Finding truly safe nut-free protein bars is harder than it sounds.
Most protein bars rely on almonds, cashews, or peanut butter. Even when nuts are not listed in the ingredient list, many are produced in facilities that process peanuts or tree nuts. For families managing food allergies, that distinction matters.
Not all nut-free protein bars are created equal.
As a registered dietitian and parent of two children with food allergies, including nuts, I evaluate three things before recommending nut-free protein bars:
- The ingredient list
- The nutrition label
- The manufacturing environment
What makes a protein bar truly nut-free is not just what is inside the wrapper. It is also where and how it is made. Protein bars are also notorious for adding significant amounts of sugar, so that is always something to review carefully.
This guide walks through how to evaluate nut-free protein bars, what to check on labels, and specific options currently available.
If you’re working on increasing protein safely with food allergies, I break down broader allergy-friendly protein sources in this guide.
What Makes a Protein Bar Truly Nut-Free?
There are three levels to consider.
1. No Peanuts or Tree Nuts in the Ingredients
This includes:
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Brazil nuts
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia nuts
If any of these appear in the ingredient list, the bar is not nut-free.
2. Facility and Cross-Contact Risk
This is where allergy management becomes more nuanced.
Some bars are:
- Produced in a dedicated nut-free facility
- Produced on a dedicated nut-free line
- Produced in facilities that also process nuts
In our family, if peanuts, cashews, or pistachios are processed in the same facility, we do not purchase the product. Other families may make different decisions based on allergy severity and physician guidance.
Every family’s threshold is different. Transparent labeling allows you to make an informed choice.
3. Peanut-Free vs Tree Nut-Free
Peanuts are legumes. Tree nuts are a separate category.
Someone can be allergic to:
- Peanuts only
- One specific tree nut
- Multiple tree nuts
- Both peanuts and tree nuts
Not all nut allergies look the same.
For example, my son has a cashew and pistachio allergy but is not allergic to peanuts or other tree nuts. That nuance matters when reading labels. A product labeled “tree nut free” may still process peanuts. A product labeled “peanut free” may still contain or process tree nuts.
This is why I always encourage families to go beyond the front label. Look at the full allergen disclosure and, when possible, the facility statement. The more specific the labeling, the easier it is to make a decision that aligns with your child’s individual allergy profile.
No two allergy households manage risk exactly the same way. Understanding the difference between peanut and tree nut processing allows you to make decisions with clarity instead of fear.
Best Nut-Free Protein Bars
Below are current options that contain no peanuts or tree nuts in the ingredient list. Manufacturing details are included when available. Always confirm allergen statements directly with the manufacturer before purchasing, as practices can change.
1. Tanabar – Vermont Nut Free
Protein: 7g
Fiber: 3g
Added Sugar: 20g
Facility: Dedicated nut-free facility
Best For: Strict nut-free manufacturing environments
Tanabars are produced in a dedicated nut-free facility, which significantly reduces cross-contact risk. For families who require strict manufacturing controls, that level of facility transparency is valuable.
However, with approximately 20 grams of added sugar and moderate protein, this bar functions more like a treat with protein rather than a high-protein, low-sugar snack. It may work occasionally when strict nut-free production is the top priority, but it would not be my first choice if protein density and sugar control are the main goals.
2. Feel Bars
Kids Line:
- Protein: 10g
- Fiber: 8g
- Added Sugar: 0g
- Facility: Dedicated nut-free facility
- Allergen Status: Top 14 free
Adult Line:
- Protein: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Added Sugar: 3g
- Facility: Dedicated nut-free facility
- Allergen Status: Top 14 free
- Special Ingredients: Functional ingredients such as maca root, ashwagandha, lion’s mane mushroom, chaga mushroom, matcha, turmeric, or L-theanine (varies by flavor)
Feel Bars are produced in a dedicated nut-free facility and formulated without the Top 14 allergens.
The Kids Line provides 10 grams of protein and zero grams of added sugar, without adaptogenic ingredients. The Adult Line provides 15 grams of protein with 3 grams of added sugar and includes functional ingredients that may appeal to adults.
Families should review ingredient lists carefully, especially when functional ingredients are included.
3. 88 Acres Protein Bars
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 3–4g
Added Sugar: 4–8g (varies by flavor)
Facility: Dedicated bakery free of peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, and sesame
Allergen Status: Free from Top 9 allergens
88 Acres bars are produced in a dedicated bakery free of peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy & sesame, which provides strong cross-contact control.
