Categories: Luna/Clif Bar & Company

14 May 2012, Comments (4)

Clif Builder’s S’mores Protein Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

Another Builder’s Bar review! This time, the S’mores flavor. Who could really ever resist a S’more? Chocolate? Marshmallow? Graham crackers? All warm and gooey…

Ok I’ll stop now, before day dreaming turns into my actually going out to buy ingredients to make S’mores….

Insert Clif Builder’s S’mores Protein Bar, made with natural ingredients, organic ingredients, and still some muscle-loving protein. I liked the chocolate chip one I had a few days ago, and bought a whole bunch more.

Upon first bite, I REALLY liked it. It was sweeter than the Chocolate Chip flavor, and more flavorful. The top part was soft and chewy and dense, and the bottom part of the bar was “crunchier”, and together it was a really complimenting texture.

The flavor I would say was a predominant sweet chocolate, with a good bit of marshmallow flavor. I did get the sense that the bar contained a “toasted” flavor, kind of like a graham cracker would provide. As with the other bar, or any protein bar really, I needed some water to drink with this. (Hey, some milk if you feel like adding even more protein!) It had that salty/sweet combination going on, and water fit the bill quite nicely.

Overall, yum! Love the high protein, and that it’s low glycemic according to the wrapper. I also like how it doesn’t taste chalky like some protein bars can. It is a bit high in sugar/sodium and low in fiber, so overall, 4 stars

Will buy again! 🙂

27 Apr 2012, Comments (5)

Clif Builder’s Bar Chocolate Chip

Author: Healthnuttxo

I’m not a meat eater. Good for my cholesterol levels, bad for my protein levels- especially since I’m a total gym bunny. So I often try to find high protein foods to supplement the protein I lack when I don’t eat that cheeseburger or steak (which, mind you, hasn’t been done since 7th grade! Wow….such a long time!)

I also am quite fond of protein bars. Weird? Nah. I just think you have to find the right ones! Some can be a bit chalky, or others pounded with sugar and fat, but if you find a good bar with a good amount of protein I think it”s perfect as a  light meal or alongside some fruit for a light meal.

So, what took me so long to finally try these Clif Builder’s Bars? No clue. What’s WRONG with me!? Maybe I was blinded to the protein bar section in CVS or Whole Foods that contained the Clif Builder’s Bars. But, the other day I picked up one of every flavor from Whole Foods, hoping they would be a success.

Not going to lie, already had 2 of them (two thumbs up!!) before I thought to review one. Well DUH on my part, seeing as  I have a health food blog that reviews new products I eat and all…. =P

The bar was actually quite good. It was a soft chew, with a crunchier inside very similar to the “crispie” part in the Luna bars. It did have that infamous “soy” flavor, but not overpoweringly so. The softer  part on top was chewy, dense, and almost had a vanilla flavor. The crunchier “Luna-like” part on the bottom was chocolately in flavor, but not really super flavorful. All together, I got almost a light caramel/chocolate malt flavor. It was weird…but it was good. I liked it.

I can’t say this SCREAMED chocolate chip flavor, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it. It was more of a chocolate malt flavor, or chocolate in general. It had that kind of flavor that made me crave some water, but was sweet as well. I would most likely buy this one, especially since it had no sugar alcohols and no artificial ingredients, which often accompany protein bars.

Overall, 4 stars. I had this for lunch with a giant fruit cup and was quite satisfied. Its high in saturated fat and sugar, but also high in protein and with a low glycemic index. Perfect for a diabetic like me! =)

WHAT’S your favorite protein bar brand/name? Let me know! =)

19 Dec 2011, Comments (8)

Clif Bar Peppermint Stick Energy Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

Officially holiday season! Christmas and Hanukkah are approaching quick! So in spirit, a holiday themed treat.

Clif Bar sent me their Peppermint Stick Clif Bar. I happen to love these energy bars, so I was excited!

The bar was standard in terms of texture for a Clif Bar. Chewy and dense, soft and had a few oats scrambled around. was sort of fruity minty. Like bubble-mint toothpaste in a way. You know when it’s slighty sweet like bubblegum but also minty. At first I took a bite and it had that standard Clif bar taste, slightly fruity/date flavor, but then in comes a peppermint flavor. Not super strong, but you definitely can taste it. In fact if you can’t taste it, you might need to get your taste buds evaluated ; )

But then some bites were different. Another bite had a very mild mint flavor and a bit of a white chocolate flavor. Hmm. I also saw streaks of red throughout the bar, not BIG streaks, but a mild red. I searched the ingredient list and saw peppermint candy, which not only explained the red but also the stronger peppermint flavors in some bites.

