A few years ago I discovered the magic of strength training, and with it, the importance of eating protein in order to help repair my muscles and grow stronger. While I usually chase a sweat session with a protein shake, I love protein bars when I’m on the go, and I often find myself reaching for them for breakfast, a snack, or — brace yourself — even an alternative to dessert.
As I’ve learned from extensive taste testing and comparative shopping, not all protein bars are created equal. They all have their pros and cons. Some contain less sugar or more protein, and some just straight up taste better than others. The latter is what you’ll find here. While chocolate-flavored protein bars don’t always boast the most nutrients, sometimes they’re exactly what you need to satisfy a sweet tooth. For a bar that really hits the spot, try one of these personal favorites.