I’ve had this post in my drafts for awhile, but never wrote it because I felt like I loved ALL kinds of snack and meal bars and that the list would never end. Recently, however, I realized that I have my staples that I go back to over and over and those haven’t changed in several years. If now’s not a good time to write this post, when is?

My obsession with bars started when I was in college, so it’s been more than 10 years (ouch) that I’ve been refining my tastes. I made it my mission to try as many kinds as I could and even kept a basket full of bars above my microwave in my apartment. I don’t know what it is about tiny bars, but they bring me joy.

As I’ve mentioned, my stomach is a little iffy with whey protein and dairy products, so all of the (protein) bars I get use plant-based proteins. There are some good non plant-based bars as well, but since I don’t eat them regularly, they aren’t on this list.

There are a couple that are recent additions, but I’ve bought them more than once at the store and know that they will be a recurring choice. They’re included in here as well.

Snack Bars

Pressed by KIND

This was one in the “recent additions” category. If you remember, I first tried them at Blogfest a couple months ago, then when I saw Pressed bars in the store (Target), I bought several boxes immediately. I like the consistency of the fruit and veggie bars a little better, but the fruit and chia options are great as a quickly digested snack before a workout. For me, it’s quicker (and less messy) than eating a whole piece of fruit.

I used to really like KIND bars in general, but realized that I wasn’t a big fan of whole nuts in bars. Also, I rewrote that sentence like 4 times to make it sounds as innocuous as possible.

This Bar Saves Lives

I actually hadn’t had a This Bar Saves Lives bar until I did a campaign with them a few months ago, but once I tried them, I was hooked. I actually just got up to check in the cabinet if I still had one left. I didn’t. 🙁

Anyway, all three of these flavors were amazing, but my favorite has to be the PB & J. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect to grab on the go. You can also find these at Target and each purchase helps feed children. Win win.

Simple Squares

I first tried Simple Squares about 3 years ago when I lived in VA and would spend my lunch break wandering around health food stores.

What attracted me to buy one was first — the flavor I found and second — the ingredient list. My favorite flavor they have is Rosemary and it’s AMAZING.  The bars all start with the same base of nuts, honey, sea salt, and vanilla. The fifth ingredient is whatever they use to make each specific flavor. They’re delicious.

Meal Bars

PRO BAR Meal

I eat one of these PRO Bars almost every day. On early days when I have to wake up and roll, this is my breakfast. It weighs in at about 400 calories since it’s made with a lot of nuts, but it definitely helps keep me full until I can get home or out somewhere for lunch.

They have several other flavors, but this has been my go-to. I’ve also started buying cases from Amazon since they are slightly cheaper than Whole Foods, even with their 10% case discount.

Perfect

I also discovered Perfect Bars a couple years ago and as soon as I had one, I went on a frantic email search for how to get in touch with someone at the company. I emailed them about 4 different times over the years, but unfortunately never heard back. I DID talk to them at Blogfest, however, so let’s see how that goes.

I consider these more of a meal bar simply because they have a little over 300 calories in each one. No, my meals are not 300 calories, but this isn’t something I would pick up for a quick snack and then eat a big meal right after. They’re also really filling (for me), which is another reason I try and space out when I eat them. Almond butter is my favorite and now I want to go back to Malibu.

Protein Bars

LUNA

Oh man, LUNA bars are my JAM. They are small, but pack 12 grams of protein in each one. This chocolate chip cookie dough one is my favorite, but they have several other flavors that I’ve also mentioned over time as well.

They’re good for a quick snack after a workout and help satisfy my sweet tooth. Just don’t eat two in a row like I may or may not do. Just kidding, YOU DO YOU.

CLIF Builder

I hadn’t had a CLIF Builder bar in a long time until recently when I was given the opportunity to share them with my clients. WHEN DID THEY GET SO DELICIOUS??

I’ve never been a huge fan of regular CLIF bars, so I was skeptical about these, but both the mint and PB flavors are so. good. Also, these snack sized ones have 10 grams of protein and the regular size weighs in at 20!

Square

I mentioned these recently in a Friday post and they continue to stay on my list. As I mentioned in that post, however, each Square Bar is coated in chocolate, making it seem like more of a dessert than something I would want to chow down on after working out.

RX

RXBARs have become one of my favorites after we started selling them at my gym. I love all the flavors, but my favorite is peanut butter. This is the new maple sea salt flavor that was released, which I’d also give two thumbs up. As you can see from the label, there are only a few ingredients which I love.

In looking at old posts, I realized that there were a couple bars I used to be OBSESSED with, but haven’t purchased recently. I’m not sure why, but I do still love them. Honorable mention (since I don’t have recent pictures) goes to:

1. GFB (Gluten Free Bar)
2. Vega Sport

Also, none of this is sponsored — I just really like bars!!

Questions:

• What are some of your favorite bars?
• Favorite snacks in general?