I normally go for energy bars early in the morning, when it’s too early for a full breakfast/I want to work out early. However, I took one bite of this and couldn’t do it. It was too strong for a morning tummy/ taste buds to handle (or at least mine anyway) so I ended up eating it later on in the day.

I got this bar for free, but I can’t say I would buy it again. I wasn’t really a fan, it was just ok. I like that it was seasonal and wintry with the peppermint, and I think it’s great if you really like peppermint. However, the only time I like minty things is when I brush my teeth or chew a piece of gum. This didn’t really work for me.

The nutrition facts seem pretty standard for a Clif Bar. Although a bit high in sugar for a bar that’s about the size of my palm. 2 stars

Peppermint? Yay or nay? I would say I’m average- I do like York Peppermint Patties! But, I would much rather have some christmas cookies than a candy cane!

15 Sep 2011, Comments (11)

Clif Bar Iced Gingerbread Energy Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

Ahhh gingerbread. Brings me back to memories of Christmastime, either getting seriously sticky and messy decorating a gingerbread house, or baking delicious gingerbread cookies. I happen to be a fan of the deep taste of ginger and the slight crunch, and then a bit of frosting to add some sweetness. Delicious!

This particular bar is a seasonal one, and I’m assuming it’s available only around Christmastime. Why  I’m reviewing it in the beginning of September beats me, but, HEY- let’s just say I’m hopeful for the winter season to come (even though I DESPISE the cold. Gimme summer year round!! 😎 )

I opened the bar and was a bit surprised at what I saw. When I thought of “Iced” I thought there would be a layer of icing. Instead, it was more of a slight drizzle. A slight drizzle, in fact, that I barely tasted in the bar (was it really there? Or was it a figment of my imagination??)

As you can see, a few raisins scattered throughout the bar, with a light layer of icing.

The bar itself, was, eh, ok. It had a mild ginger flavor, but overall did have the flavor of a Gingerbread cookie. It was soft, and chewy, and rather dense. The raisins added a little bit of sweetness to the bar, but not much in terms of flavor. The taste actually reminded me of an oatmeal cookie, but with ginger.

It was ok, but certainly not my favorite. I dont think I would buy this in the future, for it was sort of lackluster, but it didn’t necessarily taste bad.  And, another thing to point out, 22 grams of sugar in one bar. OUCH! As a diabetic, I have to watch out for my sugar intake. I understand that some of the sugars may be from the raisins, but the first ingredient is Organic Brown Rice Syrup. Organic or not, sweetener is sweetener to me. And 22 grams is a bit much. But then again, this IS an energy bar- that energy has to come from somewhere!! (And I certainly had a ton of it during my spin class!!)

Overall, 3 stars.

What’s your favorite pre-workout snack? I usually stick to granola bars- easy on the stomach!!

9 May 2011, Comments (11)

Luna Chocolate Dipped Coconut Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

I’ve seen this bar in the stores for a little while now, but for some reason never picked it up. Finally, the opportunity came the other day when I was hungry and on-the-go, so I needed a little pick me up. This was perfect to satisfy me, and not slow me down with  my hectic schedule! That’s what I like about Luna Bars- they have protein and vitamins/minerals, but are also tasty and easy to eat. They don’t fall apart or get ruined if they end up being smooshed in the bottom of my bag, either. (;

I opened up the bar, I really love the design! Even a friend of mine said it was one of the “prettiest” bars she had seen from Luna. Here’s how it looked

There was a chocolate layer on the bottom, followed by the “soy” part, and then a light coconut topping. At first bite, I noticed it didn’t have that thick of the middle soy layer as the other bars do, and actually, I thought this bar was thinner than the other bars I have had in the past. I didn’t find it to be incredibly sweet, and I found the coconut flavor to be mild.

The bottom layer had a milk chocolate, slightly salty flavor. The coconut flavor was not overpowering or really overly noticeable at all, and had a sweet yet salty flavor. The top layer, had a white chocolate flavor, with coconut undertones. I thought it tasted similar to the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bar. I also thought the coconut had a bit of an off flavor.

Overall, not bad. I do wish there was a more predominant coconut flavor. I also needed a glass of water to drink with this, as it has that “salty” flavor to it!  3 1/2 stars

Have you had this bar yet? What did you think?

