Simply Protein Bars Review (2026)

|
Simply Protein Bars Review (2026)
Simply Protein Bars Review (2026)

Simply Protein has built a loyal following by doing exactly what the name promises: keeping protein bars simple. While competitors pile on ingredients, flavors, and marketing claims, Simply Protein focuses on plant-based protein with minimal ingredients and no BS. But does simplicity come at the cost of taste or nutrition? Here's our 2026 review.

Nutrition Breakdown

Simply Protein bar nutrition (varies by product line):

Simply Protein Bars (original):

  • Calories: 140-160
  • Protein: 15g (soy protein isolate)
  • Fat: 4-6g
  • Carbs: 15-17g
  • Sugar: 1-2g
  • Fiber: 8-11g

Simply Protein Crispy Bars:

  • Calories: 150
  • Protein: 15g (soy protein isolate)
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbs: 16g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Fiber: 6g

The standout number here is the calorie count: 140-160 calories for 15g protein is one of the best protein-to-calorie ratios in the entire market. The protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.094-0.107g per calorie is excellent — competitive with Built Bar and better than most competitors.

The trade-off? Total protein is 15g, not 20g. But at 150 calories, you could eat one and a half Simply Protein bars for the same calories as one Quest bar — and get more total protein. The fiber content (8-11g in the original) is also impressive.

Ingredient Quality

Positives:

  • Plant-based (soy protein isolate)
  • Only 1-2g sugar
  • High fiber content
  • Short ingredient list (8-10 items)
  • Non-GMO Project Verified
  • No artificial sweeteners, colors, or flavors
  • Kosher certified

Concerns:

  • Soy protein isolate — complete protein but controversial for some consumers due to phytoestrogen concerns (research generally shows these concerns are overstated)
  • Chicory root fiber — can cause digestive discomfort in large amounts
  • Some sugar alcohols (erythritol) in certain flavors — though erythritol is the most gut-friendly sugar alcohol (see our sugar alcohol guide)

Simply Protein's ingredient quality is genuinely in the top tier. The lists are short, the ingredients are recognizable, and the brand practices real transparency. For plant-based protein bars, they're among the cleanest options available alongside Aloha and GoMacro.

Taste and Texture

This is where simplicity has a cost. Simply Protein bars are not going to win any taste competitions against Anabar or Barebells. The original bars have a dense, slightly dry texture with moderate sweetness. Flavors include Dark Chocolate Almond, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Lemon Coconut, and Herbs de Provence (a savory option).

The Crispy Bars are a significant improvement in the taste department — lighter, crunchier, and more enjoyable to eat. Think of them as a cleaner version of a rice crispy treat.

If taste is your top priority, Simply Protein won't wow you. If you're willing to sacrifice some taste for clean macros, it's a reasonable trade.

Price and Value

Simply Protein bars retail at approximately $1.75-2.25 per bar — mid-range pricing. At 15g protein, the cost per gram of protein is $0.12-0.15 — competitive for a clean-ingredient bar. The value proposition improves when you consider the low calorie count and high fiber — you're getting a lot of nutritional utility per calorie and per dollar.

Availability is good in Canada (the brand's home market) and growing in the US through Target, Whole Foods, and Amazon.

Who Should Buy Simply Protein

Best for:

  • Calorie-conscious dieters — 150 calories for 15g protein is hard to beat
  • Plant-based eaters who want clean, simple ingredients
  • People who value short ingredient lists and transparency
  • High-fiber seekers — 8-11g fiber per bar is among the highest in the market
  • Weight loss — see our best bars for weight loss picks

Not ideal for:

  • Taste-first buyers — these are functional, not indulgent
  • Athletes needing 20g+ protein per bar — the per-bar count is 15g
  • People avoiding soy — it's the primary protein source
  • Anyone who dislikes chicory root fiber (digestive sensitivity)

The Verdict

Simply Protein delivers outstanding value on a per-calorie basis. If you're counting calories and want clean plant-based protein, this is one of the best options on the market. The taste is fine but not exciting, and the 15g protein per bar is below the 20g standard. For dieters and ingredient-conscious buyers, Simply Protein is an excellent daily bar. For athletes or flavor seekers, look elsewhere.

Rating: 7.5/10 — Exceptional calorie efficiency, clean ingredients, and great fiber. Loses points on taste and absolute protein content, but the overall value proposition is strong.

Chris Manderino

Get 15% off Our Top Rated Bar

PROTEINBAR

Click coupon for automatic savings

Cleanest Protein Bars: Top Picks

Unearth the cleanest protein bars you can buy right now. (Some might even have superfoods)

Read More

Related articles

No items found.

RAISE THE BAR

At  Protein Bar, we’re committed to helping you look and feel your best, which starts by raising the bar (pun intended) in the nutrition industry. We're currently in stealth mode, but you can join our waiting list to receive exclusive access to new products and become a beta tester!

Thanks, We'll let you know when we launch!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.