Protein bars are a very popular snack. Much loved for their convenience, they help curb hunger in between meals and increase our intake of protein.
On top of that, protein bars are also a healthy snack loaded with essential micronutrients.
However, protein bars are typically high in carbohydrates, including FODMAPs.
As a result, they aren’t a great snack for individuals that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or those that follow a low FODMAP diet.
Whilst this can be extremely frustrating, there is a solution. That solution is low-FODMAP protein bars that are lower in FODMAPs.
If you follow a low FODMAP diet, these types of protein bars could be perfect for you.
Today, we want to show you the best low-FODMAP protein bars on the market. To do so, we’ve compiled a list of the very best. In this article, we’ll take you through each option.
Let’s get started!
Product Reviews
The next part of this article will show you the best low-FODMAP protein bars the market currently has to offer.
We’ll review each low-FODMAP protein bar so you know exactly what to expect.
You can expect to learn more about what’s in each protein bar, what flavors they come available in, and any pros and cons you should be aware of.
If you need help finding a tasty low-FODMAP protein bar, make sure you keep reading.
1. Enjoy Life Protein Bites
Let’s kick things off with the Enjoy Life Protein Bites. Super delicious, these protein bites are much lower in carbohydrates, making them more suitable for a low FODMAP diet. They don’t come in the shape of a bar but they do the same job.
They provide us with a healthy snack and a good boost of protein. Three protein bites contain 170 calories and 5 grams of protein.
What makes these protein bites even better is that they come in a variety of different flavors and are also gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free.
As a result, they suit a much greater range of people. Some of the ingredients used to make the Enjoy Life protein bites include semi-sweet chocolate, sugar cane syrup, sunflower protein, cocoa butter, and pumpkin seeds.
Aside from their protein content, each bite is packed with potassium, calcium, and iron. Therefore, eating this snack will bring nutrients to your diet too. Personally, our favorite flavor is dark raspberry.
Pros
- Low in carbohydrates – These protein bites have a low carbohydrate content, making them suitable for a low FODMAP diet.
- Delicious – Enjoy Life protein bites come in a variety of tasty flavors.
- Nutrient-rich – These protein bites also contain potassium, calcium, and iron.
Cons
- Still contain carbs – These protein bites still contain a small number of carbohydrates so you will have to monitor how many you eat.
Also available at: Enjoylifefoods.com
2. Fody Foods Nut Bars
Fody Foods is a popular protein bar brand known for producing a wide range of delicious healthy snacks. The brand’s protein nut bars are arguably the brand’s best creation to date.
Aside from being incredibly delicious, Fody Foods nut bars are perfect for anyone following a low FODMAP diet.
This is because they are low in carbohydrates. In fact, these protein bars are certified low FODMAP, making them a solid choice for a low FODMAP diet and gut friendly for IBS sufferers.
It’s also good to know that these nut bars are also gluten-free, lactose-free, and non-GMO. Depending on the flavor you choose though, they might contain allergens like peanuts.
When it comes to flavors, we’d have to recommend the dark chocolate nuts and sea salt bar or the blueberry almond bar.
Both of these flavors are out of this world. Each nut bar contains 6 grams of protein and 210 calories. They are also low in sugar and contain a decent amount of fiber.
What’s not to like?
Pros
- Low FODMAP certified – Fody Foods nut bars are certified low FODMAP, making them perfect for a low FODMAP diet.
- Available in multiple flavors – You have an excellent range of flavors to choose from.
- Vegan – These protein bars are also suitable for vegans.
Cons
- Can’t buy single bars – You can only buy multipacks of this snack.
3. GoMarco Protein Bars
The next brand of protein bars on our list is the GoMacro protein bars. Like the two options we’ve already looked at, these protein bars are healthy, delicious, and suitable for a low FODMAP diet.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy snack that will keep you fuelled, this is easily one of your best options.
Each bar contains 10 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber, supplying you with much-needed nutrients as you tuck in.
The fact these bars contain 2 grams of fiber makes them extremely beneficial to IBS sufferers as fiber helps with digestion. Nutrient-rich, GoMacro protein bars also contain iron, potassium, and calcium.
