CLEVELAND, Oh –For many of us, a protein bar is the perfect snack to tide us over between meals or keep those mid-afternoon sugar crashes from sidelining our workday. Or maybe you’re looking for a portable source of energy when you are incredibly active.
There are plenty of options on grocery store shelves. And, they are certainly not all created equal.
We recently taste-tested 19 different Kind Bar and ranked them from worst to best. But we were still curious. So, we went back to the store in search of another popular brand of protein bars to see how well they satiated our hunger. This time we chose CLIF bars.
The bars were dreamed up by baker and former mountain guide, Gary Erickson in 1990, while he was on a 175-mile day-long bike ride. After two years of experimenting in his mother’s kitchen, he landed on the recipe that would become CLIF Bars.
We found 18 varieties of CLIF Bars at Northeast Ohio Walmarts and Targets.
Methodology: We bought and tried every CLIF BAR variety that we found on a recent shopping trip, then taste-tested them for flavor and texture. We scored them independently between 1-5, with 1 being the lowest ranking, then averaged our individual scores to create the rankings below.
Check out our thoughts to see how your favorite flavor of CLIF Bars ranked.
Our rankings:
No. 18
CLIF – Kid ZBar – Chocolate Chip
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Target
Price: $10.29
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 140 | Fat 5g | Sodium 105mg | Carbs 24g | Sugar 10g | Protein 2g
First ingredient: Oat Blend
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: Don’t do this to your kids, no matter how bad they have been. Don’t give them this protein bar at snack time. Despite the fact that it appears to be very chocolatey, there is no detectable chocolate flavor. It is very soft and gooey, so expect plenty of clean-up, and know that it has a strong bitter coffee after-taste. Your kids will mutiny!
No. 17
CLIF – Kid ZBar – Chocolate Brownie
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Target
Price: $10.29
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 130 | Fat 4g | Sodium 120mg | Carbs 25g | Sugar 11g | Protein 2g
First ingredient: Oat Blend
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: This thin bar packed quite a whallop of bitter chocolate flavor. It’s not at all tasty despite its soft and chewy texture. Dare we say…too much chocolate in one bar?
No. 16
CLIF – Peanut Butter Banana
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $6.87
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 260 | Fat 8g | Sodium 230mg | Carbs 41g | Sugar 17g | Protein 10g
First ingredient: Organic Rolled Oats
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: Elvis would be disappointed. While the aroma of banana hits you as soon as you tear open the package, there is very little of the fruit flavor. The bar is very peanut butter-forward. What banana flavor there is, is artificial and very sweet.
No. 15
CLIF – Chocolate Brownie
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $6.87
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 250 | Fat 6g | Sodium 180mg | Carbs 43g | Sugar 17g | Protein 10g
First ingredient: Organic Rolled Oats
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: This one was reminiscent of a crushed Oreo cookie, without the creme filling — leaving it very dry. Speaking of “very,” it was also very, very chocolaty — making it bitter and a bit overwhelming. Sadly, it left behind a chalky feeling in your mouth. Brownies are good, just not this one.
No. 14
CLIF – Chocolate Chip
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $6.87
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 250 | Fat 6g | Sodium 130mg | Carbs 43g | Sugar 17g | Protein 10g
First ingredient: Organic Rolled Oats
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: If you are a lover of chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, then this Clif bar might be right up your alley. Rich, chewy chocolate chip oatmeal texture. More like a cookie than a protein bar. Some buttery after-taste that leaves an oily mouth feel.
No. 13
CLIF – Nut Butter – Chocolate & Peanut Butter
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Target
Price: $8.69
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 230 | Fat 11g | Sodium 150mg | Carbs 26g | Sugar 9g | Protein 7g
First ingredient: Peanut Butter
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: There is plenty of rich chocolate and lots of creamy peanut butter. But despite the fact that we know these flavors are off the charts when paired together, this time, they missed the mark. The generous dollop of peanut butter is smooth and creamy and flavorful, but the chocolate outer layer’s texture leaves a little to be desired in both the flavor and texture departments. The chocolate is bitter, and the texture of the cookie is a lot like eating glue. Move on when you see this on your store shelves.
No. 12
CLIF – Crunchy Peanut Butter
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $6.87
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 260 | Fat 8g | Sodium 230mg | Carbs 40g | Sugar 17g | Protein 11g
First ingredient: Organic Rolled Oats
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: We might argue with the “crunchy” designation in this bar’s name. It was more sticky and gooey. But very peanut-forward, with a pleasing peanut butter flavor. It’s 100% true to that part of its name, without a doubt.
No. 11
CLIF – Cool Mint Chocolate
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $6.87
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 250 | Fat 6g | Sodium 140mg | Carbs 43g | Sugar 17g | Protein 10g
First ingredient: Organic Rolled Oats
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: You’ll think there is plenty to love in this rich dark chocolate minty bar when you open the package. There is a pleasing mint aroma and a dark chocolate cookie that will have you thinking “peppermint patty.” But that is where your enjoyment will end. While it does have a slight mint flavor, the texture is more like eating a spoonful of oatmeal right from the container. Don’t.
