Barebells Protein Bars | RANKED BEST vs WORST

I tried and ranked ALL 18 @Barebells Protein Bars available in stores in 2026, from absolute S-tier flavors that taste like a candy bar to the ones I’d never buy again.

If you’ve been wondering which Barebells protein bar is actually the best, this full taste test and tier ranking is for you.

Most Barebells protein bars come in around 200 calories with 20g of protein, making them an easy high-protein snack when you’re trying to hit your macros. But when it comes to taste? They’re definitely not all created equal.

In this video, I rank all 18 traditional Barebells Protein Bars from S-Tier to D-Tier.

I’ll also break down what I call the “protein test,” how these bars can fit into a flexible dieting approach, and what I look for when choosing macro-friendly foods for myself and my coaching clients.

Which @Barebells flavor is #1 for you? Drop it in the comments, and let me know which ranking I got completely wrong.

@Barebells — what flavor are we missing?

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19 pounds down, without putting life on hold. 👏

Andrew @andrewluftig has been incredibly coachable from day one and has consistently shown how serious he is about reaching his goals.

And with a full plate, working as a lawyer and being a dad of four, consistency doesn’t always come easy. But Andrew found a way to make his health a priority without needing life to be perfect.

One of the biggest areas we focused on was refining his logging practices and becoming more intentional with portions and snacking. He was already doing an amazing job prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods, so it really came down to dialing in portions and tracking accuracy to keep progress moving.

He also navigated plenty of travel along the way without letting it derail him. Instead of chasing perfection, he learned how to stay flexible, make smart decisions, and get right back to his routine.

Andrew is now down 19 pounds.

We’re transitioning into maintenance before moving into a lean-building phase, and he’s earned every bit of this progress.

Busy career. Dad of four. Travel. Real life.

The goal was never to remove those things, it was to build a plan that worked alongside them.

Andrew’s results are a reflection of the work he continued to put in day after day.

If you’re ready to build a plan that works with your career, family, and real life, book your discovery call through the link in bio and let’s talk about what working together could look like for you.

Protein Bar Tier List 📊

Protein Bar Tier List 📊
Comment “Snack” below for my free, Macro Friendly Snack Guide

-Quest: A Tier. It has a stiff texture, but the macros are incredible due to the protein and fiber content.
-Barebells: A Tier. It ranks as an S tier in taste, but overall it is an A tier because the macros are really good but not quite top tier.
-Pure Protein: B Tier. It is a good protein bar, though it could use more fiber.
-Built Puff: D Tier. Only half of the protein is bioavailable, meaning you need to consume other protein sources around the time you eat it.
-Clif Builder: E Tier. It does not pass the protein test, and the taste is mediocre.
-RXBAR: F Tier. It contains 180 to 200 calories for only 12 grams of protein. Despite being marketed as a simple ingredient bar, it is still processed.
-David: Features the best macros available, though a little more fiber would be preferred for the amount of protein and calories it contains.

Comment “snack” below to get a free healthy snack guide, including protein bars, sent straight to your DMs!

Comment “Flex” below for your free flexible dieting calculator.

Comment “Flex” below for your free flexible dieting calculator.

Physiology is ruthless. It doesn’t care about your commute, your schedule, or how busy you are. If you don’t find a diet, and training program that works for your life, you are lowering its quality and cutting years off of it. Long term, you have to find a system that works for you.

The success rate of fat loss is 4% when you add a partner to this it jumps to 20%. When you have three people along with you for the journey the odds stack in your favor. Community is everything. Go to Jacobzemer.com to find yours.

Comment “Flex” below for your free flexible dieting calculator.

Comment “Flex” below for your free flexible dieting calculator.

Physiology is ruthless. It doesn’t care about your commute, your schedule, or how busy you are. If you don’t find a diet, and training program that works for your life, you are lowering its quality and cutting years off of it. Long term, you have to find a system that works for you.

The success rate of fat loss is 4% when you add a partner to this it jumps to 20%. When you have three people along with you for the journey the odds stack in your favor. Community is everything. Go to Jacobzemer.com to find yours.

Comment “Lab: down below for my free guide to understanding your lab work.

Comment “Lab: down below for my free guide to understanding your lab work.

