Eating a low carb diet can be tricky when it comes to finding food on the go. Protein bars are a staple snack for many of us, so if you’ve switched to low carb or keto eating, you might be wondering if they’re still permitted.
All in all, protein bars can be great snacks when following a low carb diet, as long as you pick the right option. Check the label for the carbohydrate content, and avoid added sugars, dates and other dried fruit.
Many people feel they have to give up their usual snacks to reduce their carbohydrate consumption, but there are many low-carb protein powders and protein bars on the market today.
If you're looking for an easy and convenient snack option while on the go, then low-carb protein bars could be just what you need!
In this article you’ll find:
22 low carb protein bars in Australia & their macros
What makes a protein bar low carb or keto?
Red flags to look for on the label
How to make your own low carb protein bars
Just make sure to double-check the label before purchasing any kind of snacks on a low carb diet. With the right knowledge and preparation, you'll have no trouble finding delicious and nutritious snacks that fit within your specific dietary needs!
Keep reading to discover the best protein bar options for low carb and keto diets.
Are Protein Bars Good on a Low Carb Diet?
Protein bars are often marketed as being healthy snacks, but they can contain hidden carbs that may not make them suitable for someone on a carb restricted diet. However, there are some protein bars out there designed to be low carb or keto-friendly.
These bars usually contain 5g or less of net carbs per serving. They can be great as an occasional snack option if you're looking for something quick and easy, or for a low-carb snack before bed to avoid feeling hungry.
When selecting protein bars for a low carb diet, it's important to read the label carefully and look out for hidden sources of sugar, as well as other carbs like maltodextrin or fructose.
Nutrition labels are your friends when it comes to following a low carb diet. Be sure to check nutrition labels for added sugars or other unhealthy additives that may show up in pre-packaged protein bars. Additionally, keep an eye on the serving size listed on the label to ensure that you don’t accidentally eat too many carbs per bar.
Keep in mind that many protein bars also contain added sugar alcohols like sorbitol or glycerol which can cause digestive issues if consumed in large amounts - so limit yourself to one bar per day at most!
Additionally, some protein bars may be higher in certain micronutrients such as sodium or potassium which could throw off your electrolyte balance if consumed too often.
Low Carb Protein Bars in Australia
With so many brands on the market - some lower carb than others - I’ve made a full list of options below. To help my readers, I’ve summarised some top questions below. If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment and share your favourites!
Lowest Carb Protein Bars in Australia
The lowest carb protein bars in Australia are:
Googys Good Fat Collagen Bar (2g carbs per 45g bar)
Smart Diet Solutions Smart Protein Bars (2.1g carbs per 60g bar)
Proganics Low Sugar Plant Protein Bars (2.67g carbs per 45g bar)
Read on to learn more about these low carb protein bars, their macros, and where to buy them in Australia.
Best Tasting Low Carb Protein Bars in Australia
Smart Diet Solutions Smart Protein Bars are my top recommendation, after trying many of the low carb and keto bars on the market. They’re all under 5 grams of carbs per bar, and come in 20 different flavours, like Mango Cream or Rose & Pistachio. The variety means you never get bored, and they’re made with 100% natural ingredients.
22 Best Low Carb Protein Bars in Australia
We've put together a list of the best low carb protein bars that you can buy in Australia, including some that are keto-friendly.
Browse our list of the 22 top protein bars in 2023:
1. Smart Diet Solutions Smart Protein Bars
Smart Diet Solutions Smart Protein Bars are my favourite tasty and nutritious way to get more protein on a low carb diet. This bar is made with 100% natural ingredients and is high in fibre, which helps to keep your blood glucose levels stable so you can continue burning fat throughout the day. It's also available in so many delicious flavours sure to satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth cravings without adding unnecessary carbs to your diet. Carb count varies by flavour, but all are under 5g of net carbs per bar.
Nutritional Information: 7.8g fat, 2.1g carbs, 20g protein (per 60g serving - choc chip cookie dough flavour)
Price: $4.95
Available Flavours: Apple Pie, Banana Bread, Strawberry Cheesecake, Coconut, Cinnamon Donut, Vanilla Nougat, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Marshmallow Choc Biscuit, Raspberry White Chocolate, Cookies & Cream, Chocolate Choc Chip, Choc Chip Cookie Dough, Latte, Caramel Honey Macadamia, Apricot Coconut, Salted Caramel, Mango Cream, Peanut Choc Caramel, Dark Choc Cherry Coconut, Rose & Pistachio
Where to Purchase in Australia: Nutrition Warehouse
2. Atkins Low Carb High Protein Bars
Atkins Keto Friendly Bars are available at a range of stores, from supermarkets to Amazon, making them easy to pick up. Since they’re similar to chocolate bars, they can be a clever way to stick to your low-carb diet without feeling like you're missing out. And because they're low in calories, you can work them into your diet and macro intake plan easier. You can find a selection of flavours in Woolworths and Coles as well as purchasing online.
