When you’re following the paleo diet, one of the most difficult things is finding grab-and-go meals and snacks that really hit the spot. Sure, you know that you can pack a piece of fruit or a handful of nuts, but sometimes you just want something a little more than that.
Get ready to transform your life. We’ve found 50 paleo protein bar recipes made from all-natural ingredients, most of which you’ll already have in your cupboards. These bars often mimic some of your favorite tastes, like banana bread or chocolate chip cookie dough. With a little bit of preparation, you’ll have a healthy treat to take with you no matter where you go.
Tempt Your Tastebuds with these 50 Paleo Protein Bar Recipes
1. Grain-Free No-Bake Protein Bars
This versatile bar is a great base recipe to start with. It has natural sources of protein in the form of nuts and nut butters, along with a touch of sugar-free sweetness. The great thing, though, is how you can change the basic recipe up to better suit your needs. For instance, you can make it vegan or decide to sweeten with honey rather than stevia. If your family doesn’t care for sunflower seeds, you can use sesame instead.
Related: Cheap low carb Nugo Protein Bars
2. No Bake S’Mores Protein Bars
If you’re missing the good ol’ campfire taste of s’mores, but you don’t want all that sugar, take a look at this paleo protein bar recipe. It’s got a small amount of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows to give you a taste of the real thing. Luckily, the amount per serving is so small that it’s practically negligible. Turn to this when you’re craving something sweet.
3. Fuel to Go Homemade Protein Bars
Not all paleo protein bar recipes made a bar that’s great for traveling. Ones that use coconut oil as an ingredient, for example, might melt away in the heat of summer. These bars are designed to be easily portable. Peanut butter, honey, and corn syrup form the bonding agent, holding together a delicious blend of seeds and dried berries. You’ll love the crunch you get from the rice krispies.
4. Gluten Free Red Velvet Protein Bites
The deep red color of red velvet is always so inviting, but you don’t want that much sugar on the paleo diet. Check out this healthier version of the classic cake. While it might not have a thick layer of vanilla frosting, a bit of chocolate on the top adds sweetness. The red color in this version comes from beet root powder, not the typical food coloring.
5. No-Bake Mint Chocolate Protein Bars
Dates give this delicious paleo protein bar most of its sweetness and really help hold it together. What’s nice is that everything gets blended in the food processor, making the bar fairly smooth. This is perfect for people who don’t like a lot of different crunchy textures in their mouth at the same time. And who doesn’t love the chocolate and mint combination? Take care not to overdo it with the peppermint extract. More isn’t always better.
6. Sweet Potato Protein Bars
When it comes to baked goods, sweet potatoes just don’t get the attention they should. It’s a shame because they can be just as delicious as the more popular pumpkin. This particular recipe is grain-free, using eggs and protein powder to bind the sweet potato together into a portable bar. Once you try this, paleo diet-friendly bar, you’ll never go back.
7. Chai Spice Protein Breakfast Bars
The taste of these paleo protein bars is a little bit unexpected in a bar, but you’re going to love it. If you’re not familiar with chai, it’s a unique blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and allspice. This means that the bars have a spicy warmth that will entice all of your senses. The blogger has experimented with both vegan and non-vegan varieties, so you can simply bake up the batch that’s right for you.
8. No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars
This paleo protein bar recipe has the yummy combo of peanut butter and chocolate you probably love, but it’s significantly healthier than the classic candy. The fat from the peanut butter, protein from the protein powder, and fiber from the chia seeds are sure to pack a big punch when it comes to keeping you feeling satisfied throughout the morning. Try them as an afternoon pick-me-up as well.
9. Paleo Cashew Protein Bars
This is one of the most surprising protein bar recipes on our list because it’s a savory bar rather than a sweet one. Using garlic and rosemary certainly switches things up a bit. Since the recipe relies on crushed cashews, you can get away with buying the less expensive cashew pieces when making these up.
10. Coconut & Almond Butter Protein Bars
When you’re following the paleo eating plan, you’re no stranger to some of the weirder ingredients that a lot of paleo recipes call for, like flaxseed, almond flour, and various nut flours. This great little bar combines a lot of those types of ingredients to make a delectable homemade protein bar. As you see how easy they are to make, you’ll be a lot more hesitant about buying bars from the store again.
