Meat Protein Bars: Which to Choose and What to Avoid

Erin Coleman, B.S. Nutritional Science, R.D., L.D.
Writer, Fit Father Project

Erin Coleman, B.S. Nutritional Science, R.D., L.D.
Writer, Fit Father Project

meat protein bars

Have you tried meat protein bars? They are a quick and easy snack or meal replacement when you're busy, traveling, or on the go.

And they offer an alternative to your usual protein bar, which may be too sweet for some guys' tastes.

But, like other protein bars, you need to know what's in them before you add them to your eating plan.

Knowing which meat protein bars are the healthiest is a must if you eat these nutritious bars on a regular basis.

Meat protein bars are, as the name implies, protein-rich bars containing meat, poultry, fish, or even eggs as ingredients.

Some meat protein bars are healthy, offering a rich source of protein and other essential nutrients, while others aren't so great for you because of artificial flavors, added sugars, or other additives.

Here's what you need to know about meat protein bars!

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Meat Protein Bar Ingredients to Look For

Healthy, whole-food ingredients you might see in protein meat bars include:

Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Eggs

  • Beef
  • Venison
  • Bison
  • Pork
  • Chicken
  • Turkey
  • Duck
  • Salmon
  • Eggs

Nuts and Seeds

  • Cashews
  • Almonds
  • Peanuts
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Sesame seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds

Fruits

  • Dates
  • Raisins
  • Berries
  • Cherries
  • Oranges
  • Apples
  • Raisins
  • Other dried fruits
  • 100% juice

Vegetables

  • Mushrooms
  • Celery
  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils
  • Other vegetables
  • Vegetable juice

Fats

  • Canola oil
  • Sunflower oil
  • Sesame oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Other plant-based oils

Grains

  • Oats
  • Whole-grain cereals
  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Other whole grains

Flavorings

  • Sea salt
  • Pepper
  • Mustard
  • Garlic
  • Vinegar
  • Herbs
  • Spices
  • Other seasonings
  • Natural flavors

Many healthy protein meat bars contain a variety of whole-food ingredients and essential micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).

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Meat Protein Bar Ingredients to Avoid

Limit or avoid the following meat protein bar ingredients when possible, as they aren't so great for your health:

  • Sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Syrups
  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Saccharin
  • Aspartame
  • Sucralose
  • Acesulfame potassium
  • Neotame
  • Advantame
  • Sodium benzoate
  • Potassium benzoate
  • Sodium nitrates
  • Sodium nitrites
  • MSG
  • BHT
  • Sulfites
  • Artificial flavors
  • Artificial colors

Meat protein bars containing very few (or better yet no) artificial ingredients or other additives are best.

Some meat protein bars are very high in sodium, which can be a problem if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to 1,500-2,300 milligrams daily for most adults.

Your doctor might give you a specific number based on your health and disease risk factors.

Be aware of the sodium content on nutrition facts labels on your favorite meat proteins bars, especially if you struggle with high blood pressure or heart disease.

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Which Meat Protein Bars Are Best?

Consider choosing some of the following healthier versions of meat protein bars for yourself and your family!

Epic Protein Bars

Epic protein bars are loaded with complete proteins, and they contain whole-food ingredients without fillers, added sugars, artificial flavors, or other artificial ingredients.

Turkey Almond Cranberry Epic Bars

Turkey almond cranberry Epic bars are flavorful, healthy, protein-rich, and contain the following nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 140
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Sodium: 210 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 9 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Total sugar: 5 grams
  • Protein: 10 grams

Ingredients: turkey, almonds, cranberries, lactic acid, sea salt, cultured celery powder, nutmeg, coriander, cumin, dried garlic, paprika, red pepper, and dried onion.

Chicken, Egg, and Apple Epic Bars

Chicken, egg, and apple Epic bars are loaded with protein and other essential nutrients.

They are slightly higher in sodium than some of the other Epic options, so if you're limiting sodium because of high blood pressure or heart disease, be mindful of this.

Chicken, egg, and apple Epic bars offer the following nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 140
  • Fat: 7 grams
  • Sodium: 420 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 5 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Total sugar: 2 grams
  • Protein: 13 grams

Ingredients: chicken, organic dried egg yolk, dried apples, lactic acid, sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, cultured celery powder, chili powder, nutmeg, thyme, coriander seeds, black pepper, and sage.

