Clif Bar Chocolate chip energy bar

The Clif Bar company produces a wide range of energy food and various healthy snacks, but best-known is the original product that gives its name to the whole organisation - the Clif Bar itself – and here we're testing a new flavour: chocolate chip.

First off, let's study the taste and texture. It comes as a bit of a surprise. Nothing like those well-known chocolate chip biscuits you get in purple packets. The chocolate chip Clif Bar is chewy, not crunchy, and the 'chips' of chocolate are small and chewy too. But that's not to say this bar doesn't taste delicious. It's juicy and rich - and chocolate-flavoured, naturally - more like a slab of firm chocolate cake.

Now let's study what it's made of. The main ingredients include brown rice syrup, oats, cane juice, dried apricots, various soya derivatives, cocoa butter, dates paste and sunflower oil. The packaging informs us that the ingredients are all natural and 70% organic.

And next, the energy. The 50g bars we're testing contain 195 calories. This consist of 7.5g of protein, 33g of carb (of which sugars are 15g), 3.5g of fat (of which saturates are 1.5g) and 2g of fibre.

This gives approximately 15% protein, 66% carb (of which sugars are 30%), 7% fat (of which saturates are 3%) and 4% fibre as well.

(Cliff Bars are also available in 68g sizes - the protein:carb:fat percentages will be very similar.)

Some energy products are pure carb, designed for races or training rides of between one and two hours. Once you get over about two hours, and especially over three, most sports nutritionists agree that a bit of protein is desirable. In layman's terms 'it helps the carb work better' and an ideal protein:carb ratio is reckoned to be about 1:4 - making the Clif Bar just about spot on.

Having said that, some cyclists might find it too stodgy to be the only source of energy on a long sportive or other hard ride. These bars are more suitable for steadier training rides or touring. I tested a few chocolate chip bars on a recent Audax ride through Wales, and they powered me along nicely. If you prefer more conventional tastes and textures, rather than the more artificial flavour of gels, they're a good choice.

Even if you don't use Clif Bars as an energy product on the bike, they're a great snack to have with a cup of tea at work or home, instead of a mainstream brand of chocolate bar. And as Cliff Bars have lower percentages of saturated fats and refined sugars than, say, a Mars or Double Decker, they are better for your health.

On cost, the 50g Clif Bars cost £1.30 each. Not cheap compared to the aforementioned Mars or Double Decker, but on a par with other energy food products. You can save a bit by buying in bulk - a box of 15 bars goes for around £18 at various on-line stores.

Verdict

Great tasting energy food from a well-known brand, perfect for touring and steady rides.