Epic Protein Bars are Meat Bars for Dairy-Free Omnivores

What an interesting divergence from your typically protein powder-enhanced bar. Epic Protein Bars are a unique cross between jerky and energy bars that get their protein exclusively from all-natural and grass-fed meat.

All of the Epic Protein Bars are dairy-free, gluten-free, and almost Paleo (I don’t think our ancient ancestors were chowing on brown sugar-sweetened bacon), and they were a hit with me, since I follow a dairy-free, gluten-free and mostly grain-free diet. My wife liked that they use 100% grass-fed organic bison and beef and all-natural turkey (no antibiotics, fillers, etc.), and that the bars are free of nitrates or other funny ingredients.

Tasting Notes for Epic Protein Bars

At last count, Epic Protein Bars came in fifteen flavors. I’ve included our notes from the three that we tried, but feel free to leave your own rating and review below if you try any flavor from their classic line.

Turkey Almond Cranberry

Thicker and more tender than jerky, but still similar in taste and texture. It was smoky, meaty, and just a little sweet, but in a good way. We liked that this one was low fat and the lowest in sugar.

Ingredients: turkey, almonds, cranberries (apple juice concentrate, cranberries), encapsulated lactic acid*, sea salt, cultured celery powder, nutmeg, coriander, cumin, dried garlic, paprika, red pepper, dried onion. *not from milk (from tapioca starch). contains almond ingredients.

Nutrition (per 1.5-ounce bar): 140 calories, 8g fat, 9g carbs, 2g fiber, 5g sugars, 10g protein.*

Bison Bacon Cranberry

I had high hopes for this variety, but it only met my taste buds halfway. The cranberries add brightness, it has a nice light jerky flavor, and the texture is meaty, but not overly chewy. But, the bar was much sweeter than it needed to be. If they cut the sweetness in half, it might be a top contender.

Ingredients: bison, uncured bacon – no nitrates or nitrites added* (pork, water, sea salt, brown sugar, vinegar, celery powder), dried cranberries (apple juice concentrate, cranberries), encapsulated lactic acid**, cultured celery powder, sea salt. *except those naturally occuring in sea salt and celery powder. **not from milk (from tapioca starch).

Nutrition (per 1.5-ounce bar): 130 calories, 8g fat, 8g carbs, 1g fiber, 6g sugars, 7g protein.*

Grass-Fed Beef Habanero Cherry

This was the smokiest of the bunch with a nice spicy kick. The cherries compliment, and the flavor is spot on – not too sweet.

Ingredients: grass-fed beef, dried cherries, walnuts, encapsulated lactic acid*, salt, celery powder, fine black pepper, crushed habanero. *not from milk (from tapioca starch). contains walnut ingredients.

Nutrition (per 1.5-ounce bar): 150 calories, 8g fat, 9g carbs, 2g fiber, 5g sugars, 9g protein.*

More Epic Protein Bars

• Bacon And Egg Yolk Bar
• Beef Apple Bacon Bar
• Beef Jalapeño Bar
• Beef Sea Salt + Pepper Bar
• Chicken Egg Yolk And Apple Bar
• Chicken Sesame Bbq Bar
• Chicken Sriracha Bar
• Lamb Currant Mint Bar
• Smoked Maple Bacon Bar
• Turkey Sweet Potato And Egg Yolk Bar
• Venison Sea Salt Pepper Bar
• Wild Boar With Bacon Bar

Epic Protein Bars are from the makers of Thunderbird Energetica Bars, but since those bars are vegan, they are reportedly produced in separate facilities.

The Facts on Epic Protein Bars

Price: $2.83 per bar

Availability: Epic Protein Bars are sold at Whole Foods in select regions and can also be ordered online via the company’s website below or via Amazon.

Certifications: Epic Protein Bars are Whole30 Approved.

Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Epic Protein Bars are dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, and soy-free. They’re also mostly keto, paleo, and Whole30, and most flavors are made without egg.*

For More Product Information: Visit the Epic website at www.epicbar.com.

*Always read the ingredient and nutrition statement prior to consumption. Ingredients, processes, and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company or product. Contact the company to discuss their manufacturing processes if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. No food product can be guaranteed “safe” for every individual’s needs. You should never rely on ingredient and allergen statements alone if dealing with a severe food allergy. 

Good clean snacking

Rated 4 out of 5

August 8, 2020

This is a great option for dairy-free primal snackers. Like a cross between jerky and a protein bar, but without any funny business. Just all natural, organic, and grass-fed ingredients. We liked the Turkey and Beef varieties, but the Bison needed to be more savory.

Anthony Fleming