In the world of (non-alcoholic) beverages, coffee is king. According to the National Coffee Association, yes that’s a real organization, coffee is the most popular drink in the country. Myself included, we can’t seem to get enough of the energy-packed bean, whether brewed at home or nabbed from our favorite coffee shop.
Coffee, while popular, does come with a few negatives on occasion. Jitters. Stomach rumblings. The ever-unpopular “coffee breath.” Sometimes, reaching for our habitual morning mug can leave us questioning whether the boost is worth the headaches.
Verb, an all-natural, plant-based bar, could be the answer to coffee’s shortcomings. According to the brand, one Verb snack bar can provide as much caffeine as an espresso, but without the jitters or sugar crash. A plant-based, vegan energy bar that could help us jailbreak from our java? We had to see what’s up.
To see if this health-oriented energy alternative could provide the kick it claims, we tested a handful of the available flavors Verb has to offer. Over a few weeks, we swapped our normal cups of coffee for the sweet snacks, typically during our morning routine and in the early afternoon when we felt the day grinding. Here’s what we found.
Verb Energy Bar Health Facts
According to the brand, each Verb bar contains 90 calories, with the main ingredients being gluten-free oats, nut butter, brown rice, and other organic flavorings, regardless of flavor. Each bar also delivers roughly 3.5–4.5 grams of fat, little or no sodium, 2 grams of protein, 12–13 grams of carbohydrates, 5–6 grams of sugar, and a mix of vitamins like iron, calcium and others.
Verb caffeinated snack bars are also gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan, although the bars are manufactured in a facility that processes tree nuts, peanuts, soy, milk and eggs. While no issue for your tester, it’s worth mentioning, especially if your diet is more restrictive.