When I had my Executive Health Scan done at @Fountainlife these were the five tests I was the most interested in:
-Full Body MRI: I have some family history on my mother’s side Certainly detecting cancer only radically increases your chance of survival; however, these scans frequently find abnormal findings. The vast majority of times these abnormalities are benign.
-DEXA Scan: A reliable tool for tracking body composition trajectory; however, the test had margins of error.
-Lab Work: An essential health assessment that everyone should complete at least annually. My Executive Health Scan had exhaustive panels I typically do not have ran. I learned alot from this process.
-VO2 Max: Used to measure heart and lung health.Everyone should have this test done.
-CCTA Scan: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death. This scan looks at both calcified and uncalcified plaque.

HOW TO: Hands On Machine Pullover

ABOUT JACOB:

I am a personal trainer, speaker and accountability coach based in Westchester, NY. I hold over 12 nationally recognized certifications in the field including: NASM, ISSN, Precision Nutrition, Exos, Equinox, and more. Beyond my 10+ years in the fitness industry, I spend 3,200+ hours each year working with a wide range of clients – from CEOs to ex-athletes.

My science-based coaching methods & accountability help people to exceed their health & fitness goals and unleash their best self. I’ve distilled years of experience and a results-driven methodology down to make it as easy as possible for clients to perform to their true potential.

CONNECT WITH JACOB:
https://www.jacobzemer.com/

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HOW TO: Isolateral Machine Curl

ABOUT JACOB:

I am a personal trainer, speaker and accountability coach based in Westchester, NY. I hold over 12 nationally recognized certifications in the field including: NASM, ISSN, Precision Nutrition, Exos, Equinox, and more. Beyond my 10+ years in the fitness industry, I spend 3,200+ hours each year working with a wide range of clients – from CEOs to ex-athletes.

My science-based coaching methods & accountability help people to exceed their health & fitness goals and unleash their best self. I’ve distilled years of experience and a results-driven methodology down to make it as easy as possible for clients to perform to their true potential.

CONNECT WITH JACOB:
https://www.jacobzemer.com/

› NUTRITION COACHING AND CUSTOM PROGRAMMING: https://www.jacobzemer.com/online-fitness-coaching

› AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://www.amazon.com/shop/jacobzemer

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Comment “Muscle” down below for my free muscle building guide.

Comment “Muscle” down below for my free muscle building guide.

👇️ Ranking exercises for building your chest:

Machine Flies (A-Tier): This exercise focuses strictly on the chest, making the chest the main limiting factor. Because it is performed on a machine, it is highly stable, and the triceps are not a limiting factor.

Elbows Tucked Machine Press (A-Tier): Tucking the elbows allows for more shoulder flexion, which specifically targets the upper pecs. This is highly beneficial since most individuals need more upper pec development.

Dips (B-Tier): This is an excellent exercise that works the entire pectoral muscle and heavily involves the deltoids (shoulders). However, it is held back from a higher ranking because the triceps act as a limiting factor.

Barbell Bench Press (C-Tier): While it is a great overall exercise, it can be hard on the shoulders as you age. Dumbbells are preferred over a barbell because they allow for a converging movement pattern.

Push-ups (D-Tier): While amazing for beginners, push-ups are ranked lower because they are very difficult to progressively overload as you become more advanced.

HOW TO: Isolateral Machine Curl

ABOUT JACOB:

I am a personal trainer, speaker and accountability coach based in Westchester, NY. I hold over 12 nationally recognized certifications in the field including: NASM, ISSN, Precision Nutrition, Exos, Equinox, and more. Beyond my 10+ years in the fitness industry, I spend 3,200+ hours each year working with a wide range of clients – from CEOs to ex-athletes.

My science-based coaching methods & accountability help people to exceed their health & fitness goals and unleash their best self. I’ve distilled years of experience and a results-driven methodology down to make it as easy as possible for clients to perform to their true potential.

CONNECT WITH JACOB:
https://www.jacobzemer.com/

› NUTRITION COACHING AND CUSTOM PROGRAMMING: https://www.jacobzemer.com/online-fitness-coaching

› AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://www.amazon.com/shop/jacobzemer

› FOLLOW ME
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HOW TO: Isolateral Machine Pulldown

ABOUT JACOB:

I am a personal trainer, speaker and accountability coach based in Westchester, NY. I hold over 12 nationally recognized certifications in the field including: NASM, ISSN, Precision Nutrition, Exos, Equinox, and more. Beyond my 10+ years in the fitness industry, I spend 3,200+ hours each year working with a wide range of clients – from CEOs to ex-athletes.

