A couple weeks ago I gave my review on Clif’s Mojo and Mojo Dipped line. At the same time I recieved those, I also received some of Clif’s original energy bars to try out. Each bar is a blend of ClifPro–their signature soy protein blend–, brown rice syrup, nuts, and flavorings. As I’ve learned from perusing the Clif website, their Clif bar comes in nearly 20 different flavors so there’s surely a taste for everyone. Here are the reviews for the 3 flavors I received.
Maple Nut Clif Bar
9/10: As a New Englander born and raised with relatives from the depths of New Hampshire, I’ve had my fair share of maple syrups and consider my self something of a connoisseur. I loved the flavor in this as it was very sweet and, more importantly, very authentic; it tasted like maple syrup and not the Aunt Jemima imitation stuff. I mean, I really enjoyed the flavor. I also was surprised and overjoyed that the “nut” wasn’t the typical walnut that’s overdone with maple but rather the pecan which I personal enjoy more. Nutritionally, this bar had a lot of sugar; sugar is 1/3 of the calories here. However, the flavor had me overlooking this because, and let’s face it, when you’re doing maple you’ve got to go big or go home. Besides that, I loved the protein boost from soy, the 5g of fiber, and the healthy fats. It’s also fortified with plenty of vitamins and minerals which I’m a sucker for. This isn’t a bar I would have again, but rather one that I will have again.
White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Clif Bar
6.5/10: As magical as white chocolate is, this bar just wasn’t. The first flavor impression I got from it was the generic, Clif sweetness. Eventually, the white chocolate cut in but it wasn’t horribly strong. I didn’t think I’d like the macadamia nuts but they were actually welcomed here; the butteriness of the nuts made up for the overall sweetness and lack of white chocolate. I’d eat this bar again if I’m ever in a “Clif” mood, but as for anything more specific this just didn’t cut it.
Blueberry Crisp
8/10: Yet again, the Clif company takes the full flavors of a dessert and manages to squeeze it into a pocket-sized energy bar. I’m not sure I’ve ever had a blueberry crisp, but I get the sense from apple crisps. I liked how this bar wasn’t very sweet, but rather earthy with tons of spices. That’s more or less how I like my own crisps, although it made the unfortunately high sugar content that much more unfortunate. Like all Clif bars, I enjoy the fortification and good protein content. The almonds were a nice final touch and I probably would have preferred more of those for less of the sugar. Overall this was a fun, Autumnal flavor I’d buy again.
Thanks for the thorough review and insight on the Cliff bars. I’m not a huge Cliff bar eater (too calorically dense for me, and I find it hard to just stop at the half-way point), but after those reveiws…I might just give them a second chance!
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I have to be honest, the maple nut flavor is my FAVORITE (even beats out crunchy PB! Did I really just say that?)
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good to know about the maple one. i am a lover of maple stuff too and am kind of a new england snob when it comes to it
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I love Zbars, Mojos, & Lunas, but something about the texture of the originals – blegh. The flavors are great though!
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OMG this is too freaky….
I just bought the White Choc Mac Nut bar and posted a meh review for it a few days ago.
I had also bought the blueberry and actually liked it.
Never bought the Maple Nut but coming from your NE Roots and maple connoisseur nature…I am game.
I never buy Clif bars but was at TJ’s last week and for a buck a try, I thought what the heck. And actually kinda bought them for my daughter, as blueberry wouldnt be something id normally try….but I really liked the few bites she allowed me
Maple here I come.
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mmmm I love the maple nut…Soooo good.
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MMMM! Gotta love those Clif Bars! I agree about the white chocolate one though.
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YUMM! i want a clif bar..now!
i love maple nut as well.. never ever had blueberry!
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