getbuzzing was founded by Kate Wallace in 2009 when she realised there was no product on the market which was made with natural ingredients, tasted amazing, and was completely nut-free. With a mission to create a snack that everyone - including nut allergy sufferers - could enjoy, she created getbuzzing. We got the chance to try a few of these exciting bars and taste for ourselves to see if the taste really is 100%!

Banana

The USP of getbuzzing is that they only use natural ingredients. The Banana Nut Free Flapjack contains oats, dried banana, golden syrup, sugar, butter, honey, and apricots.  Flapjack is a very energy-dense food and so would be perfect after a very long and tough training session where you've burnt upwards of 1,000 calories and need to replenish with simple sugars. This bar tastes absolutely delicious! The organic dried banana comes through really well and the texture is sticky and dense, just how a good flapjack should be. It's definitely impressive that it's made with ingredients you could find in your own kitchen, as more often than not I'll check the ingredients on a snack bar and can't even pronounce half the ingredients used.

Wowbutter

The other USP of getbuzzing is that they're products are all nut-free, meaning they are accessible for those on a free-from diet and those suffering a nut allergy. getbuzzing state that their Wowbutter flavour "tastes just like peanut butter!" which is a revelation for those who can't eat nuts and are missing out on the joys of peanut butter! Their nut-free 'Wowbutter' is made using toasted soya and soy oil which is fantastic. This bar only has 13g of sugar in it which really impressive for such a deliciously decadent bar. It's thick and gooey and very satisfying!

Date & Seed

I really loved the texture of the seeds in this bar and the dates give a luxuriously sticky texture. It's not overly sweet like other bars of this type and the dense texture is really moreish. It's a hefty bar and makes a really satisfying snack. Definitely my go-to when I'm feeling peckish between meals!

Protein Crisp & Cherry

I absolutely love the sour cherry flavour in this bar. The cherry pieces are really authentic (thanks to the all-natural ingredients) and it's a really refreshing and unique flavour that I haven't tasted in this type of bar before. The protein crisps add a great texture and the stickiness of the other bars is still present here. With 15g of protein per bar, it's perfect for post-workout, especially a particularly tough session. It's a really great grab-and-go snack and you know you're getting a great protein boost too.

Mixed Berries

Before I even took my first bite, the tartness from the freeze dried berries made my mouth tingle and water! This bar is very buttery and indulgent, and with nearly 25g of sugar per bar it's definitely a sweet treat. The berries provide a gorgeous flavour and the tangy edge makes it really exciting. The oats make the bar very dense and it's super satisfying and filling. This would be perfect as fuel for an ultra run or a long hike. One of these bad boys would give you enough energy to last all day! 

Mint Chocolate High Protein

This flavour was my absolute favourite! The mint flavour is perfect - I am a big fan of mint-flavoured-anything, but I am aware that a lot of people tend to avoid it lest it taste of toothpaste. This getbuzzing bar, however, managed to stick with the mint choc chip ice cream type of flavour which was refreshing and delicious. The chocolate chips add an interesting texture and the overall taste is very indulgent with its sticky composition. This bar only has 16g of sugar (compared to 20g in the banana flavour) and it packs an impressive 13g of protein. I often get annoyed when health foods claim to be 'high protein' and then only contain a measly 5g or so. 13g of protein is a decent amount for a bar like this so I was really impressed. What's more impressive is that this bar has recently won a Q Award! It won the Grab & Go Sweet Category at the Food Service Q Awards.

Verdict

It's incredibly refreshing to find a snack brand that is completely nut-free and getbuzzing really have found a niche in the market. Flapjack is always going to be a winner as it's so delicious, so having flavoured versions in a ready-to-go bar is perfect for fuelling a tough training session, re-fuelling post-race, or just to take to work or school. I love that the ingredients are truly natural without compromising on taste and I think getbuzzing are on to a real winner!

Nibble Protein Bites promise to be different from all the other protein balls, bites, and bars on the market by having less sugar and more protein than the competition. Founded by Erin Moroney, Nibble Group Ltd has the mission of standing out from the crowd and being different. We were excited to try these inviting bites!

Made with low GI ingredients, Nibble Protein Bites avoid the usual sugary suspects of dates and brown rice syrup which are a common ingredient in 'healthy' protein snack foods. Using dried plum puree as a base, Erin has found a way to keep the sugar content of her protein bites low while maintaining a delicious flavour and texture. Using pea protein to enhance the protein content means they are vegan-friendly and also allergen-free making them more accessible for more people. 

Lemon

Thanks to the plum puree base, the flavours of Nibble Bites really pop. Lemon is a strong flavour at best and overly tart at worst, but Nibble Bites have got the balance perfect. The character is beautifully authentic thanks to the Sicilian lemon juice and oil, it almost transports you to a balcony in Italy! The sprinkle of coconut flakes on top really grounds the flavour and adds a lovely texture. 

