Some thoughts and discussions from me.
5 Tasty Protein Bars I Have On Hand for Snack Emergencies {with a STRONGER Bar Giveaway!}
First off, I have to admit that I feel pretty darn dramatic when I use the words “snack” and “emergency” in the same sentence. However, if you ever get the lovely opportunity to be around me after a long hike and food isn’t in my future, you’ll know that if I don’t get some food into me stat, I become quite a bear.
heh 
I always tell my clients – and try to practice myself – to rely on real, whole, healthy foods for all of my meals and snacks. Only rely on wrapped up protein bars for for those so-called “emergency” situations. You know, when you’re stuck in traffic and can’t wait for dinner, when you’ve been out running errands and it’ll be a couple more hours until you get home. They’re not for when you’re strapped to your desk and are too lazy to grab real food, and a protein bar just sounds tasty and convenient. Ahem.
That’s what homemade protein bars are for
They’ve usually got a long list of ingredients, contain preservatives, and let’s face it, there’s better sources of fuel in your kitchen.
Alas, even though most protein bars – even the healthy ones – contain ingredients that can’t be found in the common kitchen, they are good for when you can’t make something from your kitchen – or you’ve forgotten to pack a snack. When this happens to me, I rely on my 5 go-to tasty protein bars.
(pssst…if you’d like to skip to the giveaway, scroll to the bottom of this post )
1. The Perfect Bar.
Ever since ExpoWest, The Perfect Bar has won over my heart, and slowly climbed its way to the top of my protein bar list. With it’s healthy, whole foods list of ingredients, and mouth-watering taste, I’d eat one of these every day if I could. The Perfect Bar is great, too, because it actually doesn’t contain any preservatives, as it needs to be kept in the fridge. However, I don’t have an extra $2.99 per bar on hand to spend every day
2. Quest Bars
I’ve lamented my love of Quest bars before on the blog (and even tried my hand at making my own Cookie Dough Quest bar flavor!) They’re chewy, tasty, and while they don’t taste exactly like a candy bar, like some people claim, they are pretty darn close. I usually stick with the natural flavors, my favorite being double chocolate chunk.
3. Strong & KIND bars
Have you heard about the new KIND bars? They’re savory, made with 10 grams of pea protein, and taste exactly like their flavors. I love the honey mustard flavor!
4. STRONGER by Nugo Bars
I also first discovered STRONGER NuGO at ExpoWest, too. I was a big fan of their regular bars, and when I saw at their table that they now had a high protein option, I tried it right away. All of the flavors are good, but my favorite is the Caramel Pretzel flavor. Each contain a pure grade whey protein with no growth hormones, contain no sugar alcohol, and are gluten free.
Other flavors include Cookies ‘n Cream, Peanut Cluster, and Real Dark Chocolate. And they’re all really delicious.
Now, for the giveaway:
To be entered to win a mixed box of all 4 flavors, simply leave a comment below telling me your favorite protein bar. The giveaway is open to US residents only, and will be open until next Friday (4/20/14.) GOOD LUCK 
Related: 5 bars that are good for fatloss
I love quest cookies n cream protein bars!
Yum! I like OatMega bars, but would love to give these a shot!
I LOVE QuestBars. The Cookies in Creme flavor = perfection. Lately I have also been loving Rise Bars. The Sunflower Cinnamon flavor taste like sunbutter in bar form. YUM!
I cannot get enough of the chocolate chunk quest bars!! They really do taste like candy to me 🙂
Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt KIND bar.
I really like Think Thin bars. Of your list, I’ve only ever tried the Quest Bars (which are good, too). I’ve really been wanting to try The Perfect Bar but have not found any near where I live.
Most of the time I end up eating the chocolate coconut flavored Luna Bar. YUM!
Caroline recently posted…Friday Facts
I usually make a batch of homemade protein bars because I can’t get myself to fork out 2 or 3 dollars for a snack. However, I have tried Kind bars and they are delicious! I also like that they are made from quality ingredients!
Clif bars were the first protein/energy bars I’d ever had, and I still have tons of affection for them. If nothing else, they taste like wonderful memories of hiking in the Tetons!
