Three lines, one brand, and every wrapper tells you it tastes great. That doesn't help much when you simply want to know which Barebells protein bar to order. So here's the short answer – followed by the reasoning.
Choose Original if you want a firm bar with maximum protein: 20 grams per bar according to the brand's specifications. Choose Soft if you prefer a softer texture; it contains 16 grams of protein. Choose Vegan if you eat plant-based, with 15 grams of protein per bar. Taste-wise, there's no wrong choice.
What is the difference between Barebells Original, Soft and Vegan?
The difference lies in texture, protein content and composition. Original is the firm classic with chocolate coating and 20 grams of protein. Soft is softer and almost cake-like, with 16 grams of protein. Vegan is fully plant-based, slightly more compact in bite, with 15 grams of protein. All three are, according to the brand's specifications, without added sugars.
| Original | Soft | Vegan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein per bar | 20 g | 16 g | 15 g |
| Texture | Firm, chewy, with coating | Soft, almost cake-like | Compact, plant-based bite |
| Protein source | Milk protein | Milk protein | Plant-based |
| For whom | Maximum protein, classic bar | Prefer a softer chew | Plant-based diet or lactose-conscious |
The values are taken from Barebells brand specifications and may vary slightly per flavour; the label is always leading. Find the current range per line on our Barebells brand page.
Who is the Original line for?
For anyone who buys a protein bar to do what a protein bar is supposed to do: a lot of protein in a snack you genuinely enjoy. With 20 grams of protein per bar, Original is the most protein-rich of the three lines, and the texture comes closest to a candy bar. This is also the line that made Barebells famous.
Original is at its best after a workout or as a replacement for the vending machine snack at four in the afternoon. Firm bite, clear flavours, no surprises. If in doubt, start here. Which flavour to pick? We tasted the entire line for you: all Barebells flavours tasted and ranked.
Who is the Soft line for?
For people who find protein bars too chewy. There are more of them than you'd think: the firm, chewy texture of a classic protein bar isn't for everyone. Soft solves that with a soft, almost brownie-like structure that's easy to eat – even alongside a cup of coffee.
You do give up a little protein: 16 grams instead of 20. For most people that makes little difference, especially if the rest of your day contains enough protein. A bar you enjoy eating and therefore keep eating does more for you than a higher-protein bar gathering dust in the cupboard. Consistency wins over numbers here.
Who are the Vegan bars for?
For everyone who eats plant-based – and honestly also for those who are simply curious. The vegan line contains 15 grams of plant-based protein per bar and remains unmistakably Barebells in flavour: not a worthy but dull health bar, but a full-on snack with the same sweet-salty and nutty flavour profiles as the original.
The texture is slightly more compact than Original, and the taste difference is smaller than you'd expect. The peanut variants in particular come very close to their dairy counterparts. Eating plant-based with this line doesn't mean compromising on the reason you buy a Barebells in the first place: the taste.
How much protein do you need from a bar?
A bar is a supplement, not a foundation. Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass, and for athletes it's smart to spread protein intake throughout the day. A bar with 15 to 20 grams of protein fills a gap at moments when a meal or shake is inconvenient.
The foundation remains a varied diet: dairy, meat, fish, legumes, eggs. The bar is for on the go, after training or at the office. Want to know how bars compare to powders, cookies and other protein products? We explain it in our overview of the different types of protein products.
When do you eat a Barebells protein bar?
At the moment when you'd otherwise reach for something less ideal. After a workout, when lunch is still far away. At four in the afternoon, when the snack drawer at work starts calling. On the road, when the alternative is a petrol station hot dog. A protein bar isn't a ritual – it's a better version of the snack you were going to have anyway.
You don't need to draw up a schedule for it. There's no magic window in which a bar suddenly works better; it's about your total protein intake across the day. Place a few bars where hunger strikes: gym bag, desk drawer, glove compartment. That sounds unheroic – and that's exactly the point. The best nutritional choices are the boring ones you keep making without thinking. No willpower required, just a stocked drawer.
How do you buy without making a mistake?
Try first, then stock up. With Pick & Mix you order individual bars per piece, so you can try a flavour from each line before committing to a box. That way, after one order, you'll know whether you're an Original, Soft or Vegan type.
Our route for the undecided: grab a Cookies & Cream or Salty Peanut from the Original line, a Soft Caramel Choco and a Vegan Salty Peanut. Three bars, three lines – and after the weekend you'll know for sure. If you then order multiple pieces of your favourite, the discount automatically increases through volume pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Which Barebells has the most protein?
The Original line, with 20 grams of protein per bar according to brand specifications. Soft bars contain 16 grams and vegan bars 15 grams. Exact nutritional values may vary slightly per flavour; check the label for that.
Are Barebells Soft bars worse than the Original?
No, they're different. You get slightly less protein (16 versus 20 grams), but a softer texture that many people find more enjoyable to eat. The best bar is the one you actually keep eating, not the one with the highest number on the wrapper.
Do the vegan Barebells taste different?
The difference is smaller than you'd expect. The vegan bars are slightly more compact in texture, but the flavour profiles remain recognisable. The sweet-salty peanut variants in particular come close to the dairy version. For plant-based eaters, it's one of the most accessible protein bars available.
Are Barebells bars without added sugars?
Yes, according to Barebells brand specifications, the bars are without added sugars. That doesn't make them calorie-free; they're still a snack with a full-on flavour. Check the label of your chosen flavour for complete nutritional values and ingredients.
Can I mix and match the lines?
Yes. With Pick & Mix you put together individual bars per piece, so you can combine Original, Soft and Vegan in one order. Handy for trying which line suits you before stocking up in larger quantities.