What I Look for in a Protein Bar

• High-quality ingredients
• High protein content
• Low calories
• Low carbohydrates

Sweeteners I Consider When Choosing a Bar:

Avoid: Processed white sugar, corn syrup, sugar alcohols, and artificial sweeteners.

Prefer: Coconut sugar, stevia, honey, agave, monk fruit, figs, dried fruit, or dates.

This bar caught my attention while I was scrolling on Facebook. It’s not a low-calorie or low-carb option, but I liked the high protein content and the brand’s claim to use “real” ingredients. I also appreciate when a company offers a variety pack—it’s nice to try all the flavors without committing to a full box of something I might not like

FLAVOR REVIEWS:

Chocolate Coconut Almond

First Impression: 7.0 – A good bar, but at 380 calories, 44g of carbs, 10g of fat, and 25g of protein, I expected it to taste better.

Taste: 6.1 – Mild chocolate flavor. Not bad, but not great.

Texture: 5.4 – Firm and dry. I liked the granola base, but overall it was too dense and dry for me.

Apple & Cinnamon

First Impression: 7.4 – A good bar for apple lovers. I appreciated the clean ingredients and 25g of protein, but it’s still heavy on carbs and calories.

Taste: 7.1 – Good if you like apple. Very light on the cinnamon.

Texture: 7.2 – A bit dry, but that worked for this flavor. The granola base was enjoyable.

Blueberry & Ginger

First Impression: 5.6 – My least favorite. I couldn’t taste blueberry or ginger at all, even after trying it at different times.

Taste: 5.0 – Edible, but no clear blueberry or ginger flavor. As Prue would say on The Great British Baking Show: “Not worth the calories.”

Texture: 6.0 – The texture was actually the best part. It was moister than the others and the granola seemed slightly sweeter.

Lemon Poppy Seed

First Impression: 8.0 – A great bar. I enjoyed the first bite, and both lemon and poppy seed came through nicely. By far my favorite flavor from C1.

Taste: 8.2 – Really well-balanced. Heavier on lemon, which I prefer.

Texture: 7.9 – Still on the dry side, but the texture worked. I’d definitely buy this one again as a quick snack.

Flavors Offered, but not in the Variety Pack:

• French Vanilla Latte
• Dark Chocolate Espresso
• Cranberry Orange
• Peanut Butter Chocolate

Ordering Online Experience

The package arrived unsealed, but thankfully, all the bars were still inside.

I saw the ad on Facebook and liked the ingredients and the messaging. I ordered on April 28th, and the process was easy. I even received an update that my order was “in the oven,” which was a fun touch. The bars arrived on May 2nd—very fast turnaround!

Downside: I was automatically enrolled in an email newsletter I didn’t opt into.

Cost

At $6.50 per bar, it’s definitely on the pricier side in today’s protein bar market. However, considering the high calorie count and protein content, it could be a reasonable value if you’re using it as a meal replacement. In that context, $6.50 for a full meal isn’t too bad.

Overall Thoughts

I like the concept behind C1 and the quality of their ingredients. But for me, the bars are too calorie-dense, too dry, and despite the great protein content (25g per bar), they just aren’t the right fit for my preferences.

“Have you tried any protein bars that you absolutely love (or hate)? I’m always looking for new ones to test—drop your favorites in the comments!”