Paleo Protein Bars
This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
My paleo protein bars need only 3 ingredients and ZERO baking. They’re healthy, filling, and pack over 20 grams of protein.
My paleo protein bars recipe is an everyday snack
When my partner announced he was doing a 30-day paleo challenge, I knew my regular homemade protein bars wouldn’t make the cut. Since they’re one of his favorite snacks, I set out to make a paleo version he could still enjoy.
Turns out, they were just as soft, chewy, and satisfying as the original. In fact, I still make these even when neither of us is eating paleo. Here’s why they’re a snacking favorite:
- Just 3 ingredients. All you need is coconut flour, protein powder, and milk.
- Soft and chewy. No dry or chalky protein bars here.
- Ready in 5 minutes. Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute snack.
- Easy to customize. Add chopped nuts, seeds, or a drizzle of dairy-free chocolate.
Let’s make this together!
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Coconut flour. I love making no-bake bars with coconut flour because it absorbs moisture and gets a soft, cakey texture that’s hard to replicate without an oven. Make sure to sift it first to remove clumps.
- Protein powder. I recommend using a sweetened paleo protein powder because it’s what adds sweetness to the bars. I’ve made these with Paleo Pro Aztec Vanilla powder, and the flavor was great.
- Milk. I used unsweetened almond milk, but any milk works.
- Nut butter. Optional, but for added richness, I like a little creamy almond butter or cashew butter. For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter.
- Chocolate chips. Again, optional, but what’s the harm in adding a handful of dairy-free unsweetened dark chocolate chips? The operative word is dairy-free, to keep them paleo-friendly.
Adjust the sweetness
Sweeten with maple syrup. If you want the protein bars to be sweeter, add some pure maple syrup to the mixture. Remember, you are relying on the protein powder for sweetness.
How to make paleo protein bars
Step 1- Prep. Line an 8×8-inch baking tray with baking paper and grease with cooking spray.
Step 2- Make the batter. In a large bowl, combine the flour, protein powder, and nut butter if using.
Step 3- Add milk. Add milk ¼ cup at a time until a thick batter is formed.
Step 4- Chill. Transfer the batter to the lined pan and press into place. Top with optional chocolate chips and refrigerate for 30 minutes, then slice into bars.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Adjust the consistency as needed. Depending on the brand of coconut flour and protein powder I use, I sometimes need a little extra milk. Add one tablespoon at a time until the mixture is firm but easy to press into the pan.
- Wrap them individually. Once the bars are sliced, I like to wrap each one in parchment paper so I can grab one on my way out the door.
- Drizzle the chocolate instead. If I’m dipping the bars in chocolate, I usually melt it in the microwave and drizzle it over the top instead. It’s quicker, uses less chocolate, and means less cleanup.
More protein bar recipes
Paleo Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut flour sifted
- 2 cups protein powder flavored
- 1/2 cup milk of choice * See notes
- 1/2 cup almond butter optional
- 1 cup Dairy free chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8-inch baking tray with baking paper, grease it and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the coconut flour and protein powder and mix well. If using the optional nut butter, add that in now.
- Using a 1/4 cup at a time, add your milk of choice until a very thick batter is formed.
- Transfer the batter to the lined pan and press firmly in place. Top with optional chocolate chips and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Slice into bars and keep refrigerated.
I never understood what paleo means. Could you explain?
I dont follow paleo foods But I could try this recipe. Just for a change.
2u
Thanks Rochelle!
Hi, can coconut flour be replaced with almond/another flour?
Hi Christina, you can definitely give it a try but just be aware that coconut flour is very absorbent so you’ll have to alter the moisture levels too.
Such a good recipe for paleo protein bars!
Can you, all, please tell me what your favorite protein powders are–both chocolate and vanilla? The one I used is pea based, and it has a horrible, strong flavor. I believe I’ll enjoy these more when I can get a better tasting protein powder. Mine is gross, and I think many are. (I’m in the US.) I’m looking forward to your recommendations. Thank you so much! Happy, blessed New Year!
Hello Valerie! I love optimum casein in vanilla and chocolate- it’s super versatile and I use it in any recipe calling for protein powder: )
I love ALOHA PROTEIN POWDER I ALWAYS USE VANILLA NOT SURE ABOUT CHOCOLATE. I ALSO USE IT IN reg OATMEAL AND LOTS OF BAKED STUFF ITS DELICIOUS.
