Clif
Clif Builders Protein Bar
F
Ranked #15 in Protein Bars
0 LP on the
category ladder
what's LP?
An award-winning legacy pick undermined by dietitian criticism of its added sugar load. Buy David for macros or Barebells for taste.
Consolidated from 17 cited sources across 12 outlets
Where the cited sources landed, as we read them
- 15 positive sources
- 2 mixed sources
Flagged as a product to avoid
5 of 10 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.
Dietitian coverage of bars to avoid flags Clif bars specifically for high added sugar and carbohydrates, leaving an award-winning legacy reputation coasting on a candy-adjacent bar. Buy David for macros or Barebells for taste instead.
Flagged 17 September 2026
Pros & cons
- ✓ Named best protein bar overall by Forbes Vetted
- ✓ Delivers 20g of protein
- ✓ Stocked in essentially every grocery and drugstore
- ✓ Prices like a workhorse rather than a boutique product
- ✓ Mainstream and widely available
- ✗ Flagged by dietitian coverage for high added sugar and carbohydrates
- ✗ Candy-adjacent bar coasting on old reputation
- ✗ Higher sugar content than most rivals
- ✗ Will not out-taste a Barebells
- ✗ Candy-adjacent profile inherited from the parent brand
The sources behind this ranking
We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.
Evidence 6 articles, 6 video reviews and 5 community sources
15 positive sources
D 
Delish Taylor Ann Spencer · reviewer · May 2026 
No Artificial Sweeteners Article 
New York Post Miska Salemann, Victoria McDonnell · reviewer · Jan 2026 No Artificial Sweeteners Article
Delish Taylor Ann Spencer · reviewer · May 2026 A ton of us grew up loving the OG Clif bars, and so we were surprised and delighted to discover that the brand’s line of high-protein Builders bars hit the same high point of satisfaction. Tasters liked the variety of textures in the bar, as well as the flavor.Read W WTI WTI · 36.9K subscribers · Mar 2023
Chocolate-packed protein so good, you’ll reach for one even on days you don’t work or work out.Watch N
No Artificial Sweeteners Article [This review was collected as part of a promotion.] Absolutely love the flavor of these CLIF Builders Protein Bars. The great part is that they taste good, non-GMO, and gluten free! Most bars I've tried are chalky and unbearable but these actually taste good.Read W WTI WTI · 36.9K subscribers · Mar 2023
Two classic flavors come together in this deliciously powerful way to work protein into your recovery regimen or long day on the jobsite.Watch T Tiktok @colehosman
After today's workout, I reached for a CLIF BUILDERS protein bar because it's packed with 20g of protein, has no artificial sweeteners, and tastes great. Recovery is just as important as the work you put in.View post W WTI WTI · 36.9K subscribers · Mar 2023
Chocolate and protein don’t get any cooler than this tasty, well-earned reward.Watch A Alan Bersten Facebook post
#BuildersPartner After a long rehearsal in the studio, I like to enjoy a CLIF BUILDERS protein bar, and the new White Fudge OREO flavored is everything you want it to be!View post W Wizard Review Wizard Review · 3.3K subscribers · Jun 2024
Overall, I highly recommend the CLIF Builders Chocolate Peanut Butter flavor protein bars. They are delicious, satisfying, and provide a good source of protein to help you reach your fitness goals. Plus, the fact that they are gluten-free and made with wholesome ingredients makes them a great choice for anyone looking for a healthier snack option.Watch I Instagram Instagram post
#BuildersPartner The CLIF BUILDERS Reduced Sugar protein bar is a great addition to my busy schedule as a new mom. It helps me meet my protein goals and sweetens my day!View post W Wizard Review Wizard Review · 3.3K subscribers · Jun 2024
Overall, the CLIF Bar Builders Chocolate Mint flavor protein bars are a delicious and satisfying snack choice for anyone looking to fuel their body with a tasty treat. With a great balance of protein, flavor, and texture, these bars are sure to become a staple in your snack rotation.Watch N
New York Post Miska Salemann, Victoria McDonnell · reviewer · Jan 2026 One of my favorite vegan protein bars is CLIF Builders," Jones highlights. "The brand has a great reputation and they use high-quality soy protein.Read J Jeremy G Reviews Jeremy G Reviews · channel · Sept 2023
Here I are the top 3 reasons why I like CLIF Builders Protein Bars as a multi-disciplinary athlete that has tried a looooot of protein bars over the course of their career. If you've tried this before, share your own thoughts in the comments!Watch N
No Artificial Sweeteners Article The Clif Bar Builders Chocolate Peanut Butter bar is an absolutely amazing combination of great flavor and quality ingredients for a protein bar.Read I Instagram Instagram post
@buildersprotein I can always count on my past self to have a CLIF BUILDERS Reduced Sugar Protein Bar at the ready at the right moment.View post F Facebook Facebook post
CLIF BUILDERS protein bars are my go-to after a tough session in the studio!View post
2 mixed sources
C 
CleverHiker Amanda Capritto · reviewer · Apr 2022 
Veedma Veedma · reviewer · Jun 2026
CleverHiker Amanda Capritto · reviewer · Apr 2022 As much as we enjoy these, we must say they’re best suited for cooler hiking days . If you take one along for a summer adventure, you’ll have a sticky, chocolatey mess on your hands when you tear open the wrapper.Read V
Veedma Veedma · reviewer · Jun 2026 CLIF Builders bars improve the protein number to 20 grams, but many flavors still land around 270 to 290 calories and about 17 grams of sugar.Read
Frequently asked questions
It ranks #15 of 16 on our protein bars tier list, in F tier. That placement draws on 17 cited sources across 12 outlets.
None of the 17 sources with a clear view is critical of it. Flagged by dietitian coverage for high added sugar and carbohydrates. Candy-adjacent bar coasting on old reputation. Higher sugar content than most rivals. Will not out-taste a Barebells. Candy-adjacent profile inherited from the parent brand.
Ranked nearby in Protein Bars
S tier #1 Barebells Protein Bar
S tier #2 Kirkland Signature Protein Bar
S tier #3 Quest Protein Bar
A tier #4 Rise Protein Bar
F tier #10 2 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. ONE Bar
F tier #11 1 of 8 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. EPIC Bar
F tier #12 6 of 13 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Think! High Protein Bar
F tier #13 7 of 15 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. GoMacro MacroBar
F tier #14 10 of 12 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick. Fit Crunch Protein Bar
F tier #16 4 of 5 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.