Review

    CLIF Bar Seasonal Flavors

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    CLIF Bar Seasonal Flavors | ActionHub

    CLIF Bar's seasonal flavors, Pecan Pie, Spiced Pumpkin Pie, and Iced Gingerbread, are back. Image courtesy CLIF Bar.

    It’s that time of year again—time for all the smells and flavors of the season to invade our usual routines. So it makes perfect sense that CLIF Bar would release its seasonal flavors to help outdoor enthusiasts get into the holiday spirit. To kick off the eleventh year of CLIF Bar seasonal offerings, the new Pecan Pie bar has been released along with previous favorites Spiced Pumpkin Pie and Iced Gingerbread.

    True to the brand, all seasonal bars have zero grams of trans fat and do not contain artificial flavors or preservatives. Each bar is a good source of protein and fiber, and with 23 vitamins and minerals, they provide sustainable energy for hikers, bikers, and climbers, among others.

    Pumpkin pie is my favorite holiday dessert. So, naturally, I gravitated toward the Spiced Pumpkin Pie bar for my first taste test. Once the package was opened I was overwhelmed with the scent of spiced pumpkin, but the taste left something to be desired. The bar had strong notes of nutmeg and cinnamon, but the actual pumpkin taste was a bit too subtle. I was pleased, however, that in the first bite I received a surprise almond and a dried cranberry, proving that the ingredients of this bar definitely made it hearty and filling. Though it would not be my first choice, overall I was glad that CLIF Bar offered this option.

    The Pecan Pie piqued my interest next. Again I found the taste to be a little underwhelming, but the texture and crunch was definitely reminiscent of the classic dessert. The icing on the top added a hint of sweetness, and brought out the pecan flavor that was a bit lacking in the first bite. For CLIF Bar fans, it reminded me most of the classic bars I’ve had in the past.

    CLIF Bar's Iced Gingerbread flavor.

    CLIF Bar’s Iced Gingerbread flavor. Image by Lauren Montemurri.

    My last bar, the Iced Gingerbread, was by far my favorite. The taste was distinct but not overpowering, with the expected ginger, nutmeg, and clove flavors blending seamlessly together. Sizable chunks of pecans and raisins enhanced the flavors and, though it did not have the texture of the classic holiday cookies, the swirl of icing on top made it the most dessert-like. In fact, without even realizing, I gobbled down the whole thing in one sitting, and was left wanting more.

    If you enjoy CLIF Bars, I would suggest grabbing some seasonal flavors from your nearest store. They are only available through the end of winter, and, as an added incentive, one percent of sales will be donated to Protect Our Winters, a non-profit organization working to combat climate change.