Protein bars come in dozens of flavors, but many of the store-bought brands are known for filling their bars with unhealthy additives that end up doing very little for contributing to a healthy lifestyle.

When in doubt, I believe in taking the most natural approach possible. For food, this means skipping packaged products and making recipes.

Similar to energy bites, protein bars are known for delivering a beneficial amount of protein to help promote energy and support your health goals. While some recipes can be complex, most of them are simple.

Start with a base like oats, flaxseed, chia seeds or protein powder. Next, add a sticky food like dates, nut butter, honey or agave. Finally, give your recipe a unique twist and flavor it with ingredients like fruit, chocolate, nuts or coconut.

The options are limitless! To get started, here are 15 of our favorite protein bar recipes from around the web. Let us know your favorites in the comments below.

 

1Healthy No Bake White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bars – The Big Man’s World

A healthy protein bar that’s gluten free, vegan and paleo? You’ve got it! These bars combine white chocolate and raspberry with protein powder, nut butter and other delicious ingredients.

 

 

 

2Healthy Red Velvet Fudge DIY Protein Bars – Desserts with Benefits

Don’t want to feel guilty about a red velvet treat? These bars give you the delicious flavor of red velvet without the unhealthy ingredients. They deliver 22 grams of protein along with a unique ingredient that you won’t find in traditional recipes.
 

 

3No Bake Almond Fudge Protein Bars – Running with Spoons

Almond butter fans rejoice! These bars are perfect for vegans or anyone who loves almond butter. This recipe also features protein powder, crispy rice cereal and chocolate chips.
 

 

4Quinoa Chia Seed Protein Bars – The Lean Clean Eating Machine

These bars are packed with both protein and fiber thanks to quinoa, chia seeds, flax seeds and gluten free oats. These bars are perfect for people on a gluten free diet, and there are ways to make it vegan, too!
 

 

5Pumpkin Walnut Protein Bars – Amazing Paleo

Pumpkin season is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying the delicious taste of pumpkin bars. This recipe also features walnuts, protein powder, coconut flour, spices and other flavorful ingredients.
 

 

6Strawberry Limeade Protein Bars – Protein Treats by Nicolette

Simply put, strawberry limeade is delicious. If you want to carry the tasty flavors of summer into a year-long healthy eating plan, try making these bars. They’re made with simple ingredients that go well together to create a bar packed with fruity flavor and protein.
 

 

7Low Carb Protein Bars – Chocolate Chilli Mango

This recipe is incredibly unique due to wattleseeds, an Australian seed that gives recipes a coffee-like flavor with hints of hazelnut and chocolate. Try this recipe with coffee or espresso if you can’t find wattleseeds in your area.
 

 

8Healthy Mo-Tella Fudge DIY Protein Bars – Desserts with Benefits

If you like Nutella, you’ll love these protein bars. They’re made with hazelnut butter, Dutch cocoa powder, chocolate brown rice protein powder and more. Mo-Tella bars are fudgy, easy to make and deliver 16 grams of protein per bar with only one gram of sugar.
 

 

9No Bake Chewy Granola Protein Bars – Pumps & Iron

These chewy granola bars are like Larabars but with extra protein. They feature dates, dried cranberries, protein powder and rolled oats. Bonus: You don’t have to bake them!

 

10No Bake Cinnamon Roll Protein Bars – The Healthy Maven

Because we can’t get enough of dessert-like health bars, here’s another. Cinnamon Roll Protein Bars are also similar to Larabars due to the dates and nuts blend, but they’re also made with protein and topped with a protein-based glaze to give you an added boost.

 

11No Bake Apple Pie Protein Bars – The Big Man’s World

Paleo, gluten free and vegan eaters are going to love these bars, as will anyone who loves apple pie. A blend of spices are mixed with applesauce, protein powder, coconut flour and other ingredients for a healthy alternative to apple pie. Simply delicious!
 

 

12Chewy Trail Mix Protein Granola Bars – Running with Spoons

Similar to other protein bars on this list, these trail mix granola bars also include pumpkin seeds, dried fruit and dairy free chocolate chips. Gluten free and vegan eaters will love these bars!
 

 

 

13Sweet Potato Protein Bars – The Lean Green Bean

Sweet potato in a protein bar? Big yes! This recipe also combines nut butter, protein powder, maple syrup and a tasty chocolate drizzle. Give them a try!
 

 

14Protein Bars with Pistachios and White Chocolate – Low-Carb Lab

It’s hard to believe that something resembling a candy bar is actually healthy, but these protein bars are packed with 22 grams of protein and only 1.3 grams of sugar. Your sweet tooth will thank you for this one.
 

 

15Healthy Matcha Green Tea Fudge DIY Protein Bars – Desserts with Benefits

Matcha green tea powder is a versatile ingredient, and protein bars are no exception. This recipe delivers 16 grams of protein 4 grams of fiber. Other featured ingredients include brown rice protein powder, almond butter and chocolate.
 

 

Have you ever made a protein bar? What ingredients did you include in your recipe?