After receiving questions about healthy protein bar choices, I did some research on yummy, anti-inflammatory protein bar recipes. With so many tasty, natural foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, the combinations to create at-home protein bars are endless. Plus, if you make the bar yourself, you know exactly what is going into them and you can avoid harsh processed additives.
Below I have found five variations of popular, make-at-home protein bars! Feel free to add your own touches and experiment with these recipes. Cater them to your own taste and needs, and if you find a great combination, please feel free to share it in the comments below!
First, since these are protein bars, they all call for protein powder. My absolute favorite brand is Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein by my good friend, Dr. Josh Axe. They are devoid of inflammatory ingredients like whey or soy. Plus there are a variety of delicious flavors to choose from! Now, let’s get to the recipes…
Turmeric
Turmeric has is a brilliant colored spice that has is known for its countless health benefits. From using it in face masks to whitening teeth, turmeric has infinite possibilities to improve your health. Not to mention, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties (source). This spice is an ultimate base for a protein bar.
No-Bake Turmeric Coconut Balls
- 1 cup almond butter, coconut butter, or any type of nut butter you prefer
- 3/4 unsweetened coconut flakes
- 4-6 tablespoons of your favorite protein powder
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons turmeric
- 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup or another natural sweetener to the recipe
Put the coconut oil and nut butter into a blender. Start to blend and soften the mixture, and add in the rest of the ingredients until they are smoothly blended together. Once it is blended, let the mixture cool in the refrigerator until firm. Take a piece of parchment paper and roll out small balls of the mixture. Once the balls harden, your no-bake protein balls are ready to eat!
Also, you can play with different combinations within this recipe. You can add chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, black pepper, or even almond or vanilla extract. Mix, it up and make the recipe yours!
If you would like a nutty protein bar, here is another option…
Turmeric-Nut Protein Bar
- 1/3 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup hemp hearts
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds/pepitas
- 1/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 cup creamy nut butter of choice
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 2 – 4 tablespoons sweetener to your taste (agave/honey/maple syrup)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons of protein powder of choice (I would recommend vanilla flavor)
You will need a 9×5 pan for this recipe. Line the pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients: seeds, cinnamon, turmeric, powder, etc. Then, slowly mix in the butter, oils, and extract. When the mixture is combined, press it evenly into the pan. Try to make it as level as possible. The final step is to refrigerate the mixture. Once cool, it solidifies and is ready to cut and serve!
Ginger
Ginger is a spice with a distinct, exciting taste that is a great ingredient to add to protein bars. Ginger has been used around the world for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine because of its healing properties. Studies have show it has anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation benefits (source). The spice is not very common in store-bought protein or granola bars so these recipes will be a great way to switch up your diet!
Ginger Matcha Protein Bar
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup ground flax
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup dried sulfite-free apricots
- 2 scoops protein powder of choice (would recommend vanilla)
- 1/4 cup coconut butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Matcha green tea powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons honey
- A few dashes of nutmeg
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sweetener of choice (optional, coconut sugar, maple, agave, etc.)
You will need a 9×5 pan for this recipe also. Line the pan with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine all the items besides the matcha powder. Once the ingredients are mixed thoroughly together, slowly add in the matcha powder. After you combine all the ingredients and they are mixed, press the mixture into the pan. Place the pan in the refrigerator to solidify your bars. Once they harden, they are ready to slice up and enjoy!
Coconut
Coconut has been a highly popular ingredient in the trendy food market. People are now using coconut milk in their morning lattes and coconut oil as an all-natural makeup remover. The coconut trend is warranted because this magical food has a multitude of health benefits. There is proof that coconut oil can also help reduce inflammation (source). Being such a versatile, delicious food, coconut is a great foundation for an anti-inflammatory protein bar.
Coconut Protein Bars
- 2½ cups unsweetened, shredded coconut flakes
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup tahini
- 2 cups of your favorite protein powder (would recommend vanilla flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 lemon, juice and zest
- 1 tablespoons sweetener of choice (optional, coconut sugar, maple, agave, etc.)
This is a very simple recipe! You will need a 11×7 pan for this recipe. Line the pan with parchment paper. Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend away until the mixture is completely combined. Take the mixture in your hands and slowly work it together so it sticks and holds. Evenly press the mixture into the pan. Chill the pan in the refrigerator until hard. Cut into bars and they are ready to eat!
I hope you find these recipes as a healthy, fun alternative to the factory made, processed protein bars found in the store. All of these recipes can be slightly customized to your taste and preferences. These protein bars will help keep you satisfied, give you fuel and help reduce inflammation. Please do not hesitate to reach out and share your experience making the bars, or if you have a favorite recipe!