Mint Protein Bars
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Learn how to make mint protein bars– No baking required! Made with wholesome ingredients, each bar is packed with over 10 grams of protein.
Store-bought protein bars lost their charm for me years ago, so I started making my own at home. Since then, I’ve created dozens of flavors (usually at my partner’s request after he spots a new one at the shops), but this mint chocolate chip version has been the clear favorite.
As a lifelong chocolate mint fan (I even dedicated an entire cake to this flavor), I wanted to create a bar that actually tastes like dessert while packing over 10 grams of protein per serving. It took plenty of testing (and a few batches that actually tasted like toothpaste) to get it right. Still, the result is everything I love: rich chocolate, cool peppermint that isn’t overpowering, and that chewy oat texture.
The best part? They come together in minutes and cost a fraction of those $5 store-bought bars.
Table of Contents
What readers are saying
★★★★★ – “These are great! Made the original version and then, using the notes, swapped chocolate for vanilla protein powder and swapped almond butter for peanut butter- both versions were great. Definitely a “do over” recipe.” – Carol
★★★★★ – So delicious! Could not find Rice Crispies cereal at my local store, but had gluten-free Coco Pops at home …it worked a treat! Chocolate vegan protein powder works so well.” – Jane
Key Ingredients
This recipe calls for simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here are some notes on the main ingredients:
- Rolled oats. I also tested quick oats, but the bars weren’t as chewy. But, if that’s what you prefer or you want to roll the mixture into balls, use them.
- Crispy rice cereal. For the little bits of crunchy texture. Rice Krispies cereal is fine, but brown rice cereal works well, too.
- Protein powder. If you have chocolate protein powder, that is the ideal way to amp up the chocolate flavor. Any protein powder will work: I tested casein, brown rice, and even whey protein. I do prefer casein for the thicker texture, but use whatever you have on hand.
- Almond butter. Thickens the bars but also adds some richness. If you don’t want to use almonds, you can try cashew butter, peanut butter, or nut-free subs like tahini or sunflower seed butter.
- Maple syrup. For sweetness and to bind the ingredients. You can also use agave nectar or honey if not vegan.
- Peppermint extract. Please choose a GOOD quality peppermint extract, because it makes all the difference (I don’t want you to make toothpaste bars). A little goes a very long way, and the flavor intensifies the more it sits.
- Chocolate chips. I was going to say this was optional, but any true mint lover knows it is not!
How to make mint chocolate chip protein bars
Step 1- Mix dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well.
Step 2- Assemble. Combine almond butter and maple syrup and heat until the mixture melts. Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and add the peppermint extract. Stir until combined. If the batter is too crumbly, slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Step 3- Shape protein bars. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press firmly with your hands to evenly press the bars into the pan. Top with chocolate chips.
Step 4- Refrigerate and slice. Refrigerate the bars until firm, then slice using a wet knife into equal-sized bars.
Recipe variations
- Add a chocolate drizzle. This is what I usually do- for more chocolate flavor, melt some chocolate chips with a splash of milk and drizzle them over the bars before putting them in the fridge.
- Use peppermint chips instead of chocolate chips. To really elevate the peppermint flavor.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top. To enhance the rest of the ingredients and add a little savory-sweet element.
- Add nuts. For more protein and flavor, mix in some chopped nuts or use a chunky nut butter.
Storage and meal prep
To store: Homemade mint chocolate chip bars are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze: Place the bars in a freezer-safe container with sheets of parchment between them and freeze the bars for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you’d rather not use rolled oats, then you can swap them for quinoa flakes or instant oats. If you go this route, add a little extra of whichever you choose; otherwise, the bars will be too soft.
Depending on the protein powder you use, you may need some water (or milk) to make things a little more malleable. If you can’t shape firm mounds using the mixture, continue adding water until it is!
Yes, you can, and you won’t need to add any of the water at all (it’s the protein powder that needs to loosen things up). If the mixture is too wet, add a little more oats.
✅ Nutrition reviewed
Nutrition information has been reviewed by registered dietitian Felicia Newell, MScAHN, RD, CPT.
Mint Chocolate Chip Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup protein powder
- 1/2 cup almond butter or any nut or seed butter
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey/agave
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 tablespoon water * See notes
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, crispy rice cereal, cocoa powder, and protein powder.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan, combine the almond butter with maple syrup and heat until the mixture is melted.
- Add the liquid mixture to the dry mixture, and add the peppermint extract and stir until combined. If the batter is too crumbly, slowly add water until it's thick and able to be shaped into mounds.
- Transfer the mixture into the pan and press firmly with your hands. Top with chocolate chips. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
Notes
- Water: Depending on the protein powder you use, you’d likely need more water than just one tablespoon. Casein and brown rice are naturally thicker, so you’d likely need up to 1/2 cup of water (or more).
