Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, especially for the 1.2 million Australians living with diabetes. Low-sugar protein bars are an excellent snack choice, offering at least 15g of protein, 5-7g of fibre, and ≤5g of sugar to support stable glucose levels.

Top picks at a glance:

• Team Nutrition Choc Crunch: 15.9g protein, 2.2g sugar, 7.4g fibre.
• KEY Nutrition Chocolate Bars: 20g protein, <2g sugar, 9g fibre.
• BSc Performance Bars: 20g protein, 2.2g sugar, 14g fibre.
• HealthLab Choc Protein Slices: 11.3g protein, 1.9g sugar, 6.7g fibre.
• Chief Wholefood Bars: 10g protein, <3g sugar, plant-based.‍
• BodyHealth PerfectAmino Bars: 10g protein, 0g sugar, vegan.

Quick comparison table:

While a quality protein bar can be a helpful snack, long-term metabolic health requires a deeper understanding of how your body responds to food. Vively’s CGM program provides data-driven, actionable insights tailored to your unique glucose patterns—empowering you to make smarter choices and stay on track with your health goals.

1. Team Nutrition Choc Crunch

Team Nutrition Choc Crunch, made in Ballarat, packs 15.9g of protein and just 2.2g of sugar into a 55g bar. Designed with a balanced nutritional profile, it helps with blood sugar management.

This bar features a triple-layer design: biscuit-vanilla caramel, smooth chocolate protein, and crunchy pieces. Unlike many protein bars that suffer from a chalky texture, this one delivers a pleasant mouthfeel while keeping sugar levels low.

The protein blend – whey isolate, casein, and collagen - offers steady energy, and its 7.4g of fibre supports blood sugar control. Priced at $3.90 and available across Woolworths stores, it contains milk and soy allergens. The sweetness comes from sugar alcohols, which may cause laxative effects if consumed in excess.

With its subtle caramel aroma and a mix of soft and crunchy textures, this bar proves you can cut back on sugar without losing flavour or enjoyment.

2. KEY Nutrition Chocolate Protein Bars

KEY Nutrition Chocolate Protein Bars pack a punch with 20g of protein per serving, making them the most protein-rich option on our list so far. Available in Chocolate Chip and Salted Caramel flavors, these bars combine great taste with impressive nutrition

With 9g of fibre per bar, these snacks are designed to help keep blood sugar levels steady. This fibre content not only surpasses the initial benchmark but is especially helpful for CGM users aiming to manage post-snack glucose levels.

These bars are gluten-free and free from artificial additives. They are priced at $49.95 for a 12-pack, which breaks down to about $4.16 per bar.

The combination of balanced macros and clean ingredients makes these bars a smart option for those focused on metabolic health. They align perfectly with the article's emphasis on managing health through thoughtful macronutrient choices.

3. BSc Performance Bars

BSc Performance Bars, inspired by KEY Nutrition's high-fibre philosophy, pack 20g of protein and only 2.2g of sugar into a 60g bar. Flavours like Cookies & Cream and Peanut Butter Chocolate make them a tasty choice.

Each bar contains 14g of fibre (50% of the recommended daily intake) and whey protein isolate, along with chromium picolinate, which helps support insulin sensitivity. This combination slows glucose absorption. Plus, stevia replaces maltitol, reducing the risk of digestive discomfort. With a glycaemic index below 35, these bars are a smart option for those keeping an eye on blood sugar levels.

Their 4:1 protein-to-sugar ratio and the inclusion of chromium picolinate make them a go-to recommendation from dieticians for supporting metabolic health. Perfect for regular use as part of a balanced diet!

4. HealthLab Choc Protein Slices

HealthLab offers a convenient twist with their pre-portioned protein slices, combining balanced nutrition with a satisfying taste. Each 50g slice packs 11.3g of protein sourced from whey isolate and milk protein concentrate while keeping sugar content low at just 1.9g.

These slices are coated in no-added-sugar chocolate. With 16.7g of fibre, they’re gluten-free and contain no artificial colours or flavours.

Similar to Sporty's Health bars, these slices use natural sweeteners but stand out with macros designed to support stable blood sugar levels. At 200 calories per slice and an 8:1 protein-to-sugar ratio, they help avoid energy crashes, making them a great option for CGM users, pre-workout snacks, or an afternoon pick-me-up.

The slice format also helps with portion control, ensuring steady energy throughout the day.

5. Chief Wholefood Bars

Chief Wholefood Bars cater to those looking for plant-based snacks. These 40g vegan bars are cold-pressed to preserve heat-sensitive nutrients and pack 10g of protein with less than 3g of sugar per serving.

The bars use a mix of pea protein and brown rice protein, creating a complete amino acid profile that supports steady glucose levels. Instead of relying on artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, they use dates as a natural, low-GI sweetener, making them ideal for those monitoring glucose responses.

Although their protein content is lower compared to some competitors, the 3:1 protein-to-sugar ratio fits well with glucose management goals. With a dairy-free, gluten-free recipe and minimal processing, these bars are a smart option for those focusing on blood sugar control.

6. BodyHealth PerfectAmino Bars

BodyHealth PerfectAmino Bars, created using Dr. David Minkoff's formula, offer a plant-based protein option with 10g of protein and 0g of sugar in each 110-calorie bar. These bars contain all nine essential amino acids, including BCAAs, which have been linked to supporting glucose metabolism.

When choosing a snack, consider how these bars align with your glucose response patterns. Look for those that balance protein and sugar while incorporating ingredients like cinnamon or chromium picolinate. This approach ensures they complement CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) data and support better blood sugar management.

Summary and recommendations

Here’s a breakdown of key takeaways from our analysis of Australia's top low-sugar protein bars, along with actionable recommendations:

For those using CGM devices, focus on bars that meet these criteria:

• Protein: At least 15g from mixed sources.
• Sugar: No more than 3g, with sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
• Fibre: A minimum of 5g per bar.

Use tracking tools like Vively to monitor your body's response and find the best fit from our top 6 picks.

‍Curious about how protein affects your blood sugar response? Learn more about the impact of protein on glucose levels in this article.

What to look for in CGM-friendly bars

When choosing a protein bar that aligns with CGM use, keep these points in mind:

• Sweeteners: Opt for stevia or erythritol instead of maltitol.
• Protein Sources: Go for blended, slow-digesting formulations.
• Tracking: Validate how your body responds using CGM data.

For the best outcomes, rotate between the top-rated bars on our list and consistently monitor your results using CGM tools. This approach supports better blood sugar management and metabolic balance.