10 Best Protein Bars for Breastfeeding Moms
Are you seeking the best protein bars to help your breastfeeding journey? If so, you're in luck! This list has the ten best protein bars perfect for new moms. They'll help you stay energized and focused while caring for your little one. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy snack to help you reach your goals, check out this list!
It can be hard to get all the nutrients you need when breastfeeding and eating balanced meals.
Protein can be especially hard to get!
Protein bars are a great way to get extra protein and energy in your day. They are convenient and easy to carry with you, making them perfect for on-the-go moms.
However, not all protein bars are created equally. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the 10 best protein bars for breastfeeding mothers to ensure you are getting the best quality products.
Here are our top picks, but we'll go into more detail about them later on!
Looking for protein powder recommendations? Check out this post - 9 Best Protein Powders While Breastfeeding + Is it Safe to Drink?
Best Protein Bars for Breastfeeding
1 - Our Top Pick: G2G Bars
I love G2G Bars, and they are great for helping keep your energy up during the day. Here are a few things to know:
Great flavor options, including:
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
Peanut Butter Coconut Chocolate
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Almond Chocolate Chip
Almond Coconut (my personal favorite)
Almond Mocha
Almond Oatmeal Cookie
They are a little bit pricier. However, I find that I only eat 1/3-1/2 of one at a time
They have to be refrigerated
Simple ingredients
18 grams of protein
Gluten-free
You must buy them online or at a specialty store like Good Earth.
BUY NOW - USE CLARKS for 15% off G2G Bar
2 - Best for Variety: Built Bars
I have been a big fan of Built Bars for a long time, and they are often my go-to. I stock them in my pantry, and they taste like a treat! When you buy them from the website, you can use the code CLARKS for a special discount.
They offer their traditional bars, "puffs" (marshmallow-like texture), and occasionally granola bars - all protein-packed
They taste great frozen or in the pantry
Lots of new flavors released - though keep in mind that many are limited edition, so you may not always see your favorite flavor again
They have 17 grams of protein (I think they all do, though if not, they are around that amount)
3 - Mama Bar - Postpartum Specific
These plant-based bars are designed for pregnant and postpartum bars. They contain iron, protein, and other essential nutrients, and they have a variety of flavors, including:
Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip
Lemon Coconut
Dark Chocolate Cashew and Cherry
They have over 500 5-star reviews, and they look pretty tasty!
4 - Best Budget Option: Kirkland Chewy Protein Bars
If you are on a budget, these are a good option. My kids love these, and they taste good. I feel like they are similar to "Chewy" bars, but just with more protein.
These are gluten free
A little lower on the protein spectrum with 10 grams of protein
40 Bars in each package
Most ingredients are okay but a few aren't my favorite (corn syrup, maltodextrin)
Very tasty
5 - Best "lactation specific": Boobie Bars
I was surprised to see there really weren't a lot of lactation protein bars out there - pretty much just Boobie Bars. I nave never actually tried these, but the reviews are pretty good.
Three Flavors
Oatmeal chocolate chip
Peanut Butter
Blueberry Muffin
Contains six "superfoods"
Organic Moringa Leaf
Organic Cinnamon
Organic Shatavari Root
Organic Tumeric
Flaxseed
Whole Grain Oats
Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Non GMO, Dairy Free, Fenugreek Free, and Certified Kosher
Only 3 grams of protein, so definitely not a traditional protein bar
Ingredients all seem pretty good. It does have sunflower lecithin, which has been a little controversial
There is a lot of sugar - 12 grams of added sugar per bar
6 - RX Bars
This is a well-known brand with a variety of different protein bars. They can be readily found at many grocery stores. They have very simple ingredients, which is one of their biggest appeals.
There are several different kinds of RXBars:
Original RXBar - Around 12 grams protein
AM Bar - 10 grams protein
Mini's - 6 grams protein
Plant - 10 grams protein
Typically have 3-5 ingredients; usually things like dates, nuts, and egg whites
I find them to be pretty dense
The flavor is pretty good
7 - Come Ready Protein Bars
These are advertised as "clean protein" bars with no added preservatives or additives. They also have additional flax seed added, which is kind of nice, since that is a galactagogue. Here are a few highlights:
12 grams of protein
Simple Ingredients
They have sunflower lecithin, which is an ingredient some use to help with recurrent clogged ducts
Non GMO Certified
Various flavors include:
Vanilla Swirl
Chocolate Mocha
Dark chocolate sea salt
Dark chocolate coconut almond
Dark Chocolate blueberry almond
Chocolate peanut butter
Available for purchase online
8 - Think! High Protein Bars
These are protein bars that have a higher amount of protein than many and are available nationwide at stores like Target.
