I am very picky about my protein bars because let's face it, there isn't a one-size-fits-all type of protein bar.
Recently I have been loving my Built Bars Puffs and 1st Phorm Level-1 bars, but I've been seeing a lot of advertisements for Legion protein bars. So, I decided to try them out to see what's up and how they stack up to the ones I actually like.
I tried a lot (and I mean a lot) of protein bars for macros over the years - I'm always looking for more ways to get extra protein into my diet.
If Legion protein bars are good, I can add them in to my macros. If not... oh well... at least I tried them.
Let's go over The Hot Takes!
The Hot Takes
Legion Coupon Code: HealthyMomma for 20% off!
Legion Protein Bars at a Glance
Legion Protein Bars are available in chocolate peanut butter and chocolate chip cookie dough (which was out of stock at the time of writing this review). Made from completely natural ingredients, Legion’s Natural High Protein Bars contain 20 full grams of protein in each serving, sourced from whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate. Each serving also provides eight grams of prebiotic fiber from tapioca and chicory root. There are 12 grams of fat and 24 grams of carbohydrates in each package.
Legion avoids using too much refined sugar in its products. Their protein bars are made using a bit of sugar in the chocolate chips, monk fruit extract, stevia and erythritol. There are only four grams of sugar in each serving, but some reviews report that they are a bit on the sweeter side. They also have a chewy consistency.
Thankfully, the transparency and reputability of Legion’s protein bars are substantial. They manufacture all of their products in GMP-certified facilities. Third-party testing is performed at an ISO 17025-accredited lab.
What Are the Pros?
- Based on 30 different peer-reviewed scientific studies.
- Made using all-natural ingredients.
- Third-party testing is used to confirm the safety and integrity of each batch. The lab results are posted directly on the brand’s website.
- Made using a triple matrix protein approach (whey protein concentrate, milk protein isolate and whey protein isolate).
- Legion offers a very straightforward money-back guarantee for all of their products, including these Legion Protein Bars.
What Are the Cons?
- Stevia and erythritol are used as sweeteners.
- The bars have a very chewy consistency.
- There are 24 grams of carbohydrates in each bar. If you’re opting for a low-carb lifestyle, this probably isn’t an optimal option for you.
- May contains traces of many of the major allergens.
- Expensive at almost $40 for 12 bars.
Room for Improvement
- If you subscribe to regular deliveries of this product, you only save 10%. A lot of companies are offering 20-25% savings with subscriptions.
- Improving the consistency and flavor of the product could make it more enjoyable.
Legion Protein Bars Vs. the Competition
Legion is confident in their protein bar recipe, and they provide information on their website that compares their product to the competition. We did our own comparison.
Protein Bar | Legion | Level-1 | Built Puffs | G2G Bars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Protein: | 20g | 20g | 17g | 18g |
Carbs: | 24g | 19g | 14g | 25g |
Fats: | 12g | 13g | 2.5 | 14g |
Calories: | 250 | 260 | 140 | 300 |
Price Per Bar: | $3 | $2.86 | $2.49 | $2.74 |
Buy: | at website (use code FHM10 for 10% off) |
This is a slightly more affordable option from 1st Phorm. Their protein bars come in a pack of 15 bars priced at around $42. However, their subscription service is more disappointing than Legion’s offer. 1st Phorm only provides a discount of 6.98% for a subscription.
However, 1st Phorm’s Protein Bars come in a few more flavors, including birthday cake, chocolate crunch, salted caramel and peanut butter lover. Their protein is sourced from whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate. There are a lot more ingredients added to 1st Phorm’s Protein Bars that we would prefer to avoid, such as sucralose, non-organic natural flavors and corn syrup.
You can’t beat the flavors that Built Bars come in. My favorites are the Churro Puff, Mint Brownie Puff and Brownie Batter Puff. Each bar contains 17 grams of protein and only 140 calories. An added bonus is that they’re gluten-free. Twelve bars only cost $29.99, and you can save an additional 10% with a subscription. Built sources their protein for their bars by using whey protein isolate and collagen peptides.
The G2G Protein Bar has been around since 2010. It comes in a variety of flavors, such as Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter and Jelly, Almond Mocha, Almond Oatmeal Cookie and Almond Chocolate Chip. It’s not an incredibly affordable option, priced at $21.99 for eight bars. However, G2G uses a pretty clean formula. Containing 18 grams of protein sourced from whey protein isolate and the nuts that are included, the G2G bar includes 25 grams of carbohydrates and 14 grams of fat. Unfortunately, there are 15 grams of sugar in each bar.
