When I was approached about reviewing Clif Bar’s new Builder’s Bar flavor, I felt that I was the perfect candidate. I have a long history of eating Clif Bars and Builder’s Bars, so I was more than happy to taste test their new flavor: Chocolate Hazelnut. To date, there are 9 flavors of Builder’s Bars on the market, and I have tried 8 of them thus far. My favorite and go-to Builder’s Bar flavor has been Chocolate Peanut Butter. In fact, there have been times that my desk drawer were stockpiled with Builder’s Bars to kill any sign of hunger while trying to focus at work. Keeping with the nut-and-chocolate motif, I had high hopes for Chocolate Hazelnut.
My preconceived idea for the flavor combination of chocolate and hazelnut is, of course, Nutella. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Chocolate Hazelnut Builder’s Bar in no way resembled a Nutella-like taste. Instead, I felt the hazelnut didn’t dominate the energy bar’s overall taste. Moreover, I found the confluence of the chocolate and hazelnut very complementary. The texture of the first bite was the same familiar consistency I have come to expect with all the other Builder’s Bars I have previously tried. Builder’s Bars are constructed in layers—the outer layer is usually a chocolate coating completely covering the inner two strata. The inside layers are a crunchy bottom and a soft top. The top layer is the primary location of the bar’s individual flavor. Given my previous experience with Builder’s Bars, I feel Chocolate Hazelnut is a welcomed edition to the Builder’s Bar family.
Portability
Clif Bar Builder’s Bars are a perfect snack or meal replacement if you are on the go. They easily fit into a pocket, purse, gym bag, or backpack. As I mentioned before, you can stock a desk drawer with them at work, or keep them in a gym locker for a quick way to knock out the pangs of hunger. Also, Builder’s Bars make terrific traveling companions if you are on an airplane, or even if you want to save money on room service in your hotel room once you arrive at your destination.
Nutrition
Each bar has 20 grams of protein per serving which is a great way to stave off hunger for many hours. Also many athletes incorporate protein bars into their diets or training tables to assist with muscle repair after workouts. The caloric count for each Builder’s Bar is reasonable whether you have a sedentary desk job and need a meal replacement or if it is a part of your fitness regime. Builder’s Bars are advertised more for the purposes of post-workout sustenance, but in my experience that isn’t a requirement. The bars tend to be low in fat and have a decent amount of carbs to keep your brain working with great mental alertness.
The good:
- Portable and delicious snacks or meal replacements
- Crispy and flavorful
- 20 grams of protein great for athletes and mathletes alike
The bad:
- Chocolate might melt if kept in a warm pocket or hot car (avoid this mess)
Clif Builder’s Bar Chocolate Hazelnut is available at the Clif Bar website, and will soon be available in stores that already sell Clif Bar products.
Note: Clif Bar provided me with product for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced by the company.
Photo provided by Clif Bar