Each bar provides 12 grams of protein with moderate added sugar depending on flavor. They avoid isolated proteins, artificial sweeteners, synthetic fibers, and palm oil. For families looking for simpler ingredient lists without sugar alcohols or alternative sweeteners, this may be a strong option.
4. Alio Protein Bars
Protein: ~15g
Fiber: 9g
Added Sugar: 0g
Facility: Produced in partnership with a dedicated Top 9 allergen-free manufacturing facility
Sweeteners: Monk fruit and sugar alcohols
Alio bars provide approximately 15 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber with zero grams of added sugar.
The zero added sugar profile is achieved through monk fruit and sugar alcohols. Some individuals tolerate these well, while others experience digestive discomfort or dislike the aftertaste. In our household, these sweeteners are not a good fit, though many families prefer them for blood sugar management.
5. No Nuts Bars
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 10g
Added Sugar: 6–8g
Facility: Nut-free facility; processes coconut and sesame
No Nuts Bars contain no peanuts or tree nuts in the ingredient list and are produced in a nut-free facility.
The facility does process coconut and sesame. If sesame allergy is present in your household, this may not be appropriate.
With 12 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber, these bars provide strong satiety. Added sugar ranges from 6–8 grams depending on flavor.
Quick Comparison
| Brand | Protein | Fiber | Added Sugar | Facility |
| Tanabar | 7g | 3g | 20g | Dedicated nut-free facility |
| Feel Kids | 10g | 8g | 0g | Dedicated nut-free facility |
| Feel Adult | 15g | 5g | 3g | Dedicated nut-free facility |
| 88 Acres | 12g | 3–4g | 4–8g | Dedicated bakery free of peanuts, tree nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, soy & sesame |
| Alio | 15g | 9g | 0g | Dedicated Top 9 allergen-free facility |
| No Nuts | 12g | 10g | 6–8g | Nut-free facility; processes coconut & sesame |
Which Nut-Free Protein Bar Is Best?
All of the bars listed above are produced in nut-free facilities. The key differences come down to protein, fiber, added sugar, and sweetener type.
For higher protein needs:
Feel Adult and Alio provide about 15 grams per bar and may work well for teens, athletes, or adults needing more substantial protein support.
For moderate protein:
88 Acres and No Nuts provide 12 grams per bar. Feel Kids offers 10 grams, which may be appropriate for younger children.
For higher fiber:
No Nuts (10g) and Alio (9g) provide the most fiber. Higher fiber can improve satiety, though it may not be ideal for every child or sensitive digestive system.
For lower added sugar:
Feel Kids and Alio contain 0 grams of added sugar. Feel Adult contains about 3 grams. 88 Acres ranges from 4–8 grams depending on flavor.
For those sensitive to alternative sweeteners:
Alio uses monk fruit and sugar alcohols. If those are not tolerated well, consider 88 Acres, Feel, No Nuts, or Tanabar instead.
There is no single best option. The right choice depends on your protein goals, fiber tolerance, sugar preferences, and overall ingredient comfort level.
Protein bars can be convenient, but they work best as part of a balanced meal plan. If you’re navigating multiple food allergies, structured meal planning can make protein intake much easier. Bars are helpful tools, but they should not replace whole-food protein sources entirely.
What to Check on Labels
Even when a bar is produced in a nut-free facility, always confirm:
- The ingredient list
- The “contains” statement
- Any “may contain” or facility disclosures
- Protein grams per serving
- Added sugar
- Sweetener type
Front-of-package claims are marketing. The ingredient panel is what guides safe, informed decisions.
Final Thoughts
Finding a nut-free protein bar is possible, but it requires careful evaluation.
From there, the differences come down to protein content, fiber levels, added sugar, sweetener type, and ingredient philosophy.
For some households, higher protein will matter most. For others, avoiding alternative sweeteners is the priority. Some families manage multiple allergens beyond nuts.
The right choice aligns with your allergy profile, digestive tolerance, and nutrition goals.
Nutrition with food allergies is rarely about finding one perfect product. It is about making informed, realistic decisions that support both safety and nourishment.
If you’re building protein into your routine while managing food allergies, explore my full guide to allergy-friendly protein sources. And if you’d like practical, real-world guidance on meal planning and label reading, join my email list below.