Price: $29.95 (pack of 5)
Available Flavours: Hazelnut crisp, cappuccino nut
Where to Purchase in Australia: Supps 24-7
3. BSC High Protein Low Carb Mousse Bars
BSC High Protein Low Carb Mousse Bars come in a range of flavours making them a good choice if you value variety. These bars have almost 20 grams of protein, and because they're low in carbs and free of artificial colours and flavours, they’re not going to sabotage your macros. BSC High Protein Low Carb Mousse Bars are also easy to find in Australian supermarkets, though you’ll have to check which flavours are stocked at your local store.
Nutritional Information: 10.9 fat, 3.7g carbs, 17.2g protein (per 55g)
Price: $4.50 ea
Available Flavours: Salted caramel, cookie dough, cookies and cream, chocoholic, strawberries and cream, milk chocolate, peanut butter chocolate, choc mint
Where to Purchase in Australia: Woolworths
4. Aussie Bodies Protein FX Low Carb Brunch Protein + Fibre Bars
The Aussie Bodies Protein FX Low Carb Crunchy Fibre Bars are a great snack to help fuel your day and keep those pesky 3pm cravings at bay! These snack bars are coated in chocolate with a blend of protein crisps, nuts and flavours. Made with whey and soy protein, these bars can help you stay full through your day. Whether you hit the mid-morning snack or afternoon energy crash, low-carb protein bars are a good way to help keep you going between meals.
Nutritional Information: 5.8-7.6g fat, 2.6-4.4g carbs, 12-14g protein (per 35g)
Price: $2.95 ea
Available Flavours: Cranberry, honey almond, coconut and lemon, rocky road
Where to Purchase in Australia: Nutrition Warehouse
5. My Muscle Chef Low Carb Bars
Packed with nutrient-rich and plant-based ingredients, the Low Carb Bar by My Muscle Chef contains almost 12g of fat per bar, making it ideal for keto as well as low-carb diets. This protein snack will help keep you feeling full, making it a good choice if you’re looking to manage your weight. With a variety of flavours to choose from, the Low Carb Bar by My Muscle Chef will suit anyone looking for a nutritious low carb snack.
Nutritional Information: 11.9g fat, 4.6g carbs, 11.1g protein (per 50g)
Price: $3.95 ea
Available Flavours: Honeycomb, choc berry crunch, choc chip cookie dough, salted caramel
Where to Purchase in Australia: Nutrition Warehouse
6. Smart Diet Solutions Keto Smart Bars
Made with healthy ingredients like prebiotic fibre, almonds, and coconut MCTs, Smart Diet Solutions Keto Smart Bars are a good choice for those on a keto diet. With over 20g of fat per bar and just 3.1g of carbs, Smart Diet Solutions Keto Smart Bars can help you stay full on the go.
Smart Diet Solutions Keto Smart Bars are still a good low carb choice even if you’re not on a keto diet. With over 11g of protein per serving, they’re a popular pick for fitness enthusiasts since they have more flavour variety than many other brands in Australia.
Nutritional Information: 20.4g fat, 3.1g carbs, 11.3g protein (per 60g serving)
Price: $49.95 (box of 12)
Available Flavours: Black forest, coconut cream, hazelnut rocher, honey nougat
Where to Purchase in Australia: Supplement Mart
7. Crankt Protein + Energy Bars
Crankt Protein bars are readily available in Woolworths stores, and at a very affordable price. They include a combination of whey, casein and soy protein to deliver 20g of protein with both fast and sustained release. They also offer a ‘natural energy boost’ from guarana and ginseng, with no artificial sweeteners. Crankt Protein Bars are designed for athletes or anyone who wants to up their protein intake without loading up on carbs, gluten or sugar. Note that these do contain caffeine.
Nutritional Information: 7.7g fat, 3.9g carbs, 20g protein (per 60g)
Price: $3.75 ea
Available Flavours: Chocolate mud cake, raspberry and coconut, salted caramel
Where to Purchase in Australia: Woolworths
8. Musashi High Protein Bars
Musashi High Protein Bars are a range of pre or post-workout snacks designed to help compliment low carb, high protein diets. This chocolate coated bar has a flavoured centre and packs 45g of protein with less than 5g of carbs. With such a high protein content, they’re great for post-workout recovery or as a nutritious snack on the go. With its convenient packaging and great taste, the Musashi protein bar is a valid low-carb option for anyone looking to really up their protein intake - and the price is very affordable too.
