Protein Bar vs Granola Bar: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Compare the nutritional values of protein bars and granola bars.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

The protein bar contains 30.3 g of protein, while the granola bar has 10.1 g. The protein bar is lower in calories at 412 compared to 471.

Protein bars and granola bars are popular snack options, but they differ significantly in their nutritional profiles. This comparison will highlight key differences in calories, protein, and other nutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Protein Bar and Granola Bar?

A protein bar is a snack that typically contains a high amount of protein, designed to support muscle recovery and growth. They often include various other nutrients to provide energy. A granola bar is a snack made from rolled oats, nuts, and sweeteners, often enjoyed for its convenience and taste. They are commonly marketed as a healthy snack option.

Protein Bar vs Granola Bar: Nutrition Side by Side

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional values of protein bars and granola bars.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Protein bar Granola bar (hard)
Calories 412 kcal 471 kcal
Protein 30.3 g 10.1 g
Carbs 38.4 g 64.4 g
Sugar 15.2 g 28.6 g
Fat 15.2 g 19.8 g
Fiber 7.3 g 5.3 g
Sodium 436 mg 294 mg

Which Is Better, Protein Bar or Granola Bar?

For weight loss: The protein bar has 412 calories, while the granola bar has 471 calories, making the protein bar a better choice for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: With 30.3 g of protein, the protein bar significantly outperforms the granola bar, which contains only 10.1 g of protein.

For low-carb or low-sugar: The protein bar has 38.4 g of carbs and 15.2 g of sugar, compared to the granola bar's 64.4 g of carbs and 28.6 g of sugar.

How to Track Protein bar and Granola bar Accurately

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How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers presented are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary recommendations. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

The protein bar has 30.3 g of protein, while the granola bar has 10.1 g.

Which has fewer calories?

The protein bar has 412 calories, whereas the granola bar has 471 calories.

What is the sugar content of each bar?

The protein bar contains 15.2 g of sugar, while the granola bar has 28.6 g.

How much fat is in each bar?

The protein bar has 15.2 g of fat, and the granola bar has 19.8 g of fat.

What is the fiber content in both bars?

The protein bar contains 7.3 g of fiber, while the granola bar has 5.3 g of fiber.

How many carbs are in each bar?

The protein bar has 38.4 g of carbs, and the granola bar has 64.4 g of carbs.

Key Takeaways

  • Protein bar: 412 calories, 30.3 g protein.
  • Granola bar: 471 calories, 10.1 g protein.
  • Protein bar: 38.4 g carbs, 15.2 g sugar.
  • Granola bar: 64.4 g carbs, 28.6 g sugar.
  • Protein bar: 15.2 g fat, 7.3 g fiber.
  • Granola bar: 19.8 g fat, 5.3 g fiber.

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