Are Barebells Protein Bars Really Healthy?

You’ve probably seen Barebells protein bars everywhere at the gym, in your grocery store, or trending online. With 20 grams of protein and dessert-like flavors, they seem like a win. But are they actually a healthy snack or just a candy bar with protein added? Let’s break it down: what’s inside Barebells bars, when (or if) they make sense in your diet, and why they should never replace real food.
August 21, 2025
✅ Fact checked
August 21, 2025

What’s Inside a Barebells Protein Bar? 

Barebells bars are known for being high in protein, low in sugar, and very flavorful but they’re still a processed product. Here’s what you’re usually getting in one:

  • 💪 20g of protein (often from milk proteins)

  • 🍬 Sweeteners like maltitol or sucralose

  • 🧪 Additives that improve texture or shelf life (gums, oils, etc.)

  • 🚫 No added sugar, but still sweet

These bars are often marketed as “healthy,” but they still fall under the category of sweet snacks and that’s how they should be treated.

➡️ In short: They’re convenient, but they’re not a replacement for balanced meals.

When Does a Protein Bar Like Barebells Make Sense? 

Sometimes, a Barebells bar can be a helpful option: on a busy day between meetings,as a travel snack or post-exercise, if no full meal is available

But relying on protein bars daily can mean missing out on whole food nutrients,normalizing sweet-tasting snacks as fuel and Displacing better sources of fiber, fats, or plant-based protein

A protein bar can help in a pinch but it shouldn’t be your go-to. Think of them as an occasional tool, not a foundation of your eating habits.

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What’s Better Than a Protein Bar? 

Instead of making bars a daily habit, you can get more out of snacks like:

  • 🥜 A handful of nuts and fruit

  • 🥣 Plain yogurt with oats or seeds

  • 🍞 A slice of whole-grain toast with nut butter

  • 🥕 Hummus with veggie sticks

These are less processed, more filling, and offer better long-term nutrition,plus they align better with how Gococo supports real-life healthy eating.

Barebells protein bars are a convenient option when you’re short on time but they’re still processed snacks with sweeteners and additives. 

At Gococo, we believe that a balanced diet should be built around whole foods: vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and real protein sources. 

So yes,you can enjoy a Barebells bar now and then. Just don’t let it crowd out the real food your body actually craves. 

FAQS

Are Barebells protein bars good for weight loss?
They can support protein intake, but long-term weight management is better supported by whole food meals, not processed snacks.
Are Barebells bars considered ultra-processed?
Yes. Even though they’re high in protein, the use of additives, sweeteners, and manufactured textures puts them in the ultra-processed category.
Can diabetics eat Barebells protein bars?
They have no added sugar but still contain sweeteners and are processed. They might not spike blood sugar, but they're not ideal as a daily snack.

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