Nutritional Information: 7g fat, 3g carbs, 45g protein (per 90g)
Price: $2.00 ea
Available Flavours: Milk chocolate brownie, dark chocolate and salted caramel, cookies and cream, peanut butter, rocky road
Where to Purchase in Australia: Chemist Warehouse
9. Slim Secrets Bare Gluten Free Protein Bars
Slim Secrets Bare Protein Bars are a low sugar, high protein option which make a great low-carb sweet treat These bars have less than 2g of sugar per serving, which makes it easy to work into your daily diet if you’re counting carbs.
They're also gluten free and high in fibre, which is great for those on GF diets. Plus, the combination of almonds, cocoa and drizzled chocolate make them a healthy snack to go with your afternoon tea or coffee.
Nutritional Information: 5.2g fat, 3.5g carbs, 12.7g protein (per 40g)
Price: $15 (pack of 12)
Available Flavours: Double choc
Where to Purchase in Australia: Catch
10. Aussie Bodies Lo Sugar Crunch Bars
The Aussie Bodies Lo Sugar Crunch Bar is made with quality ingredients and is low in sugar, making it a guilt-free treat. It's also packed with protein, which makes it ideal for a pre-workout snack or midday energy boost.
Plus, it comes in a handy single-serve size, so you can take it with you on the go. They also come in unique flavours like blueberry almond and honey almond, which is great if you’re getting bored of common flavours like chocolate or caramel.
Nutritional Information: 5.4g fat, 4.6g carbs, 8g protein (per 33g)
Price: $3.00 ea
Available Flavours: Blueberry almond, honey almond, rocky road
Where to Purchase in Australia: Woolworths
11. Proganics Low Sugar Plant Protein Bars
These bars are certified organic and made with sprouted and fermented plant protein, making them completely dairy-free and vegan. Each bar contains 12g of protein and less than 3g of carbs and sugars, as well as prebiotics and a heat stable probiotic strain to promote good gut health.
They're also sweetened with organic monk fruit, a natural sugar-free sweetener. And to top it all off, they're packaged in home compostable wrappers that break back down into the soil within 12 weeks.
Nutritional Information: 6.33g fat, 2.67g carbs, 11.25g protein (per 45g)
Price: $49.99 (box of 10)
Available Flavours: Cinnamon doughnut, choc fudge brownie, choc caramel peanut
Where to Purchase in Australia: Proganics
12. MuscleNation Custard Protein Bars
MuscleNation Custard Protein Bars have a bit of a dessert theme, as they’re filled with a custard layer, sprinkled with crunchy nibbles, and coated in a thick layer of chocolate. With over 18g of protein and less than 4g of carbs, they are ideal for gym-goers and the carb count is low enough to work on keto. All MuscleNation protein bars sold also give back with their Do Good Movement. A portion of proceeds go towards mental health charities.
Nutritional Information: 6.9g fat, 3.7g carbs, 18.5g protein (per 60g)
Price: $4.00 ea
Available Flavours: Choc mint, choc brownie, caramel toffee, choc vanilla, white choc raspberry
Where to Purchase in Australia: Chemist Warehouse
13. Bounce Foods Low Carb Bars & Keto Low Carb Bars
Bounce Keto Low Carb Bars are made in Australia from 100% natural ingredients. These bars contain a keto-friendly macro profile designed to help maintain ketosis, making them a great choice for those on a ketogenic or low carb diet. What's more, the Bounce Keto Low Carb Bars are low in calories and carbs, and high in healthy fats, so you can try them confidently if you spot these in Woolworths.
Nutritional Information: 12.6g fat, 2.3g carbs, 5.1g protein (per 35g)
Price: $7.00 (pack of 5)
Available Flavours: Choc berry, choc hazelnut, salted caramel
Where to Purchase in Australia: Woolworths
14. Locako Keto Collagen Snack Bars
If you're looking for a nutritious snack that will help you stay on track with your keto diet, the Locako Keto Collagen Snack Bars are a good choice. Made with high-quality ingredients like grass-fed collagen peptides, coconut oil, and almond butter, these bars can help stave off hunger in between meals. They're also high in healthy fats with plenty of protein per serving. You’ll be able to find the Locako Keto Snack Bars available in Woolworths stores across Australia.