More paleo protein bar recipes on the next page…
11. Pumpkin Pie Protein No-Bake Bites
This protein bar recipe for those eating paleo makes use of coconut flour, which lends a surprising texture to the tiny bites. They taste and feel quite like a little bite of pumpkin pie in your mouth, but lack a lot of the sugar you might find in a traditional pumpkin. What’s especially nice about these is that they’re not crunchy or nutty like most forms of “no-bake” treats.
12. No Bake Banana Bread Protein Bars
Banana bread is the go-to recipe when you have a few brown bananas on hand. However, part of what makes banana bread so delicious is the copious amounts of oil and sugar in the recipes. Not so great if you’re into paleo foods. This version instead allows you to take your overripe bananas and turn them into a yummy treat that’s healthier for you. It’s a great alternative to trying to use your banana up in smoothies.
13. Cranberry Almond Protein Bars
If you’re a fan of fruit-and-nut bars from the store, you’re going to absolutely love this paleo-friendly protein bar. By using real nuts and dried fruits, you can make something that looks remarkably similar to store-bought versions – for a lot less money. Note that these do have some natural sweeteners, so it’s going to be a pretty sweet treat, but all the protein from the nuts balances that out.
Related: Low-Carb Peanut Butter Protein Balls
14. No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Protein Bars
It’s a given that peanut butter cups aren’t going to be topping any list of foods for a paleo eating plan. The real version is simply too full of sugar. Sometimes, you just crave that taste, though, and these bars come pretty close. You’ll note right away that the healthier version doesn’t have as much chocolate. Obviously. The chocolate covering is part of what makes a real peanut butter cup so unhealthy. However, you’ll find that this recipe does come close to getting the taste of the peanut butter filling right.
15. Homemade Quest Bars
Quest bars are the ultimate in healthy, portable snacks. They’re easy to pick up at the grocery store and take with you. They’re also a bit expensive. This blogger lists a couple of different paleo protein bar recipes that look and taste like the Quest bars you buy at the store. It’s all about the secret ingredient – IMO fiber syrup. You might not be able to find this at your local grocery store, but it’s easy to order online.
16. No Bake Cookies and Cream Protein Bars
Delicious as a healthy dessert or mid-day snack, this paleo protein bar has that cookies-and-cream taste you love. You can make it in as little as 10 minutes and you don’t even have to fire up the oven. When reading the recipe over, note that there are ingredient substitutions for a paleo version, so follow those steps. Don’t worry. It’s been tested.
17. Paleo Homemade Protein Bars with Almond Butter
This paleo protein bar recipe is easy to make using simple ingredients that taste great. They are the right choice when you want a big burst of protein with a simple nutty taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of nut butters and liquid sweeteners if you don’t have almond butter or honey on hand. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s simple enough to easily swap ingredients without changing it much.
18. Coconut Protein Bar Recipe
With just four simple ingredients, this bar is great for those looking for protein bar recipes that don’t require a lot of protein powder or ingredients that might be hard to find. Since it makes use of the dates, you’ll definitely need a food processor to thoroughly mix up the ingredients and give you the right consistency. They can last for several days in an airtight container as long as you aren’t so tempted that you eat them all in one sitting.
19. Healthy No Bake Cinnamon Bun Protein Bars
Traditional cinnamon rolls remind you of special holidays or weekend mornings with your family, but the ones that come in the can that pops will definitely set your diet back. Try these healthier bars instead. They’re high in protein and make use of many natural ingredients. Best of all, they have just the right amount of sweetness you’re craving.
20. Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bars
Admit it. You’re no stranger to eating the cookie dough straight out of the bowl, no matter how many people warn of the dangers of eating raw eggs. The taste is just to-die-for. Of course, the traditional ingredients aren’t really paleo foods. This healthier version has everything you love about raw cookie dough without any of the guilt.
