I know neither are ideal as a substitute for real food but from a strict nutritional value standpoint, which is the better option? Any nutrition experts who can decipher from the ingredients
http://www.clifbar.com/food/products_clif_bar
http://www.bbcookies.com/shop/product.php?productid=45&cat=1&page=1
Why not just eat them both, get double the nutritional value
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I am by no means a nutritional expert, but have spent a considerable amount of time researching and learning about nutrition and the effect it has on metabolism, energy levels, recovery, and so on.
My initial impression is that Erin’s product appears to be slightly more “clean”- it lists oats as its primary ingredient, whereas Clif lists a rice syrup as the primary ingredient (Erin uses it, but it’s down the list quite a way).
Saturated fat runs in favor of Erin’s; carbs are considerably higher than Clif - that can be good or bad, depending on your needs/goals. Protein edge goes to Clif. It’s not immediately apparent to me where Erin sources its protein - I’m guessing it’s the dried egg whites and wheat flour. Clif’s is apparently soy-derived.
So, I guess the answer is: it depends on what you’re looking for and needing from the bar/cookie. I use the Clif bars very sparingly. They taste great, but I like something with a little less sugar. That’s just my personal preference, though.
Erin Baker’s Breakfast Cookies are the best, but even better is her new Granola! If you have not tried it, go to the web site and order some - you will love it! Baker’s will be at each Ironman event this year sampling products, so check them out at the Ironman Expositions.
Clif bars are good in a pinch- it’s an energy bar. Those Erin Baker bars are real food though. They are excellent.
Big +1 on Erin’s. If I’m ever given a choice it is always Erin’s.
Erin’s Breakfast Cookies are my favorite.
Erin’s are great but I like Clif Builder Bar way better.
No offense, but I got on Erin’s website and the carb count on every bar is 50gm+. I eat Cliff bars almost daily and they’re carb counts are around 42gm. So if that is your deciding factor, then take another look at the labels. I haven’t tried Erin’s, but sounds good. Where do they sell them?
Okay, a lot of positives going to Erin’s but i’m talking strictly nutritional value not necessarily taste- I like th taste of both.
Can’t you tell that just by reading the labels? Look at the ingredients, the daily values then decide which one meets your needs. Its not hard.
Erin Baker’s cookies and granola rock! So much that I live on them when I’m China and Taiwan. Saves me from eating Octopus 
We order casess each month and there is a fight over it when it arrives at our offices.
Nutriion wise, I can’t comment but I can tell you I dropped 10 lbs from not eating junk food.
I think that you’re not getting a direct response to your question because there is no answer. Are you trying to cut calories? Go for the one with less calories. Are you concerned about sugar intake? Carbs? Fat? Nutritionally, they’re both perfectly fine. I’m probably not the most qualified to answer your question, but I’m working on my doctorate in food science/ nutrition, so I guess I know a little more than the average person… I would eat either without concern.
No offense, but I got on Erin’s website and the carb count on every bar is 50gm+. I eat Cliff bars almost daily and they’re carb counts are around 42gm. So if that is your deciding factor, then take another look at the labels. I haven’t tried Erin’s, but sounds good. Where do they sell them?
Um, I’d rather eat less carbs so I actually consider that a knock against the Erins bars. The Erins are tasty though.
For the Clif Bar folks, try putting it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds (depending on mw strength). Especially the ones with chocolate chips…
Oh, and take them out of the wrapper first, or enjoy the fireworks
Exactly, what are the goals?
I know I sound smart aleky right now but I can’t help myself.
When eating anything that comes in a package you should understand the labels and what the ingredients are. What is more nutritious? The one with the ingredients you recognize. The one with the least amount of artifical anything. If they are equal, eat the one you like better.
You should be able to answer your own question.
OK, I’m done.
You can toast the Breakfast Cookies as well (out of the wrapper, of course)…there’s a “Toaster-Friendly” icon right on the back of the package. And let me tell you, you haven’t had a Breakfast Cookie until you’ve had a warm, crunchy-on-the-outside, soft-and-chewy-on-the-inside Breakfast Cookie, especially the chocolate and caramel ones!
When eating anything that comes in a package you should understand the labels and what the ingredients are.
This is actually really subjective. If someone is a chemist they will certainly know every ingredient for these foods (the only sketchy stuff is bizarre nutrition supplements that attempt to trick people…)
Given he is asking I assumed he wasn’t a chemist.
Hi Jen,
Not smart aleky at all, i know it does make a big difference when and for what purpose you are consuming something to determine it’s value to you nutritionally. You are right that I should be able to get a good idea of the nutritional value from ingredients list but both have some very less than ideal looking ingredients- cane syrup, etc. I eat almost exclusively whole food but for convenience reasons i’m looking at these for my morning preworkout meal; sessions lasting between maybe 1:45-2:00hrs if that is any help. Also have a strong stomach so digestion will not be an issue with the fiber/protein in either one. I just try and have as healthy of a diet overall as possible so if there were any reason to chose one over the other from a nutrition standpoint than that is what I would go with- i guess that was the purpose of the original post. Thanks