Mocha

The all-natural ingredients provide a really genuine flavour and the mocha bite is no different. The mocha nibbles are made with real coffee and Dutch cocoa powder to add a touch of class and sophistication. Again, this has the potential to be an overpowering flavour, but the balance is perfect and the rich, deep flavour just floats through effortlessly without being overbearing. Cacao nibs and a dash of cinnamon are also added to the nibble to give it an extra flavour boost and element of luxury. These bites are definitely more sophisticated than your standard protein ball or bar!

Sour Cherry

The super tart sour cherry nibbles have a hint of orange and a pinch of allspice to give them a unique taste. I'm a huge fan of sour cherry flavour anyway so this was always going to be a hit with me! Another sophisticated, strong flavour, these bites stay true to their ethos with the low sugar content and the gluten-free oats mean they can be enjoyed by those on a free-from diet. 

Choc Chip Cookie

Choc chip cookie was the flavour I was looking forward to the most; it certainly looks like a cute little chocolate chip cookie bite! The little bites are very tempting and inviting and the flavour doesn't let them down. This flavour is made with 72% dark chocolate and also has toasted pumpkin and sunflower seeds added to it for an exciting texture and added crunch. The low GI ingredients mean it's not overly sweet or sickly and the lack of dates and syrup means it's not horribly gooey or sticky. Just a perfect snack for on-the-go or after training.

Verdict

I absolutely love the ethos behind this brand as too many protein food companies lack finesse and decent flavour. Eating a sticky ball chocked full of dates and rice syrup is hardly healthy and the protein content is usually modest at best. Nibble Protein Bites have hit the nail on the head with this gap in the market and I'm sure it'll be a huge hit! The choice of sophisticated flavours really stands out from the crowd and they've hit a real niche with their honest mission. It's a winner for me!

You can buy your own Nibble Protein Bites from their website at £18 for an 8-pack (RRP £2.39 each, here £2.25).

Nibble Protein Bites are also available to buy on Ocado. 

Mule Bars are produced by Fuel For Adventure Ltd which was created by Alex Smith and Jimmy Docherty back in 2002. Fuel For Adventure retail camping and adventure supplies while Mule Bars are the perfect energy snack for those heading out on their next daring experience.

Alex and Jimmy were scaling the heights of the Andes mountains when they were shocked by gastric issues. They realised that there was a lack of energy bars on the market which were made from 100% natural ingredients but still tasted amazing. That's when the Mule Bar was born! I got the chance to review lots of their lovely flavours and test them out while on my own adventures.

Folkestone - Dover Coastal Walk

This is a 15-mile out-and-back trek along the beautiful southern coast of the UK and the perfect opportunity to try out a Mule Bar and see how it fared for energy, taste, and healthiness. I fuelled this walk with the Chocolate Orange flavour bar which was delicious! The texture is sticky and dense, but it's not so sweet as to give you a sore mouth. The chocolate orange flavour isn't overpowering but is still there enough to make it super tasty. There is roughly 15g of sugar in this bar which means it is not overly unhealthy and will give you a great boost of energy after a tough outing. 

Bearbrook 10k

I ran a 10k race in the beautiful countryside of Aylesbury and used the liquorice and coconut flavour Mule Bar to refuel afterwards. Each Mule Bar has a breakdown of the actual flavours and then a fun nickname, with this one being called Liquorice Allsports flavour. This bar has a delicious liquorice taste which is not too overpowering as well as a great texture from the coconut. The little pieces of liquorice inside were also a very nice surprise!

Cycling the Camel Trail, Cornwall

The Camel Trail is an 18-mile cycling trail which follows a disused railway line through the heart of Cornwall. I fuelled for this adventure with the apple raisin and cinnamon Mule Bar. This bar is nicknamed Apple Strudel and was launched in homage to the great Austrian pastry. This bar has a sweet and satisfying flavour with an amazing texture from the apple pieces and the raisins and a subtle cinnamon flavour. Gooey and delicious just like its namesake!

Kent Coastal Half Marathon

I fuelled for this half marathon with the Lemon Zinger Mule Bar. I was pretty excited to try this one as I was feeling quite drained after the race and the bright, attractive packaging and fun name gave me a good boost! This bar has a really authentic lemon flavour which has not been over-sweetened. The taste of ginger was light in the background and not too overpowering which it can sometimes be. Great texture with lots of rice crisps to keep it exciting. The sharp, tangy lemon flavour is great to bring you back to life after a tough adventure or draining race and it tasted fantastic!

Verdict

Mule Bars are made from natural ingredients and the nutritional value for each bar is surprisingly good considering they do not claim to be high protein or low sugar. The flavours are really fun and keep things interesting; I love that Alex and Jimmy have put so much thought into this brand! It's the perfect snack to have for any event you have coming up and their range also includes energy gels and smaller bars for on-the-go energy. 

LoveRaw was developed by Rimi Dabhia in 2013 after leaving a passionless job in investment banking. She started the brand by hand-making and packaging snack bars in her kitchen and the rest is history! I was excited to try these organic, vegan snack bars for myself.