Nutritional Information: 26.7g fat, 8g carbs, 23.1g protein (per 40g)
Price: $3.20 ea
Available Flavours: Chocolate caramel, chocolate hazelnut
Where to Purchase in Australia: Woolworths
15. Locako Keto Brownie Bites
Locako Keto Brownie Bites are packed with ingredients that can improve your skin like hyaluronic acid, bamboo silica, schisandra, and vitamin C, as well as antioxidants. They're also full of healthy fats and pre/probiotics, making them a good choice for those on a keto or low-carb diet. These brownie bites are also gluten free, so those with gluten sensitivities can still try them.
Nutritional Information: 8g fat, 2g cabs, 3g protein (per 30g)
Price: $2.80 ea
Available Flavours: Berry white choc
Where to Purchase in Australia: Woolworths
16. Perfect Keto Bars
Perfect Keto Bars are a great snack for people following a ketogenic diet - just as you’d expect from the brand name! While not easy to find in Australia, there’s a reason Aussies on keto are willing to track these down. Perfect Keto bars are made with healthy, high-quality fats that help curb hunger and boost energy levels. They are also free of hidden carbs, and they come with a lot more flavour variety compared to most protein bars. With a whole 18g of healthy fats and 13g of protein, they’re especially good for active people eating low carb.
Nutritional Information: 18g fat, 3g carbs, 13g protein (per 45g)
Price:
Available Flavours: Cinnamon Roll, Birthday Cake, Almond Butter Brownie, Salted Caramel, Lemon Poppyseed, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, and Pumpkin Spice
Where to Purchase in Australia: Amazon
17. Chief Collagen Bars
Chief Nutrition's Chief Collagen Bars are made with clean, natural ingredients and plenty of protein from collagen. These bars are a great option for a pre or post-workout snack or something filling to keep you full until your next meal. With no sugar alcohols or artificial thickeners and fillers and over 15g of protein, they're also paleo-friendly. With 6.0g of carbs per bar, they aren’t the lowest-carb option, but still very workable into your daily macros.
Nutritional Information: 13.7g fat, 6.0g carbs, 15.7g protein (per 45g)
Price: $5.00 ea
Available Flavours: Cashew shortbread, hazelnut brownie
Where to Purchase in Australia: Woolworths
18. Dang Keto Bars
Dang Keto Bars are made with plant-based ingredients and are gluten-free, Non GMO Project Verified, and Kosher. Plus, they're keto-certified, so you can be sure you're getting a low-carb, high-protein snack that will suit most lower-carb diets. However, the net carbs are still on the higher side for this list, even if they fall within a keto macro ratio - so make sure you don’t exceed your carb count for the day.
Nutritional Information: 15g fat, 5g carbs, 9g protein (per 40g)
Price: $56.72 (pack of 12)
Available Flavours: Crazy rich chocolate with sea salt, peanut butter
Where to Purchase in Australia: iHerb
19. INC Low Carb Protein Bars
INC Low Carb Protein Bars are packed with 20 grams of protein, making it an ideal snack for anyone watching their carb intake. While they are low-carb on a grand scale, they’re one of the higher-carb options on the list, but if they work with your daily macros, you’re welcome to tuck into one of these bars. They’re also loaded with healthy fats and fibre to keep you feeling full and satisfied, are gluten-free and contain no artificial sweeteners.
Nutritional Information: 6.7g fat, 6.1g carbs, 20.5g protein (per 60g)
Price: $2.44 ea
Available Flavours: Mint choc chip, choc caramel, cookies and cream
Where to Purchase in Australia: Chemist Warehouse
20. Isowhey Keto Brownie Bites
Isowhey Keto Brownie Bites are a small, high protein snack for people on the go. Made with no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners, they're a good source of protein and fibre, low in carbohydrates and gluten-free. So whether you're following a ketogenic diet or simply restricting carbs, these brownie bites are a good snack or dessert choice.
Nutritional Information: 5.5g fat, 4.8g carbs, 10g protein (per 33g)
Price: $2.99 ea
Available Flavours: Chocolate, berry
Where to Purchase in Australia: Chemist Warehouse
21. Googys Good Fat Collagen Bar
Googys Good Fat Collagen Bar is packed with protein, good fats, and fibre: three things that will keep you feeling satisfied on a low carb or keto diet. That makes this low-carbohydrate and gluten-free bar a good choice for those on the go, working out or just trying to stick to healthy eating.
Googys products are Australian-made and soy-free, and the Good Fat Collagen Bar is also FODMAP friendly, making it a great option for those with stomach sensitivities. With 12 grams of protein and only 2 grams of carbs, along with 13 grams of healthy fats from almonds and MCT oil, Googys Good Fat Collagen Bars are an excellent all-rounder protein bar.