Becki @ Bites ‘n Brews recently posted…Growing Pains
Quest Bars are definitely my favorite!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted…29 TMI Blog Questions
I just discovered Quest bars and am loving the Double Dark Chocolate! I also love the Apple Pie and Cookie Dough!
I’m with ya on the Quest Bars. I loovvveee the new Cookies and Cream!
I love pure protein bars.
My favorite are Quest bars, especially Cookies and Cream!
I love Luna bars and quest bars. Would love to try these Stronger Bars!
I rotate through a few favorites – Odwalla, Think Thin, ALT Larabars, and Kind bars. I like making my own too! I would love to try these bars…I have only tried the Quest bars and only one or two flavors, so I would be stoked to win this giveaway!
Kate recently posted…“Healthy”
I *lovvvve* power crunch bars. the mint chocolate tastes just like thin mints!
I don’t usually buy protein bars, but my favorite bar is probably a Clif or Luna bar. I usually devour Luna bars at the end of my half marathons!
Lindsay recently posted…high five friday #57: my week in buzzfeed articles.
oooh i’ve never seen those kind bars! must find. happy weekend!
christina recently posted…The Friday Five: American Hustle, Christina Perri, Back to Nature, Sriracha Meatballs, and GIFs!
Microwaved cookie dough quest bars. Holy yum!
I love LaraBars though right now RXBars have also stolen a place in my heart.
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted…BRTR Training Week 7
I love all the lower sugar KIND bars!
I’m a huge fan of the kind protein bars – they are my go to bar!
MOJO bars hold a special place in my heart 😉
Love KIND bars 🙂
My favorite protein bar is the Perfect Bar, I love the flavor and that it is quite filling for a snack! 🙂
i love them all! and do balls count? hehe i love healthy bites
lindsay recently posted…Easter Themed Snack Ideas
Uh, YES! But I wouldn’t lump them in a category of pre-wrapped protein bars 😉 Those are quality and super freaking tasty! You’re a ball genius, Lindsay 😉
I love lemon zest Luna bars!
That’s my favorite luna 🙂
I love the Quest bars and the KIND bars. I’ve only tried the 5g sugar KIND bars. Never seen the Strong. I like your homemade recipe too, thanks!!!
Quest White Chocolate Raspberry rocks my world! they are so good- it really does taste like a treat!!
I love Kind Bars!! Haven’t tried the savory bars yet!
I love SO many! My faves are probably luna, balance, clif, and zone! I’ve never tried a quest bar but I’m dying to!
I too love to make my own bars but I do love the NuGo Stronger and the NuGo slim bars, LARA ALT bars and Luna bars. I need to try the new Kind bars!
I’m a big fan of the Simply Bar. Lemon Coconut is my favorite!
I love Quest bars and can’t choose a favorite flavor. I’m between white chocolate raspberry, chocolate chip cookie dough, and cookies and cream.
Brittany @ Barr & Table recently posted…Five Things Friday
Luna cookie dough protein bars are my favorites so far 🙂
Those are pretty darn tasty 😉
I haven’t found a favorite yet! Maybe the Stronger bars will be it?
They are pretty good! I imagine there will be a giveaway for ’em soon here 😉
Quest bars are definitely a favorite
I love quest and nugo!!! I also love kind though.. I like a lot! haha
Brittany recently posted…The Answer to Every Fitness Question
My favourite bars for on the go would be quest bars, they are so darn delicious!
I love Quest bars, especially the apple pie and coconut cashew flavors!
Jordan recently posted…Sriracha for days & faux-asian recipes
My favorites are the dark chocolate nut KIND bars. yumm!
I love Quest bars, especially the cookies n cream flavor!
Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate recently posted…Heart Pumping Lower Body Workout
Walnut Date Kind Bars
Ps. Your deadline of 4/20 is tomorrow, not next Friday. Typo??
I have been really “digging” the PowerBar Protein Bars-choc peanut butter and the vanilla flavors. I do enjoy Quest bars but it is hard to find good deals (aka save some moolah). I would love to try some different varieties of protein bars.
I like Think thin bars and Kind bars
I’m a big fan of clif bars, but I’m ready to venture out. I’ve been dying to try quest bars!
I definitely get HANGRY and keep protein bars in my car and purse. I love the Quest bars and Lara bars.
