Welcome to the third article of a weekly review series of 52 high-protein bars. Over the next 49 weeks, I’ll be reviewing the nutritional quality, and taste of protein bars available in Australia to help hikers make more informed snack choices. For more about the project, click here.
This review is focused on the CLIF Builders Chocolate Protein Bar. The brand CLIF was founded in 1992 by Gary Erickson, who envisioned creating a better-tasting, energy-boosting bar for outdoor adventures.
The brand has grown and changed a lot over the past 32 years and is now known for producing organic, plant-based energy and protein bars like this one.
Let's jump in.
CLIF Builders Chocolate Protein Bar First Impressions
Protein Bar Quick Details
Price
RRP: $6.08 per bar. But you'll often find them cheaper online and reduced at Woolies.
Flavours available
Chocolate, Choc Mint
Protein Bar Packaging
The packaging is bold and attention-grabbing so these are easy to spot at the supermarket. The first thing you'll notice is the big '20 grams' label, letting you know that this is a high-protein bar.
I found it quite interesting that despite being plant-based and suitable for vegans and vegetarians, this wasn't obvious from the packaging. I didn't realise they were plant-based until I checked the ingredients list.
It does make me wonder how much market share they're missing out on because they aren't highlighting this factor.
Something unique about CLIF is that they include their nutritional information in little booklets adhered to the back of the bar, as well as printed on the underside of the fold. I like the transparency and provision of full information.
Protein Bar Production & Ethics
In terms of production ethics, CLIF is dedicated to sustainability and social responsibility in a big way, and it's really great to see. The brand prioritises organic ingredients and fair trade sourcing wherever possible, aiming to minimize environmental impact throughout its supply chain.
They even founded the Clif Ag Fund, which makes a variety of investments designed to increase the economic resilience of organic farmers.
CLIF Bar & Company has also committed to climate action, including efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve packaging sustainability, and support regenerative agriculture practices.
To top it off they routinely support sports scholarships to ensure sport is accessible for all.
CLIF's emphasis on ethical practices and transparency makes the Builders Chocolate Protein Bar a great option for consumers who value both nutritional quality and responsible production.
Protein Bar Nutritional Claims
Each bar is packed with 20g of protein (40% of the total bar), which as we now know means it just scrapes in as a high-protein bar according to food labelling regulations.
It's gluten-free, non-GMO, and low-glycemic for sustained energy release. The cocoa used is also Rainforest Alliance Certified.
Protein Bar Taste Test
Protein Bar Aroma
The CLIF Builders Chocolate Protein Bar smells like chocolate, but you don't get a distinct cocoa smell (like you do with the chocolate-flavoured Greenback & Fodbods Protein Bars). This one from CLIF smells like creamy dark chocolate. Closing my eyes I wouldn't have been surprised to open them and find a rich chocolate mud cake in front of me. Suffice it to say, it smells good.
Protein Bar Appearance
The bar has a corrugated chocolate surface, only the bottom is flat. It doesn't look sweaty, doesn't immediately display your fingerprint when you touch it, and looks like a chocolate bar.
Protein Bar Texture
The chocolate coating of the bar seems quite resistant to melting – which really surprised me. It's quite thick and I thought for sure it was going to be a messy one. Inside, the top half is densely packed, and the bottom half is more aerated.
It crumbles nicely when you chew and no extreme chewing is required to get through it.
It's chewy but not sticky. The aerated section has flakey wafer bits that do get stuck in your teeth so you'll want some water to swish around your mouth afterwards. By the last few chews, it's pretty grainy and gritty.
Protein Bar Digestibility
This protein bar is dense and I did feel full after eating it. I easily could have stopped halfway and had the other half later. I didn't notice any upset later on.
Protein Bar Flavour
The flavour of this chocolate protein bar is exactly like cookies and cream, so I was surprised it wasn't labelled as 'cookies and cream'. It did taste ever so slightly artificial, likely a result of the added sugars and oils I don't consume often.
The flavour is good though, and I definitely wanted to keep eating it.
