The GFB
Dark Chocolate Almond
TL:DR
In 2 Sentences
Real dark chocolate and California almonds, a pea‑plus‑rice protein blend, and no sugar alcohols or emulsifiers—vegan and gluten‑free with a dessert‑level taste.
When to choose The GFB Dark Chocolate Almond
Best for plant‑based eaters and gluten‑free folks who want a satisfying chocolate‑forward snack or pre‑activity fuel, and who prefer real sugar over sugar alcohols.
What's in the The GFB bar?
Dark Chocolate Almond says it all: roasted California almonds, real dark chocolate, cocoa, and a pinch of sea salt carry the flavor, while an organic pea-and-brown rice protein blend does the heavy lifting.
The twist is where the energy comes from—this vegan, gluten-free bar leans on brown rice syrup and agave (plus dates and a touch of cane sugar in the chocolate), so carbs land higher than in many protein bars.
Fats come from almonds, flaxseed, and cocoa butter—mostly unsaturated with some stearic-rich cocoa butter—so it eats rich and satisfying. In short, this is a plant-protein bar that tastes like dessert and functions more like an energy bar than a low-sugar protein brick.
- Protein
- 12 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Sugar
- 14 g
- Calories
- 250
Protein
1215MIDProtein comes from an organic blend of pea protein and brown rice protein, with a small assist from almonds. Pea plus rice is a classic pairing: pea brings lysine, rice brings methionine, together creating a more complete amino-acid profile without dairy or soy. At 12g, it’s a moderate lift—better for a snack or active-day fuel than a maximal protein hit.
Fat
109MIDMost of the fat comes naturally from almonds and flaxseed, with cocoa butter from the dark chocolate rounding it out. That means plenty of heart-friendly unsaturated fats and a little plant omega‑3 (ALA) from flax, while cocoa butter contributes stearic and oleic acids. The result is satisfying richness without relying on added industrial seed oils.
Carbs
3020HIGHCarbs are driven by organic brown rice syrup and agave—refined syrups that deliver quick energy—alongside whole-food dates and a bit of brown rice for fiber. Expect a faster rise in blood sugar from the syrups, tempered somewhat by the bar’s nuts, flax, and protein. net effect: more sprint than slow burn.
Sugar
144HIGHThe 14g of sugar come from a mix of whole-food and refined sources: dates (whole fruit) plus brown rice syrup and agave, with a little cane sugar inside the dark chocolate. There are no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols here—the sweetness is traditional, just more refined than fruit alone. It’s a sweet bar; the protein and fat help soften the spike but won’t erase it.
Calories
250210HIGHAt 250 calories, most energy comes from carbohydrates and the bar’s nut-and-chocolate fats, with protein in the smaller share. Think of it as an energy-forward bar—great before a hike, ride, or a long afternoon—rather than a lean, high-protein meal replacement.
Vitamins & Minerals
Iron stands out at about 15% of daily value, thanks largely to cocoa solids in the dark chocolate with a nudge from the plant proteins. Nothing else rises above 10%, so consider this an iron-friendly treat rather than a fortified multivitamin bar.
Additives
The label is light on additives: no emulsifiers, sugar alcohols, or artificial sweeteners—just natural flavor and sea salt alongside recognizable foods. The protein powders (pea and brown rice) are refined isolates, and the sweetness relies on refined syrups (brown rice syrup, agave), so it sits between whole-food and processed.
Ingredient List
Almond tree seeds
Brown rice
Brown rice grain
Yellow pea seeds
Date palm fruit
Roasted cacao nibs from cocoa beans
Sugarcane stalks
Cocoa beans
Agave
Dehulled whole grain rice
What are people saying?
Sources
Range
“The GFB were my favorites for a while.”
Main Praise
Taste is the headliner. Multiple reviewers—from The Beet to long‑time Amazon buyers—praise The GFB for bold flavor that leans indulgent without tasting fake.
The chocolate comes through cleanly, the almonds add real crunch and aroma, and the result feels more like food than formula.
Fans also note that it actually holds them over; several Amazon reviewers mention staying full for a couple of hours, which tracks with the bar’s mix of nuts, plant protein, and calories.
The allergen profile earns goodwill too: it’s vegan, gluten‑free, soy‑free, and peanut‑free, which makes it a rare option for people juggling multiple needs. Even on Reddit, where opinions can be sharp, one commenter summed it up simply: “The GFB were my favorites for a while.
”
Main Criticism
Texture divides the room. Chic Vegan flagged the bars as soft and floppy, and other reviewers have called some flavors crumbly or oddly chewy—temperature can magnify both.
Nutrition purists raise an eyebrow at the sugar and calories; 14g of sugar and 250 calories make it feel more like an energy bar than a lean protein fix. Protein lands at a moderate 12g, so if you’re chasing 20g+ post‑workout standards, you may be underwhelmed.
A few outliers just don’t like the taste—one Amazon reviewer’s teen used colorful language to say it tasted off. And while not a gluten issue, there’s Reddit chatter about a past cashew cross‑contact recall; that’s a reminder for anyone with tree‑nut allergies to double‑check labels.
The Middle Ground
So where does the truth settle? If you walk in expecting a low‑sugar, 20g‑protein powerhouse, you’ll echo Nutritionist Reviews’ critique: this isn’t that bar.
It’s carb‑forward and sweetened with dates plus refined syrups, which means quicker energy—but it also skips sugar alcohols, a trade‑off many stomachs appreciate. Texture gripes are fair, especially in warm pockets or hot cars; a quick chill firms it up nicely and turns the chocolate into a pleasant snap.
On taste, The Beet’s “splurge‑y” praise and the many Amazon fans outweigh the few naysayers, though palate is personal—Reddit has declared bars both “favorites” and flops in the same breath on any given day.
And that cashew recall? Worth noting for nut‑allergy households, but it wasn’t a gluten problem and doesn’t speak to everyday quality control for almonds specifically.
In short, think of this as a flavorful, real‑ingredient, vegan energy bar that also brings 12g of protein—not a diet bar pretending not to be sweet.
What's the bottom line?
The GFB Dark Chocolate Almond shines when you want real chocolate and a satisfying chew without sugar alcohols or a laundry list of additives. With 12g of plant protein and 250 calories, it’s a smart pre‑hike snack, a between‑meetings lifeline, or a pleasant way to end lunch when you want something sweet that still does a bit of work. It won’t please everyone.
The sweetness is noticeable, the texture can run soft, and it’s not the best fit if you’re targeting very high protein or very low carbs. But if you’re vegan or gluten‑free, prefer familiar ingredients, and like your bar to taste like dessert while still taking the edge off hunger, this one earns its pocket space. Listicle blurb: A dessert‑leaning vegan bar with 12g of pea‑and‑rice protein, real dark chocolate and almonds, and no sugar alcohols.
Sweetened with dates, brown rice syrup, and agave (14g sugar), it’s more energy bar than diet bar. Great for pre‑activity or an afternoon pick‑me‑up; the texture runs soft, so keep it cool if you like a firmer bite.