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The Most Popular Protein Bar in Every State
Protein bars are undoubtedly mainstream, doubling as breakfast substitutes, post-workout fuel, and even mid-meeting munchies. And across the U.S., one name clearly stands out: Barebells.
With 13 states naming it their top-searched protein bar, Barebells has carved out a significant lead. It offers 20 grams of protein, no added sugar, and a low net carb count, potentially appealing to those looking for muscle recovery and low-glycemic diets. Consumers can choose from dessert-like flavors, like cookies and cream or caramel cashew. It seems to be especially popular across the Midwest and East Coast, including Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, and North Carolina.
Quest Bar follows close behind, top-searched in eight states and offering 20–21 grams of protein and one gram of sugar per bar. Its popularity in states like Florida, Nevada, and New York may reflect growing awareness of macros and dietary goals in urban areas. Created by celebrity chef Robert Irvine, FitCrunch Bars are the most searched in seven states and deliver 30 grams of protein per bar, which might make them more appealing to fitness-focused consumers in California, Michigan, and Texas, as well as others seeking snacks to support athletic performance.
Other notable mentions include ONE Protein Bar, top-searched in four states, including Alabama and Hawaii, potentially due to its balanced macro profile—20 grams of protein with one gram of sugar per bar. Another leading brand is IQBar, top-searched in three states—Maryland, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. IQBar’s popularity may be tied to ingredients like lion’s mane and MCT oil, which are often linked to brain health and sustained energy.
Interestingly, PowerBar, a legacy brand, now leads in only three states (Colorado, Idaho, and New Hampshire), suggesting that newer, reformulated options with simpler ingredient lists are pulling ahead.
The Most Popular Protein Snack in Every State
When it comes to eating smart, Americans are reaching for more than just bars. Protein-packed snacks are dominating search trends across the country, with some surprising front-runners leading the way.
Chomps, a shelf-stable beef stick with 10 grams of protein and minimal ingredients, is the top-searched protein snack overall, leading search volume in nine states. It seems to be particularly popular in Southern states, such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, where high-protein, no-prep snacks look to be in high demand. Its appeal may come from its portability and emphasis on sustainability, with ingredients like grass-fed beef and free-range turkey, all with no added sugar.
Right behind it is Magic Spoon Cereal, which contains 12–14 grams of protein and fewer than five grams of net carbs per serving, and tops search results in eight states, including Arizona and Massachusetts. Bootylicious Muffin ranks highest in six states, including Colorado and Michigan. It combines the taste and texture of a baked good with 10–12 grams of protein, and may appeal to those looking for comfort food with a nutritional boost. These snacks brand themselves as protein-rich muffins that don’t compromise on flavor—a growing trend in health food where people perceive taste to be just as important as nutrition.
Wilde Protein Chips, another six-state favorite, has developed chips using chicken breast as a base, offering a high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional potato snacks. They seem to be particularly popular in the western half of the U.S., topping search interest in states like Montana, New Mexico, and Washington, where active, outdoors-focused lifestyles may drive demand for portable, protein-rich snacks.
The rest of the map is a flavorful mix: Quest protein snacks, especially their protein chips and peanut butter cups, dominate search interest across the South Central and Deep South, leading in states like Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. The brand’s appeal in these regions may come from its balance of indulgent flavors and high-protein, low-sugar formulas, aligning with consumers looking to satisfy cravings without straying from fitness or low-carb goals.
Khloud Protein Popcorn, backed by celebrity buzz, leads in California, Illinois, and Wisconsin—likely boosted by its founder, Khloé Kardashian, whose influence may appeal to trend-conscious Californians. Meanwhile, Bada Bean Bada Boom, a roasted broad bean snack, takes Missouri and Ohio. These findings reflect the potential influence of trend-driven wellness culture in these areas, along with the growing popularity of clean, plant-based snacks.
Expert Insight: What to Know Before You Grab a Protein Snack
To better understand how protein snacks compare to traditional options, we asked Dr. Daniel Atkinson, Clinical Lead at Treated, to weigh in on what to look for and what to watch out for:
“As snacks go, protein bars and protein cereals generally tend to be a healthier alternative to conventional confectionery like candy bars, potato chips, or regular cereals that can be high in sugar and low in helpful nutrients. So if you’re short on time and need to fill a gap, there are worse choices you can make.
That said, it’s still worth reading the label to check the contents against your daily reference intakes. Some protein bars and snacks, although they’re marketed as a healthier option, can still be high in refined sugar or salt, so don’t always take the marketing at face value, and check the macros for yourself before buying (and eating).
Remember that the ‘protein’ snack is only healthier if the protein replaces carbohydrates, sugar, and (unhealthy) fats. If the snack is high in protein but still also high in carbs, sugar, salt, or fat, it’s not necessarily healthier than a ‘traditional’ snack (because you’re still getting the less helpful macros in addition to protein).
But it’s also really important to remember that there are whole food options too that can be just as convenient — although they may not resemble the texture of a traditional confectionery snack, they can give you the nutrients that you would get from protein snacks, but without the added refined sugars, salt, or preservatives or colorings.
Unsalted nuts, such as cashews, are a good option for a mid-morning or afternoon snack. Nuts are high in protein, fiber, and certain vitamins, are generally rich in healthy fats, and can help you feel full.
Whole fruits are another healthy snack option, particularly for those with a sweet tooth. Berries can be rich in antioxidants, while fruits with edible skin, like apples and pears, contain plenty of vitamins and fibre.
So if you’re looking for a protein and assorted nutrient hit that keeps you full, with less of the bad stuff than conventional snacks, a combination of whole fruits and nuts can be a helpful alternative, and a cheaper option than packaged protein snacks.”
Closing Thoughts
From classic bars to bold new snacks, Americans are finding more ways than ever to work protein into their daily routines, and their search habits show it. Whether it’s a protein-dense cereal for a quick breakfast or a low-sugar bar between meetings, Americans are using nutrition to support their lifestyle goals.
At Treated, we understand that nutrition plays a key role in managing your health. Protein is an essential part of many weight management strategies, helping to keep you full, support muscle maintenance, and power your body with what it needs. If you’re looking to take a more structured approach to your health, our clinical team can help you find a treatment plan that works for you.
Methodology
To find the most popular protein bars and snacks in every U.S. state, we compiled a list of 40 well-known products using expert recommendations from Chowhound, Bon Appétit, New York Magazine’s Strategist, and Eat This, Not That!. We then analyzed Google Trends data from May 2024 to May 2025, comparing relative search interest for each product across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The product with the highest search interest in each state was identified as the most popular there.
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