Beef Habanero Cherry Walnut Epic Bars

Flavorful, beef habanero cherry walnut Epic bars are loaded with whole-food ingredients and taste delicious.

They make the perfect on-the-go or post-workout snack!

The nutrition facts of beef habanero cherry walnut bars include:

  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Sodium: 350 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 9 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Total sugar: 4 grams
  • Protein: 9 grams

Ingredients: grass-fed beef, dried cherries, walnuts, water, lactic acid, salt, cultured celery powder, black pepper, sea salt, and habanero peppers.

Beef Apple Bacon Epic Bars

Epic beef apple bacon bars are packed with protein and nutritious (uncured) ingredients.

The nutrition facts information for these savors bars include:

  • Calories: 170
  • Fat: 13 grams
  • Sodium: 450 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 5 grams
  • Fiber: 2 grams
  • Total sugar: 4 grams
  • Protein: 9 grams

Ingredients: grass-fed beef, uncured smoked bacon, dried apples, lactic acid, cultured celery powder, and sea salt.

Be mindful of the sodium content of beef apple bacon Epic bars, especially if you must limit your intake because of heart disease risk factors.

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Tanka Bars

Like Epic bars, Tanka bars also contain whole, protein-rich ingredients.

They are free from gluten, hormones, nitrates, MSG, and lactose, and most Tanka bars contain buffalo as the main ingredient.

Tanka Slow Smoked Bars

Tanka slow-smoked bars are as flavorful as can be, and offer the following nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 2 grams
  • Sodium: 260 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Total sugar: 6 grams
  • Protein: 7 grams

Ingredients: buffalo, dried cranberries, water, salt, red pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion, and lactic acid.

Tanka Spicy Pepper Bars

Tanka spicy pepper bars are savory, spicy, and loaded with protein and micronutrients.

According to the nutrition facts label, these bars offer the following nutritional benefits:

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 2 grams
  • Sodium: 260 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 7 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Total sugar: 6 grams
  • Protein: 7 grams

Ingredients: buffalo, dried cranberries, sea salt, black pepper, habanero, jalapeno, spice, red pepper, onion, garlic, and lactic acid.

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Zero-Sugar Krave Jerky

Zero-sugar Krave products are more like all-natural jerky than protein meat bars, but they contain the same basic protein-rich ingredients.

Krave Barbeque-Seasoned Bites

Krave barbeque-flavored bites curb your hunger and salt cravings, and provide the following nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 1.5 grams
  • Sodium: 500 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 1 gram
  • Fiber: 0 gram
  • Total sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 12 grams

Ingredients: grass-fed beef, gluten-free soy sauce, water, red wine concentrate, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, vinegar, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, natural flavor, and yeast extract.

If you struggle to limit your sodium intake, you might want to choose lower-sodium protein meat bars.

Krave Southwest Hatch Chili Bites

These Southwest hatch chili Krave Bites are flavorful, nutritious, and delicious!

The nutrition facts information includes:

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 1.5 grams
  • Sodium: 500 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 1 gram
  • Fiber: 0 gram
  • Total sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 12 grams

Ingredients: grass-fed beef, gluten-free soy sauce, water, balsamic vinegar, chipotle paste, lemon juice, vinegar, red and green hatch chilis, spices, garlic powder, and onion powder.

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Zero-Sugar Country Archer Jerky

Like zero-sugar Krave jerky, zero-sugar Country Archer jerky is packed with high-quality protein and flavorful ingredients, but it's free from artificial ingredients.

Zero-Sugar Classic Beef Jerky

Choosing Country Archer zero-sugar classic beef jerky is a quick, easy way to boost your protein intake without sugar, artificial sweeteners, or other additives.

The nutrition facts information is as follows:

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 1.5 grams
  • Sodium: 260 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Total sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 12 grams

Ingredients: grass-fed beef, water, mushrooms, sunflower oil, apple cider vinegar, organic chickpea miso, garlic, salt, onion, black pepper, liquid smoke, paprika, rosemary, coriander, and oregano.