More paleo protein bar recipes on the next page…
21. Mint Chocolate Protein Bar
Featuring a bit of mint in both the bar itself and the chocolatey topping, this paleo protein bar is just to die for. Use a protein powder that includes some powdered veggies. Since the bars have a brown color, you’ll be able to squeeze some veggies into your kids without them realizing it. Cool trick, mom.
22. No Bake Maple Vanilla Nut Latte Protein Bites
A few years ago, Starbucks started selling those yummy cake pops along with their coffees. They’re a great tiny sweet treat if that’s what you’re looking for, but certainly not a smart choice for those eating paleo foods. Using a similar concept, this healthier version will still go great with your afternoon coffee, so make up a big batch for the week and enjoy. If you like this post you definitely need to have a taste of our chocolate-coconut protein cup dessert.
23. Pucker Up Lemon Coconut Protein Bars
With a refreshingly sweet lemony taste, this paleo protein bar is a great alternative to the chocolate taste that’s so common in homemade bar recipes. You’ll love how easy the recipe is to make and how the ingredients form a natural frosting so you don’t have to make a separate glaze. This is a great choice for a sunny summer day or any time you’re looking for something a little different.
24. No Bake Apple Pie Protein Bars
While these bars do have some of the tastes of apple pie, they don’t have the sugary gooeyness that really comes along with a real apple pie. That makes them easily portable and a great – healthier – treat just about any time of the day. Using applesauce rather than real apples cuts down on your prep time, so take advantage.
25. No Bake Paleo Chocolate Protein Bars
This paleo-friendly protein bar recipe is perfect for those who just love nuts in their brownies – really love nuts in their brownies. In fact, it’s more like nuts with a brownie than brownies with nuts. Doesn’t matter, though, It’s still quite delicious and makes for a good post-workout treat with the combination of sweetness and protein.
26. No Bake Workout Bars
After a workout, you need to replenish your body. Most nutritionists recognize that the best way to do that is with some high-quality protein, which helps to rebuild any small tears in your muscles. You’ll love eating this healthy paleo protein bar on your way home from the gym. It’s got added protein from protein powder, but also a few chocolate chips and raisins for a bit of a treat.
27. Paleo Cookie Dough Protein Bar
One thing you’ve probably noticed as you start to eat healthier is how many people take paleo foods and try to create something that mimics the taste of a favorite food that’s not so healthy. With this recipe, you get everything you love about cookie dough without the bad fat and calories. Add some chopped nuts to boost nutrition even more.
28. No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites
Whether you want a yummy treat in the morning, afternoon, or evening, these little energy bites can hit the spot. They’re made with real pumpkin puree, dates for sweetness, and the classic pumpkin pie spice blend that gives pumpkin pie its unique flavor. Rolling them in coconut at the end gives them an extra boost of flavor while making them look a lot prettier. You could even serve these to your guests.
29. Raw Protein Thin Mints
If you’re missing out on the days of Girl Scout Cookies, you’re going to love this paleo protein bar recipe. Using just a few ingredients, you’ll get a small cookie that tastes like the classic cookie you’ve loved, even though the texture might not be quite the same. Fortunately, all the ingredients are healthy, so you don’t have to feel guilty about eating a few.
30. Cranberry Vanilla Energy Bites
The addition of dried cranberries with a hint of vanilla in this recipe is great for those who are tired of protein bar recipes that are overly-focused on peanut butter and other nuts. Sure, this great-tasting balls still have some nuts, but the little burst of fruitiness makes it feel a lot different. Whip these up when you’re feeling ready for a change.
More paleo protein bar recipes on the next page…
31. Healthy No Bake Chocolate Fudge Protein Bites
A lot of the paleo protein bars have a bit of chocolate drizzled on top to act as a substitute for real frosting. Not this one. What’s surprisingly unique about this protein bar that’s similar to a frosted brownie is the frosting. Made primarily from protein powder, adding the frosting to the bars means that you’re not cheating on your diet. The idea is so good that you might want to save the recipe for the frosting portion to try on some of the other bars.