Needed to add warm water to form the batter after adding the half cup of coconut mylk atop the almond butter. There was not enough moisture with just the mylk. Otherwise, all good!
Unbelievable!
Even the mixture tasted good before the bars were ready!
Love that this has 15g of protein in it and is so easy to make. I used almond flour, Legion salted caramel whey protein powder, Georgia Grinders creamy peanut butter, and unsweetened almond milk. Tastes yummy. Can’t beat the macros though… 15g protein, 10g fat and 5g carbs with the ingredients I used.
I really like these bars because they are plenty sweet for me just with the coconut flour and (unflavored, unsweetened) protein powder. I add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and they are perfect. I do not suggest using whey protein by itself, though. Both times I’ve used it, the batter was really sticky — like glue sticky — and they did not firm up or cut well, and the gooey texture affected how they tasted, if that makes sense. My previous batches with unsweetened unflavored plant protein powder looked like the photo in the recipe and the texture was very good, even though they required a lot more milk.
I am not sure what I did wrong, but I had to add at least an additional cup and a half of almond milk and barely got the mixture thick enough to hang together when I pushed it into the pan. Is half a cup of almond milk supposed to moisten 3 cups of flour and powder? I am feeling like a failure … 🙁
I have been making these bars consistently for the past three months after finding your recipe. I have exhausted every option of Paleo/Dairy-free protein bars and nothing comes close to this. My partner jokes that these bars are all I eat now. They are so good- chewy and creamy and nutty and full of protein. Thank you thank you for sharing this! (By the way, I use Universal Egg Pro Vanilla Protein and oat milk).
I love that 🙂
Hi Arman, I don’t know if you are still seeing comments for this recipe but I was curious why they need to be eaten within 7 days. The “milk” is the only perishable ingredient and almond milk, at least, is good for a couple weeks after it’s opened.
I’ve been making your white chocolate recipe for about a month now, and I’m going to make some chips to go on top of these protein bars!
Hi Denise! They definitely keep longer than that- I’ll fix it 🙂
Question: Can you, all, please tell me what your favorite protein powders are– both vanilla and chocolate? I have a pea based one, and it seems like a lot of the pea based ones taste gross. I think I’ll enjoy this recipe a lot more once I have a better protein powder. Looking forward to your recommendations! Thank you! Happy, blessed New Year!
I cannot live without these things you have totally saved me. Love this recipe and so versatile and delicious eat these everyday!
Do you have the servings/nutritional info for these?
Hi- Yes, it is in the recipe card
Please can you let me know the calories, protein, carb and fat grams for these?
Sure! If you go to myfitnesspal and plug in the ingredients, it will provide it for you!
Could I sub the coconut flour with maybe, almond flour? I dont like coconut and im assuming this makes the bar taste like it.
You won’t taste the coconut flour but you could experiment with almond flour, just double the amount as needed.
Hey! I dont get coconut flour here! What do i use instead?
How many bars does this make?
This makes 4-6 bars, depending on how thick you slice them.
Hi! Question – do you think these would retain their shape/hold up better for on-the-go travel if they were baked for a little while in the oven? If so, do you have any recommendations for temp/how long to cook? Thanks!!
Hi! You can freeze them beforehand and enjoy as is 🙂
When you say a non-dairy milk, would banana “milk” work?
You can try that! 🙂
Hi. I’m not fussy, but these have 5 ingredients, not three what I can see.
Nope, it’s definitely 3 🙂 Optional ingredients don’t count 🙂
Can you please add the nutrition information for these, eg calories per bar (or grams) ect. 🙂
Hi Bianca! Absolutely- If you go to myfitnesspal and add in your specific protein ingredients, it will provide it for you 🙂 Enjoy!
I don’t like coconut flour, what could be substituted?
You can use oatmeal, but I haven’t tried it with this particular recipe, sorry!
The only problem with making this is that I eat almost half batch in one sitting. Yes, it is very yummy. Awesome option for a healthy protein bar. Loved it
🙂 That’s so good to hear, Hina!
I am going to try to make these with almond butter. We aren’t a protein powder family but have used Vega in a few cookie recipes. Is there a “flavor” that would work best with almond butter?
