10 Best Protein Bars for Breastfeeding Moms (2023)

Are you looking for the best protein bars to help you with your breastfeeding journey? If so, you’re in luck! This list has the ten best protein bars that are perfect for new moms. They’ll help you stay energized and focused while you take care of your little one. So, if you’re looking for a quick and easy snack that will help you reach your goals, be sure to check out this list!​

It can be hard to get all the nutrients you need when you’re breastfeeding and to eat balanced meals.

Protein can be especially hard to get!

Protein bars are a great way to get a little bit of extra protein and energy in your day. They are convenient and easy to carry with you, making them perfect for on-the-go moms.

However, not all protein bars are created equally. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the 10 best protein bars for breastfeeding mothers, so you can be sure you are getting the best quality products.

Here are our top picks, but we’ll go into more detail about them later on!

1. Built Bars
2. G2G Bars
3. RX Bars
4. Boobie Bars
5. Kirkland Chewy Protein Bars
6. Come Ready Protein Bars
7. Think! High Protein Bars
8. Perfect Bar
9. Skout Protein Bars
10. Clif Nut Butter Bars

Looking for protein powder recommendations? Check out this post – 9 Best Protein Powders While Breastfeeding + Is it Safe to Drink?

What to Look for in a Protein Bar

There are many different types of protein bars on the market, so it’s important to choose one that is high in quality and nutritious. Some things to look for when choosing a protein bar include:

• High protein content (at least 15 grams per serving is ideal)
• No artificial sweeteners, flavors, or colors
• Healthy fats and fiber
• A variety of vitamins and minerals

There are a lot of protein bars out there, but unfortunately, many of them are filled with artificial sugar (or a LOT of regular sugar), preservatives, and lots of ingredients that you probably are better off avoiding. A protein bar that is worth eating while breastfeeding should be made with high-quality ingredients, in our opinion!

Best Protein Bars for Breastfeeding

Our Top Pick: G2G Bars

I love G2G Bars, and they are great for helping keep your energy up during the day. Here are a few things to know:

• Great flavor options, including:
  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
  • Peanut Butter Coconut Chocolate
  • Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly
  • Almond Chocolate Chip
  • Almond Coconut (my personal favorite)
  • Almond Mocha
  • Almond Oatmeal Cookie
• They are a little bit pricier, however, I find that I only eat 1/3-1/2 of one at a time
• They have to be refrigerated
• Simple ingredients
• 18 grams of protein
• Gluten free
• You either have to buy them online or at a specialty store like Good Earth.

Best for Variety: Built Bars

I have been a big fan of Built Bars for a long time, and they are often my go-to. They are often stocked in my pantry, and they often taste like a treat!

• They offer their traditional bars, “puffs” (marshmallow-like texture), and occasionally granola bars – all protein packed
• They taste great frozen or in the pantry
• Lots of new flavors released – though keep in mind that many are limited edition, so you may not always see your favorite flavor again
• They have 17 grams of protein (I think they all do, though if not, they are around that amount)

Best Budget Option: Kirkland Chewy Protein Bars

If you are on a budget, these are a good option. My kids love these, and they taste good. I feel like they are similar to “Chewy” bars, but just with more protein.

• These are gluten free
• A little lower on the protein spectrum with 10 grams of protein
• 40 Bars in each package
• Most ingredients are okay but a few aren’t my favorite (corn syrup, maltodextrin)
• Very tasty

Best “lactation specific”: Boobie Bars

I was surprised to see there really weren’t a lot of lactation protein bars out there – pretty much just Boobie Bars. I nave never actually tried these, but the reviews are pretty good.

• Three Flavors
  • Oatmeal chocolate chip
  • Peanut Butter
  • Blueberry Muffin
• Contains six “superfoods”
  • Organic Moringa Leaf
  • Organic Cinnamon
  • Organic Shatavari Root
  • Organic Tumeric
  • Flaxseed
  • Whole Grain Oats
• Vegan, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Non GMO, Dairy Free, Fenugreek Free, and Certified Kosher
• Only 3 grams of protein, so definitely not a traditional protein bar
• Ingredients all seem pretty good. It does have sunflower lecithin, which has been a little controversial
• There is a lot of sugar – 12 grams of added sugar per bar

RX Bars

This is a well-known brand with a variety of different protein bars. They can be readily found at many grocery stores. They have very simple ingredients, which is one of their biggest appeals.

