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.
Simply Protein bar nutrition (varies by product line):
Simply Protein Bars (original):
Simply Protein Crispy Bars:
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.
Positives:
Concerns:
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.
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.
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.
Best for:
Not ideal for:
Simply Protein offers 6+ flavors in their bar line:
Peanut Butter Chocolate (7/10): The best Simply Protein flavor. Strong peanut butter taste with chocolate chips throughout. The texture is crispier than most protein bars, almost like a crunchy granola bar.
Dark Chocolate Almond (6.5/10): Good chocolate flavor with whole almond pieces. Slightly dry but the dark chocolate keeps it from being too sweet.
Lemon Coconut (6/10): A unique flavor choice that mostly works. Light and tangy. Better for warm weather snacking.
Herb Garden (5.5/10): A savory protein bar is a bold concept. Herbs and seeds make this taste more like a cracker than a bar. Polarizing but interesting for people tired of sweet bars.
Simply Protein bars have a distinctive crispy, crunchy texture that sets them apart from the soft, chewy consistency of most protein bars. The base is made with soy protein crisps, which give a texture closer to a rice crispy treat than a traditional protein bar. This is a genuine differentiator. If you dislike the dense, fudgy texture of bars like Quest or Built Bar, Simply Protein offers a completely different eating experience. The downside is that the crispy format makes the bars feel less filling despite having 15g protein per bar.
vs ALOHA: ALOHA has slightly less protein (14g vs 15g) but uses organic ingredients and has better flavors. Simply Protein has a crunchier texture and is slightly cheaper. For daily use, ALOHA is the better overall bar; Simply Protein is good for variety.
vs GoMacro: GoMacro delivers 10-12g protein in a softer, chewier format. Simply Protein has more protein (15g) and fewer calories. GoMacro tastes better; Simply Protein has better macros.
Simply Protein is widely available in Canada (the brand is Canadian) and available at select US retailers including Whole Foods, Amazon, and natural grocery stores. Amazon 12-packs run $2.00-2.50 per bar. The brand website ships to the US with subscription discounts available.
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.
Simply Protein bars are a solid weight-loss snack at 140-150 calories with 15g protein and 1g sugar per bar. The crispy texture makes them satisfying despite the low calorie count. They are among the lowest-calorie protein bars on the market while still delivering meaningful protein.
Simply Protein bars use soy protein isolate as their primary protein source, making them plant-based. They are also gluten-free. However, they are not certified organic. For organic plant-based options, ALOHA or GoMacro are better choices.
Simply Protein bars have a unique crispy, crunchy texture similar to a rice crispy treat, unlike the soft and chewy format of most protein bars. Flavors lean subtle rather than overly sweet. Peanut Butter Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Almond are the best-tasting options. People who dislike dense, fudgy protein bars often prefer Simply Protein's lighter format.
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