Clif Bar in disguise? Hmm?
Written: Aug 28 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Improved taste and texture from original
Cons: Seems purposefully made to rival Clif Bar
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| b_hodges's Full Review: Power Bar Harvest Strawberry Crunch Box (Powerbar ... |
I just went on a lovely hike this weekend with some friends into the North Cascades wilderness armed with everything needed for an overnight trip -- backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp stove, lantern, layers of clothes, dehydrated lasagne, and, of course, portable energy food to keep us going.
Since there were two groups buying things for the trip, we purchased all sorts of various portable foods that we could just reach in our packs, open up, and eat. Between us we had about three different kinds of trail mix, some granola bars, and a few brands of energy bars, including Power Bars and Clif Bars.
Now, when I think of a Power Bar, I think of a big, chewy wad that doesn't have much taste, but fills a big void nutritionally. When I think of a Clif Bar, I think of the same thing, except it's a little tastier (barely) and has a more palatable texture. When I reached into my pack and saw a Power Bar Harvest, it was more compact and packaged differently than a regular Power Bar. When I tore off the wrapper, I immediately thought of the marketing department at Power Bar panicking at the increased sales of Clif Bar and discovering that maybe the public has grown tired of the big, chewy wad. So they put out a product similar to Clif Bar to give it some direct competition, while the Power Bar name is still big.
Well, by the taste and texture of the Power Bar Harvest, it seems to be the said line of thinking. The Harvest bar has an even crunchier texture than a Clif Bar, making it the closest thing to a nutritional candy bar that either company has put out yet. Mind you, it's better for you than a candy bar, but with flavors like Chocolate and Peanut Butter/Chocolate Chip, it seems that the energy bar is slowly evolving into a healthy candy bar.
Since I don't really care what I eat on a hike as long as it gives me energy without filling me up, I'd just as soon keep on buying the bland stuff. But it seems as though the energy bar business is experiencing a backlash against the famous bland taste, and the additions of the Clif Bar (a little tastier, a little more texture) and the Harvest Power Bar (tastier still, even more texture) seem to prove this.
If it's discovered someday that people are simply bringing candy bars on their hikes, it'll be interesting to see what the energy bar manufacturers come up with! But it seems the products that are out now have pushed the threshold of nutrition and taste to satisfy the ever-discriminating active person.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
b_hodges
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Member: Barry Hodges
Location: Seattle, WA
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 6 members
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