My science-based coaching methods & accountability help people to exceed their health & fitness goals and unleash their best self. I’ve distilled years of experience and a results-driven methodology down to make it as easy as possible for clients to perform to their true potential.

CONNECT WITH JACOB:
https://www.jacobzemer.com/

› NUTRITION COACHING AND CUSTOM PROGRAMMING: https://www.jacobzemer.com/online-fitness-coaching

› AMAZON STOREFRONT: https://www.amazon.com/shop/jacobzemer

› FOLLOW ME
» IG: https://www.instagram.com/jacobzemer/
» FB: https://www.facebook.com/jakezemerllc/
» TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jacobzemer

HOW TO: Hands On Machine Pullover

ABOUT JACOB:

I am a personal trainer, speaker and accountability coach based in Westchester, NY. I hold over 12 nationally recognized certifications in the field including: NASM, ISSN, Precision Nutrition, Exos, Equinox, and more. Beyond my 10+ years in the fitness industry, I spend 3,200+ hours each year working with a wide range of clients – from CEOs to ex-athletes.

My science-based coaching methods & accountability help people to exceed their health & fitness goals and unleash their best self. I’ve distilled years of experience and a results-driven methodology down to make it as easy as possible for clients to perform to their true potential.

CONNECT WITH JACOB:
https://www.jacobzemer.com/

› DOWNLOAD MY TRAINING APP: https://bit.ly/JZSSapp
› NUTRITION COACHING AND CUSTOM PROGRAMMING: https://bit.ly/JZcoaching

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› FOLLOW ME
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» TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jacobzemer

Eileen Pallotta

Coach

"Habits make history."

Eileen is responsible for guiding clients through personalized coaching that delivers life-changing results through consistency, strategy, and accountability. She manages client progress, provides tailored nutrition guidance, and offers ongoing support and education to ensure every individual feels empowered, understood, and set up for long-term success.

When she’s not coaching clients, you’ll find Eileen throwing weights around in the garage or chasing step goals trying to keep pace with her husband and four kids… most often on the sidelines of various sports fields.

Specialities:

  • BA Journalism and International Business
  • 15+ years Fitness and Nutrition Coach
  • Precision Nutrition Level 1
  • Certified CrossFit Trainer
  • Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer
  • CrossFit Level 1 Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Level 2 Certification
  • CrossFit Kids Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Nutrition Certification
  • CrossFit Movement and Mobility Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Goal Setting Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Olympic Lifting Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Gymnastics Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Strongman Trainer Certification
  • CrossFit Running Certification
  • CrossFit Lesson Planning Certification
  • CrossFit Scaling Certification
  • CPR and AED Certified

Elise Ladaw

Director of Coaching

“Science is Stronger”

Elise’s primary role as Director of Coaching is to ensure that the coaching business runs smoothly and is driven by science based principles concerning nutrition and exercise science. Her goal is to continually work to enhance the overall client experience, educate the clientele, monitor key performance indicators related to the coaching services, and foster a company culture of continuous learning among coaching staff.

When Elise is not helping the company with all things coaching she is either in the gym lifting weights or taking long walks through the grocery store finding new tasty and macro friendly nutrition products.


Specialities:

  • BAS Food Science 
  • NQ NPC Figure Competitor 
  • ACE CPT 
  • J3 University

Michelle Freedman

Chief of Operations

“Practice not perfection”

Michelle holds a crucial position in supervising the daily operations, aiming for operational efficiency, fostering growth, and contributing to the achievement of the organization’s strategic objectives. Beyond providing structure, Michelle is actively involved in coaching and managing social media activities.

Away from refining policies and operations at Jake Zemer, LLC, you’ll discover Michelle outdoors, often barefoot with her kettlebells, engaging in adventures alongside her husband, two children, and two bulldogs.

Specialities:

  • BFA Graphic Design 
  • 10 years Corporate Fitness Management 
  • ACE CPT & GFI 
  • ACE Nutrition Specialist 
  • Kettlebell Master Instructor 
  • FMS I & II
  • USA Weightlifting 
  • Pre/Post Natal Certified  
  • TRX 
  • Schwinn & Maddog Cycling