Homemade Protein Bars: Real Protein, No Artificial Sweeteners

Ingredients

• Makes 12 bars:
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 cup vanilla or unflavored protein powder (whey, pea, or rice protein)
• 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup milk or plant-based milk (add more as needed for consistency)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Steps

1. 1

   Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, combine oats, protein powder, flaxseed, and salt.

3. 3

   In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the nut butter and honey until smooth and pourable. Do not boil.

4. 4

   Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Add vanilla extract.

5. 5

   Stir to combine. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the mixture holds together when pressed — it should be sticky but not wet.

6. 6

   Fold in chocolate chips if using.

7. 7

   Press firmly into the prepared pan using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass.

8. 8

   Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.

9. 9

   Cut into 12 bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Why Make Your Own Protein Bars

Packaged protein bars often contain sucralose, acesulfame potassium, or maltitol as sweeteners — the latter is a sugar alcohol that can cause bloating and digestive discomfort in some people. Carrageenan is added as a stabilizer. Homemade bars use honey or dates as the sweetener and get their protein from real food sources.

Tips and Variations

For a no-bake chocolate version, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. If the mixture is too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time. If too wet, add more oats. Peanut butter and chocolate chip is the most popular combination. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter.

How This Compares to Packaged Protein Bars

A typical packaged protein bar lists sucralose or maltitol as sweeteners, carrageenan as a stabilizer, and a long list of emulsifiers and artificial flavors. This recipe uses honey as the only sweetener, nut butter as the fat source, and protein powder as the protein source. The ingredient list is under 10 items, all recognizable. The trade-off is a shorter shelf life and slightly more prep time.

More Homemade Recipes

• Homemade Fruit Snacks →
• Homemade Granola Bars →
• Homemade Lunchables →
• Homemade Chocolate Milk →
• Homemade Flavored Yogurt →
• Homemade Mac and Cheese →