The lovechild of Peter Rahal and Zach Ranen, the founders of RXBAR® and keto cookie company RAIZE, respectively, David protein bars have skyrocketed to the protein bar hall of fame since launching in August 2024.
In that short time, the bars—named after the Michelangelo statue—have drawn attention for their nutrient density and become beloved by biohackers, bodybuilders, and gym-goers alike. In fact, the bar has already become the number-two top-selling bar at The Vitamin Shoppe.
Their glitzy packaging, reminiscent of the golden tickets in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, visually sets David bars apart from the other products in the protein bar aisle. Unlike other wrappings, which are aggressively promotional at best and downright tacky at worst, these gold-foiled bars ooze with sophistication.
But for David’s growing fan base, it’s what’s inside the foil that really matters. Each bar jam-packs an impressive 28 grams of protein into just 150 calories—all while containing zero grams of sugar to boot, says Brittany Michels, R.D.N., M.S., C.P.T., a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer with The Vitamin Shoppe.
As a health and fitness journalist with a pulse on the wellness world, I’ve been intrigued by these oh-so-buzzy bars for months. So, in the name of investigative journalism, I decided to find out whether they were more than gold foil and good marketing. Ahead, a look at what I love about David bars—plus, who they might be best for.
- ABOUT OUR EXPERTS: Brittany Michels, R.D.N., M.S., C.P.T., is a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer with The Vitamin Shoppe. Mallory Aldred, R.D., is a registered dietitian and founder of What Mallory Eats.
Jam-Packed With Protein
No hot take necessary with these protein bars; from a macro perspective, David bars are as exceptional as everyone keeps saying.
“The main reason that David protein bars stand out in the crowded protein bar market is their exceptional protein-to-calorie ratio,” says Michels. Roughly 75 percent of their calories come from protein!
While daily protein needs vary person-to-person, “most individuals should aim for one gram of protein per pound of desired body weight per day,” according to registered dietitian Mallory Aldred, R.D., founder of What Mallory Eats. “So, if your goal weight is 150 pounds, you should aim for 150 grams of protein per day,” she says. If that sounds like a lot—it is! That’s where David bars come in.
No matter how you slice it, 28 grams is a sizable proportion. For comparison, each bar offers roughly the protein equivalent of five eggs, two cups of Greek yogurt, or a palm-sized chicken breast.
For me, that makes David bars perfect for a mid-day snack during my part-time job, when I don’t have time to make a full meal. Sometimes I’ll snack on one during meetings, and it’s enough to quiet my grumbling stomach without weighing me down. Other times, I’ll eat one as a pre-workout bite on the drive from the office to the CrossFit box or climbing gym.
Read More: How To Never Be Caught Without Enough Protein
They’ve also become a staple in my carry-on. More than once in the last month, these portable, high-protein bars have saved me from overspending on nutrient-poor airport food.)
And The Flavor? Delicious.
David Bars aren’t just friendly to my macronutrient goals; they are also pleasing to my palate. In texture, taste, and digestibility, they beat out just about every other protein bar I’ve tried.
When I unceremoniously tore into my first one, I expected it to be as utilitarian as its protein bar predecessors: Capable of curbing my hunger and facilitating my protein goals, and great for an on-the-go snack, but ultimately more functional than enjoyable.
However, the moment I bit into the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk bar, I was floored. The flavor was subtle but nutty, with just enough chocolate to make it feel indulgent without tipping into candy territory. The texture, too, was surprisingly soft and chewy. (Think blondie, not brick). That confusing, dense-but-somehow-chalky consistency common among high-protein bars? Nowhere to be found.
My second go with the bar proved that hunger wasn’t clouding my judgment. The next day, I tried Blueberry Pie—a flavor many brands butcher, IMO—and was impressed again. This bar managed to taste like its namesake without being overly sweet, artificial, or reminiscent of medicine.
Sweet, But Not Too Sweet
One of my favorite things about these bars is that they aren’t syrupy-sweet. One of their claims to fame is zero sugar, which thrills me as someone sensitive to sugar spikes and who values stable energy. However, I was also nervous that bars would have the sticky-sweet taste (and weird aftertaste) commonly found in meal replacement products with minimal sugar.
Read More: 4 Habits That Support Healthy Blood Sugar—No Monitor Needed
“David bars use a blend of calorie-free sweeteners to deliver sweetness without the added sugar, as well as natural and artificial flavors,” says Michels. To my delight, this marriage works! The bars successfully sidestep the chemical sweetness that many competitors fall into. The result is a flavor that feels balanced, indulgent, and genuinely enjoyable.
Sensitive Stomach-Friendly
Yes, I’m an athlete with ambitious macronutrient goals who values a high-protein snack. But I’m also someone with a sensitive stomach that often rebels against sugar alcohols. Not only does that mean the discomfort of gastrointestinal distress, but it also means I’ve lost more than one training block to emergency bathroom runs.
To my relief, these bars have never sabotaged my sweat sessions or outdoor adventures with tummy drama. On the contrary, they’ve given me steady energy to power through endurance work, lifting sessions, and everything in between.
Costly and Lower-Calorie
The main drawback of David Bars is their cost. Purchased individually, a single bar will set you back around $3.99 to $4.49, depending on the retailer. (A box of 12 from Vitamin Shop costs $39.99, which breaks down to about $3.33 per bar.) For comparison, the average cost for Quest Nutrition or ONE Brands is about $2.90 per bar. Sure, it’s only a forty-cent difference, but even that adds up over time.
It’s also worth noting that the lower-calorie count may not be ideal for everyone. With just 150 calories, David Bars are suitable for those seeking to increase protein without significantly increasing calories. For people in a bulking phase who want foods dense in both protein and calories, though, David Bars alone might not move the needle much toward their intake goals.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a high-protein yet lower-calorie option, I think David bars are a super solid bet. Not only are they macronutrient-friendly, but they’re tasty, texturally satisfying, and surprisingly easy on the stomach.
Just don’t forget that protein bars, in general, are designed to supplement real food sources, not replace them. As Aldred puts it, “bars can come in handy if your daily protein needs are high or you don’t have a whole foods meal or snack available,” she says. But, ultimately, whole-food options, such as chicken, turkey, poultry, red meat, cottage cheese, and eggs, should comprise the bulk of your intake. That said, will you find David bars permanently stashed in my desk, gym bag, and carry-on? You betcha.