1 bar is 190 calories, 7 grams of fat (4 saturated), 25 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein.

11 Apr 2011, Comments (3)

Luna Mini’s Peanut Butter Cookie

Author: Healthnuttxo

I happen to like Luna Bars, I think they are unique, and I love that they have a good amount of protein as well as some vitamins and minerals. My favorite is the White Chocolate Macadamia bar, as it is just sooo good!

Seeing my love for peanut butter, I thought I would certainly like the Peanut Butter Cookie flavor, which I got in the Mini’s form. How big is this “Mini” bar exactly? Here is the comparison against 2 Nips candies.

First bite, I was a bit surprised. There really wasn’t a strong peanut butter flavor at all 🙁

You know me, I loooove peanut butter, so if this is called “Peanut Butter Cookie” I want something sweet and peanut buttery! While there was a very mild peanut butter flavor, I thought it mostly had a vanilla flavor with peanut butter undertones. It was crunchy and chewy, with an icing-like smooth consistency on the bottom. It really wasn’t all that sweet, despite the 5 grams of sugar for this little bar. I also tasted flaxseed at one point, which really isn’t one of the flavors I enjoy.

At first I thought, there is no way this tiny little bar is going to satisfy me. However, after I ate it, it really did satisfy! I wasn’t hungry or full for that matter, but it just took the edge of my hunger for the time being. It was pretty good, but not my favorite. I wish it was sweeter and/or more peanut buttery! 3 stars.

1 bar is 80 calories, 3 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 5 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein.

What’s your favorite bar that is peanut butter flavored? Mine, hands down, is this one here.

24 Mar 2011, Comments (1)

Clif Crunch Chocolate Chip Granola Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

Source

Clif Bar & Company is one of my favorite companies when it comes to making delicious bars. I happen to enjoy the Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut  flavors in the Clif Crunch, and the Chocolate Chip Energy Bar as well!

I opened up the package to find 2 bars, a little crumbly in consistency, but still held together for the most part. I took a bite and found a nice crispy/crunchy bar, with a very slight oily feel. There were scattered chocolate chips throughout, so I didn’t expect it to have a lot of chocolatey flavor. However- there really was a lot of chocolatey flavor! It was surprising, and in a good way. There also was a hint of vanilla flavor I detected as well.

Overall, these were delicious. I liked how they were not overly sweet, just right. It reminded me of a chocolate chip cookie, actually! I would certainly eat these again. 4 stars

2 bars is 180 calories, 8 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein.

Have you ever had any product from Clif Bar & Company? Which one is your favorite?

I was sent to try these bars for free. Regardless, my opinion is unaffected.

2 Mar 2011, Comments (4)

Luna Bar Chocolate Chunk

Author: Healthnuttxo

picture source

The one thing that seems to always hit my sweet tooth? Cookies. I prefer cookies over brownies or cupcakes, or any other sweet. So of course I was excited to hear Luna came out with a Chocolate Chunk flavor, and I was sent a free bar to try in the mail =)

First, I was impressed with the nutritional stats- only 11 grams of sugar , 180 calories, and 9 grams of protein for the whole bar. But how did it taste?

It certainly did remind of a cookie. It  was chewy and soft, yet crispy at the same time. It was “salty” in a way that I needed water to drink with this bar, kind of like when someone eat pretzels. It just craves a drink! There was also just a hint of vanilla flavor. The chocolate pieces were the best part- big and they had a nice bite them. Smooth in consistency, and  kind of like a cross between dark and milk chocolate, not too sweet and not too bitter.

Overall, pretty good. I felt that of the Luna bars I have tried in the past, (like one of my favorites, here! ) this one wasn’t as sweet as the others. However, I still liked it, and I loved the chocolate pieces throughout the bar. I would eat this again. 4 stars

Whats your favorite Luna Bar flavor?

1 bar is 180 calories, 5 grams of fat, 26 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugar and 9 grams of protein.

17 Feb 2011, Comments (3)

Clif Bar & Company Blueberry Crisp Energy Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

I happen to be a big fan of Clif Bars. My all time favorite ones would have to be the Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut and also the Clif Crunch Peanut Butter & White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Granola Bars. They have some pretty tasty foods!

