I always like companies that were started by Celiacs. It makes me feel like I’m supporting one of my own – and it pretty much assures that I won’t have issues with them disclosing their ingredients, being trustworthy, etc. Call me naive, but I’m going to put more trust in someone who is going through the same shenanigans I am. So when I met The Gluten Free Bar at the Chicago Gluten and Allergen Free expo, I was a big fan from the start. Like I’ve said before, I took along two trusty friends – both non-GF. They loved these bars, and tried all three varieties. I only got to try one, but luckily when I arrived home, The Gluten Free Bar had shipped me some trial bars so I could write a whole review (although the bar I tried at the expo ended up being my favorite anyways!).

These bars are vegan, dairy-free, all natural, low glycemic, a source of Omega-3 and that load of protein (13 grams). They’re made in a dedicated GF facility (seriously, does it get better than that?). Now, they’re around 200-250 calories, so this is definitely meant to be a snack – it’s high in fat due to the “good” fat of peanuts, but I see this as fuel for sure.

Let’s start with my favorite. I think I’m in love with the Cranberry + Toasted Almond GFB.

There is something magical about this bar. I am an admitted toasted almond fan, there’s something so great about that flavor. But cranberries? I’ve been mean to cranberries on this site before so you’re probably wondering why I like this bar out of the three. It’s not offensive in this bar. They just add to the sweetness of the bar without having a disgusting overly sweet or syrupy bar. I could eat this all the time.

Duh, I’m giving it 5 wheat stalks!

[ratings wheat=”5″]

Ingredients: california grown almonds, dried cranberries, organic brown rice, organic brown rice syrup, dates, organic agave nectar, rice protein, whole golden flax seeds, pure vanilla extract, pure almond extract, sea salt.

CONTAINS ALMONDS AND SOY

Calories: 220

Total fat 9 grams/Saturated Fat .5 grams

Total carbohydrates 25 grams

Dietary fiber 3 grams

Sugars 10.5 grams

Protein 11 grams

Peanut Butter

It’s obviously going to taste like peanut butter, as the primary ingredients is peanuts. Like all GFBs, the brown rice kind of gives it occasional feels of a rice krispie bar, but not as fluffy (and obviously not as sugary), but it gives it a great texture. You’ve got to be a peanut fan with this bar – it’s the number one ingredient. You don’t like peanut butter, this bar isn’t for you.

Ingredients: organic dry roasted peanuts, organic brown rice, organic brown rice syrup, dates, organic agave nectar, rice protein, soy protein, whole golden flax seeds, vanilla, seal salt.

CONTAINS PEANUTS AND SOY.

Calories: 240

Total fat 10 grams/Saturated Fat 2.5 grams

Total carbohydrates 28 grams

Dietary fiber 2.5 grams

Sugars 14.5 grams

Protein 13 grams

[ratings wheat=”4″]

Peanut Butter + Chocolate

I like this one a bit more than the Peanut Butter, just because I love chocolate chips. It’s not as sweet as I thought it would be, but then again, I’m used to a Larabar with big chunks of chocolate in it. Again, same rice krispie-esque taste with the brown rice, but overall really good. Again, you’ve got to be a peanut fan. You don’t like peanut butter, this bar isn’t for you.

[ratings wheat=”4″]

organic dry roasted peanuts, organic brown rice syrup, rice protein, dates, organic agave nectar, soy protein, semi-sweet chocolate chips, organic brown rice, whole flax seeds, vanilla, sea salt.

CONTAINS PEANUTS AND SOY.

Calories: 235

Total fat 9.5 grams/Saturated Fat 1.5 grams

Total carbohydrates 27 grams

Dietary fiber 2 grams

Sugars 13 grams

Protein 12 grams

Overall, a great new bar product in the GF marketplace. Not overly sweet, but not overly bland. Non-GFBF is an athlete, and he’s always looking for bars that he can take with him on rides, or as a quick bite before or after. He enjoyed these bars! The website is really touting it as a great pre- and post-workout snack and I would agree. I want something that can sustain me, but not something that’s going to make me feel like ralphing in spin class.

A case of 12 bars (of any kind) is $28 on the website.

You know what sucks about The Gluten Free Bar? The fact that they’re not anywhere in my state for retail (for now). I have to buy them online! But, they are having some great specials right now – as per their website:

• Buy 2+ cases of GFB’s and always get free shipping to anywhere in the continental US.
• Try A Sample Pack: We’ll send you 3 bars (one of each flavor) PLUS a coupon for $5 off a future order – all for only $8!

Seriously, get some of these bars. You can’t beat a deal on a sample pack!

Tagged: gluten free, Gluten Free Bar