Whilst they don’t claim to be low FODMAP certified, they are very low in carbohydrates. This makes them FODMAP-friendly. We love how these protein bars are also organic.
In terms of flavors, you’ll be very impressed by what this brand has to offer. There are well over 12 different flavors to choose from. This includes cashew caramel, berries and cherries, peanut butter, and coconut.
GoMacro even offers a kid-friendly range of protein bars.
Pros
- Kid-friendly – GoMacro has a product line of kid-friendly protein bars too.
- Huge range of flavors – You can choose from more than 12 different flavors.
- Well-priced – GoMacro bars are fairly priced.
Cons
- Allergens – A lot of flavors contain nuts.
4. Caveman Protein Bars
If you came here looking for a low FODMAP protein bar that provides you with a good boost of protein, look no further than the Caveman protein bars. FODMAP-friendly, each Caveman protein bar contains 10 grams of protein and just 190 calories.
Aside from offering a decent boost of protein, Caveman protein bars also contain 2 grams of fiber. This fiber will help to keep your digestion system in working order.
The only downside when it comes to nutrients is that these bars don’t contain a significant amount of any other vitamin or mineral.
If you’re more focused on protein, this won’t matter too much. Another important thing to know is that these protein bars are also soy-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free.
When we reviewed these protein bars, we were pleased with the ingredients used to make the bars.
The ingredients used are low in carbohydrates and healthy. Some notable ingredients include nut blend, egg whites, dark cocoa, tapioca syrup, and coconut oil.
We also loved how many different flavors there are to choose from. Our favorite is double dark chocolate.
Pros
- High protein content – Each Caveman bar contains 10 grams of protein.
- Decent fiber content – The 2 grams of fiber will aid your digestion system.
- Good variety – We can choose from a variety of tasty flavors.
Cons
- Lack of nutrients – Unfortunately, these protein bars don’t contain too many vitamins or minerals.
5. Health Warrior Bars
Another popular brand of low FODMAP protein bars is Health Warrior. Health Warrior is best known for manufacturing a wide range of delicious protein bars that are healthy, low in calories, FODMAP-friendly, and filling.
Available in a wide range of different flavors, Health Warrior bars contain 100 calories, 3 grams of sugar, and 3 grams of protein. Because the bars only contain 3 grams of sugar, they are suitable for anyone that suffers from IBS.
The bars are slightly lower in protein than other protein bars on our list, but they still offer a great boost.
Besides, these bars are super healthy. The most important thing about Health Warrior bars is that they contain 18% of the recommended daily intake of fiber.
This is important if your digestive system needs some extra help. These bars also contain iron, potassium, and calcium.
Gluten-free, and vegan-friendly, the flavors we enjoyed most are salted caramel, chocolate peanut butter, and mango.
Pros
- High in fiber – These protein bars contain 18% of the recommended daily fiber intake.
- Great value for money – Health Warrior bars are available at a fantastic price.
- Low calorie – A Health Warrior bar only contains 100 calories.
Cons
- Only available in multipack – Unfortunately, you can’t mix and match flavors.
6. BelliWelli Vegan Snack Bar
The final low FODMAP protein bar on this list is BelliWelli’s vegan snack bar. These protein bars are perfect for anyone that needs a quick, easy, and healthy snack without any fuss.
They don’t contain that much protein but they make up for that with the fact they are FODMAP-friendly and incredibly tasty.
Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low FODMAP certified, this brand of protein bar is best known for offering great healthy snacks that support the gut.
Containing very few carbohydrates, this snack bar is also packed with probiotics.
Perfect for a healthy snack or healthy dessert, each bar contains almond butter, chia seeds, oats, acacia fiber, peppermint mint, and cinnamon.
Aside from creating a fabulous flavor, these ingredients help create a probiotic brownie that we can take instead of a pill.
Despite all of this, it is the flavors of these snack bars that impress us the most. Super decadent, these snack bars come in fudge brownie flavor, birthday cake flavor, strawberry shortcake flavor, and cinnamon swirl flavor.
Pros
- The perfect probiotic – This snack bar gives you probiotics in brownie form instead of pill form.
- Delicious flavors – The flavors this bar is available in are amazing.