Today’s review is the Blueberry Crisp Energy Bar that I was sent to try for free. I wasn’t exactly thrilled in the beginning to try this one for some reason, I like blueberries and all but I thought they might taste funky in a granola or energy bar. But who am I to judge something solely on it’s name or appearance? Speaking of which, here’s how it looked

The thing that always gets me about Clif Bar & Company energy bars is that they seem tiny, but they actually ARE quite filling. I find them perfect to eat on an empty stomach for an early morning workout before I eat breakfast or whatnot to tie me over.

When I opened the package I immediately smelled a fragrant blueberry aroma. I took a bite, and noticed it was actually pretty sweet. Not sweet like candy, but I could certainly detect a good amount of sweetness. It kind of reminded me of a blueberry filling to a pie or a blueberry pancake syrup sort of flavor. It was crunchy from the almonds, chewy, and soft at the same time. I actually really liked the consistency of this bar, it had a lot going on. There were good sized pieces of nuts, which were fresh and crunchy, and added something special to the bar.

Overall, this bar was better than I thought it would be, and actually quite tasty. THe only drawback for me is that it has 21 grams of sugar per bar. Then again, I believe it’s intended to be an energy bar, so I’m sure some of those carbohydrates and sugar will we used up in the workout! 4 stars

1 bar is 240 calories, 5 grams of fat, 43 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, 21 grams of sugar and 9 grams of protein.

Did you ever eat something you thought wasn’t going to be that good, and it surprised you? What was it?

23 Jul 2010, Comments (9)

Clif Crunch Peanut Butter & White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Granola Bars

Author: Healthnuttxo

Source

Clif bars. A true love of mine. I haven’t really found one yet that disappointed me. And as an addition to my lineup of favorite bars is now the Clif Crunch bars 🙂

Clif Bar & Company sent me some of their Clif Crunch bars to try. These bars come in Peanut Butter, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Chocolate Chip and Honey Oat. They are all natural (70% organic), and are made with whole grains. Being a fan of granola bars, I was so excited to try these. Obviously I opened up the boxes once they arrived at my house! 🙂

Each package comes with 2 bars, for a total of 42 grams. What I liked about these bars was that although they were crunchy, they were NOT super hard. It was sort of a “soft” crunch, and was really quite enjoyable!

Peanut Butter- oh. my. goodness. This is one of the BEST peanut butter granola bars EVER!! It was just perfect, and even drizzled with peanut butter on top (some even melted right on my wrapper. Yum!!!). Very peanut buttery, and was salty and slightly sweet. It gave me that “dry mouth I need water” kind of peanut butter taste-which in my opinion, ROCKS! Honestly, these tasted like peanut butter COOKIES. Just amazing.  5 stars

White Chocolate Macadamia- my tastebuds are singing, yet again. Another delicious bar. Light and crispy, with buttery sweet white chocolate chips throughout the bar. A nice, vanilla flavor was easily detected-but I didn’t taste much Macadamia Nut. No worries, still a winner in my eyes. 4 1/2 stars

Overall, these absolutely ROCK. I had these for breakfast with some fruit before a workout, and it fueled me up and kept me going! I really enjoyed these! Although they are a bit high in fat (both flavors have 9 grams per 2 bars), it is worth the delicious taste. They are also a little low in protein for my likings, but paired with some yogurt or fruit and I think they can make a perfect breakfast, or light lunch. Plus, these are 70% organic, made with whole grains, and just yummy! 🙂

2 bars is 190 calories, 9 grams of fat, 25-26 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 10-11 grams of sugar, and 4-5 grams of protein.

Peanut Butter- Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Sunflower Oil, Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter Chips (Evaporated Cane Juice, Palm Kernel Oil, Peanut Flour, Soy Lecithin), Rice Crisp (Rice Flour, Barley Malt Extract, Evaporated Cane Juice, Salt, Calcium Carbonate), Honey, Organic Barley Flakes, Organic Rye Flakes, Roasted Peanut Extract, Oat Bran, Oat Fiber, Sea Salt (Real Salt®), Natural Flavor, Inulin (Chicory Extract).

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut-Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Sunflower Oil, Soy White Chocolate (Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Cocoa Butter, Soy Flour, Soy Lecithin, Vanilla Extract), Roasted Macadamia Nuts, Rice Crisp (Rice Flour, Barley Malt Extract, Evaporated Cane Juice, Salt, Calcium Carbonate), Organic Barley Flakes, Organic Rye Flakes, Oat Bran, Oat Fiber, Sea Salt (Real Salt®), Natural Flavors, Inulin (Chicory Extract).

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