5 easy recipes for whey protein bars

The high-protein cereal bar is extremely popular among people who are physically active, for its satiating and nutritional properties. 

Whether low in sugar or highly energizing, it satisfies every craving thanks to a wide range of possible ingredients.

What if you made them yourself? Making your cereal bars with whey to increase their protein content is a delicious, simple and economical option.

I invite you to discover five whey-based recipes for homemade cereal bars, to enjoy as a balanced snack or a snack around training. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for several months. 

📚 Read also | A dietitian tested 12 whey proteins — here’s his ranking

1. Almond-chocolate whey protein bar, vanilla-flavored

This chocolate recipe is ideal for a balanced, protein-rich snack before training. 

Ingredients for 6 high-protein bars: 

• 130 g almond purée
• 55 g oat flour
• 2 scoops of vanilla-flavored whey
• 3 tablespoons skim milk
• 100 g 70% dark chocolate

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, flour, whey and milk.
2. Spread and flatten the dough in a square or rectangular pan (about 1 cm thick). Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Then cut the dough into 6. 
4. Melt the chocolate. Then dip one side of each bar, allow to drain, and refrigerate until serving.

Nutritional values for 1 bar:

• Fat: 7 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Carbohydrates: 10.5 g

Calories: 152 kcal 

2. No-bake peanut butter and whey protein bar

This crunchy whey bar recipe can be enjoyed during recovery, after an intense workout.

Ingredients for 10 bars:

• 100 g rolled oats
• 60 g granola (low sugar)
• 4 tablespoons 100% peanut butter
• 4 scoops of chocolate or vanilla whey protein
• 120 ml water

1. Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix  until you obtain a homogeneous dough.
2. Pour the mixture into a rectangular pan or a square dish lined with parchment paper.
3. Place in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm up.
4. Then remove it from the mold and cut into 12 bars.

Nutritional values for 1 bar: 

• Fat: 6 g
• Protein: 13 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g 

Number of calories: 146 kcal 

3. High-protein fruit bar

If you enjoy fruity flavors, this strawberry-flavored whey cereal bar will delight you at any time of day.

Ingredients for 15 bars:

• 2 ripe bananas 
• 150 g rolled oats
• 50 g raisins 
• 60 g chopped nuts 
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 scoops strawberry-flavored whey
• 3 tablespoons organic honey 
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds 

1. In a large bowl, mix the chopped hazelnuts, raisins, oats, and whey.
2. Add the mashed ripe bananas, stirring well until all the ingredients are combined with the bananas.
3. Add the peanut butter and honey.
4. Pour everything into a large rectangular pan greased with coconut oil, spreading it evenly.
5. Place in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes.
6. Let cool before cutting the bars using a knife..

Nutritional values for 1 bar: 

• Fat: 7 g
• Protein: 6.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 14.5 g 

Number of calories: 147 kcal 

4. Vegan whey protein bar

This bar made with vegan protein can be enjoyed in the morning or afternoon to boost your energy.

Ingredients for 8 bars: 

• 110 g ground oats 
• 2 scoops vegan vanilla whey
• 1 pinch of salt
• 30 g flaxseeds 
• 30 g puffed rice
• 85 g coconut flakes 
• 125 g almond butter
• 60 ml maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Mix all the dry ingredients together.
2. Then add the almond butter, maple syrup, and vanilla and mix until everything comes together. You can add one tablespoon of water if the mixture is too dry for your taste.
3. Pour into a 20 cm square pan, pressing down well by hand or with a wooden spoon. 
4. Let rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour before cutting into 8 bars. 
5. You can also turn this recipe into energy balls by forming 16 small balls to chill as well, instead of filling a pan.

Nutritional values for 1 bar: 

• Fat: 15 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 18.5 g 

Number of calories: 265 kcal 

5. Low-sugar protein bar

This cereal bar combines delicious flavors, a high-protein, slimming snack suitable for everyone, athletes or not.

Ingredients for 10 bars:

• 50 g of unsalted roasted peanuts
• 80 g of almond butter
• 100 ml of coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon of honey 
• 2 egg whites
• 1 scoop of vanilla whey powder

1. In a bowl, mix the whey powder with the coconut milk until you obtain a smooth paste. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, mix the peanuts with the almond butter and the honey until the mixture is well combined.
3. Add the egg whites to the peanut-almond mixture, then mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Gently combine the two mixtures.
5. Spread the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, forming an even layer about 1 to 2 cm thick.
6. Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the dough is firm.
7. Once the dough has set, remove it from the refrigerator and cut it into rectangular bars using a sharp knife. Your bars are ready.

Nutritional values for 1 bar: 

• Fat: 8 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.5 g 

Number of calories: 110 kcal