Barebells reviews and discussion

4.4

92% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Candy-bar-like texture and flavor
  • Consistently high protein macros
  • Smooth nougat center texture
  • Widely praised signature flavors
  • Occasionally artificial flavor notes
  • Overly sweet flavor profiles
  • Chewy, dense bar texture
  • Flavors taste overly similar

Barebells earns strong reviews for tasting like a candy bar while delivering around 20g of protein, with standout flavors like Cookies & Cream, Salty Peanut, Caramel Cashew, Chocolate Dough, and Creamy/Creamy Crisp. Reviews also flag drawbacks—some flavors taste artificial or overly sweet, textures can run chewy or dense (especially vegan options), flavor profiles often blur together, and occasional powdery notes or aftereffects from sweeteners appear.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

78 reviews and posts

  • Based on taste alone, these bars are delicious - they really taste similar to a candy bar and have a great texture. However, they are not the most filling and do not have the best macros compared to other protein bars.

  • I don't normally partake in protein bars these days as I feel they're too filled with additives, but I pick up a Barebells every so often at Trader Joe's as a treat literally because it tastes like a candy bar (but with added protein!). I truly don't think there is a better-tasting protein bar out there. To me, the hype is real.

  • In my opinion these are some of the best tasting protein bars on the market. The chocolate tastes like a chocolate bar. No weird protein taste either. Only reason I’m giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because all of the flavors taste the same from what I’ve tried. They taste like the chocolate coating, but nothing more. Never tastes like what it’s marketed as.

  • The best protein bar to exist. So tasty. So good. The best macros for a protein bar with this type of taste. Try the cookies and cream flavor asap

  • These changed the protein bar game for me when they came into my orbit. I'm a former gym owner and trainer, so I've tried just about every protein product you can imagine. They generally provide a satisfying eating experience (as long as you don't let them melt in warm temps). I've had several flavors, and Salty Peanut and Caramel Cashew remain favorites. Meanwhile, I'm reminded I need to try their other flavors, i.e. MINT! All this said: They're a great option for on-the-go protein, but they're still a processed food, and they sometimes sit in my system as such. They definitely give "candy bar but with protein" vibes, which is why I only have them every once in a while.

  • These are candy bars in my mind. They have the chew, crunch, and flavor of a candybar, but with the protein and general macros that make them perfect for mid-training snackies. I would stay away from the vegan ones if you're not vegan and wanting to check them out. The salty Peanut and creamy crisp are THE BEST.

  • My favorite protein bar I've ever tried! All of the flavors are delicious and it doesn't have that weird or grainy protein taste that I've found in other protein bars/powders. Definitely worth a try - most Trader Joe's locations carry them!

  • OBSESSED. A colleague gave this protein bar to me cos she had an extra one, and omigod, it tastes like pure chocolate. Instantly bought a few more from Holland & Barrett/ Londis. Also tried the milkshakes but the protein bar is better for me

  • Grab one of these at a gas station on a road trip, and was pleasantly surprised. Well it does have some artificial sugar, it doesn't come across as prevalent as others have in the past. Also, 200 calories for 20 g of protein is pretty solid.

  • I've tried many protein bars over the years, and none have had as good of a protein-to-calorie ratio as Barebells. 20g of protein per bar! And I love the flavors, especially caramel cashew. Pro tip: store them in your fridge to get a more satisfying consistency.

  • If I had to choose a protein bar to eat forever, it would definitely be the Barebells Cookies and Cream bar. Unlike lots of protein bars that have a chalky taste, this one tastes like a decadent candy bar. Unfortunately, I've recently learned that whey protein was giving me hormonal acne and had to stop taking them, but if you're not sensitive to dairy, you should definitely buy these.

  • I love Barebells! The macros are great if thats something you care about, but they also just taste amazing. I do wish they had some more variety in their options as I find a lot of them taste the same. I'm excited to try their soft bars!

  • Barebells are ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. They don't even taste like a protein bar, but rather a super substantial chocolate candy bar! I love having it before/after a workout as a little reward :) my personal favorite flavor is the creamy crisp. There's something so nice about the texture mixed with the creamy chocolate!

  • These are the best tasting protein bars I've had so far. They don't leave that weird protein aftertaste in my mouth. The caramel cashew and cookies and cream flavors are my favorite!

  • They taste like actual candy bars and have insanely good macros. Highly recommend them!

  • honestly one of the most delicious protein bars i've ever had the pleasure of trying. i bought the caramel-cashew and cookies & cream flavor at trader joe's on a whim and was initially skeptical. i find that many protein bars taste/feel chalky, and i usually end up tossing them. i'm also not a big fan of sugar alcohols in foods as it leaves a metallic taste in my mouth. however these were delicious! they're very reminiscent of candy bars since they're soft and filled with nougat and nuts. a little sweet too, but i dont mind it! it's a fun treat to have on my fitness journey and i'm just happy i found something made with sugar alcohols that doesnt have that weird metallic taste. great macros, great taste, and eh price haha. i'm sure they're cheaper in bulk from the website, but i've only ever bought them from TJ's. caramel-cashew is my favorite! very reminiscent of baby ruth/snickers

  • The absolute BEST protein bar I have ever had. This is a more soft and nougat like protein bar, but you cant beat the macros. After awhile it does get tiring but its such a solid protein bar to have.

  • 20 grams of protein in a bar that tastes so good is crazy. I wish these bars were sold in more stores, I've only ever seen them in Trader Joe's.

  • I love love love this brand. It takes a little getting used to for the flavor but it's worth it. The macros on this bar are insane, 20grams of protein, 200 calories. and if you buy in bulk they aren't that expensive.

  • Solid entry into the protein bar market. One of the few that didn’t come across grainy or chalky. Taste is solid. The vanilla crunch and peanut butter were very nice. First protein bar that I liked their chocolate as much as their vanilla. Overall surprised by the quality and flavors.