Myoplex Lite: Peanut Caramel Crisp

With a label boasting 15 grams of “high quality protein” and bearing the Myoplex brand name, the promise of this bar is clear. A protein blend (both soy and whey) stands at the top of the ingredient list and that’s reflected in the taste. While its layer of crushed peanuts and caramel over chocolate creates an interesting texture – a mixture of crunchy and chewy – the peanut and chocolate accents only create a distraction from the cardboard undertone common to the protein bar category. The real test, though, is the nutrition panel. The bar’s 15 grams of protein is less than others in the category, but it also weighs in at a scant 190 calories – making it more of a pre-workout snack than a meal replacement. Where the bar really shines is on its nutrient content. It boasts 50 percent the USDA’s daily suggested intake of a suite of vitamins, including A, C, and E. It’s also a significant source of calcium, magnesium and zinc. Overall, the Myoplex Lite bar offers a good source of quick nutrition, even if it’s not the tastiest option on the shelf.

Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Pure: Cherry Cashew Bar

This bar is made with ingredients that are USDA Organic, raw, vegan, and gluten free, which helps make it live up to its “for all people” tag line. There’s a pleasant base of date and almond flavor to the mix, which has been sweetened with agave and has a slight crunch from small chunks of walnuts throughout. The cherry flavor is subtle, adding a nice tart flavor to the otherwise earthy tasting bar. We’re definitely pleased to see that they didn’t make it too “fruity” tasting. Nutritionally, this 1.7 ounce bar packs a fair amount in, including 400mg of omega 3, 4g of organic fiber, 6g and protein, 200 calories, 9g of fat, and vitamins and minerals. Packaging has a relatively simple style of presentation to it, with a white wrapper that’s decorated with a yellow illustration of a female face. It’s an appealing design that has a definite vibe of health and nutrition to it. The rest of the wrapper has a lot of text on it, but in this case, it all logically fits together as opposed to creating clutter. Overall, an exceptional tasting bar that delivers the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition.

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars

Luna: Caramel Nut Brownie

Luna’s Caramel Nut Brownie bar is an especially good one, both in terms of the nutrition content and the bar’s flavor. It’s definitely one of the more indulgent bars that we’ve seen from Clif’s Luna Bar lineup, with a sweet chocolate flavored soy, rice, and oat base (70% organic). From there, they’ve drizzled chocolate and caramel on the top of the bar, while the bottom also has a decadent chocolate coating. As a result, the bar is chewy but has some slight crunch and it’s sticky to the touch — so you might want to eat it directly from the wrapper. Nutritionally, this 180 calorie bar has 8g of protein, 1g of fiber, and loads of vitamins and minerals. Also notable is their promotion of the bar’s “Low Glycemic” index, thanks to the use of brown rice syrup as the bar’s sweetener. So, if you’re looking for a snack that’s more than just empty calories, this is a great choice. On the outside, the new Luna bar look is great, with clean illustrations that give the bar a look that should fit well with the yoga crowd that this bar is meant for. Definitely one of the better Luna Bars that we’ve sampled.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Honey Stinger: Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond Pro

Part of Honey Stinger’s protein bar lineup, this bar’s most notable selling point is the fact that it contains 20g of protein. Advertised as a having dark chocolate, almond, and coconut flavors, this 3 ounce bar is loaded with enjoyable flavor as well as nutrition. The flavor of this bar can definitely hold its own, with the smooth chocolate center delivering a rich dose of flavor with light coconut and almond notes. If there’s anything we might change, it’s the sweetness of the bar, which is a bit strong, but it does help mask the underlying protein flavor. The bar weighs in at 380 calories, so there’s plenty of substance to it, plus there’s 20g of fiber, 3g of fiber, and loads of vitamins and nutrients. Packaging definitely looks and feels like a protein bar, with a dense 3 oz bar that has bold and colorful labeling. Plus, the Honey Stinger bee logo works quite nicely, emitting a wholesome but aggressive vibe that helps define this product’s niche. Overall, a really nice tasting bar that’s backed with 20g of protein. One of our favorite protein bars to date.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Sun Valley Bar: Goji Lemon