Bars have 20 grams of protein
Lots of delicious flavors
Chocolate & Creme Cupcake
Chocolate Fudge
Chunky Peanut Butter
Cookies and Creme
Creamy Peanut Butter
Lemon Delight
White Chocolate
They have a variety of products, such as Keto and Plant-based bars
Ingredients aren't terrible, but they aren't as good as some bars
9 - Best Ingredients - Perfect Bar
These are another bar that are available at stores like Target and Sam's Club. It is a refrigerated bar and boasts of having lots of super foods in them.
14 grams of whole food protein
Really great ingredient - you'll find items like celery, kelp, whole egg powder, alfalfa, and other super foods on the label. I don't see anything artificial!
Higher calories - each bar is around 300 calories or more
Snack Size Available
Lots of flavors, and they seem to release lots of seasonal ones
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Sea Salt
Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter
Coconut Peanut Butter
Pumpkin Pie (limited time)
Salted Caramel
Almond Butter
Dark Chocolate Almond
Chocolate MInt
Chocolate Hazelnut Crisp
Very good reviews across the board
10 - Best Plant Based Option - Skout Protein Bars
These are plant-based protein bars. The protein amount is a little lower than some, but they are organic and seem to have good reviews.
Organic
Contain 10 grams protein
Variety of flavors
Peanut Butter
Coconut Vanilla
Salted Chocolate
Chocolate Cherry
Ingredients are very simple and real food - protein sources are dates, sunflower seed powder, sunflower seeds and poppy seeds.
Good reviews - some people say they are a bit dense
11 - Clif Nut Butter Bars
I think these are pretty tasty. Obviously, they have nuts in them, so they aren't an option for anyone with nut allergies. However, they are delicious and aren't as "protein-y" as some bars might be.
Lower protein - 5-7 grams per bar
I have gotten these at Costco
Variety of Flavors
Chocolate & Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter
Chocolate & Hazelnut Butter
Plant Based
Not the best ingredients but overall pretty good
Homemade Protein Bar Recipes
Here is a great recipe for no bake protein bars!
Ingredients:
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup ground flaxseed meal
1/2 cup protein powder
1/4 cup chocolate chips
Instructions:
Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Stir in oats, flaxseed meal, protein powder, and chocolate chips until well combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
Cut into bars and enjoy!
Other Ways to Get Protein While Breastfeeding
Natural Yogurt and Granola
Cheese with Whole Grain Crackers
Peanut Butter and Bananas
Hardboiled Eggs and Fresh Fruit
Dried Fruit and Nuts
Smoothie with Protein Powder (check out our favorite breastfeeding-friendly protein powders)
Chicken Salad Wrap
Tuna Salad Sandwich
Bean Soup with a Side of Bread
Lentil Stew with Rice Salmon with Quinoa and Broccoli
Here are 100+ breastfeeding snack ideas you might also enjoy!
What are the benefits of protein bars while you're breastfeeding?
Protein bars can help nursing mothers meet their increased protein needs. They are also a convenient and easy way to get the nutrients you need on the go. Protein bars can help you:
Potentially Increase milk production
Boost energy levels
Promote muscle growth and repair
Reduce hunger and cravings
Support a healthy immune system
I like protein bars that have some carbs, because that helps you process much-needed carbs a little easier while keeping your full for longer (as opposed to just eating carbs on their own).
Do Protein Bars Increase Milk Supply?
I don't think there are any studies showing that protein bars increase milk supply - it would definitely depend on the ingredients. However, if you aren't eating enough and protein bars give you energy to remember to nurse frequently and keep up your caloric intake, it could potentially help milk supply.
Protein bars are a convenient and easy way to get the nutrients you need while breastfeeding. They can help you meet your increased protein needs and boost energy levels. Choose a protein bar that is high in quality and nutritious, and be sure to check with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.
Are protein bars safe while breastfeeding?
Protein bars are generally safe for nursing mothers to consume. However, it's important to choose a high-quality protein bar that is nutritious and free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. You should also check with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes while breastfeeding.
What to Look for in a Protein Bar
There are many different types of protein bars on the market, so it's important to choose one that is high in quality and nutritious. Some things to look for when choosing a protein bar include:
High protein content (at least 15 grams per serving is ideal)
No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors
Healthy fats and fiber
A variety of vitamins and minerals
There are a lot of protein bars out there. Still, unfortunately, many of them are filled with artificial sugar (or a LOT of regular sugar), preservatives, and many ingredients that you probably are better off avoiding. In our opinion, a protein bar worth eating while breastfeeding should be made with high-quality ingredients!