32. Paleo Mango Coconut Almond Bars with Complete Protein
A blend of mango and coconut gives this paleo protein bar a tropical feel. One of the best things about it is that it uses dried mango rather than fresh. Unless you actually live on a tropical island, there’s a good chance that the dried version is much cheaper than the fresh version. In fact, if you can pick it up in the bulk food section, you only need to buy the few pieces that you need to make the full recipe. That could save you a lot of money if you’re not really a fan of eating dried fruits on a regular basis.
33. No Bake Cashew Coconut Protein Bars
The recipe for this protein bar is a great base for anyone following the paleo diet. It’s good enough to eat on its own, but you can also experiment with a few “mix-ins” like raisins, chocolate chips, dried fruits, or chopped nuts. Each thing you add alters the flavor slightly and provides a different texture. You can keep creating new favorites.
34. Apple Pie Larabars
If you love Larabars, but hate the high price, give this protein bar recipe a try. It’s got a fantastic apple taste, and you can shape them into either bars or balls depending on your mood. Perfect for those times when you’re craving the taste of an apple pie without the gooeyness of the middle. The recipe includes a small bit of fresh ginger, which gives them a very unique kick. Don’t overdo it, though. A little bit can go a long way.
35. Homemade Almond Crunch Protein Bars
While you have probably noticed that there’s no lack of crunch in most paleo protein bar recipes because most include nuts, this one takes a bit of a unique twist on that. Instead of putting them into the bar, the chopped nuts go on top of a thin layer of chocolate on the bars. It’s reminiscent of peanut brittle or chocolate fudge. No matter how you look at it, it tastes great.
36. Paleo Magic Cookie Bars
This is another paleo protein bar recipe that aims to mimic the taste of a less healthier option. In the original version of this delectable treat, you start with a layer of graham cracker crust, then pile on chocolate chips, coconut and nuts set in caramel goodness. Obviously, that’s a big calorie and sugar bomb. However, you’ll love this more nutritious version and won’t feel so bad about eating more than one. It might become your go-to recipe for potlucks and other parties.
37. No Bake Blueberry Chia Jam Bars
When chia seeds soak in a liquid for a while, they create a sort of tapioca-like “pudding”. Blend them with blueberries and maple syrup, you get something that very closely resembles jam – but with less sugar. The jam layer on this paleo protein bar is what makes them so refreshing. It will remind you of a decadent dessert, but you don’t need to feel any guilt. If you want something even healthier, try taking out the layer of chocolate in the middle.
38. Copycat Cashew Cookie Larabars
Another homemade version of the popular Larabars, this recipe using only three ingredients, and it’s perfectly suited to the paleo diet. With the ground dates, you might find that it gets a bit sticky when rolling it out. Try putting a piece of wax paper over the top if this is a problem for you. These delicious when you want something sweet but healthy, and if you love the Larabar version, you’ll probably like this one as well.
39. Paleo Nut Bar Recipe with Chocolate Drizzle
With a delicious blend of whole nuts – almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts – along with a sweet binder that doesn’t stick to your teeth, your whole family is going to love this paleo protein bar. It’s a nut lover’s dream. Take liberties with the basic recipe and use whatever nuts you have on hand. It could work with just about any kind of nut. Lightly salted nuts will give it a great “sweet and salty” flavor.
40. Spicy Nut & Seed Protein Bar
The second and last paleo protein bar on our list with a more savory taste, this one is sure to spice up your diet. It features a jalapeno chili powder that really turns up the heat. Consider using smoked salt to give it a more unique taste. If you don’t have this particular chili powder on hand, try some experimentation. It may taste great with a Cajun spice blend or a dash of cayenne instead.
41. Cinnamon Vanilla Breakfast Protein Bites
For a easily portable and delicious breakfast made from your favorite paleo-friendly foods, look no further than these cute little protein bites. The vanilla flavor comes from the protein powder, so make sure you find a powder you like. Sometimes, it takes a bit of experimentation to find one that suits you. These can be tailored to fit vegan and gluten-free diets, so you’ll be able to keep some of your pickiest guests happy.