Admittedly, our expectations for this bar were somewhat low. Why? Well, aside from the fact that we haven’t had that many goji flavored bars (or other food products) that taste all that good, it’s the combination with lemon that made us have low expectations (lemon + goji??). Fortunately, what’s inside the wrapper is an extremely enjoyable product, with a perfectly balanced mixture of flavors. There’s a soft base of oats, almond butter, seeds, and nuts, which gives way to a touch of goji and a pleasant note of what tastes like lemon zest. It very much has a homemade feeling to it, which is furthered by the product’s minimalist label design. Nutritionally, the bar has 230 calories, 10g of fat, 7g of sugar, vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. The ingredient list is mainly comprised of items that are recognizable to your average consumer, which is certainly a plus. So, our only concern for this product is its minimalist packaging, which doesn’t allow you to see in and is completely devoid of any personality. That, in our opinion, might make for a tough sell when it’s going up against more flash competitors. Still, a very enjoyable product.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Two-Time National League MVP, Albert Pujols, Endorses OhYeah! Protein Shakes & Bars

CHARLOTTE, N.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–ISS Research® announces an agreement with two-time National League MVP, Albert Pujols, to endorse its OhYeah!® nutrition bars and shakes. Read more

Clif Bar: Chocolate Chip Peanut Crunch

While there’s not a ton of crunch to the bar, there’s a nice dose of peanut butter flavor to this bar. The addition of peanut butter also adds a fair amount of chew to the bar, while oats, soy crisps, and a touch of chocolate chips give the bar some crunch on the way out. We can’t help but feel as though there should be more to the chocolate flavor – it’s really muted in its current form. So really, this bar is like a more chewy version of your typical Clif Bar. That’s not a bad thing, but more a question of preference. In terms of substance and nutrition, this bar has 260 calories, 6g of fat, 11g of protein, 5g of fiber, and a bevy of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it does a nice job of satisfying hunger and a sweet tooth craving all in one shot. On the outside, it looks just like every other Clif Bar wrapper, which, in our opinion, could use a few more visual differences than just a color change in the mountain graphic. Overall, another solid bar from Clif – but not one that’s going to get anyone overly excited.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

State of the Functional & Nutritional Bars Market

An interview with DSM, one of the world’s largest suppliers of nutritional ingredients. Read more

Clif Bar: Maple Nut

Maple Nut is one of the more enjoyable Clif Bar flavors that we’ve sampled. It tastes like exactly what the name implies, with a soft but slightly crunchy body that has just the right amount of maple flavor to it. There’s also a touch of salt to the finish, which gives the product a slightly savory note that helps balance everything out. In terms of ingredients, the bar’s key ingredients are organic oats and soy rice crisps, which help to add some substance and nutrition to the bar. They also account for the bar’s soft, but crunchy texture, which is quite pleasing and further adds to the sense of substance. Nutritionally, the bar has 10g of protein, 5g of fiber, 240 calories, and an ample dose of over a dozen vitamins and minerals. It’s a great choice if you need a snack before a workout or something to help get you through a long afternoon. Packaging is clean and appealing, although we’re not sure why the color purple was chosen to go with a maple and nut flavored bar. Still, the overall product is extremely good and we’d definitely reach for it again.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vega Whole Food Energy Bar: Berry Flavor

