Mars Low Sugar or Barebells — which protein bar is better in Canada? Both deliver ~20 g protein with very little sugar; Mars nails nostalgic candy-brand flavor, while Barebells offers a no-added-sugar Swedish original.
If you grew up on Snickers, Mars, Bounty, and M&M's, the Mars Hi Protein Low Sugar range feels like a cheat code — the exact candy flavors you know, rebuilt with 20 grams of protein and cut-down sugar. Barebells, the Swedish favorite, comes at the same idea from a different angle: a no-added-sugar bar engineered from scratch to taste like a treat. Both are European imports that are hard to find in Canada, and both are stocked and shipped from Montreal by Top Nutrition and Fitness. Here is the honest comparison.
Mars Low Sugar vs Barebells at a Glance
| Factor | Mars Hi Protein Low Sugar | Barebells |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | ~20 g per bar | ~20 g per bar |
| Sugar | Low sugar (~2 g) | No added sugar (~1-2 g) |
| Origin | Europe (Mars brand) | Sweden |
| Flavor concept | Real Snickers / Mars / Bounty / M&M's | Original Barebells recipes |
| Texture | Familiar candy-bar layers | Soft nougat + caramel, coated |
| Sweeteners | Reduced-sugar formula with sweeteners | Sweeteners incl. maltitol, stevia |
| Availability in Canada | European exclusive, limited | European exclusive, limited |
| Best for | Nostalgic candy cravings | Clean no-added-sugar treat |
Macros are approximate and vary by flavor. Always check the label on your specific bar.
Protein and Sugar
On the numbers that matter most, these two are almost twins: roughly 20 grams of protein each, with very little sugar. Mars markets its range as "low sugar" (around 2 grams per bar on the popular flavors), while Barebells markets "no added sugar." In practice both are excellent low-sugar, high-protein options. If your priority is the absolute lowest added sugar, Barebells has a slight philosophical edge; if the exact gram count is what matters, they are close enough that taste should be your tiebreaker.
Taste and Texture
This is the fun part. Mars Hi Protein Low Sugar tastes like the candy bars themselves — because it is made by Mars. Snickers Hi Protein has the peanut-caramel-nougat profile you already love; Bounty brings coconut; M&M's brings the crispy-chocolate hit. It is the closest a protein bar gets to eating the real thing. Barebells is not trying to copy an existing candy bar — it is its own thing, with a soft nougat core, caramel layers, and a smooth coating that consistently wins blind taste tests for "doesn't taste like protein." Choose based on whether you want a specific nostalgic flavor (Mars) or the best original protein-treat recipe (Barebells).
Price and Value
Both are premium European imports, so they sit in a similar price band. Buying a box of 12 gives the best per-bar value for either brand, and singles are perfect for trying flavors first. They frequently qualify for our mix-and-match snack deals.
The Verdict: Who Should Pick Which
Choose Mars Hi Protein Low Sugar if you crave the genuine Snickers, Mars, Bounty, or M&M's experience with a protein boost and less sugar. Choose Barebells if you want a no-added-sugar bar with a soft, indulgent texture that isn't tied to a specific candy flavor. Honestly? Most of our customers who love one end up buying both — Mars for nostalgia, Barebells for the clean treat.
Shop Both at Top Nutrition and Fitness
We are a Montreal-based supplement and snack retailer stocking these hard-to-find European bars with Canada-wide shipping and no cross-border duties. Try them here:
- Mars, Snickers, Bounty & M&M's Protein Bar (1 bar)
- Mars Protein Bars (Box of 12)
- Barebells Protein Bar (1 bar)
- Barebells Protein Bar (Box of 12)
Learn more about our European Barebells lineup on the Barebells Europe in Canada page. Orders ship from our Montreal store across Canada, and our Onward rewards program gives you 90 days to earn and redeem — perfect for stocking up on both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mars Hi Protein or Barebells lower in sugar?
Both are very low. Mars markets "low sugar" (around 2 grams on popular flavors) and Barebells markets "no added sugar." They are close; check the specific flavor's label to compare exact grams.
Does Mars Hi Protein taste like a real Snickers?
Yes — it is made by Mars, so Snickers Hi Protein carries the authentic peanut, caramel, and nougat profile, just with more protein and less sugar than the classic candy bar.
Are these bars available in Canada?
Both are European exclusives that are hard to find in Canada. Top Nutrition and Fitness imports and stocks them, shipping domestically from Montreal across Canada with no duties.
Which has more protein, Mars or Barebells?
They are essentially tied at around 20 grams of protein per bar. Pick based on flavor preference rather than protein content.
Résumé en français
Mars Faible en Sucre ou Barebells — laquelle choisir au Canada ? Les deux offrent environ 20 g de protéines et très peu de sucre. Mars reproduit fidèlement les saveurs Snickers, Mars, Bounty et M&M's avec un vrai goût de barre chocolatée nostalgique. Barebells propose une barre suédoise originale sans sucre ajouté, à la texture moelleuse. Choisissez Mars pour les saveurs de bonbons classiques ; choisissez Barebells pour une gâterie sans sucre ajouté. Ces exclusivités européennes sont en stock chez Top Nutrition and Fitness à Montréal, avec livraison partout au Canada sans frais de douane.
