No Cow
Chocolate Salted Caramel
TL:DR
In 2 Sentences
Rare for a vegan bar: 20g of plant protein at 200 calories with a dipped chocolate shell and only 1g of sugar, plus a high‑fiber build.
When to choose No Cow Chocolate Salted Caramel
Best for dairy‑free eaters and macro hawks who want a portable, low‑sugar protein hit after a workout or on busy days. Less ideal for folks sensitive to sugar alcohols or who want a dessert-like bar.
What's in the No Cow bar?
Chocolate Salted Caramel meets plant protein.
No Cow builds this bar on a pea + brown rice protein base and dips it in a chocolate shell made with cocoa processed with alkali; the salted‑caramel vibe comes from natural flavors and a pinch of salt rather than cooked sugar.
You get a top‑tier 20 grams of dairy‑free protein, a higher total carb number that mostly comes from engineered low‑glycemic fibers and zero‑calorie sweeteners, very little fat, and just 200 calories with 1 gram of sugar.
The tradeoff? It’s thoughtfully designed but decidedly processed, leaning on fiber isolates, sugar alcohols, and palm oils to pull off the taste and texture.
- Protein
- 20 g
- Fat
- 6 g
- Carbohydrates
- 26 g
- Sugar
- 1 g
- Calories
- 200
Protein
2015HIGHThe 20g of protein comes from a plant blend of pea and brown rice, with extra crunch from pea‑protein crisps and even a little protein tucked into the chocolate coating. Pea (lysine‑rich) and rice (higher in sulfur amino acids) complement each other, giving a more balanced amino acid profile than either alone—great if you’re dairy‑free. Because it’s all plant isolates, you avoid lactose and milk allergens.
Fat
69LOWFat stays low at 6g, driven mostly by palm kernel oil and palm oil in the chocolate coating, with a smaller lift from almonds. Palm oils are more saturated (they give a firm, snappy shell), while the almond contributes some heart‑friendly monounsaturated fat and vitamin E. With total fat modest, saturated fat remains moderate for a dipped bar.
Carbs
2620HIGHThe 26g of carbs are largely engineered low‑glycemic: soluble corn fiber and tapioca fiber (refined resistant dextrins) for bulk, plus glycerin (a plant‑based humectant), and erythritol (a zero‑calorie sugar alcohol), with a bit of rice starch in the crispies. Expect steadier energy than a sugar‑based bar, though these are refined fibers rather than whole‑food carbs like oats or dates. Sensitive stomachs may notice gas or bloating if large single servings of fiber and polyols don’t sit well.
Sugar
14LOWOnly 1g of sugar—the sweetness comes from erythritol (a sugar alcohol) plus high‑intensity stevia and monk fruit, with glycerin lending softness. That keeps blood sugar in check; just know that stacking multiple polyol‑sweetened products can upset some stomachs, and very large boluses of erythritol are under study—moderation is wise. The caramel note is from natural flavors, not caramelized sugar.
Calories
200210MIDAt 200 calories, it’s lighter than many bars. A large share comes from protein, with a smaller portion from fat; the carb number includes non‑digestible fiber and zero‑calorie erythritol, so digestible carbs are lower than 26g. Net effect: good fullness per calorie, especially with a glass of water.
Vitamins & Minerals
Iron stands out at about 20% Daily Value, largely riding in with the pea/rice proteins and a touch from cocoa. Calcium and potassium are minor extras. There’s no vitamin fortification—what you get comes naturally from the plant ingredients.
Additives
This is a modern low‑sugar build: soluble fibers for bulk and lower glycemic impact, glycerin to keep it soft, erythritol/stevia/monk fruit for sweetness without sugar, sunflower lecithin to emulsify, and refined palm oils for the chocolate shell. These are widely reviewed for safety but are more processed than whole‑food staples. If you’re sensitive to fiber or sugar alcohols, start with half and see how you feel.
Ingredient List
Brown rice grain
Yellow pea seeds
Corn starch
Oil palm fruit
Corn or wheat starch
Cassava root starch
Cacao beans treated with alkali
Sunflower seeds
Vanilla orchid beans
Stevia leaves
What are people saying?
Sources
Range
“O-M-G these actually aren’t that bad. No chalky powdery finish like I was worried about. The flavor is great too. As far as protein bars go, I’d give these an 8/10 and will def keep in the rotation.”
“However, No Cow is by far my favorite brand.”
“I looove no cow bars. Birthday cake flavor is 👌👌”
Main Praise
The headline here is efficiency: 20g of plant protein for 200 calories is elite for a vegan bar, and the pea‑plus‑rice blend offers a more balanced amino acid profile than either protein alone.
Several reviewers say the dipped line tastes better than earlier iterations, and this flavor in particular gets nods as "decent" to genuinely enjoyable. One Redditor was pleasantly surprised—no chalky finish—and planned to keep No Cow in the rotation.
Across Amazon, a steady four‑star average over thousands of ratings suggests a lot of people find the tradeoffs worth it, with some calling out the soft consistency and macro profile as the reason they buy again.
Independent outlets agree on the nutrition upside: BarBend crowned No Cow a top high‑protein vegan pick, and SELF highlighted it for being fiber‑rich while still plant‑based.
Main Criticism
Taste and texture are the sticking points. A chunk of reviewers find some flavors dry or gritty with a noticeable stevia/erythritol aftertaste; one Amazon reviewer didn’t mince words, calling it “like eating a scoop of protein powder.
” Consistency can vary between flavors and even batches—some bars are soft, others crumbly. The sweetness strategy (erythritol plus high‑intensity sweeteners) and heavy reliance on refined fibers can bother sensitive stomachs, a concern echoed by Garage Gym Reviews and a few Reddit threads.
Price also comes up: you’re paying for the macros and dietary fit, not a pastry‑shop experience.
The Middle Ground
So where does the truth live? If you’re judging by macros, No Cow is a ringer—there are very few vegan bars that deliver 20g protein around 200 calories with this much fiber.
BarBend even notes the Dipped line packs roughly 14–15g of fiber, which helps explain the fullness people report. Taste, though, is personal and the internet is not shy: one Redditor anointed them their favorite brand, while another called them a “crime against humanity.
” Both can be true depending on your palate and expectations. The dipped flavors (like Chocolate Salted Caramel) generally rate better on taste and texture than the non‑dipped versions, but even fans admit occasional dryness.
If you dislike the flavor of stevia or sugar alcohols, you’ll likely be in the unhappy camp; if you value protein density above all and can handle fiber and polyols, you may join the “8/10, keep in the rotation” crowd.
The open questions are less about nutrition and more about consistency and your own tolerance.
What's the bottom line?
No Cow’s Chocolate Salted Caramel is a pragmatic win for plant‑based protein seekers: 20g of dairy‑free protein, just 200 calories, and a high‑fiber, low‑sugar formula that keeps energy steadier than a sugary bar. It’s engineered, not rustic: fiber isolates, sugar alcohols, and a palm‑oil‑based coating deliver those numbers. That’s the bargain—you get standout macros and broad diet fit (vegan, gluten‑free), but the flavor and mouthfeel won’t fool you into thinking you’re eating a candy bar.
If you’re macro‑first or struggle to hit protein without dairy, this is an easy yes to try—especially in the dipped line. Start with one bar, have water alongside, and see how your stomach handles the fiber and sweeteners.
If you crave a treat-like bar or dislike stevia/erythritol aftertastes, there are tastier options with softer nutrition targets. Condensed listicle take: Macro powerhouse for vegan eaters—great protein-to-calorie ratio, polarizing taste, and a fiber/sweetener build that won’t suit every stomach.