Like the other Vega Whole Food Energy bars, this one is made from “raw, alkaline, plant based superfoods.” You’ll find dates, hemp protein, almond butter, agave nectar, sprouted whole flax seeds, cranberries, raisins, almonds, sesame seeds, organic sprouted mung beans, organic wheat grass, and a few other ingredients for flavoring. It’s a soft but chewy bar, with a slightly dry texture, especially at the finish. Flavor is really enjoyable, with notes of the fruit and nuts throughout. There’s also a slightly earthy note of flavor to the bar, which is likely from the wheatgrass, mung, and flax. Nutritionally, the bar is a winner, with 10g of raw protein, 250mg of potassium, 6g of fiber, omega 3 and 6, vitamins, and minerals on top of 240 calories. The bar is great as for snacking before a workout – or to help supplement a meal with something that’s sweet but nutritious. Packaging is probably the only area that we’d like to see some improvement, with a look that feels technical rather than inviting. To a degree, the label made us expect a bar that didn’t taste good, which is fortunately not the case. Overall, it’s a very enjoyable product, but kicking up the packaging a bit would definitely help.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vega Whole Food Energy Bar: Chocolate Flavor

As the label states, this bar is made from “raw, alkaline, plant-based superfoods.” So what’s in this bar? Key ingredients include dates, sprouted flax, cocoa powder, almonds, sprouted mung beans, and wheat grass. The resulting product has a decidedly earthy but fruity flavor to it, with a soft but dry base that’s has big notes of cocoa, dates, and sprouted flax. The bar has a nice balance to it, with just the right amount of chocolate to level out the other flavors. It’s really easy on the palate, making it a pretty easy bar to scarf down in a hurry. Nutritionally, this 240 calorie bar has 6g of fiber, 10g of protein, vitamins, minerals, potassium, omega 6, and omega 3. It’s enough to help tide you over in between meals – or to give you a boost before a workout (our preferred use). Packaging is clean and easy to understand, but it lacks in the “biteability” department (meaning it doesn’t whet the appetite). Regardless, this is a bar that we’d pick up again and again for both flavor and to satisfy our hunger.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Larabar Jocalat: Chocolate Coffee

Like other Larabar products, this one is made with simple, understandable ingredients, including dates, walnuts, hazelnuts, cocoa, cashews, and coffee (all are USDA Organic). The resulting mix is quite good, especially since the flavor of the nuts helps mask the flavor of the dates, which can tend to overwhelm other flavors. The use of cocoa also helps quite a bit, with a touch of indulgence added to this nutritious tasting bar. And speaking of nutrition, the bar has 4g of protein, 5g of fiber, vitamins and minerals, and 190 calories. So, there’s some substance to it, but not too much, and just the right amount of vitamin content to make this a worthwhile snack. Last, but not least, is the packaging. It’s dark colored theme seems like the right choice for a chocolate and coffee flavored bar, while placement of the USDA and Fair Trade logos are a plus. On the other hand, the “JOCOLAT” text seems to make it hard for the eye to find the flavor of the bar – just something to consider. Overall, a very enjoyable bar.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Odwalla Bar: Mocha-walla

In case you are wondering what exactly a “Mocha-walla” bar tastes like, it’s a blend of coffee and chocolate flavors. The bar itself is soft, but on the dry side, with a strong note of coffee flavoring that’s followed by dates, oats, and chocolate. Our biggest issue is with the coffee flavor, which tastes like they went overboard with the coffee powder. This exposes the coffee powder for what it is – poor quality coffee. It leaves the bar with a rather processed feeling, especially since it leaves less of the chocolate flavor behind. Nutritionally, the bar is decent, with small amounts of vitamins, 3g of fiber, and 4g of protein per bar. On the outside, the package has a bit too much going on, with the Odwalla logo on one side and images of dates and chocolate chips on the other. Down the middle, you’ve got a dose of text, including the meaningless “Original Bar” and a load of copy that’s trying to sell the consumer of the bar’s nutrient benefits. What’s lost in the shuffle is something to whet the appetite – or at least reassure you that the bar itself tastes good. Overall, this is a bar that needs work, both in flavor and design.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Honey Stinger: Chocolate Coated Peanut Butta Pro

This is one of those bars that really “tastes too good to be true” (Or, in bar terms, it tastes too good to be good for you). The flavor of this bar is just plain awesome, with a candy bar like flavor that is extremely palatable and has no protein flavor. The lack of protein flavor is impressive, especially considering that the bar has 20g of protein. The soft but chewy peanut butter flavored base is coated with chocolate, resulting in a very indulgent flavor. Ingredients are pretty straightforward as well, with honey, milk chocolate, peanut butter, whey protein isolate, and vitamins & minerals giving the bar its flavor and nutrition. Packaging is wholesome, but has energy, with the aggressive looking Honey Stinger logo providing a nice splash of personality. It’s a 2.85 ounce bar that’s fully wrapped, which is fine by us since the label is very attractive. Overall, this is a really great product that deserves its place in our “Hall of Fame.”

