Question: What’s your take on Clif Bars – I usually buy the Lara Bars, but picked up a box of Clif bars instead. Though they are all natural, they seem to have a lot of sugars and other natural sweeteners in them. Are they any good?
Answer: First off, they are definitely not ‘all natural’. For starters, compare the ingredients of a Clif bar to a Lara bar. Lara bars basically have 3-5 ingredients only, that are 100% all natural, and you understand. Clif bars on the other hand have organic rice syrup listed as the first ingredient, along with other ingredients we’ve likely never even heard of. Whenever anything lists sugar as one of it’s first 3 ingredients it’s alarming, and is far from natural. That’s not to say that Clif bars are the worst out there, because they are definitely better than muscle building bar brands like Promax and things alike.
In my opinion, I would opt for the Lara bars, or making your own homemade bars instead, however if you’re looking for a higher protein option that’s easier than making your own, I recommend Daryl’s bars. I’ve been eating these things for the last 7 years, and they have never steered me wrong. You can split them as a morning and afternoon snack, have them as a post-workout snack, or even as your full breakfast in the morning. I order the chocolate protein ones in bulk at 50-100 bars at a time, to make it more cost effective. If you don’t want to purchase all 50-100, splitting with a friend gives you another option for a great deal!
Daryl’s bars, compared to other store bought ones, are so organic they must kept in the fridge or freezer. This is a good sign! I love eating them right out of the freezer – deeeelicious! Although they’re making their ways in to stores now, you can purchase them online here
If you prefer to make your own homemade ones in the meantime, here is an at-home protein bar recipe to try!
No Cook Protein Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup dry oatmeal
- 2 scoops chocolate protein (I use proteins plus brand because it is one of the few that is sweetened with the natural sweetener stevia, and not aspartame)
- 2 tbsp flaxseeds
- 1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup water (more or less depending on protein)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ½ cup raisins (or other dried fruit)
- Can add sunflower seeds or other seed if desired
Instructions:
- 1. Spread an 8×8 inch square baking pan with olive oil
- 2. In large bowl, combine oatmeal, whey powder, flaxseeds, non-fat dry milk, raisins and seeds; mix together.
- 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the other ingredients, and then mix the mixture with the dry mixture to form a sticky dough.
- 4. Spread onto pan……freeze for one hour or refrigerate for several hours until firm enough to cut. Store in fridge or freezer.
Showing you the difference between liking and loving your body,
Ashley Dale Roy