- Leftovers: Keep in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 weeks. Freeze for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
More protein bar recipes
- Coconut protein bars
- Banana protein bars
- Cookie dough protein bars
- Snickers protein bars
- Cinnamon protein bars
Originally published July 2019
These are great! Made the original version and then using the notes, swapped chocolate for vanilla protein powder and swapped almond butter for peanut butter —- both versions were great. Definitely a “do over” recipe.
So much variety with this recipe, thanks for sharing Carol!
Such an interesting combination. Mint and chocolate go so well together!
Mint and chocolate go so good together. I must try making these new bars.
Could the mint be left out of the bars? Mint gives me migraines :-(. If so, would I need to use something else in place of it?
Absolutely- just leave it out 🙂
Have you ever done it with diesel protein?
I’ve never tried that but I think it should be fine!
So delicious! Could not find gluten free rice crispy cereal at my local store , but had gluten free coco pops at home …it worked a treat ! Chocolate vegan protein powder works so well !
I had to use regular syrup added sliced walnuts but it looks fantastic in the refrigerator while it sets up. Thank you!!!
Thanks so much for the feedback, Karen! Hope you enjoy them!
I love the combination of chocolate and mint. These would be a good option for my son who is in college. He doesn’t like taking a proper lunch but would rather have snack foods that are easy to eat on the go.
Your son and I are in the same boat…I used to live off snack bars during my entire university life haha!
Mint & Chocolate are some of my favourite flavours! So these bars are right up my street! Delicious…. If you fancy joining in with another link up party, i’ve recently started #frifree4all over at http://www.snaphappybakes.com would be great to have you on board 🙂
Such a great flavour combination! That looks like a great link up party! i’ll have to join one of these days!
I think I hear those calling my name. 🙂
I hear them calling you too! 😉
Trying these for my husband… It’s in the fridge now! Few comments: i forgot to add the peppermint extract (i think you also forgot to mention it in the directions). I threw a little bit of coconut in. Not sure if that was a good choice or not. Guess I’ll find out! Also we have children allergic to peanuts so we used Sunbutter as the nut butter so they can have some too (husband is gluten allergy and lactose sensitive). Hope these work out!! They look good! Good luck with your e-cookbook!
Thanks so much for letting me know, Stacy- I’ll add it in the recipe now! Ironically, I made it over the weekend and forgot the peppermint extract too. Adding coconut would be great (especially as you omitted the peppermint). I LOVE using sunbather too so please let me know how they turned out 🙂
They were great! I also forgot to mention I couldn’t find oat bran or rice syrup so i just did additional oats (although it turned out a tad too dry so i should have just substituted the coconut here rather than adding it to the dry ingredients), and instead of rice syrup i used honey. I also didn’t add additional choco chips to the top as i am not a huge chocolate fan and felt like there was already plenty. Might i also add, i am NOT anywhere close to a professional cook, so if i can do it, anyone should be able 😉 Thanks for this recipe… I can tweak it how i want and hopefully never have to buy store-bought protein bars again!!!
This makes me SO happy Stacy- I have a cashew coconut protein bar recipe which is one of my fall backs which I’m obsessed with- Otherwise I have an upcoming no bake protein cookie recipe to share 🙂
Vegan, GF and high protein?! These protein bars are fabulous! I seriously love that we food bloggers can inspire people to make these kinds of bars at home! It saves so much money and you get the satisfaction of both making and enjoying them! Love these, Arman!
Thanks Alice! I’ve been obsessed with making bars at home and it’s so easy to do!
You know I love my MINT CHOCOLATE…… GUM! 😉
Dude. No joke I found a packet today in my suit jacket! I died of happiness.
If my favourite chocolate is worth sharing? That’s a strange strange question. Yes, it’s obviously worth trying for others – why else would it be my favourite?! – but NO [way ever in the world]: I won’t share. I’ll bake a batch of cookies for you instead, ‘kay?
Oh and yes, these look deelish.
I think you’ll like one of the recipes I mention in today’s post!
Good stuff… all around good stuff here! I would like to get my hands on some of these ASAP.
Go for it!
Jee willikers do these beauties look enticing; it has a lot to do with such a fuss-free easy prep too..I’m all for no-bake. I think my favourite part when making bars is sneaking in a few pieces of the dough while transferring to the pan. And I wonder why I always need to resort to a slightly smaller one, hmmm.
YES. Always. My friends always ask why several bars look like they’ve been bitten into…oops.
Love the classic chocolate and mint combo – there are so many different combinations, so hard to choose from!
I know, right! I just sampled a coffee/chocolate combo and was obsessed.
Chocolate and peanut butter. Yes. Although I could say chocolate and creatine because that’s what goes in my post workout shake. But naw… PB.
LOL. I just spat water on my screen. Chocolate, fake sugars and all these other crap I have every day.
