Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks: Kirkland Protein Bars
Finding a protein bar that’s really low in carbs and sugar can be a challenge, but I love these Kirkland Protein Bars from Costco!
It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted one of my Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks, and if you’re a new reader you might not have even heard of this once-in-a-while blog feature. For those who are new around here, Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks the way I spotlight products I love. And you can always be sure that my picks are things I purchase myself and buy over and over.
Lately I’ve been finding quite a few low-carb products that end up being winners, so I’ll be featuring some of them over the next little while! And this week I’m in sunny Palm Springs hanging out with some girlfriends, so obviously there’s not much blog cooking going on and it seemed like a good time to tell you about these these tasty protein bars.
Not that many products make the cut and become one of my picks, and even when I do like a product I don’t feature it on the site until I’ve been buying it for a while. But with apologies to people who don’t live near a Costco, I am currently smitten with these Kirkland Protein Bars!
The nutritional information is impressive for someone who’s trying to follow a carb-conscious eating plan:
–21 grams of protein
–4 grams net carbs
–1 gram sugar
Let’s talk a bit about net carbs, in case you’re not familiar with that. The protein bars have 22 or 23 carbs, depending on which on you pick, but there are 15 grams of fiber and 4 grams of Erythritol in the bar, which is how they get a total of only 4 net carbs. You can read here about advantages and disadvantages of Erythritol as a sweetener, and obviously if you don’t want that you’re not going to like this product, but I have been eating these for a while now and haven’t had any issues.
The bars do have a lot of fiber, so be sure to drink plenty of water if you’re eating them. I usually eat half at a time, with a big bottle of water, and that works well for me. And although I am always trying to get more protein, I use these mostly as a low-carb treat, when I need something that’s a bit sweet. The texture might take some getting used to (it’s like taffy, but stiffer), but that helps me savor them and not eat them too quickly, so I’ve come to regard it as a plus. And for the record, I like the chocolate chip cookie dough ones best, although both types are good!
Are You a Fan of Protein Bars?
If you try Kirkland Protein Bars, let me know how you like them. (And if you’ve found another brand of low-carb protein bars that you enjoy, let us know about that in the comments!)
Just in Case You’re Wondering:
I purchased the Kirkland Protein Bars myself and Costco has no idea whatsoever that I’m writing about their product. And so readers will know that my opinions are completely unbiased, I don’t accept review products from the many companies who offer to send them to me or accept compensation for writing about products.
More Personal Picks from Kalyn
You can see the complete list of featured products I love at Kalyn’s Kitchen Picks.
I'm a new member and Thank you for posting these bars! I've been wanting to buy some protein bars but sometimes they taste awful. I know I've seen Costco giving out samples of these bars but never tried them because I figured they just all taste bad. But now I will! Thank you for posting and keeping me/all of us informed.
Hope you like them Esther. The texture is a little bit unexpected, but I do like them, especially the cookie dough ones.
What is the calorie count? I like Pure Protein bars. I don't have a Costco membership, but I'm thinking I may need to get one as they often have Premier protein drinks on sale, and now I think I may need to try Kirkland protein bars too. 🙂
Karen – There are only 190 calories per bar.
Thanks for answering Casey, especially since I'm in Palm Springs and don't have any of them here.
I'm new to your blog and am really loving the recipes. I also love that you post the nutrition info so I don't have to guess when putting it in my calorie ap.
I myself recently found these and LOVE them. Most of the protein bars I have found either have a log of sugar or higher calorie counts. I love that the calories on these are only 190 per bar. They do taste a little old school in the texture but I honestly do not mind.
You should also check out the Premier Protein shakes. You can get these at Costco as well. I love all the flavors and i used one in the morning in my coffee instead of milk or coffee creamer. Then I just finish it through the day as a snack. The sugar is only 1 g and the calories are 190.
Hi Casey. Glad you are enjoying the blog. I have tried the shakes too, but I prefer the bars. But the shakes would be great for smoothies.
Hi Kalyn! Had gastric sleeve surgery and have been a fan of yours since! Thank you for your time and talents! I LOVE the Costco brand high protein bars and eat 1/3-1/2 nearly every day as a between-meal protein snack. Much better than others I've tried and the price can't be beat. Close in taste/consistency to Quest bars but still prefer the taste of the Kirkland bars and cheaper! Did you know you can make 4-5 cookies out of a bar? Slice, place on parchment paper lined pan in preheated 350* oven for 10-12 minutes. Yummy option!
So glad you have enjoyed them as well! I love that idea of making cookies; will definitely try it!
Love these bars. If you pop one in the microwave for 10 seconds it softens up and tastes like a cookie.
I have to try that!
I've been enjoying these bars, along with the obligatory glass of water to accompany. My wife, who's NOT counting carbs, likes them for a snack as well! We'll have to try the microwave trick – thanks!
Good to hear both people in the family like them!
These seem to be similar to Quest Bars. I love those so I will have to try out the Kirkland version next time I am looking to buy some. I am currently on the Whole30 diet but only have about a week to go!
Thanks for sharing! I enjoy your blog and have used a ton of your recipes!!
Thanks Sarah. I haven't tried Quest bars. So glad you're enjoying the recipes!
Quest bars are amazing so I would love to know how these compare to the Kirkland bars. I might just have to order some.
I am a functional medicine MD and am on my second box. These are my family's current favorite and my breakfast many days. The are not dry and hard, quite the opposite, and I suspect most who try them will be satisfied. I give out this site address to quite a few patients and appreciate all the help provided here.
So happy to have confirmation from a professional that this is a healthy choice! And thanks for the shout-outs for my site, always appreciated.
I love these Costco Kirkland Protein Bars. My favorite is the Cookie Dough.
I cut up the chocolate brownie bars into strips and dip them into peanut butter – super yummy.
The only thing is the "chocolate chunks" seem to get dried out & crumbly – especially in the brownie version. I will usually try to eat around the dried out pieces.
It is my go to treat or on the go dinner for soccer nights.
Enjoy!
I like the idea of combining with peanut butter!
Like the old peanut butter cup commercial… where the chocolate bar accidentally ended up in the peanut butter… lol
Tried a sample at Costco yesterday and, sadly, was unimpressed. Far better are the Kirkland Nut Bars w. almonds, cashews, walnuts and only 7 net carbs. Covered w. dark chocolate like my favorite snack bar, Atkins chocolate covered coconut.
Yes, I like those nut bars too. I'm curious which one you tried because I love the chocolate chip ones.
The ones I like are just called Kirkland Nut Bars. First listed ingredient is almonds, second is the chocolate coating. They're made in Canada.
Yes, I like those too, but this type has less sugar so I eat them more often.
Hey! I know I am late to this thread but I need to find an answer. I LOVED these and could not get enough. With that being said, I ordered 4 boxes to get free shipping (smart I thought (but no)). Little did I know but something is horribly wrong with the Kirkland bars now. I had purchased 4-5 times before and had 8-10 boxes of great protein bars. For some reason, all-of-a-sudden, the bars were hard, stale and inedible . I have no idea what happened. I am not sure if you have had this same issue but I had to find out. Costco has sense sent me 4 replacement boxes and those turned out to be the same issue. If this is a recipe change, it is a sad day as they were great, even for only having two flavors. Thanks!
Haven’t had that problem Nic, buy I buy them directly from a busy Costco store, where they probably don’t sit on the shelf long. Sorry it keeps happening to you.
try warming them in the microwave for 20 seconds or so.. when it just starts getting puffy.
softens it up and makes a less tooth pulling treat
Interesting, I will try that. Thanks!