Zero-Sugar Mustard Barbeque Jerky

Consider trying zesty mustard barbeque jerky instead of traditional meat protein bars to satisfy your hunger, build muscle, and burn fat.

The nutrition facts information for zero-sugar mustard barbeque jerky is as follows:

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 1.5 grams
  • Sodium: 340 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Total sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 12 grams

Ingredients: grass-fed beef, water, mustard, apple cider vinegar, mushrooms, sunflower oil, organic chickpea miso, onion, salt, garlic, liquid smoke, and cayenne pepper.

Zero-Sugar Spicy Sesame Garlic Jerky

Try this mouth-watering, zero-sugar spicy sesame garlic jerky snack that's sure to be a hit with you, your spouse, and your kids!

The nutrition facts information includes:

  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 2.5 grams
  • Sodium: 280 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 2 grams
  • Fiber: 0 grams
  • Total sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 11 grams

Ingredients: grass-fed beef, mushrooms, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, ginger juice, lemon juice, onion, salt, organic chickpea miso, garlic, toasted sesame seeds, liquid smoke, and cayenne pepper.

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RX Egg Bars

While not technically meat protein bars, many RX bars contain eggs as ingredients, which is an excellent option if you follow an octo-vegetarian or lacto-ovo-vegetarian meal plan.

Mixed Berry RX Bars

Mixed berry RX bars contain eggs, fruits, and nuts as ingredients.

The nutritional breakdown on the nutrition facts label is as follows:

  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 7 grams
  • Sodium: 140 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 24 grams
  • Fiber: 5 grams
  • Total sugar: 15 grams
  • Added sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 12 grams

Ingredients: dates, egg whites, almonds, cashews, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, and natural flavors.

Vanilla Almond RX Bars

Vanilla almond RX bars are flavorful, delicious, and loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

The nutrition breakdown is as follows:

  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 8 grams
  • Sodium: 210 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 24 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Total sugar: 18 grams
  • Added sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 12 grams

Ingredients: dates, egg whites, almonds, cashews, vanilla bean, natural flavors, and sea salt.

Peanut Butter RX Bars

If you love peanut butter, you'll enjoy peanut butter-flavored RX bars that provide the following nutritional benefits:

  • Calories: 200
  • Fat: 7 grams
  • Sodium: 310 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 25 grams
  • Fiber: 5 grams
  • Total sugar: 15 grams
  • Added sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 12 grams

Ingredients: dates, peanuts, egg whites, natural flavors, and sea salt.

Blueberry RX Bars

Try blueberry RX bars between meals or before or after workouts. Your kids will love them as a snack at school too!

The nutrition facts breakdown for blueberry RX bars is:

  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 7 grams
  • Sodium: 140 milligrams
  • Carbohydrates: 24 grams
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Total sugar: 15 grams
  • Added sugar: 0 grams
  • Protein: 12 grams

Ingredients: dates, egg whites, almonds, cashews, blueberries, and natural flavors.

Meet SuperFuel Vegan. The Super Delicious 100% Plant-Based Protein Shake Packed With 40+ Energy Boosting Vitamins & Superfoods

Meet SuperFuel Vegan.
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As a busy guy, it’s challenging to stay consistent with healthy eating… especially if you’re following a more plant-based diet. That’s why we built SuperFuel Vegan… the delicious “all-in-one” nutrition shake to give you the premium 100% plant-based protein + key nutrients you need for more energy, fat burning, & muscle building.
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Erin Coleman, B.S. Nutritional Science, R.D., L.D.
Writer, Fit Father Project

Erin Coleman is a registered and licensed dietitian with over 15 years of freelance writing experience.

She graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in nutritional science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and completed her dietetic internship at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

Prior to beginning her career in medical content writing, Erin worked as Health Educator for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Internal Medicine.

Her published work appears on hundreds of health and fitness websites, and she’s currently working on publishing her first book! Erin is a wife, and a Mom to two beautiful children.

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*Please know that weight loss results & health changes/improvements vary from individual to individual; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice – simply very well-researched info on meat protein bars.

Erin Coleman, B.S. Nutritional Science, R.D., L.D.
Writer, Fit Father Project

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