Clean Eating Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Protein Bars Recipe (2024)

These Chocolate Chip Protein Bars are a fantastic snack you make in batches at home!

I don’t know about you, but paying $4 for a single protein bar puts a bit of a strain on my wallet. Especially when I like eating them on a regular basis. That’s why I love making my own bars. Specifically, this clean eating chocolate chip protein bar recipe. It uses simple ingredients that are easy to find, and I love the flavor.

I came across an article on eHow.com, on how to make your own protein bars. It just gave a general outline, so I printed it out and got to work. I tried several different methods and many different ingredients.

The main thing I found is that the oats you use make all the difference. And it really comes down to personal preference.

If you like a harder, chewier bar, use old-fashioned oats (not the quick-cook kind). But if you use these, be prepared to let the bars sit for a few days in an airtight container before you eat them. Otherwise, it’s very similar to chewing hay (not that I chew a lot of hay, mind you; it’s just the image that came to mind when I tried these bars with the rougher oats).

If you like a softer bar (which I do), then use quick-cook oats (the 3-minute kind).

Other than that, the recipe is pretty basic and very easy.

How Many Protein Bars A Day?

The number of protein bars you can eat a day will depend on your macros and calorie limits. Keep in mind that protein bars were never meant to be a sweet and tasty snack, but that’s how most of us use them these days. However, that’s a great way to get more calories than intended because protein bars are really meant to be a quick meal replacement bar. Not a dessert after you’ve had a full meal.

When Should You Eat A Protein Bar?

The best time to eat a protein bar is when you don’t have time to squeeze in a full meal. This is often in the afternoon when we are in the midst of our work days and just cannot get away for lunch.

How Much Is Too Much Protein?

This will depend on how active you are. Very active people need more protein than those who are more sedentary.

According to the Mayo Clinic:

More than 2 grams per kilogram of body weight each day is excessive.

Mayo Clinic

If this is a concern for you, your best bet is to talk to a registered dietician. While there are plenty of macro calculators online, a dietician will be able to give you the most accurate advice tailored to your own individual needs.

Are Protein Chocolate Bars Good For You?

Store-bought protein bars are rarely healthy. I’m not saying they don’t exist, just that a truly healthy one is hard to find. My best advice to to read the ingredient list.

Can I Use A Different Protein Powder?

Yep! Use any protein powder you are comfortable with. Some folks who are plant-based or vegan will prefer something like pea protein or soy protein. Plant-based protein powder is fine. You can also use brown rice protein powder, but I find that it sometimes has a funny texture that I don’t like. So choose carefully.

About The Ingredients

Oats – Use plain, quick-cooking oats.

Peanut butter– All natural, no sugar added. You can also use almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer. Any nut butter or seed butter (if you are nut-free) will work. Sunflower seed butter is also a good choice.

Honey – Any type you want. You can use maple syrup, but the bars won’t be as sweet.

Apple sauce– Unsweetened.

Dark chocolate chips– Grain-sweetened is best.

Whey protein powder – More info here. Make sure it’s an unsweetened protein powder.

Ground cinnamon – Not cinnamon sugar. Just plain cinnamon.

Chia seeds

How To Make Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Roast the oats in the oven on a cookie sheet, without oil, for 10-15 minutes. Cool completely.

IMPORTANT: BE SURE your oats have cooled down completely from being roasted, or they will totally melt your chocolate chips.

Knead all ingredients in a large mixing bowl until well combined.

Spread out the batter on a cookie sheet or other baking dish (I used a quarter sheet). Press dough down evenly over the pan.

Bake at 350F. for 15-20 minutes or until the bars are a nice golden brown color.

Cut and allow to cool. Store in a zipper-top plastic bag or food storage container.

Storing Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

Store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Chocolate Chip Protein Bars

These freeze well. Wrap them well and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before eating.

Products Mentioned

• Whey Protein Powder (amazon affiliate link)

More Protein Bar Recipes

• Pumpkin Spice Protein Bars
• No-Bake Pumpkin Protein Bars

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Chocolate Chip Protein Bars Recipe Card