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Clif Bar: Chocolate Almond Fudge

As far as Clif Bar products go, this is definitely one of the more indulgent tasting bars that we’ve sampled. It uses a base of organic oats and soy, which have been nicely paired with a strong dose of chocolate / cocoa flavor and a small dose of nuts to provide some crunch. Like most other Clif Bars, this product has a soft, but very chewy consistency, which helps give this product a feeling of substance. There’s a lot of stuff in this bar, including rolled oats, soy crisps, roasted soybeans, chocolate chips, nuts, and loads of added vitamins and minerals. The result is something that tastes great and has a lot of nutrition to it, including 10g of protein, 5g of fiber, and vitamins A,C,E,B1,B2,B3, and B6, just to name a few. On the exterior, the label is classic Cliff Bar, which makes it instantly recognizable. However, the use of the color red as the accent color isn’t what one would naturally choose for a bar called Chocolate Almond Fudge (maybe something dark or brown?). Overall, a very enjoyable and energizing bar.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Clif Bar: Blueberry Crisp

Made with organic oats and soybeans, Clif’s Blueberry Crisp bar has a pleasant tasting base that’s very chewy with a slightly crispy finish. There’s a fair amount of flavor to this bar, with the oats and blueberries providing the majority of the flavor, while an earthy note added flax seed and oat bran. It’s a relatively sweet bar, but not too sweet to the point where you can’t consume it during physical activity. Functionally, this bar definitely has some sustenance to it, with 240 calories, 5g of fiber, 9g of protein, and loads of vitamins and minerals. It’s just the right portion for a quick pick me up – or even to replace a light meal. Packaging has a “crunchy” vibe to it, complete with brown toned colors and an image of a mountain climber. It’s appealing and credible, especially given the equity that exists in the Clif Bar brand name. Overall, a very enjoyable product.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Honey Stinger: Rocket Chocolate

Featuring a dry but chewy consistency that’s loaded with chocolate, the Rocket Chocolate flavor of Honey Stinger is a very enjoyable product. Like the other Honey Stinger products, the base is made with soy crisps and rolled oats, which add nutritional value and substance to the bar. Its flavored with chocolate chips, cooa,,and, of course, the “honey stinger” blend (honey, sea salt, water), before finally being coated with ground almonds. The flavor of the bar is spot on, with just the right amount of chocolate, crunch, sweet and salt. Nutritionally, the bar has 190 calories, 4.5g of fat, 2g of fiber, 10g of protein, and it’s loaded with vitamins and minerals. On the outside, they’ve given the product and aggressive, but wholesome theme that’s a nice alternative to the artificially formulated bars on the supplement aisle. Overall, a really enjoyable tasting and looking product that’s definitely got some substance to it.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Luna: White Chocolate Macadamia

Featuring a refreshed looking design and a “new recipe,” this product is very much improved. It features a base of soy crisps, which chew and taste in very similar fashion to crisped rice. Flavor is good, but not really chocolaty, with an almost milky flavor to the bar. The nuts add some crunch, but not much in the way of flavor, but that’s to be expected from macadamia nuts. Last, but not least, there’s a drizzle of white chocolate over the top as well as a coating on the bottom. All in all, it’s a pretty well rounded flavor. Nutritionally, this bar is, like all Luna bars, formulated for the dietary needs of women. That means lots of calcium, iron and folic acid, as well 3g of fiber, 9g of protein, and lots of other vitamins and minerals. Packaging looks great, with a modern look that’s a step above the old Luna design. Calling out the product’s nutrition focus and the fact that it’s made with 70% organic materials seems like a smart move. Overall, a very enjoyable bar.

