetic or watching your sugar intake, steer clear of yogurt-drizzled KIND bars, which have the most sugar (some as high as 16 grams). If maintaining a lower glycemic index or consuming minimal sugar matters to you, choose a KIND bar with lower sugar and lots of fiber and protein.

Vegetarian or vegan: KIND bars aren’t ideal for vegans because all varieties contain honey. However, since many vegetarians eat honey, KIND bars are a great vegetarian option. The yogurt bars do contain dairy in the form of milk, but the options that contain added protein do so in the form of soy isolate.

Gluten-free: All KIND bars are labeled as gluten-free and manufactured in an allergen-free factory. However, some individuals with celiac disease still notice a reaction to KIND bars. If you have celiac disease, approach KIND bars carefully.

Dyk1 
Did You Know?
Double the shelf life of your KIND bars by vacuum sealing them in bags to remove the oxygen.
Staff
BestReviews

Features

Shelf life

Because KIND bars don’t contain a lot of preservatives, they can go stale faster than other bars. Some varieties (especially those with whole grains) seem to be extra prone to losing freshness quickly. In other words, don’t plan on keeping an enormous stockpile. To keep bars fresh longer, stash unopened bars in a food storage container with a lid in your cupboard.

Superfoods

All KIND bars contain superfoods (nutritionally rich foods that are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants your body needs) like dark chocolate, almonds, and pistachios, but some varieties pack a more powerful punch than others. If you want the most superfoods for your buck, opt for fruit-, seed-, and nut-rich bars.

Natural and organic ingredients

KIND bars proudly advertise just five ingredients per bar and are chock full of whole-foods and natural ingredients that are minimally processed with minimal preservatives. While many people are satisfied with KIND’s commitment to quality ingredients, some customers are disappointed to learn that KIND hasn’t pursued organic certification at this time.

Non-GMO

KIND uses non-GMO ingredients in all of its bars. This means that none of the ingredients in a KIND bar are artificially manipulated, which is appealing to customers who are concerned about the safety and environmental impact of genetically modified foods. 

Kosher

KIND bars are certified kosher. Look for the OU (Orthodox Union) symbol on your KIND bar to verify. Bars that contain dairy (or were exposed to dairy) will show the OU-D symbol (kosher, but not suitable for Passover).

If you’re planning to include KIND bars in your emergency pack or survival kit, opt for fruit-heavy and nut-heavy bars or chocolate and nut varieties. These tend to stay fresh the longest.

Staff
BestReviews

Accessories

Juicer: Hamilton Beach Big Mouth
If you enjoy the whole-food ingredients found in KIND bars and want another option for eating healthy, give juicing a try. The Big Mouth juicer from Hamilton Beach is an affordable appliance with a wide chute for easy juicing. It’s easy to clean, and the hearty and wholesome recipes included with your purchase complement KIND bars nicely.

KIND bar prices

Single bars

The suggested retail value of a single KIND Bar is approximately $2. However, some retailers price individual bars as high as $3.50. It’s possible to find coupons or sales that bring the price of single bars down to as little as $1.

Bulk packages

You’ll save some money buying KIND bars in bulk. Original varieties (with fruit and nuts or chocolate and nuts) are typically the most expensive per bar, while Healthy Grains varieties are usually the best value in bulk.

Bulk packages of 12 original KIND bars can be found for around $14. A pack of 30 Healthy Grains bars can be purchased for around $12. A pack of four KIND Breakfast bars sells for around $3. As with single bars, it’s sometimes possible to find coupons and sales that bring the price per box lower.

Dyk2 
Did You Know?
If your crunchy KIND bars start to turn soft or chewy after being in the cupboard for too long, pop an unwrapped bar in the oven for a few minutes to add crispness.
Staff
BestReviews

Tips

  • If you live in a warmer climate, try freezing KIND bars containing chocolate before you take them on an outing. This can help you avoid a melted mess.
  • Keep a few KIND Bars in your desk at work. Enjoy them on those days when you need to skip lunch or need a quick, filling boost.
  • Crumbly and crunchy varieties of KIND bar are usually messier to eat. These bars may not be an ideal choice for work, school, or eating on the go.
  • KIND bars are a great go-to for camping and backpacking. They don’t take up much space in your pack and are lightweight and filling.
I2 
KIND bars are a great source of vitamins A and E, which help promote strong hair and healthy skin.

FAQ

Q. Are KIND bars helpful for weight loss?

A. While KIND bars aren’t marketed as weight-loss products, some customers find that they make filling and satisfying meal replacements or healthier desserts — especially the varieties with plenty of fiber and protein. If weight loss is your goal, you may find that KIND bars are a useful part of your diet.

Q. What is the shelf life for KIND bars?

A. KIND bars generally stay fresh for one year if the bars are unopened. However, some customers find that certain types go stale a little faster than others (particularly those with lots of whole grains and puffed rice). To prolong the shelf life, store your bars in an airtight container or in the refrigerator or freezer.

Q. Do KIND bars contain high-fructose corn syrup?

A. No. KIND bars do not contain high-fructose corn syrup. Instead, KIND uses honey, fruit juices, natural fructose, and glycerine to sweeten its products.