No. 10
CLIF – Kid ZBar – Iced Oatmeal
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Target
Price: $10.29
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 150 | Fat 5g | Sodium 105mg | Carbs 24g | Sugar 10g | Protein 2g
First ingredient: Oat Blend
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: One of the better Kidz bars, by far. There was a delightful Little Debbie oatmeal pie/Fig Newton kind of texture, with even a slight nod to the Fig Newton flavoring, paired with cinnamon, and mini white chocolate chips for a nice combo of flavors.
No. 9
CLIF – Kid ZBar – Cookies & Cream
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Target
Price: $10.29
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 130 | Fat 3g | Sodium 10mg | Carbs 23g | Sugar 9g | Protein 5g
First ingredient: Tapioca Syrup
Gluten Free: Yes
Our thoughts: Sometimes members of the Best of Cleveland team disagree. This is one of those times. While Brenda Cain thought this was the best of the Kid Z-line of Clif bars, Yadi Rodriguez felt it fell short. The thin layer of white chocolate on the bottom, added to the richness of the flavor, and it was soft and chewy, like a rice crispy treat, but it left you wanting more. The kids will eat it, but it won’t be the first thing they ask for at snack time.
No. 8
CLIF Builders Protein, Chocolate Mint
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $10.48
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 280 | Fat 9g | Sodium 200mg | Carbs 31g | Sugar 17g | Protein 20g
First ingredient: Soy Protein Isolate
Gluten Free: Yes
Our thoughts: While you get a pleasing aroma of mint when you tear open the wrapping, the mint flavor is very artificial and off-putting. This one’s texture is incredibly dry, so be sure to have a cold bottle of Muscle Milk or a bottle of water on hand to wash it down!
No. 7
CLIF Thins – Chocolate Chip
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $7.67
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 100 | Fat 3g | Sodium 95mg | Carbs 16g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g
First ingredient: Oat Flour
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: Thin, crispy, with a chocolate chip cookie taste, sans the chocolate flavor. What it lacks in chocolate, it does make up for in a cinnamon undertone. There was a slight after-taste that neither one of us could put our finger on.
No. 6
CLIF – Nut Butter Bar: Peanut Butter
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Target
Price: $8.69
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 230 | Fat 11g | Sodium 160mg | Carbs 27g | Sugar 10g | Protein 7g
First ingredient: Peanut Butter
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: Soft and chewy texture, with plenty of creamy, smooth, peanut butter in the middle — like spreading peanut butter between two soft oatmeal cookies. Delicious flavor, that sadly leaves your mouth wanting a big gulp of milk. True to its name.
No. 5
CLIF – Blueberry Almond Crisps
– Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $7.67
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 250 | Fat 6g | Sodium 180mg | Carbs 43g | Sugar 17g | Protein 11g
First ingredient: Organic Rolled Oats
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: This bar is very much like the ‘crisp’ fruit dessert it was named after. There is plenty of blueberry flavor throughout — giving it a natural sweetness. It also has a similar texture to the dessert, making it less dry than several others. The slivers of almonds add some crunch.
No. 4
CLIF – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $6.87
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 260 | Fat 7g | Sodium 230mg | Carbs 42g | Sugar 17g | Protein 9g
First ingredient: Organic Rolled Oats
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: Although it was a little on the dry side it was still very tasty. Just enough white chocolate drizzle to add to the natural sweetness, with lots of nuts to add a delightful crunch without being dry.
No. 3
CLIF Thins – White Chocolate Macadamia Nut
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $7.67
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 100 | Fat 3.5g | Sodium 90mg | Carbs 15g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g
First ingredient: Oat Flour
Gluten Free: No
Our thoughts: These crispy, thin bars have a very satisfying crunch and a buttery flavor that is hard to beat. They have more of a coconut lilt than that of a macadamia nut, but are still delicious and will keep you fueled for the rest of your day. Best of all — you get two per package!
No. 2
CLIF – Kid ZBar – Chocolate Mint
– Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Target
Price: $14.89
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 130 | Fat 3g | Sodium 85mg | Carbs 23g | Sugar 9g | Protein 5g
First ingredient: Tapioca Syrup
Gluten Free: Yes
Our thoughts: This is the CLIF protein bar your kids will actually enjoy. This one gives you the definite flavor of the uber-popular Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie. The aroma, texture and flavor will be pleasing to any young palate, and the thin layer of chocolate on the bottom of the bar makes it even more delicious. Young or old will love this one!
No. 1
CLIF Builders Protein, Chocolate Peanut Butter
– Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Walmart
Price: $10.48
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 290 | Fat 11g | Sodium 330mg | Carbs 29g | Sugar 17g | Protein 20g
First ingredient: Soy Protein Isolate
Gluten Free: Yes
Our thoughts: This thick, heavy, big bar is more like a candy bar than anything you’ll find on the nutrition shelf, with layers covered in just the right amount of chocolate. The chocolate actually tastes like chocolate. The layers of peanut butter nougat are creamy and flavorful, with just the right amount of chewiness. While thick, it was still easy to bite into and is very reminiscent of a ‘Snicker’s’ bar, without all that sweetness.