Rating : 4 of 5 stars

Calories: 190
Total fat: 7g
Protein: 9g
Potassium: 140mg
Sugars: 11g

WildBar: Mountain Mint

Made with raw cacao and wild blue green algae, this gluten free, vegan, and USDA Organic bar is designed to be the “ultimate meal in a bar.” The bar, which is dark in color and has a dry but chewy consistency to it, has a lot of flavor to it, including cacao, mint, and macadamia nuts. Unfortunately, these flavors aren’t balanced well, resulting in a harsh, almost off putting, mint flavor that leaves a bad taste in your mouth (and a lingering aftertaste). Conceptually, we think it’s a good one, and some refinement to the recipe might make this a better tasting product. Otherwise, this bar is likely going to appeal to someone who’s really hell bent on adding blue algae (Crystal Manna and Blue Manna) to their diet. On the packaging front, this product’s wrapper design made us expect something very different than what was inside it. Specifically, the bright colors and emphasis on the mint leaf seemed to be somewhat of a head scratcher, while there are no visual aides to call out the other ingredients in the bar. That seems like a big mistake, especially since mint isn’t something that’s likely to whet the palate of too many bar shoppers. Overall, this bar needs work, both in packaging and flavor.

Rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Calories: 185
Fat: 2g
Fiber: 14g
Protein: 5.5g
Vitamins: Vitamin B5: 9%, Vitamin D 3%, Vitamin E 8%, Magnesium: 2.5g, Copper 26%, Zinc 12%, Selenium 16%, Molybdenum 37%, Phosphorous 60%

DDB Worldwide, San Francisco Named Agency of Record for SOYJOY(R)

Global Agency to Launch New Campaign for Whole Soy Product

NORTHRIDGE, Calif., March 27 /PRNewswire/ — Advertising agency DDB Worldwide in San Francisco has been named agency of record for SOYJOY(R), an all-natural, nutrient-rich snack baked with whole soy and real fruit. SOYJOY is owned by Los Angeles-based parent company Pharmavite(R) LLC. DDB will begin immediately creating and executing a multimedia advertising campaign for the product.

“DDB demonstrated great expertise and passion in the food and nutrition arena that came through in their strategy and creative work,” said Gary Kuchta, chief marketing officer for Pharmavite. “We are excited about the partnership and confident it will help us take SOYJOY to the next level.”

“We are thrilled to be selected as SOYJOY’s new agency partner,” said Lisa Bennett, DDB San Francisco Chief Creative Officer. “The team is energized and anxious to begin working on what will be a truly integrated campaign.”

The DDB team consisted of members from DDB, Tribal DDB and PhD all in San Francisco. DDB joins Pharmavite public relations agency of record Porter Novelli on the SOYJOY account. Both agencies are a part of Omnicom Group, Inc.

Pharmavite’s portfolio includes the Nature Made(R) vitamin, mineral, herb, and supplement brand – the number one selling broad-line brand of vitamins in the food, drug, mass, and club channels.

About Pharmavite

For more than 35 years, consumers and retailers have trusted Pharmavite for high-quality, research-based products that contribute to optimal health and overall wellness. As a provider of great-tasting, nutritious products, like SOYJOY, Pharmavite is dedicated to helping people lead healthier lives through nutrition education and awareness (Pharmavite.com).

ABOUT DDB

DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc (www.ddb.com) is the largest consolidated advertising and marketing services global network in the world, according to Advertising Age. DDB also has been frequently ranked as the most awarded agency network in the world by Creativity magazine and The Gunn Report, among others. With more than 200 offices in over 90 countries, the DDB group believes that creativity is the most powerful force in business, building enduring and powerful brand experiences that create TalkValue(TM), influence social communities and drive results. DDB Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC).