Hi there! I prefer using vanilla, as it makes recipes not need any vanilla extract 🙂
Hello and thanks for the recipe! Looks really simple, but tasty! I am on a very restricted diet… no grains, no eggs, no legumes, no dairy. The only protein powder I have is collagen protein. Do you think that would work for this? TIA!
Hi Kristin! I’ve never tried it with it, but I’d love to know how it turns out 🙂
I had a really hard time judging just how thick the batter should be?? When I went to press it into the baking dish, the batter was sticking like crazy to everything and was not cooperating. Should I have added still more non dairy milk? I had used almost two cups already.
Hi Lisa! Would you mind me asking which protein powder you used? It shouldn’t be sticky- If it was, I would recommend adding some extra coconut flour. 🙂
Thanks for the reply, I used Bodytech whey protein (mocha flavor at the moment), soy milk, and 1/4 cup peanut butter (generic brand). Maybe the peanut butter made it sticky? I kept adding soy milk because my spoon was bending trying to mix it all together. Maybe I’ll knead it with my hands next time.
can I used whey protein?
Hi Kiarelys, unfortunately, I haven’t had much success with whey protein- Unless it is a blended mix, it won’t really work out well!
I’m thinking of adding an ounce of matcha green tea powder along with the first four ingredients, should I adjust anything like how much milk?
Hi Jo Ellen! That sounds like a great addition- Add the powder in first, then adjust the milk- You’ll most likely need more 🙂
Can you please convert those scoops to cups? I don’t know how many grams are in my scoop.
Hi there! These scoops are usually 32-34 grams- Hope that helps! 🙂
Question: what do you think of the quest and Mission bars they are higher in fiber: howevern do have some sugar alcohol.
These bars are great I just made them. Unfortunately, they are not good travel bars to throw into a bag if you need something in the middle of the day
Thanks,
Daniel
Hey Daniel! I love Quest bars for their convenience- When I don’t make my own bars, I do enjoy them in a pinch, especially with international travel.
For these bars, I usually freeze them individually before bringing them with me, to keep shape 🙂
I am on the Dr Poon diet, my daily sugar intake is 5g or less, this paleo bar makes this diet much more enjoyable and a fun alternative to simply snacking on chicken, thank you for sharing your creation
You are so welcome, Sherry!
i need it to have at least 15g/serving for me to consider it a protein bar. your recipe is too easy not to try, i will definitely give it a go!
Please do, Grace!
Which kind of flavor did you use for the protein powder? Did you use chocolate, or could you use vanilla as well?
Hi Sarah! I used vanilla, but definitely use chocolate if you prefer 🙂
Hi. What is the nutritional info for these bars? Protein, Carbs, Sugars etc.
Hi Michelle! If you go on myfitnesspal.com it will provide the information for you 🙂 Enjoy!
I made these with complete nutrition’s elite gold annex chocolate peanut butter protein powder…which I don’t think is paleo cause it has soy and whey protein in them, but they turned out really good. I added almond butter and only 3 scoops of the protein powder and added a little organic coconut flakes on top instead of chocolate chips. They taste pretty good following a workout. Thanks for recipe!!
No worries at all, Susie- so glad you enjoyed it- I’ll need to try out the Gold Annex brand 🙂
I just made these. It took a lot of almond milk to get the batter somewhat moist and the the 1/2 in fridge didn’t really firm them up for cutting
Hi Angela- This varies because of the protein powder you use and the brand of coconut flour. Because of the nature of coconut flour, you would need significant amount of almond milk to get a batter. You could try adding the optional nut butter, but I’ve never had issues using just 3 ingredients.
Need to find Casein that doesn’t have Sucralose in it. That non-sweetener is Spenda that is not good for us.
Hi Joanne! I know some brands use stevia in their casein (I think this brand has a natural version).
Thanks for the recipe! What flavor protein powder did you use?
Hi Suzanne! You are so welcome! I prefer using vanilla as it’s a blank slate for everything 🙂
I tried these and love ’em. I ended up needing a cup of almond milk to get them to stick, probably could have gotten away with a bit less. Definitely need water to wash these down, but I love the taste/texture. I used regular creamy pb (jif) in my first batch. Thinking of using PB2 (powdered PB) for the next batch. Thoughts? Anyone try this?
Hi Jenn! Thanks for the feedback- That does often happen with these sort of bars using coconut flour 🙂
I haven’t tried it with peanut flour in these recipes specifically, but I can see it working- I think peanut flour has texture between oat flour and coconut flour, so is very firm! 🙂
What about whole wheat flour instead of coconut?