Rating out of 5 (0= terrible, 5= amazing): 4.5/5
Protein Bar Nutritional Analysis
Ingredients List
SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, CANE SYRUP*, CANE SUGAR*, BROWN RICE SYRUP*, PALM KERNEL OIL, VEGETABLE GLYCERIN, UNSWEETENED CHOCOLATE, SOY FLOUR*, RICE FLOUR*, CHICORY FIBER SYRUP, ROASTED SOYBEANS*, COCOA, SOY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE*, NATURAL FLAVORS, SUNFLOWER AND/OR SOYBEAN OIL, RICE STARCH, SOY LECITHIN, ALKALIZED COCOA, SALT.
*ORGANIC INGREDIENT
The bar contains cane syrup, cane sugar, and brown rice syrup, making it relatively high in added sugars, so I'm impressed that overall it's still low-glycemic.
The term 'natural flavours' is really vague. Ideally there would be more details about what exactly those flavours are/where they've come from.
The bar is quite soy-heavy so this won't be suitable with people who react poorly or prefer to keep soy intake minimal
Like you I'd probably avoid the bar immediately at the sight of 'palm oil' on the ingredients list, but I'll explain why it's ok in a minute.
Nutrition Information Panel
For a 68g bar, you’re looking at approximately 280 calories, 20g of protein, and 9g of total fat, which provides a balanced mix of protein and energy-dense nutrients, ideal for hikers needing muscle support and lasting fuel. The 3g of included fibre isn't huge, but it's better than nothing and will help provide some digestive benefits.
Protein Quality: This protein bar primarily uses soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate as its protein sources. Soy protein is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and recovery, making it great for performance and recovery.
However, the manufacturer does not specify a DIAAS or PDCAAS score, so the bioavailability of the protein is not fully clear. Soy is generally well-regarded for its digestibility though so I'd say it's fairly reliable that you'll be absorbing 17-20g of protein per bar.
Protein Content: Each 68g bar contains 20g of protein, making it a high-protein option.
Carbohydrates: With 31g of carbohydrates per bar, these protein bars provide a higher level of energy than the average protein bar. The carbohydrates are primarily sourced from organic cane syrup, cane sugar, and brown rice syrup.
This can be beneficial for endurance activities but may cause blood sugar spikes, so it's best to be eaten when you're working hard rather than a casual snack.
Fibre: The bar provides 3g of dietary fiber, which is better than none and supports digestive health without being overly high. For hikers or those on the go, this can be helpful to provide satiety and some digestive support without potential fibre overload for people unused to getting their daily recommended intake.
Healthy Fats: The total fat content is 9g per bar, with 6g of saturated fat, primarily from palm kernel oil and sunflower oil. While the saturated fat content is relatively high, these fats help enhance the bar’s texture and flavour and most of us would typically consume this in a day anyway.
Whenever you read 'palm oil' you immediately think BAD! due to the environmental concerns associated with its sourcing. However, CLIF sources their palm oil sustainably, which mitigates some of the environmental concerns.
Sugars: The bar contains 17g of total sugars, mainly from added organic cane syrup, cane sugar, and brown rice syrup. This amount provides quick energy but may not be suitable for those looking to limit sugar intake.
This amount of sugar isn't a big deal on a hike as you'll use it immediately. Sugar isn't inherently bad – all the carbohydrates we eat, including sugars, are ultimately broken down into glucose molecules to give us energy.
The best time to eat sugar is when you're active as your body will put it to use immediately without storing it, which can lead to more negative longer-term side effects.
Vitamins & Minerals: The CLIF Builders bar contains calcium (42mg), iron (4mg), and potassium (234mg), which support muscle function and energy levels during physical activity.
However, there are no additional vitamins or minerals listed, making it a more straightforward protein and energy option without added micronutrient fortification. No issues here, looks good.
Conclusion: The CLIF Builders Chocolate Protein Bar is a high-quality, complete protein bar with a helpful blend of carbohydrates to support energy during your hike.
Though it’s on the higher end for sugar and saturated fat, its organic ingredients and sustainable sourcing make it a solid option for hikers, gym-goers, and athletes.
