We all know how important it is to get the right amount of macros such as protein in our diet. This is especially true if you are on the go often, or exercise daily.
However, it is no secret that our busy lifestyles often mean that it is very difficult to get essential macros like protein into our diets. This is made even more difficult when we have dietary requirements such as veganism.
Luckily for you, we are here to help as we just so happen to have reviewed 5 of the very best vegan bars from none other than GoMacro - a leading brand name in all things protein bar-related!
They do a range of snack bars and protein bars, and we explore 5 of the best of them below.
OUR TOP PICK
The first MacroBar on our list had to be the ultimate classic - Peanut Butter! As one of the original flavors, it is not surprising that Peanut Butter is such a popular choice.
It truly is a peanut butter bonanza thanks to the crunchy roasted peanuts and the chips made from peanut butter. It will give you a salty and sweet hit of protein whether you want a mid-morning snack or a pre-workout energy boost.
What’s more, it is entirely plant-based, vegan, and made with non-GMO ingredients. This high-protein bar is sure to be a hit with peanut butter lovers everywhere.
Pros
- 11 grams of protein per serving to ensure you hit those all-important macros
- Plant-based making them ideal for vegans
- Compact size to fit into your bag for a healthy snack on the go
- Great for low FODMAP diets and also dairy-free to suit most dietary requirements
Cons
- They are very chewy which may not suit everyone’s preferences
EDITORS CHOICE
The second MacroBar to grace our list is the Cashew Caramel flavor.
This unique, vegan caramel flavor is achieved with a blend of cinnamon and mesquite, ensuring the same recognizable caramel taste like other brands, but without the additives and in a vegan-friendly recipe.
This is a great pick-me-up for a boost of energy with your morning coffee and is sure to be a hit with anyone who has a sweet tooth. Eat them as a dessert for gluten and dairy-free alternatives to caramel cake!
You are sure to love this delicious hit of protein, and what’s more - they are so easy to carry in your gym bag or backpack! You will never be tempted to choose sugar-laden snacks again!
Pros
- Lots of protein (11g to be exact) to fuel you after an intense workout
- Vegan, gluten-free, Kosher, organic, non-GMO, and soy-free to suit an array of diets
- Filling enough to eat as a meal replacement on the go
- Natural taste and no artificial flavorings
Cons
- The caramel taste is lighter and less pronounced than you may be used to
BEST VALUE
Hands up - who likes chocolate? Now, hands up - who likes peanut butter? Imagine them both together in a delicious bar. Well, that is exactly what the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip MacroBar does.
It pairs two of the world’s most delicious flavors (at least in our opinion) in a protein-packed bar!
This plant-based, vegan formula provides a delicious boost of energy and a whole 12g of protein to fuel those workouts and long days at the office. You could even use it as a delicious dessert to satisfy that sweet craving!
The satisfying crunch from the chopped peanuts and puffed brown rice help to transform this chewy bar into a snack that you will want to eat for every meal (and I guess you could if you wanted to)!
Pros
- A filling snack or meal replacement with plenty of protein to fuel your day
- Vegan and gluten-free to suit all dietary requirements
- Tasty flavors that give a sweet hit without the crazy sugar crash
- Easy to eat on the go
Cons
- This flavor is very chewy so if you have dentures this may be difficult to eat
RUNNER UP
The perfect way to try MacroBars if you are new to them - The Mini Variety Pack! This bestselling pack contains 6 of their most popular flavors, with 4 bars of each so you can test them out.
This variety pack has something for everyone, from Maple Seasalt to the best-selling Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip - you are bound to fall in love with at least one of the flavors!
The mini size makes them the perfect between meal snack, or a little pick me up for the inevitable 3 pm crash!
What’s more, each of the bars in this pack is vegan, gluten-free, organic, non-GMO, and even FODMAP friendly!
Of course, the smaller size does mean that they have less protein, but at 4 grams, it is still pretty impressive and a great way of helping you reach your daily protein goal!
Pros
- 6 different flavors to choose from
- Mini size for a quick snack on the go
- Suitable for a range of dietary requirements
- A small boost of protein to help boost your macros
Cons
- The smaller size means that there is not as much protein as the original size bars
RUNNER UP
Get your protein and vitamin boost with this fruity flavor. The Cherries + Berries MacroBa has vitamin C, iron, and plenty of antioxidants alongside the other wonderful macros offered. This is by far their most popular snack bar.
Whilst this does contain some protein (4 grams) the snack bars are not the same as MacroBar’s protein bars, and instead contain many other nutrients and macros we need.
This gives you plenty of fiber, all in the sweet sunshiney taste of berries and cherries. The bar itself is easy to fit into your purse or backpack on the go, and provides a much-needed energy boost during the day!
Pros
- A snack bar that provides protein, carbs, healthy fat, and other nutrients
- Sweet berry flavor that tastes natural
- Filling as a snack or meal replacement
- Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and organic
Cons
- Just 4 grams of protein so not the best choice if protein is your main aim
Buyers’ Guide
Flavor
Any snack bar must be flavored to suit you. There is no point in choosing a peanut butter-flavored protein bar if you hate peanut butter. Consider what flavors you like and go from there. Luckily, with the array of variety from GoMacro, you are bound to find something you enjoy.
Dietary requirements
Consider any dietary requirements and preferences you have first. If you are vegan or gluten-free, you will need your snack or protein bars to suit that. Bear in mind that many of GoMacro’s bars contain nuts, but they do have nut-free options for allergy sufferers.
They also offer Kosher, low-FODMAP, non-GMO, organic, and soy-free bars, as well as some lower-calorie options for those who partake in calorie-counted diets.
Macros
As you can see, many of GoMacro’s bars are specifically protein bars. They contain around 11 grams of protein.
However, their snack bars are much less with 4 grams of protein. That being said, snack bars also contain vitamins, fiber, and iron. Weigh up what macro targets you have and choose MacroBars that will help you hit these targets.
Convenience
Snack bars are typically sought out as convenience food. As such, you should choose snack bars that can easily fit in your bag or pocket and do not make lots of mess when you are eating them.
Luckily, all types of GoMacro Bars are suitable for quick snacking, and can be easily transported for hikes, school snacks, office pick-me-ups, and pre or post-workout fuel!
FAQs
How much protein is in a GoMacro bar?
The original size GoMacro Bars contain around 11 grams of protein. This may vary depending on the flavor of the bar you choose. The mini versions contain 4 grams of protein, and the snack bars also contain around 4 grams of protein.
This is per serving which is one bar, thus making them a great option to top-up your daily protein intake.
How long do GoMacro bars last?
The typical shelf life on a GoMacro Bar is around 8 months. After this time they should not be eaten as they may make you sick and may also taste stale, and be dry in texture. This shelf life is measured from the time they are manufactured.
As such, depending on what batch you order or pick up from the store, there may well be less than 8 months left on your batch.
Do GoMacro bars need to be refrigerated?
No, GoMacro bars do not need to be refrigerated as there are no ingredients used that require cooling.
GoMacro’s creators advise against refrigerating their products since nut butter can harden when cooled and make chewing even more difficult. Instead, you should keep them in a dry place such as a kitchen cabinet, out of direct heat.