When 18-year-old Daniel Katz first started D’s Naturals, he was looking for a vegan bar that still had the same excellent nutritional profile that made other protein bars so successful. But he also wanted them to be safe for a range of diets, vegan and delicious. D’s Naturals evolved into what’s now known as No Cow protein bars, which has the same mission to provide great-tasting, healthy protein bars.
While choosing the best No Cow protein bar is largely a matter of taste, the No Cow Protein Bars Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip is the delicious, nutritious favorite.
What to know before you buy a No Cow protein bar
Protein bars can provide workout fuel or act as an occasional meal replacement when you need it, but you’ll need to pick the right one. Here are some things to consider when choosing the best No Cow protein bar for you.
How much protein?
Some protein bars are little more than a few extra grams of protein and a lot of sugar. A high-quality protein bar will have at least 10 grams of protein — a substantial amount to pack into a little bar.
No Cow protein bars double that, with at least 20 grams of plant-based protein in each bar.
Source of protein
No Cow protein bars are vegan and don’t use the typical whey- or soy-based protein in their bars. Instead, pea and brown rice protein provide a more complete amino acid profile. This means that No Cow protein bars won’t sit heavily in your stomach during a workout.
Additional ingredients
You know you’re getting extra protein, but what else is in your protein bar? Watch out for bars that add fillers, preservatives and other artificial flavoring, binders or coloring.
No Cow protein bar features
Keto-friendly
Low net carbs means that No Cow protein bars are great for keto-friendly diets.
Flavors
No Cow protein bars come in seven different flavors, many of which are modeled on popular desserts or candies.
Good macronutrient balance
Macronutrients are the four nutrients that the body requires large amounts of to function. These include:
Carbohydrates
Fat
Fiber
Protein
Each No Cow protein bar has:
Between 22-24 grams of carbohydrates (3 grams of net carbs)
Between 5-7 grams of fat
Approximately 17 grams of fiber
Between 20-22 grams of protein
And what’s missing is even better. Each bar has only one gram of sugar from all natural sources like stevia, monk fruit and erythritol.
This small amount of sugar also means you aren’t loading up on calories while you refuel. No Cow protein bars have just 200-210 calories. So you’re getting more of the nutrition you need — and less of what you don’t.
Free from common allergens
No Cow protein bars are free from added common allergens like gluten and soy but do take note. These bars are made on equipment that processes these allergens — and also peanuts, milk, wheat, egg and tree nuts — so they may not work for people with serious allergies.
No Cow protein bar cost
High-quality, delicious, plant-based protein isn’t cheap. Expect to spend around $3 per No Cow protein bar. Save money by purchasing a 12-pack anywhere from $25-$30.
No Cow protein bar FAQ
Can you eat protein bars every day?
A. It depends. Is the protein bar you reach for filled with fat, artificial flavoring and colors and sugar? Does it use unhealthy processed fats like palm, peanut or soybean oil? If you answered yes, your protein bar may be doing you more harm than good. These sugar and fat bombs can lead to health conditions, just like having a cupcake every day for breakfast can.
But quality protein bars as a targeted supplement can be a good addition to a healthy diet. No Cow protein bars provide high-density nutrition that can be eaten on the go when a full meal isn’t practical or possible. The best protein bars stick to natural ingredients and avoid excessive sugar, fat or artificial flavor.
Remember that protein bars should not be used exclusively as a meal. Consider them a snack or an add-on when you are working out or hiking to keep your blood sugar stable between meals.
What should you look for in a high-quality protein bar?
A. Quality protein bars share some characteristics. The first ingredient should be a raw food like a nut, a vegetable or a fruit. There should be at least as much protein as sugar with no more than 10 grams of sugar per bar.
Avoid bars with added sugar, artificial sugar or trans fat. However, bars labeled sugar-free often pump up the fat and the salt in the name of flavor.
Finally, avoid bars with chemical additives and soy protein isolate. These can both function as hormone disruptors and are generally not recommended.
Which No Cow protein bar should I get?
Best of the best No Cow protein bar
No Cow Protein Bars Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: available at Amazon and iHerb
Our take: With the essence of a peanut butter cup, this No Cow protein bar hits the spot.
What we like: This 12-pack of bars is gluten-free, naturally sweetened and contains only non-GMO ingredients. Cacao nibs hint at the flavor or chocolate without overpowering the peanut butter.
What we dislike: Some people found the texture too chalky and dry.
Best bang for your buck No Cow protein bar
No Cow Protein Bars Variety Pack: available at Amazon
Our take: This variety pack is the perfect way to sample many different flavors at once.
What we like: Each 12-pack contains three of each of the following: chocolate fudge brownie, birthday cake, peanut butter chocolate chip and chocolate chip cookie dough.
What we dislike: If you don’t like a flavor, you’re stuck with three more of them.
Honorable mention No Cow protein bar
No Cow Protein Bar Lemon Meringue Pie: available at Amazon
Our take: Stock up on one of the highest-ranked flavors of No Cow protein bars.
What we like: This bar has 22 grams of vegan protein and a bright lemony taste that hits the spot after a grueling workout or a long hike. They also weigh in at a whopping 18 grams of fiber per bar and just 190 calories.
What we dislike: Count your order — some people only received 12 bars instead of 24. Suzannah Kolbeck is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
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