SOURCE SOYJOY

KIND Bar Plus: “Calcium” Mango Macadamia

The first of the Kind Plus bars that we sampled was this one, Kind Plus “Calcium” Mango Macadamia. It’s an amazing tasting bar, blending the flavors of coconut, macadamia, mango, and puffed rice into a harmonious mix. The addition of calcium, folic acid, and vitamin D3 is a plus, as is protein and fiber that comes naturally from the bar’s ingredients. Packaging is attractive and appetizing, just like most other KIND bars, with plenty of clear space to see the bar through the wrapper. Overall, an impressive tasting bar that’s nutritious to boot.

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jammy Sammy: Strawberry Jam & Peanut Butter

This is the first “sandwich bar” that we’ve ever tried – and Revolution Foods has done a great job with it. It tastes spot on like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, although in a slightly smooshed form. The “bread” comes in the form of a chewy flour (barley and peanut) based exterior. Plus, this USDA Organic bar has just the right amount of flavor from both the peanut butter and jelly – it will definitely pass with kids (and it has no “crust” either!). Nutritionally, the bar has 110 calories, 3g of fat, 2g of protein, 1g of fiber, vitamin C, and iron. That should certainly satisfy parents. Packaging is bring and colorful, with a full wrap around the bar. Overall, a great product that could be used as a snack or for that moment when you’re in a pinch and need a nutritious lunch item for your kids.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

NuGo: Peanut Butter Chocolate

Made with “real milk chocolate” we expected this bar to be somewhat candy like in flavor. Really though, this product is more about crisped rice and soy than it is peanut butter or chocolate as the label might have you believe. It’s a pretty chewy bar at that, with countless ingredients in comparison to the many “organic” or “raw” bars that we’ve tried. However, they’ve done a pretty good job presenting a packed nutrition panel, complete with 11g of protein and loads of vitamins and antioxidants in a 180 calorie format. Really, it’s one of the better tasting bars that we’ve had relative to its level of nutrition. Packaging is decent, but feels like that of a candy bar more than a nutrition bar. On the other hand, we like the name “NuGo,” which is short for “Nutrition on the Go.” Overall, a very enjoyable bar.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Think Organic: Chocolate Coconut

Think Organic’s Chocolate Coconut bar is billed as a raw fruit & nut snack bar that’s gluten free and vegan. It has a heavy amount of dates as its base, follow buy a touch of cashew, a modest amount of coconut, and the slightest hint of chocolate to the finish. The combination is good, and while it delivers a nice coconut flavor, we were quite underwhelmed by the lack of chocolate flavor in the bar. Nutritionally, the bar packs 4g of protein, 3g of fiber, 300mg of potassium, trace vitamins and 9g of fat into a 160 calorie format. As it currently stands, it’s an edible bar, but it isn’t an overly memorable one. The same can be said for the packaging. It’s a clean design with proper handling of the various text elements, but it’s not a package that whets our appetite. Overall, it’s good, but a bit more chocolate flavor would be nice on the inside – and more visually appeal is needed on the outside.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Gnu Foods: Peanut Butter Bar

For a bar that’s supposed to be a peanut butter bar, this one has surprisingly little peanut butter flavor to it. Instead, you get something that’s soft and chewy, loaded with oats, and finishes with hints of rice, plums, and apple. If you look real hard, you’ll find just a touch of peanut to that finish as well, although it’s not really even what we’d call peanut butter. That being said, this bar tastes good, but it was quite disappointing that they didn’t give this a true peanut butter flavor. On the nutritional side, Gnu’s fiber blend is always a plus, delivering 12g of fiber in a 150 calorie format. Also in the mix are 5g of protein and 3g of fat, as well as trace amounts of vitamins. Packaging is definitely attractive, although it portrays images of peanuts which imply something that this bar simply isn’t. Overall, it’s an enjoyable bar, but far from Gnu’s best work, and it either needs a different name or more peanut flavor (we’d vote for the latter).

Rating: 3 of 5 Stars

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