The Best Protein Bars

 Many so-called healthy protein bars on the market, even ones you can find at a health food store, are filled with processed ingredients such as corn syrup solids, maltodextrin, sucralose, sugar alcohols, GMO soy isolate, and so much added sugar and oil that it’s hard to believe they could possibly pass for a health food.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup peanut butter, or allergy-friendly sub
• 3/4 cup unsweetened protein powder of choice (90g)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave (or try these Keto Protein Bars)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 oz melted chocolate chips, optional
• See earlier in this post for five protein bar flavor ideas

Instructions

• Stir all ingredients except optional chips to form a dough. Either shape into bars with your hands or smooth into a lined 8×8 pan, refrigerate until chilled, then cut into bars. For the optional chocolate coating, spread the melted chocolate over the pan before chilling. (I usually stir 2 tsp oil into the melted chocolate for a smoother sauce, but it's not required.) Or you can dip the bars into the chocolate sauce individually and then chill to set.
• View Nutrition Facts