- Variety packs available – You can buy these bars in a variety pack so you can try every flavor.
Cons
- Low protein content – BelliWelli snack bars don’t contain much protein.
Buyer’s Guide
Now you know what the market has to offer, you can start thinking about which brand of low FODMAP protein bar you want to try. However, before you make a decision, we want to take you through a short buyer’s guide.
In this buyer’s guide, we’ve outlined the most important things you need to think about when choosing a low FODMAP protein bar.
By taking the points we make onboard, you can be sure that you’re making the best decision possible.
Low FODMAP Certified
This isn’t critical to your decision but you might want to look for a protein bar that is low FODMAP certified.
Protein bars that are low FODMAP certified offer the guarantee that they are suitable for individuals that suffer from IBS or follow a low FODMAP diet.
Certification might simply give you the extra peace of mind you need to make a purchase.
When it comes to finding protein bars that are low FODMAP certified, you can find out by carefully reading the product description and ingredients list.
What we will say though, is that you don’t always have to purchase a certified protein bar. As long as you read the ingredients, there’s nothing wrong with ordering an uncertified snack bar too.
Nutrients
Nutrients are important because the main reason we eat protein bars is that they are healthy. Despite most brands offering similar vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, not all protein bars include the same ingredients.
For example, some protein bars might contain lots of protein and no fiber. On the other hand, some protein bars might contain little protein and high levels of calcium, potassium, and iron.
It is important to think about what you want from the protein bar before you make your decision. Ideally, you will choose a bar that contains protein, fiber, potassium, iron, and calcium.
You will find the nutritional information in the product description or on the packaging.
How Much Protein Does The Bar Contain?
Sticking with the theme of nutrients, the most important nutrient you’ll want to consider is protein.
Protein bars are designed to give us a boost of protein, therefore, you should look for a protein bar that contains a good amount of protein.
Generally speaking, a low FODMAP protein bar that contains anything from 5 to 10 grams of protein is great. Anything less than that and we would start to question whether or not the bar is worth it.
Having said that, if protein isn’t vitally important to you, purchasing a bar that contains less is perfectly acceptable.
Allergens
It’s also very important to look out for any potential allergens a protein bar may contain. Protein bars contain a wide range of ingredients that could potentially cause allergy problems.
For example, most protein bars contain some type of nut. If you have a nut allergy, this is obviously something you will want to avoid. Other common allergens found in protein bars include dairy products, fruit, and oats.
To avoid buying a protein bar that contains something you’re allergic to, always read the product description and ingredients list first.
Variety Of Flavors
Finally, it’s always nice to have variety when choosing your snacks. With that in mind, we recommend looking for a protein bar brand that sells its snack bars in a wide range of flavors.
Ideally, the brand you choose will have at least 3 or 4 different flavors to choose from. Of course, it’s also important to make sure the brand offers flavors you’ll actually enjoy.
On top of that, we recommend looking for a protein bar brand that sells their bars in a variety of packs so you aren’t limited to just one flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does FODMAP Stand For?
The word FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols.
These are short-chain carbohydrates that the small intestine struggles to absorb, causing IBS and other digestive issues.
What Foods Should You Avoid On A FODMAP Diet?
Examples of foods you should avoid when following a FODMAP diet include onions, garlic, milk, wheat, legumes, and apples. Eliminating these foods from your diet will help your digestive system.
Are Bananas Okay To Eat On A FODMAP Diet?
The answer to this question is yes and no. Generally speaking, ripe bananas aren’t a low FODMAP food. However, unripe bananas are. That being said, we would advise limiting how many bananas you eat.
Final Thoughts
That concludes this article looking at the best low FODMAP protein bars the market currently has to offer.
As you can see from our list, we are spoiled for choice. Whilst it can be hard to find the best low FODMAP protein bars, once you know what to look for things become a lot easier.
Our list has provided you with 6 amazing options that all offer something slightly different. Whether it be a unique flavor or a different combination of nutrients, each bar on this list has something slightly different to offer.
Aside from showing you the best low-FODMAP protein bars on the market, we also gave you a buyer’s guide and answered some frequently asked questions.
You can now use the buyer’s guide to choose the protein bars that are perfect for you.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy whichever one you choose.