42. Cranberry Fig Collagen Protein Bars
Out of all the protein bar recipes on this list, this one probably has the oddest ingredient – a collagen peptide powder. This supplement can help your skin, hair, and nails look great, so why wouldn’t you want to add it to a protein bar? This blogger did with delicious results. She mentions that you can easily change up the taste by varying the dried fruits, but you need at least one “sticky” one. It certainly puts a new twist on eating your vitamins. Are there other supplements you could add to your bars?
43. Four Ingredients Flourless Protein Brownies
You’ll hardly believe that these brownies don’t have flour because they look just like the real thing. That’s good news for gluten-free brownie lovers. Made with protein powder and peanut butter, a single serving of this paleo protein bar gives you enough protein to fill up your belly and keep you satisfied for a long time. Bananas give it a different texture, but some people may find the taste overpowering.
44. Homemade Creamy Peanut Butter Protein Bars
Peanut butter lovers rejoice. You’re going to simply love this little bar. With just four simple ingredients you probably have on hand if you’re used to shopping for paleo foods, you can have a nice and creamy peanut butter bar. The recipe is pretty basic, so feel free to give it your own tweaks. A drizzle of chocolate on the top or some raisins mixed in might give it that little something extra. Note that it needs to stay frozen until you’re ready to eat it.
45. No Bake Protein Bars
This paleo protein bar recipe might be “no bake” but there is some cooking involved – you have to melt and blend the peanut butter and milk on the stove. Fortunately, it’s not as hard as it sounds and it’s an essential part of making the bars come out looking like they came from the store. With extra fiber from the chia and flax seeds, you’re sure to be satisfied.
46. Chocolate Peanut Butter Chia Bars
Dates are a great way to sweeten up a dish in a nutritious way while helping the other ingredients in paleo protein bar recipes bind together. These bars might look like brownies, but they have a deep, rich peanut buttery taste that you’ll love. Like many of the recipes here, they’re quick and easy to make, so give them a try when you have guests stop by unexpectedly or need a little something extra to add to the kids’ lunchboxes.
47. Healthy No Bake White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Bars
Whip up a batch of this type of paleo protein bar when you want something a little less chocolatey. While they do contain some chocolate chips, it’s white chocolate, which totally changes the overall flavor. Paired with dried raspberries, it’s sure to be a hit, but the blogger also mentions that adding a bit of cranberries in addition to the raspberries gives it a better balance for people who like tart things with white chocolate. See also our white chocolate enhanced low-carb Vanilla protein bar recipe.
48. Blueberry Almond Protein Bites
This paleo protein bar has an interesting twist – it doesn’t use fresh or dried blueberries to get its blueberry taste. That comes from the blueberry-flavored almonds you can buy at the store. These little protein bites are easily portable, which makes them perfect for bringing to the office or snacking on in the car while driving kids to their sports and other activities. It’s a lot healthier than most of the other options.
49. Vegan Vanilla Brownie Protein Bars
Though it seems counterintuitive, adding a vanilla flavor to any recipe can actually bring out the chocolate flavor. In this recipe, you get the vanilla from the flavored protein powder. This is also unique in that it’s pretty low in fat. While traditional brownies have a lot of oil and many of the paleo recipes we’ve seen here use ample amounts of peanut butter or other fats, this recipe simply has a small amount of nuts. It’s great for those who want the protein without the fat. If you prefer white-chocolate try out this Granola bar
50. Healthy 4 Ingredients No Bake Protein Cereal Bars
These little bars are simple to make and delicious. It’s a great way to use up some cereal, but you might like them so much that you have to go back to the store for a new box. Mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately is the key to really making this work, and you’ll see that melting the peanut butter really helps you to work it into the cereal. If you like it this way, try with other types of cereal as well.
Ditch Store-Bought Protein Bars with these 50 Healthy Recipes
Finding foods that are easy to make, yummy, and paleo-friendly is a challenge when you’re just starting out on the diet. Fortunately, you’ll see that there are many ways to satisfy your sweet tooth. The key is to keep experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. Different types of protein powders can have a very big effect on the overall taste, so keep some different varieties on hand to try the alternative tastes. When you find a few favorite recipes, you’ll know that you won’t have to worry about sticking to your plan.