The Texture of a Protein Bar is Always Something to Consider
The nutritional profile of a protein bar is extremely important, but you should also be able to enjoy the product that you’re eating. Texture and consistency are things that vary from protein bar to protein bar. Legion Protein Bars are definitely on the chewy side compared to other products. Unfortunately, Legion doesn’t show you a photo of the actual bar inside the packaging, but you can sneak a peek by looking elsewhere on the internet. They do trick you a bit by putting a picture of a peanut butter cup or a scoop of cookie dough on the outside of their packaging. It’s a traditional protein bar on the inside, though.
How Do They Taste?
There are reviews that express that the taste of Legion Protein Bars is excellent. While they do taste really good, some people also think that they are a bit too sweet. If you aren’t a fan of stevia or other alternative sweeteners, you might notice a bit of an aftertaste when eating this product.
Legion Protein Bar Formula
Let’s take a look at a breakdown of the Legion Protein Bar formula so you understand more of what’s included and why.
Whey Isolate
Whey isolate is one of the three high-quality forms of protein used in Legion Protein Bars. Whey isolate makes up 19% of the formula. It’s typically used in products of this sort because it is low in fat, cholesterol, carbohydrates and calories.
Whey Concentrate
Whey concentrate accounts for 48% of the protein blend in Legion Protein Bars. It’s beneficial for keeping you full for longer periods of time by stabilizing your blood sugar. Whey protein concentrate includes a high dose of the amino acid leucine. Leucine can stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which helps you build up lean muscle mass.
Milk Protein Isolate
Lastly, milk protein isolate makes up 34% of the protein composition in Legion Protein Bars. It can promote weight loss, muscle development and can improve bone strength.
Natural Sweeteners: Erythritol and Stevia
As we mentioned earlier, Legion doesn’t use a lot of refined sugar in its products. There is a little bit of sugar in the chocolate chips, but the main sweeteners are erythritol and stevia. Some people don’t mind these inclusions, while others try to stay away from them. While they are healthier options that won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar, stevia can cause some GI upset, headaches and even hormone disruption in those that are sensitive to it. Erythritol is a sugar alcohol that can cause digestive problems.
Calories: | 250 |
Protein: | 20g |
Carbs: | 24g |
Fats: | 12g |
Unbiased Reviews
Legion Natural-High Protein Bars have a 4.6-star rating out of five stars on their website. Both flavors have a 4/5 star review on Amazon. Reviews boast the nutritional profile of these bars. People love that they’re a sweet treat that gives you access to a substantial amount of protein and carbohydrates. There are other people who absolutely hate the taste and texture of these bars. Some people found them so hard to chew that they didn’t try another one.
I pulled an unbiased review over at amazon, which kind of sums it all up because these bars can be good for some people, but not everyone.
Who Should Try Legion Protein Bars?
If you’ve tried other brands of protein bars and know what to expect, then you might be a fan of Legion Protein Bars. They are definitely a variety that is more of a chewy, dense protein bar. There are some softer options out there if that’s what you’re craving. However, 20 grams of protein in each bar is substantial, with eight grams of fiber in each bar. If you’re looking for a low-calorie option, these bars have about 240 calories in each one. Other brands, like Quest and Pure Protein, have lower-calorie options.
You can use Legion Protein Bars to help you stay on track with your weight loss and fitness goals. You can’t deny that they do provide adequate protein if you are in need of extra but can’t work it into the meals that you’re making for yourself. Some people don’t like protein shakes, and bars provide a much more convenient on-the-go option.
Legion Coupon Code: HealthyMomma for 20% off!
Who Shouldn’t?
Avoid using Legion Protein Bars if you’re sensitive to the effects of stevia and erythritol. There is an allergen warning on the packaging, so avoid this product if you are allergic to tree nuts or milk. Both ingredients are included in the final product. There is also a cross-contamination warning to take into consideration for eggs, soy, wheat and sesame.
Also, be aware that adding additional fiber to your diet may result in a slight adjustment period when you first start consuming Legion Protein Bars. Eight grams of fiber is a somewhat substantial amount of fiber to add to your diet. You might notice a slight increase in gas, bloating, etc.