This bar provides quick energy, and muscle recovery support, and a is a filling snack ideal for multi-day hikes or tough single-day sends.
Key Takeaways CLIF Builders High Protein Bar
Price
Cost per bar: $6.08
Cost per 100g: $8.94
Cost per gram of protein: $0.30
Flavour & Texture
4.5/5
Ingredients
Protein - a combination of plant-based soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate
Fibre - around 10% of your daily required intake, could be higher but good to have some
Sweeteners - cane syrup, cane sugar, and brown rice syrup are all added. Better options exist if you're looking to reduce added sugars in the protein bars you consume
Colours - CLIF protein bars don't use processed colours or preservatives. The colour of the protein bar comes from ingredients like the unsweetened chocolate, cocoa, and other natural components, which give it a dark chocolate appearance.
Sodium - ideal amount for active individuals who are sweating. Be mindful of cumulative sodium intake (both to ensure you have enough + don't overdo it, especially on multi-day hikes).
Consumption Recommendation
CLIF Builders Protein Bars (the choc mint flavour as well!) are typically recommended for post-exercise recovery or as a snack during high-energy-output activities. These can be eaten daily though if you're wanting to consume more than one, I'd always test that at home before doing so on a hike.
If the ingredients are markedly different than what you would typically consume these could still contribute to gastrointestinal discomfort as a result of the high soy content especially.
Where to buy CLIF Builders High Protein Bars?
Check out the CLIF website here. If you're chasing a more refreshing bar for your snack, consider their Choc Mint flavour protein bar. It is more like a chocolate brownie, with less cookies & cream vibe, and strong minty overtones – if you like Mint Aero bars you'll love it.
For a lower protein option you should also check out the CLIF Nut Butter Bars. These have 5-7g of protein and are more suitable as an occasional snack in daily life, or as something to munch on after your day of walking. They are noticeably more sugary sweet than the CLIF Builders Bars and sweet tooth chasing a sugary hit will love them.
Protein Bar FAQs
What's whey protein isolate?
Whey protein isolate (WPI) is a highly purified form of whey protein that contains over 90% protein with minimal fat, carbohydrates, and lactose. It’s rapidly absorbed by the body, making it an excellent choice for muscle recovery post-exercise, and a common ingredient in high protein bars.
Whey protein isolate is especially popular for those wanting lean protein supplements with fewer calories, or those who are lactose intolerant.
Are CLIF protein bars like this one good for people with sensitive tummies?
The CLIF Builders Chocolate High Protein Bar may not be the best option for individuals with sensitive stomachs due to the soy protein isolate and soy protein concentrate, which is tricky for some people to digest.
While the bar doesn't contain sugar alcohols, people sensitive to sugar may react slightly. The bar has been flavoured using vague 'natural flavours' – depending on the compounds used, this could prove to be a surprise irritant for some people.
When's the best time for hikers to eat protein bars for performance and why?
High protein bars like this are ideal as a pre-hike fuel-up or for post-hike muscle recovery. The protein and fibre help stabilize blood sugar, providing sustained energy on tough trails or a protein boost right after a strenuous climb. The collagen and egg whites are muscle-friendly, helping you recover faster.
Does this bar provide enough protein for hikers?
At 20g of protein, it’s right in the sweet spot for those looking to support muscle repair and recovery on the go. For most hikers, it’s just about the right amount for boosting performance and aiding recovery after a long trek.
Where can I find more protein bar reviews?
Follow @thehikersnutritionist on Instagram for regular short high protein bar reviews and flavour comparisons. Otherwise, stay tuned to this website each week for a new protein bar review every single week.
Why is dark chocolate more bitter than milk chocolate?
Dark chocolate is more bitter than milk chocolate because it has a higher cocoa content, no milk solids, and typically fewer added sugars to counteract the natural bitter taste.
Disclaimer
I reached out to the team at CLIF to ask for samples of these protein bars & they kindly sent me a couple to test. I protect my ability to provide you with my honest opinion because I value my integrity far more than a free snack. I'll never accept payment for reviews, or free products on the contingency that I say what a brand wants.
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