Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
A simple, no bake homemade 5 ingredient protein bar recipe made with pantry ingredients. Save money by making homemade protein bars with this easy recipe that your kids can make. These protein bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, and freezer-friendly.
5 Ingredient Protein Bars – Dairy-free, Gluten-free
Why make your own protein bars?
I’ve been a fan of protein bars for over 20 years, but the reality is, many of them are glorified candy bars. Lots of unprocessed, unrecognizable ingredients, high sugar content and other inclusions that you’d never find in your own kitchen make them a major turn off. Plus if you can use 5 ingredients to make protein bars, all which are likely in your kitchen, why wouldn’t you?! Oh, and did you know that you can save money by making your own protein bars? Here’s how:
Is it cheaper to make your own protein bars?
Making homemade protein bars is much more cost-effective than buying them at the store. Many of them sell for upwards of two dollars; many protein bars can be full of added fake or refined sugars or even have a very minimal amount of protein. Be wary if you do opt to buy a packaged one that it is high in protein and has no added sugars or processed ingredients.
Why I use Truvani Protein Powder
To be perfectly honest, I haven’t been a fan of protein powder in the past. It tasted chalky, had lots of questionable ingredients, and most of them included refined sugars or ingredients that I had food sensitivities to. But when Vani Hari (aka The Food Babe) came out with a protein powder, I knew it needed a second glance. I respect that everyone has their own opinions, but I’ve known Vani for years through my work at 100 Days of Real Food, and also on a personal level. I know her commitment to clean ingredients, and because of this, I felt that it deserved a solid look – and try. And I’ve got to say that I’m hooked. Here’s why –
- A clean plant-based protein powder
- 6 ingredients
- Vegan
- USDA Organic
- Non-GMO
- Has a money-back guarantee
Do I need to use Truvani?
Nope! Use whatever protein powder you like. But if you want a clean, vegan, minimal ingredient end product, my choice and suggestion is Truvani’s Protein Powder.
Storing and freezing 5 Ingredient Protein Bars
To store: If you made no bake butter protein bars, they will keep well in a covered container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Plant-based protein bars are freezer friendly and can be stored in the freezer. Keep them in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 6 months.
If you’re a fan of granola bars and energy bites, don’t miss these:
- Kid-friendly Pumpkin Energy Balls
- Easy Energy Balls
- 3 Ingredient Paleo Energy Bites
- Peanut Butter Protein Balls: An Easy Buckeye Recipe
- Cake Batter Protein Balls for New Moms
- Raw Seed Energy Bars
A few last notes about this no bake protein bar recipe:
- Chocolate chips are totally optional. Sometimes I use them, sometimes I don’t. You do you! I do like these keto chocolate chips and these allergy-friendly dairy free chocolate chips when I use them.
- I have used oat milk, coconut milk and hemp milk when making these protein bars, and all work great.
- Feel free to use whichever nut butter you prefer. I use Sun Butter since it’s nut-free, but these are delicious with cashew butter, peanut butter and almond butter as well.
A simple, no bake homemade protein bar recipe made with just 5 ingredients. Save money by making homemade protein bars with this easy recipe that your kids can make. These protein bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, and freezer-friendly.
- 1/2 cup Chocolate or Vanilla Protein Powder (I use Truvani)
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1 cup Nut Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1 tbsp Dairy-free milk
- Small handful dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
-
Line an 8 x 8 pan with wax paper.
-
Mix all ingredients aside from chocolate chips. Gently fold in chocolate chips. Press mixture into lined pan using another piece of wax paper to push down with. Add a few extra chocolate chips to top (if using) and press in.
-
Place in fridge for 30 minutes. Slice into bars, store in a closed container in the fridge, and enjoy as desired.
Let me know if you don’t love these bars. And the protein powder! Thanks for reading!