I have a love/hate relationship with the chocolate + mint combo. When I was 18 my best friend took me on their family sailing vacation for a week and literally the only dessert we had on the boat was a gigantic bag of york peppermint patties, so I hate like a million every day. To this day I can’t have a york patty without thinking of the desperation of having no other dessert alternatives, but eating them anyway.
That being said, these look super delicious and I’d probably eat them anyway.
Hahahaha. Best story ever.
I have bad experiences with peppermint shnapps….Shudder.
Mint + Chocolate = fresh breath. I’m not proud, but I may have popped in a York peppermint patty once or twice when I forgot to brush…
LOL. Wait until Monday’s post. We can agree on that!
These look super tasty and the photos are beautiful!
Thanks Tara!
I love the chocolate and mint combination! They day they came out with mint Aero bars was like the greatest day of my life. Ok no, just kidding, the greatest day of my life was when Mars bars went nut free.
These look super delicious!
OMG. No, legit that was the greatest day. True story- On my 18th birthday, four of my mates got me 30 king sized aero bars. I ate one a night until they finished. Then I wondered how I got fat in 2006.
These bars look amazing, Arman! Love the mint choc-chip – so good!
Thanks Jess! You’re a gem!
Junior Mints are the best! They were one of my Mom’s favorite candies growing up, so I would occasionally raid her secret Junior Mint stash. She probably knew I was sneaking in there, but she never said anything. That’s part of being a Mom. Now I want that chocolate + mint combo of deliciousness…these bars look awesome!
Cheers, mate! My mum claimed she hated mint and chocolate but then I caught her single handedly digging into my Mint Aero stash (not sure if you guys have that but it’s amazing!)
Lies! McFlurries don’t bring happiness, although I will you give the chocolate mint combo. It’s solid, which means you’ve got good taste in friends.
You would love Andria. I call her Haloumi. No joke.
so refreshing! i bet they would go great with a cup of coffee too! and vegan month? how did i miss that. off to read again. I’m blind, obviously
YES! Peppermint mocha! Hope you’re having a blast across the pond! 🙂
I just found the perfect breakfast replacement!
Half the pan = definitely a good breakfast choice 🙂
I have a cupboard full of about 17 bars of Lindt….so obviously I don’t do well with sharing my fave chocolate ;)! Love the mint & chocolate combo so am all over these bars. Please tell me you have tried the mint choc chip ice cream at Baskin Robbins- that is what sold me on the combo…to.die.for!
17 bars of Lindt? a) We officially are BFFs now 😉 and b) thanks for making me feel better about constantly ‘overbuying’ Lindt bars. Running out of my favourite is threatening so I’d rather be safe than sorry though 17 top my stock still.
17 bars… not enough 😉
I LOVE that ice cream, but cookie dough takes the…ice cream.
okay, now I have like, FOUR more tabs open, with all these awesome looking no bake treats. chocolate mint is one of Jason’s favorites (he loves the Junior Mint as well!), so perhaps I should begin here. pinning them ALL though.
are you currently IN the vegan month, or is it coming up? wondering how it is going, if so… 🙂
It’s coming up and I’m already planning a post steak meal…Just kidding! You know I’m using your blog as a resource and by resource, I’ll be eating grilled portobellos dipped in sriracha cos I ain’t fancy like Iggy Azalea.
Hahaha a mcflurry minus all the happiness, you crack me up 🙂
Haha. It’s true! Never make protein bars designed for your fridge but don’t…a crumbled mess.
we can definitely be friends (not that i ever had my doubts). I don’t share good food either.
Excuse me, pretty sure you shared a certain brownie.
You are seriously the king of no-bake, healthy desserts, Arman!! Seriously! And now..I’m craving Junior Mints…haven’t had it in ages!! Look what you’ve done! 😉
Thanks, Min! After I made this, not going to lie, I may or may not have had half a box of them.
Waiiittt this has all of my favorite things in one. I need to end these right now!! Come back to LA & smuggle them in your bag for me? Pretty please!!
of course. Actually…I think I have some good news. Keep your fingers and your steaks and bacon crossed. 😉
Hands up for no-bake recipes – love em! I’m not the biggest mint fan, although I totally approve of junior mints 🙂 I could definitely snack on these all day long.
Thanks Alanna! I love no bake too!
Why is it that all I can think about is getting a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s when reading this … 🙂
I need to google that. silly Australia doesn’t have that!
Oh, I can never get enough of mint and chocolate! Can’t wait to try these. And no, I won’t share my favourite chocolate with anyone. Unless they are super super super special and it’s a special occasion, then I will probably make an exception 😉 Happy Sunday, Arman!
Then that special occasion would be with me 😉
Thanks Gen! Hope you’re doing well 🙂
You’ve basically named all my favorite chocolate combinations, hahaha. These look great, and I’m glad that they’re no-bake! :D!
Thanks Farrah! 🙂