Nutritional Information: 13g fat, 2g carbs, 12g protein (per 45g)
Price: $30.89 (pack of 12)
Available Flavours: salted caramel, macadamia and lemon, chocolate, mixed berry
Where to Purchase in Australia: Artisanal Australia
22. Grenade Carb Killa High Protein Bars
Grenade Carb Killa high protein bars are advertised as a low-carb product, but be warned, this is one to avoid if you’re aiming for around 20g of carbohydrates per day (typical for a keto diet). One Grenade Carb Killa bar actually contains 18g of carbohydrates - while these may be ‘low impact’ carbs, they’re still carbohydrates. However, everyone’s macros will be different, so if it suits your daily meal plan, Grenade Carb Killa protein bars will give you a 20g protein boost at an affordable $2.99 each.
Nutritional Information: 10g fat, 18g carbs, 20g protein (per 60g)
Price: $2.99 ea
Available Flavours: White choc, caramel chaos, peanut butter nutter, fudge brownie, fudged up, cookies & cream, apple rumble, cookie dough
Where to Purchase in Australia: Chemist Warehouse, Woolworths, Grenade Website
Can You Make Your Own Low Carb Protein Bars?
Yes, making your own low carb-friendly protein bars is easy once you have the right ingredients and know what to look out for on nutrition labels.
If you don't want to buy overpriced protein bars from the store, you can make your own low-carb or keto-friendly protein bars right at home.
With just a few simple steps you can create delicious snacks that will help fuel your journey towards optimal health while staying within the guidelines of a low carb or ketogenic diet - without spending lots of money buying expensive pre-made bars from stores!
Here are my best tips for making low carb protein bars at home:
● Choose Your Ingredients Wisely - When making your own protein bars, it’s important to choose high-quality ingredients that fit within the parameters of a low carb or diet. This means looking for ingredients that are low in carbs and sugar and high in fibre. On keto, try to include healthy fats. Nuts, seeds, nut butters, coconut oil, cocoa powder, nut flours, and collagen peptides are all great ingredients for low carb protein bars.
● Add Sweeteners Sparingly - If you want to add a little sweetness to your protein bar recipe without loading up on sugar, try using low carb sweeteners like xylitol or monk fruit extract instead of white sugar or honey. Just remember that a little goes a long way—you don’t need much of these sweeteners because they are significantly more concentrated than traditional sugar sources. Alternatively, you can use a sugar free honey substitute.
So why not give it a try? Who knows — you might even discover some new favourite recipes along the way!
Related Questions
Are Protein Bars Keto Friendly?
A ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet, and there are many protein bars in Australia which fit the correct macro ratio. Keto-friendly protein bars must be low in carbs, so look for protein sources like whey, casein, whole-egg protein and collagen.
Egg-white powder is a popular low-carb protein option, but whole-egg protein is higher in fats, which better suits a keto diet.
The ketogenic diet is designed to put your body into a state of ketosis. This means that your body is no longer burning carbs for energy but instead is burning fat. To get into this state, you need to restrict your carb intake, so keto-friendly protein bars must be low in carbs.
Can You Eat Protein on Keto?
Yes, you can eat protein on a keto diet – in fact, it’s an important part of a ketogenic diet. Protein helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied after eating, and also provides essential nutrients and energy for your body.
All types of proteins can be included as part of a healthy keto meal plan – including lean meats, eggs, fish, dairy products and plant-based proteins. Just be sure to keep an eye on your protein intake and make sure you’re not consuming too much in one sitting. Most of your energy should still be coming from fats on a ketogenic diet.
Are Low Carb Protein Bars Good for Weight Loss?
Yes, low carb protein bars can be good for weight loss when consumed as part of a healthy diet plan. However, just eating products marketed as low carb or keto isn’t enough to achieve this goal if you’re not watching your macros or limiting carbs.
Keto isn’t the weight loss solution for everyone, either. It’s always best to consult a nutrition professional (and your GP) before starting any weight loss program. This ensures you’re accommodating any individual health needs, and ensures your weight loss diet is tailored for you.
As long as you pay attention to the ingredients and nutritional information for your chosen protein bar, they can be a good complement to your broader nutrition and lifestyle changes.
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Disclaimer: This article is published in good faith and for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical or nutritional advice and does not take into consideration your individual health needs. Your Meals does not make any warranties about the ongoing completeness and reliability of this information.
Always check the product label regarding allergens and other health needs. Any action you take upon the information you find on this website is strictly at your own risk. For any medical advice regarding diet and nutrition, or before changing your diet drastically, always consult a doctor or nutritionist.