Cacao & Maca

This rich, dark, indulgent bar is somewhat like a brownie, so if that's your craving, you can reach for one of these bars guilt-free! It contains only 6 natural ingredients: dates, almonds, cacao, cacao nibs, cashews, and maca. Maca is an ingredient we've seen a few times in previous reviews of healthy snacks and boasts numerous health benefits. The bar is fairly dense but it's refreshingly not too difficult to chew and the crunch from the cacao nibs and cashews adds a great texture. The deep, chocolatey flavour is devilishly moreish but the 45g bar is plenty to leave you satisfied and not reaching for more.

Almond & Coconut

This flavour contains even fewer ingredients, with just dates, almonds, coconut chips, figs, and cinnamon. Figs are an ingredient I haven't seen before in my healthy snack reviews so it was an interesting addition. Figs are high in fibre and contain many essential minerals which promote increased bone density among other benefits. The cinnamon adds a flavourful kick which I personally really liked, although I know that a lot of other people are often put off if cinnamon is a listed ingredient because of its strong, spicy undertones.

Rosehip & Lemon

This bar is fresh and zingy thanks to the authentic lemon flavour and can certainly be compared to a tangy lemon drizzle cake. Rosehip is a fruit that is often made into tea thanks to its diuretic and laxative properties. This ingredient aids the immune system and contains lots of antioxidants which is great for fighting free radicals in the body. This bar is bulked out with the addition of sultanas which are not present in any of the other bars and the lemon oil gives a great flavour without being overpowering.

Cacao & Spirulina

Spirulina is a very popular superfood at the moment thanks to its health benefits and high protein content. It can often overpower a food so I was interested to see how well it would taste in this bar. The cacao again is delicious and dark and makes the bar just as satisfying as a naughty chocolate bar. There is a hint of citrus thanks to orange oil and the cashews again add a wonderful crunchy texture which I loved. The spirulina wasn't overpowering at all and adds a very subtle earthy element to the otherwise very sweet bar.

Verdict

I love the humble beginnings of this brand and I think its success speaks for itself. The bars are perfect in their simplicity, with only natural, vegan ingredients which mean you can't go wrong! They are not too chewy like some other healthy snack bars and they are satisfying enough to be perfect after a tough workout or just to satisfy a sweet craving! It's definitely a 10 for LoveRaw!

Mindful Bites was founded by Stephanie Peritore in 2014 with the intention of changing the way people think about snacking. Stephanie uses the practice of mindfulness to encourage people to think more about what they're eating and why in an attempt to become healthier. The products that Mindful Bites produce include snacks and nut butters which are made with superfoods and exotic fruits which boast natural health benefits and taste fabulous. I was lucky enough to be able to try a selection of their nut butters and give my verdict.

Cashew and Baobab 

Baobab is a superfood that we previously visited in our Oppo Ice Cream review. It is a superfruit native to Africa and Asia and boasts such health benefits as strengthening the immune system, releasing energy, and promoting healthy, glowing skin. I am a recent convert to loving cashew butter and Mindful Bites definitely cemented my opinion. Its decadent, creamy texture is very luxurious and it spreads really well. The sachets that Mindful Bites sell their nut butters in are well designed and are guaranteed not to spill or leak in your bag so you can have one on-the-go. This flavour has somewhat of a sweet undertone which may not be to everyone's liking, but I couldn't get enough!

Almond and Maca

Maca is another superfruit and it contains over 20 amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. It also contains lots of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, and zinc. All of these minerals are great for your health and boast lots of different benefits. The almond butter is very nutty and has a slightly deeper flavour than the cashew butter. Again, it has a lovely texture and the smoothness means it spreads very easily. This flavour is not as sweet as the cashew and baobab and instead has a more earthy flavour which tasted great on a bagel topped with sliced banana!

Hazelnut and Berries 

I wasn't sure what to expect from this flavour as I wondered if there would be whole pieces of berry and I've never had berries in nut butter before! In fact, the berries are just part of the flavour and this creation was as smooth and luxurious as the others. The berry flavour is not strong or overpowering but sits in the background, adding depth. The hazelnut base is rich and tastes fantastic!

Brazil Nuts and Caco Nibs 

If you like Nutella, then this flavour will immediately excite you! The lovely smooth texture spreads really well and it looks like a tasty chocolate spread. The flavour of the cacao nibs comes through beautifully and gives a very deep flavour. I've never tried a nut butter made from brazil nuts before but it works really well. It tastes slightly different from peanut or cashew butter and again has quite a deep flavour so it pairs very well with the cacao nibs.

Verdict

I love the ethos behind this brand because it's fresh and I haven't seen a company get so involved in the wellbeing of its customers before. Mindful Bites promotes not only healthy eating but healthy thinking and their tasty snacks and nut butters are perfect for the mid-afternoon slump or as a post-workout energy boost. All the products are plant-based, high fibre, and contain no palm oil so they are sustainable and ethical too. It's got to be a 10!