The 3 Best Protein Bars If You’re Avoiding Inflammatory Oils, According to Nutritionists
If you’re avoiding inflammatory and highly-processed oils, you already know they’re hiding in just about everything — including so-called “healthy” snacks like protein bars.
Even brands that look clean at first glance often sneak in potentially harmful ingredients like canola oil, sunflower oil, or vague “vegetable oils” that don’t belong anywhere near real food… not to mention other junk like color dyes, artificial sweeteners, “natural flavors,” and more.
So with that in mind, we teamed up with a group of nutritionists to find out:
Even brands that look clean at first glance often sneak in potentially harmful ingredients like canola oil, sunflower oil, or vague “vegetable oils” that don’t belong anywhere near real food… not to mention other junk like color dyes, artificial sweeteners, “natural flavors,” and more.
So with that in mind, we teamed up with a group of nutritionists to find out:
Which brand of protein bars are made with only whole-food, nutrient-dense ingredients, and also taste great?
Together, we reviewed dozens of bars, combed through labels, and narrowed it down to three clear winners, each of which is made with real, whole-food ingredients and zero seed oils.
Here are the bars that made the cut, starting with the clear winner:
Here are the bars that made the cut, starting with the clear winner:
1
PRIMA Ancestral Protein Bar
These were hands-down the most delicious — and healthiest — bars we tried. They’re made entirely from real, nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients like 100% grass-fed collagen peptides, 100% grass-fed protein, 100% grass-fed beef tallow, organic raw honey, and organic cacao nibs.
There are no seed oils, no artificial sweeteners, and no "natural flavors" hiding mystery chemicals. Plus, they’re GMO- and gluten-free.
And if the squeaky-clean ingredient list weren’t exciting enough, PRIMA bars tasted amazing!
There are no seed oils, no artificial sweeteners, and no "natural flavors" hiding mystery chemicals. Plus, they’re GMO- and gluten-free.
And if the squeaky-clean ingredient list weren’t exciting enough, PRIMA bars tasted amazing!
The Mocha flavor tasted like a creamy mocha latte you can eat.
The Salted Caramel flavor was soft and decadent with sweet coconut nectar and sea salt.
The Cacao flavor tasted like a rich, decadent brownie that’s actually good for you. (We like to say if Mother Nature baked you a brownie, this is what it would taste like!)
We were delightfully surprised to find that there wasn’t even a hint of chalkiness in the flavor or in texture. Plus, these bars were incredibly filling, which makes them great for after a workout or when you need a quick grab-and-go snack.
That's why it's not surprising that PRIMA bars quickly became our gold standard — the bar we measured every other protein bar against, in terms of both ingredient quality, texture, and taste.
That's why it's not surprising that PRIMA bars quickly became our gold standard — the bar we measured every other protein bar against, in terms of both ingredient quality, texture, and taste.
2
Rise Bar
These bars have a very low ingredient count. They’re clean, simple, and surprisingly filling, especially for how minimal the label looks. The almonds add healthy fats, the honey brings a natural sweetness, and the whey isolate gives it a solid protein punch. If you like minimalism, this is your bar.
The only potential drawback is that the low ingredient count means they’re missing some important nutrients our bodies need for balanced nutrition.
The only potential drawback is that the low ingredient count means they’re missing some important nutrients our bodies need for balanced nutrition.
3
GoMacro MacroBar
These bars are vegan, and they surprised us with how balanced and satisfying they were. Mostly clean ingredients and a texture that’s chewy and slightly crispy in all the right places.
They’re sweetened with brown rice syrup — not perfect, but a better choice than sugar alcohols or mystery syrups — and the ingredient list is full of whole, recognizable foods.
For a vegan bar, this one holds its own.
They’re sweetened with brown rice syrup — not perfect, but a better choice than sugar alcohols or mystery syrups — and the ingredient list is full of whole, recognizable foods.
For a vegan bar, this one holds its own.
Final Thoughts
If you're avoiding seed oils, you already know how tricky it can be to find packaged snacks that support your health. Most protein bars on the market are packed with cheap, inflammatory oils and hidden additives that sabotage your health — even the ones marketed as “clean” or “natural.”
But as we found in our research, there are a few bars doing it right. And when it comes to clean ingredients, satisfying taste, and true nutritional value, one brand clearly rose above the rest.
And that brand is PRIMA.
And that brand is PRIMA.
100% grass fed beef tallow.
100% grass-fed collagen peptides
Organic raw honey
Organic cacao nibs
Organic coconut
Organic vanilla
100% grass fed beef tallow.
100% grass-fed collagen peptides
Organic raw honey
Organic cacao nibs
Organic coconut
Organic vanilla
If you want a bar that checks every box — whole, organic, nutrient-dense ingredients, rich flavor, and zero junk — PRIMA is the one we keep going back to. It set the gold standard for a reason.
Because at the end of the day, your bar shouldn’t just fill you up. It should fuel your body while also tasting amazing!
To try PRIMA Ancestral Protein Bars for yourself, you can browse their mouthwatering flavor selection by clicking the button below.
And right now, PRIMA is offering 20% OFF for new customers — but only for a limited time.
Just use code NEW20 at checkout to save 20% on your first order.
Because at the end of the day, your bar shouldn’t just fill you up. It should fuel your body while also tasting amazing!
To try PRIMA Ancestral Protein Bars for yourself, you can browse their mouthwatering flavor selection by clicking the button below.
And right now, PRIMA is offering 20% OFF for new customers — but only for a limited time.
Just use code NEW20 at checkout to save 20% on your first order.
Explore PRIMA Ancestral Protein Bars