• There are several different kinds of RXBars:
  • Original RXBar – Around 12 grams protein
  • AM Bar – 10 grams protein
  • Mini’s – 6 grams protein
  • Plant – 10 grams protein
• Typically have 3-5 ingredients; usually things like dates, nuts, and egg whites
• I find them to be pretty dense
• The flavor is pretty good

Come Ready Protein Bars

These are advertised as “clean protein” bars with no added preservatives or additives. They also have additional flax seed added, which is kind of nice, since that is a galactagogue. Here are a few highlights:

• 12 grams of protein
• Simple Ingredients
• They have sunflower lecithin, which is an ingredient some use to help with recurrent clogged ducts
• Non GMO Certified
• Various flavors include:
  • Vanilla Swirl
  • Chocolate Mocha
  • Dark chocolate sea salt
  • Dark chocolate coconut almond
  • Dark Chocolate blueberry almond
  • Chocolate peanut butter
• Available for purchase online

Think! High Protein Bars

These are protein bars that have a higher amount of protein than many and are available nationwide at stores like Target.

• Bars have 20 grams of protein
• Lots of delicious flavors
  • Brownie Crunch
  • Chocolate & Creme Cupcake
  • Chocolate Fudge
  • Chunky Peanut Butter
  • Cookies and Creme
  • Creamy Peanut Butter
  • Lemon Delight
  • White Chocolate
• They have a variety of products, such as Keto and Plant-based bars
• Ingredients aren’t terrible, but they aren’t as good as some bars

Best Ingredients – Perfect Bar

These are another bar that are available at stores like Target and Sam’s Club. It is a refrigerated bar and boasts of having lots of super foods in them.

• 14 grams of whole food protein
• Really great ingredient – you’ll find items like celery, kelp, whole egg powder, alfalfa, and other super foods on the label. I don’t see anything artificial!
• Higher calories – each bar is around 300 calories or more
• Snack Size Available
• Lots of flavors, and they seem to release lots of seasonal ones
  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Sea Salt
  • Dark Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter
  • Peanut Butter
  • Coconut Peanut Butter
  • Pumpkin Pie (limited time)
  • Salted Caramel
  • Almond Butter
  • Dark Chocolate Almond
  • Chocolate MInt
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Crisp
• Very good reviews across the board

Best Plant Based Option – Skout Protein Bars

These are plant-based protein bars. The protein amount is a little lower than some, but they are organic and seem to have good reviews.

• Organic
• Contain 10 grams protein
• Variety of flavors
  • Peanut Butter
  • Coconut Vanilla
  • Salted Chocolate
  • Chocolate Cherry
• Ingredients are very simple and real food – protein sources are dates, sunflower seed powder, sunflower seeds and poppy seeds.
• Good reviews – some people say they are a bit dense

Clif Nut Butter Bars

I think these are pretty tasty. Obviously, they have nuts in them, so they aren’t an option for anyone with nut allergies. However, they are delicious and aren’t as “protein-y” as some bars might be.

• Lower protein – 5-7 grams per bar
• I have gotten these at Costco
• Variety of Flavors
  • Chocolate & Peanut Butter
  • Peanut Butter
  • Chocolate & Hazelnut Butter
• Plant Based
• Not the best ingredients but overall pretty good

How much protein do I need while breastfeeding?

The amount of protein you need while breastfeeding depends on many factors, including your weight, activity level, and the amount of breastmilk you produce. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends that nursing mothers consume at least 68-120 grams of protein per day.

What are the benefits of protein bars while you’re breastfeeding?

Protein bars can help nursing mothers meet their increased protein needs. They are also a convenient and easy way to get the nutrients you need on the go. Protein bars can help you:

• Potentially Increase milk production
• Boost energy levels
• Promote muscle growth and repair
• Reduce hunger and cravings
• Support a healthy immune system

I like protein bars that have some carbs, because that helps you process much-needed carbs a little easier while keeping your full for longer (as opposed to just eating carbs on their own).

