Impromptu review: Clif Crunch

Eric walked through the door a moment ago, just as I was rummaging through the pantry. “I had lunch, but I’m still hungry,” I grumped. He handed me the mail, which included a box – a free sample from Clif! What perfect timing! I don’t usually do reviews on the blog, but it just seemed so opportune that I felt the spirit move me.

First, although unrelated to the actual sample, I have to say that the packaging was a bit of overkill. The bar was in a sturdy box far too large for it, filled mostly with shredded paper. Still, it didn’t hurt, and it was attractive. Easily recycled, too.

The Clif Crunch Granola bars reminded me a lot of the Nature Valley granola bars: two thinnish, crunchy bars, light brown in color. The taste, though, was sweeter and more complex; I could definitely taste more honey and less of the plain sugar that the other granola bars use for sweetener. The oats came through more cleanly, too. I know that I was hungry, but I positively gobbled these down and wished I had another!

Comparing the two bars, which I do because of the obvious similarities, the nutrition is basically the same, though there’s a touch more iron in the Clif bars, along with calcium that isn’t showing at all on the Nature Valley label. The larger difference lies in the ingredient list (first is the NV; second is the Clif):

If eating organic is important to you, the Clif bar is a winner. Actually, though, the main deciding factor for me would still be the taste. These things, after all, are meant to be treats in my book, not dietary staples. I can overlook much, in that framework; a granola bar doesn’t have to be a huge contributor toward my nutritional needs for the day. But taste is important, and the Clif bar tastes really, really good.

So, Clif, you win! Can’t wait to see these show up on the shelves at my grocery store! (Hopefully, my new grocery budget will allow for some bars when they do. )