Jenn@Mark My Miles! recently posted…Stay at home parents, I need your help!
Quest and Kind Bars are both delicious!!
My favs, Quest Cookie Dough, Power Crunch Triple Chocolate, Metabolic Drive Chocolate Chunk, Pure Protein Chocolate Deluxe, & Detour Low Sugar Caramel Peanut..tastes like a Snickers:) btw: Do you see a chocolate theme here..lol
I love the quest cookies n cream or white chocolate raspberry bars! The Lara bars chocolate peppermint stick bars are good too
Quest bars have saved my life after being diagnosed with Celiac. It’s amazing getting protein and fiber because I struggle finding gluten free bars. Cookies and Cream is a dream come true 🙂
My favorite protein bar is the perfect bar, but you’re right, they are so expensive!
My favorite protein bar has to be the Quest Bar cookies and cream flavor. So so so delicious!
Right now I do love the choc chip cookie dough Quest bar BUT I have not tried a couple of yours so that could change after searching them out! 🙂
Jody – Fit at 56 recently posted…Taking a Few Days Away; Happy Easter
Quest Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, so good. But have not tried all you mentioned and always looking for a good bar.
I’ve only had KIND bars. Want to try Quest bars!
I don’t eat bars often, but I do love KIND bars!
I love the white chocolate Think Thin bars!
Quest bars are my fave !
Amie recently posted…All About Dry Brushing
kind bars and lara bars are my favorite… besides homemade!
Coconut almond Kind bars are Ah-mazing!!
Quest Cookie Dough!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Success Story: Lisa
White chocolate & raspberry Quest!
Tori recently posted…Easy Peasy French Dip Sandwiches
My favorite protein bar is easily the Fit & Active Strawberry protein meal bar from Aldi. Not only is it cheaper than pretty much all protein bars on the market (at 67 cents per bar in a box of 6), but it also tastes AMAZING.
Ashleigh @ Passion for Life, Love, and Health recently posted…Lindsay Weighs In {Sunday’s Shoutout}
I have a couple of boxes of Quest bars but tried some NuGo – loved it and want to try more of their flavors!
Julie recently posted…Thinking Out Loud Thursday: Is it summer yet?
My favorite protein bar is the Quest Bar – Cookies and Cream heated up for 15 seconds in the microwave!
My favorite protein bars are from Kind – they are all delicious and I like the ingredients!
Almond coconut KIND bars are the best!
My favorite bar is a Luna protein bar 🙂
Heather @fitncookies recently posted…Happy Easter!
Oooh I LOVE Luna Bars, and KIND Bars!! This is great Paige…I’m definitely guilty of eating these when I’m too lazy to grab something else 🙂
Sarah @ Sweet Miles recently posted…How to Make Veggie Fajitas: Back Porch Style
I love KIND bars! Every flavour 🙂
I love vanilla and almond crunch Quest bars and all Strong & Kind bars. I always keep one of them in my handbag. 🙂
Roberta recently posted…Popular Workout Misconceptions
My famiy are huge fans of KIND bars.
KIND bars, the chocolate sea salt ones always make me feel like i’m eating a forbidden treat!
Think Thin bars are a fav of mine.. but Kind Strong bars?! now that is something i’ll have to try out
Quest bars are my favorite! So many good flavors and great nutritional stats.
I sampled the cranberry, peanut butter, and almond butter Perfect Bars at Costco and FELL.IN.LOVE! Would love to continue this love affair with protein bars through your giveaway<3
Damn I’m not in the US! Oh well good to read about what you look for in an emergency as a PT. something I could def stand to learn more about.
samantha recently posted…Body Image Band-aide
I don’t really get to eat protein bars because they are SO expensive where I live, but I do like the Kind bars!
My favorite are Kind Bars. LOVE the cranberry almond. I’ve never seen the Strong & Kind Bars.
Traci Blanchard recently posted…The Beach!!
I like to make my own protein bars. I haven’t fallen in love with any of the store brands, yet.
I will be sure to have a Picky Bar on hand after a workout if I cannot get to real food in time!
Otherwise, I make PB/Oat/Chia/Protein bars YUM!
My fave is the Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt KIND bar
I cannot get enough of the Perfect Bars, either! I LOVE ’em!
The same.. vitamins b complex vitamins