Hi Valerie! I’d recommend oat flour over whole wheat! 🙂
How many bars is this to make approximately?
Hi Amalia- I made around 9 bars, but you can adjust them to any size you wish 🙂
Hi Arman! These bars look delicious! I can’t wait to try them! I know that you tried them with paleo/casein/vegan protein powder; would they work with whey too, or would the texture be off?
Hi Alessandria! I honestly find whey to be so hard to work with- Because of it’s pure form, it makes it difficult to stick well 🙂
This is definitely a recipe for Gigi! Maybe you could make something like this for her to taste test 😉
🙂 haha good idea!
I think this is the only paleo protein bar recipe I have come across that doesn’t include a ton of nuts, dried fruit, or added sweetener. Genius!
Right? Thank you so much 🙂
Another simple recipe FOR THE WIN. You go, Arman!!!
-B
Thanks Glen Coco!
These look perfect for taking on the run for a snack Arman! We have this new amazonia paleo protein despite the fact it has quinoa in it… ha. Will be making these with it when the whole 30 is o to the over!
YES! Please do, you’ll enjoy it!
Coconut flour is one of my favorite ingredients too! It is so versatile!
And protein packed snacks are my jam! These sound so simple and delicious!
Right? I would bath in it, but it would absorb all the bath water.
What kind of protein powder are you using ??
Hi Donna! I included the three I trialled successfully with in the post 🙂
Why does this post claim only 3 ingredients? Seems more like 5 to me??
Yep, it sure is 3 ingredients- 2 are 100% optional! 🙂
I like your recipe style sir. I’m the laziest baker/cooker, so the simpler, the better. BAM.
😀 Thanks buddy!
Coconut flour is my favorite, and I love these bars, too! The first time I bought a bag, I took a pinch and ate it raw. It was definitely love at first bite! Lol!
LOL. Oh Joanne…
i’ve done that too!
I don’t think I could live without coconut flour, it’s a daily necessity and without it I would go crazy!
Right? I would do a tucked full in dismount of the bars for it.
OMG. These are epic. who knew those 3 simple ingredients could result in delicious protein bars! Two questions: what type/brand of protein powder do you like using for this recipe? Also, are the bars in this post the ones made with the optional nut butter or without? Thanks! 🙂
Hi Kaila! I tried it with the three protein powders listed in the post. I find that casein works the best- In fact, that one didn’t need any nut butter. The pictured ones did use nut butter but that is because I used a vegan one for the shoot.
Awesome! I will try them with Quest protein powder!
My favorite protien bar right now is probably the Luna protein salted caramel. It’s so good!
mmm that sounds great!
Totally agree the more Paleo friendly versions aren’t actual protein bars. I think Larabars are Paleo? At least some of them. They’re made mostly with dates…which I guess I assume are Paleo? Haha. But they don’t usually have much protein at all!
Omg. Larabars.
I once ate a whole box of the mini ones thinking they were single serve.
I’m not paleo, but if I’m going to buy a protein bar I want at least 15 grams of protein, otherwise I don’t see how it will fill me up at all.
The only store-bought snack bars I can remember buying are Kind bars. They have a dark chocolate/PB one that’s really good!
Right? There was one bar which had like …. 2 grams and claimed to be high protein.
I think Snickers have more than that…just sayin:)
Would an 8×8 pan work for this recipe? They look fantastic! 🙂 My favorite store-bought protein bar is probably Vega One or some sort of all-natural bar. I used to eat Quest Bars all the time but they didn’t make my stomach feel good.
Hi Marina! I reckon any sized pan (not an extra large one!) would work- You’d have bars of different thickness, depending on what you’d like! 🙂
I don’t understand how this could be paleo with protein powder in the recipe?
There are many protein powder brands which are 100% paleo
They look yummy! So easy too?
I feel good if a bar has around 9-12 grams of protein. I love Cliff bars and Luna bars and I can usually find them for a pretty good price.
YES! 12 would be my minimum too!
Agree that it’s so difficult to come by a Paleo friendly bar that actually has protein. Most have dairy and also sugar alcohols they don’t sit well. I’ve mostly accepted snack bars are going to be higher in sugar generally!
Right? They are so hard to find!