Do Protein Bars Increase Milk Supply?

I don’t think there are any studies showing that protein bars increase milk supply – it would definitely depend on the ingredients. However, if you aren’t eating enough and protein bars give you energy to remember to nurse frequently and keep up your caloric intake, it could potentially help milk supply.

Protein bars are a convenient and easy way to get the nutrients you need while breastfeeding. They can help you meet your increased protein needs and boost energy levels. Choose a protein bar that is high in quality and nutritious, and be sure to check with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes.

Are protein bars safe while breastfeeding?

Protein bars are generally safe for nursing mothers to consume. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality protein bar that is nutritious and free of artificial sweeteners, flavors, and colors. You should also check with your healthcare provider before making any dietary changes while breastfeeding.

Why does breastfeeding make you so hungry?

Breastfeeding can make you feel hungrier than usual because it requires extra energy to produce milk. Nursing mothers need to consume more calories than they did before pregnancy in order to meet their increased energy needs. Protein bars are a great way to get the nutrients and energy you need while breastfeeding.

Will my appetite decrease when I stop breastfeeding?

It’s normal for your appetite to decrease when you stop breastfeeding. This is because you no longer need the extra calories that are required to produce milk.

However, it’s important to continue eating a balanced diet and including protein-rich foods in your meals and snacks. Protein bars can be a convenient and easy way to get the nutrients you need on the go.

If you are having trouble eating balanced meals, I highly recommend checking out our breastfeeding/postpartum meal plan. It has so many great meal ideas!

What happens if you don’t eat enough while breastfeeding?

If you don’t eat enough while breastfeeding, you may experience fatigue, low energy levels, and may even have difficulty producing milk. It’s important to consume a balanced diet that includes plenty of protein-rich foods in order to meet your increased nutrient needs. Protein bars can be a convenient and easy way to get the nutrients you need on the go.

Is a high protein diet bad for breastfeeding?

A high protein diet is not necessarily bad for breastfeeding. However, it’s important to choose a variety of healthy protein sources, such as lean meats, seafood, beans, tofu, nuts, and seeds.

You should also include a variety of other nutritious foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Other Ways to Get Protein While Breastfeeding

• Natural Yogurt and Granola
• Cheese with Whole Grain Crackers
• Peanut Butter and Bananas
• Hardboiled Eggs and Fresh Fruit
• Dried Fruit and Nuts
• Smoothie with Protein Powder (check out our favorite breastfeeding friendly protein powders)
• Chicken Salad Wrap
• Tuna Salad Sandwich
• Bean Soup with a Side of Bread
• Lentil Stew with Rice Salmon with Quinoa and Broccoli

Homemade Protein Bar Recipes

Here is a great recipe for no bake protein bars!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup ground flaxseed meal
• 1/2 cup protein powder
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, honey, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until smooth.

3. Stir in oats, flaxseed meal, protein powder, and chocolate chips until well combined.

4. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

5. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

6. Cut into bars and enjoy!

What are good snacks for breastfeeding moms?

There are many nutritious and convenient snacks that are perfect for breastfeeding moms. Protein bars are a great way to get the nutrients and energy you need on the go. Other good snack options for nursing mothers include:

Yogurt, cheese, peanut butter, bananas, hardboiled eggs, and fresh fruit.

Do KIND bars help with lactation?

There is no scientific evidence to suggest that KIND bars help with lactation. However, they are a nutritious and convenient snack option for breastfeeding mothers. KIND bars are high in protein and fiber, which can help nursing mothers meet their increased nutrient needs.

What protein is good for breastfeeding?

There are many healthy protein sources that are perfect for breastfeeding mothers. Good protein options for nursing mothers include lean meats, seafood, beans, tofu, nuts, and seeds. You should also include a variety of other nutritious foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

If you are a breastfeeding mother, it is important to consume plenty of protein. Protein bars can be a convenient and easy way to get the nutrients you need on the go. I hope that this article has been helpful for helping you choose a protein bar!

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