TRUBAR
Whole Lotta Macchiato
TL:DR
In 2 Sentences
A vegan, gluten-free protein bar that uses real decaffeinated dark roast coffee for true macchiato flavor—no sugar alcohols, no artificial sweeteners, and a short, plant-forward ingredient list.
When to choose TRUBAR Whole Lotta Macchiato
Coffee lovers who want a softer, chewy, low-caffeine snack with moderate protein; anyone avoiding dairy, soy, and sugar alcohols; a tidy afternoon pick-me-up rather than a full meal replacement.
What's in the TRUBAR bar?
TRUBAR’s Whole Lotta Macchiato is a plant-forward snack with coffee-house flair: 12g of protein from a pea-and-brown rice blend, and real macchiato character from decaffeinated dark roast coffee and natural flavors—so you get the taste, not the jitters.
Carbs lean on a cassava/tapioca fiber blend with a touch of organic cane sugar, while fats come from almonds plus RSPO‑certified palm oil and a splash of MCT oil for a creamy, stable texture.
At 190 calories, it’s a tidy pick-me-up: modest protein, mid-pack fat, and moderate sugar, built more from refined fiber and oils than from whole grains or fruit.
- Protein
- 12 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 22 g
- Sugar
- 7 g
- Calories
- 190
Protein
1215MIDProtein here comes from a two-plant team—pea protein and brown rice protein—which complement each other (pea brings lysine, rice balances sulfur amino acids) for a more complete profile. At 12g, it’s on the lighter side versus most protein bars, but it’s fully dairy- and soy-free, a win for anyone avoiding whey or soy isolates.
Fat
89MIDFat is a blend of almonds (mostly monounsaturated, heart-friendly) with RSPO-certified palm oil and a bit of MCT oil. Palm oil nudges saturated fat up while MCTs are quickly burned for energy; together they create a creamy, stable bar. At 8g total, it sits comfortably mid‑pack.
Carbs
2220MIDThe 22g of carbs come largely from a cassava/tapioca fiber blend—refined from the cassava root—plus a modest dose of organic cane sugar, with almonds contributing a little fiber. This means a mix of slower, fiber‑buffered energy and some quick fuel. Expect steadier energy than a candy bar, though the base is more processed fiber than whole‑grain or fruit carbs.
Sugar
74MIDSeven grams of sugar come primarily from organic cane sugar, added to smooth out the pleasant bitterness of dark-roast coffee. That’s moderate for a flavored bar, and notably there are no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols on the label. If you’re watching blood sugar, the fiber base helps, but it’s still added sugar rather than fruit.
Calories
190210MIDAt 190 calories, this reads as a snack rather than a meal replacement. Most of the energy is shared between carbs and fats, with protein adding a solid assist; the cassava-derived fiber likely means not all listed carbs are fully digestible. Net effect: satisfying without feeling heavy.
Vitamins & Minerals
Iron is the notable micronutrient at about 15% Daily Value, likely coming from the pea and brown rice proteins with a small boost from almonds. Calcium and potassium land in low single digits, so this bar is mostly about macros, not a vitamin delivery vehicle.
Additives
Additives are kept in check: sunflower lecithin helps the fats and fiber blend smoothly, and natural flavors round out the macchiato profile. The cassava-derived fiber and MCT oil are refined ingredients chosen for texture and stable energy rather than whole‑food nutrition. Overall, a short label with a few functional, modern processing helpers.
Ingredient List
Cassava root
Brown rice grain
Yellow pea seeds
Almond tree seeds
Sugarcane stalks
Oil palm fruit
Coffea arabica or robusta beans
Coconut or palm kernel oil
Sunflower seeds
What are people saying?
Sources
Range
“The comments on this are wild, I really really loved these! Most protein bars taste too artificial and have sugar alcohols, and these dont. I eat a high fiber diet already being vegetarian and these didnt bother my stomach. Not very sweet, nice and chewy. I plan on stockingggg up on these at this price!”
“Not popular but I kinda like them, the donut one in particular hits in a way that feels “close enough.””
“They are good!”
Main Praise
Taste and texture get the loudest applause. Across taste tests and comment threads, TRUBAR consistently earns praise for its soft, fudge-like chew that doesn’t cling to your teeth—a rare feat in protein-bar land.
The macchiato flavor feels legit thanks to decaffeinated dark roast coffee, giving a roasty backbone instead of a generic “coffee flavoring” hit. Reviewers also appreciate what’s not in here: no sugar alcohols, no artificial sweeteners, and a straightforward plant-protein base that’s dairy- and soy-free.
The Washington Post even flagged TRUBAR as a healthier pick in the broader market, citing solid protein and high fiber. If you like the idea of a coffeehouse treat that behaves more like a snack than a candy bar, this checks that box.
Main Criticism
Taste is polarizing. Some folks call certain TRUBAR flavors “too sweet,” while others swear they’re balanced—proof that palates differ, especially around coffee-inspired treats.
A recurring note is a faint “coating” or slick mouthfeel and the suggestion to drink water, likely tied to the bar’s fat blend and fiber base. Protein sits at 12g, which is modest compared with heavy hitters in the 18–20g class, so it’s not the best fit if you’re replacing a meal.
And while the ingredients list is short, it leans on refined cassava/tapioca fiber and RSPO palm oil—fine choices for texture and stability, but not “whole-foods only. ” A few users have reported occasional texture inconsistencies (a bar that’s unexpectedly firm), though that doesn’t seem widespread.
The Middle Ground
Here’s the honest middle ground.
If you’re expecting a 20g protein slam with 1g sugar, this isn’t that bar—Whole Lotta Macchiato is built for pleasure-first snacking with a respectable 12g of plant protein and 7g of added sugar.
Redditor Ok-Wasabi2873 said it was “too sweet,” even invoking a Snickers; the label disagrees—7g is moderate, and the decaf coffee lends a roasty counterpoint. On the flip side, users like floral-vision loved the chewy texture and were relieved to skip sugar alcohols—great news if those typically upset your stomach.
That slight mouth coating some mention? Likely the palm/MCT blend doing its job to keep the bar soft; not everyone notices it, and a sip of water tends to resolve it.
If your north star is clean-ish, vegan, café-style flavor without the artificial sweeteners—and you’re okay with refined fiber and a mid-pack protein count—this lands in a sweet spot. If you want max protein per bite or strictly whole-food carbs, keep looking.
What's the bottom line?
TRUBAR Whole Lotta Macchiato is a clever answer to the “I want coffee, but also a snack” problem. It delivers a real macchiato profile from decaf dark roast coffee, a soft bite, and a short, plant-forward ingredient list that skips sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners. At 190 calories with 12g of protein, it’s a snack—think afternoon slump saver or pre-commute tide-me-over—not a full meal or a post-heavy-lift recovery bar.
You’ll love it if you’re vegan or dairy/soy-free, like your bars soft and chewy, and prefer moderate sweetness without the sugar alcohol side effects. You might pass if you want 20g of protein, avoid refined fibers and palm oil on principle, or dislike any hint of coating on the palate. ” Just remember it contains almonds, and decaf isn’t caffeine-zero.
Condensed listicle take: A café-flavored vegan snack with real decaf coffee, 12g plant protein, and no sugar alcohols. Soft, chewy, and satisfying at 190 calories—great for afternoon cravings, less ideal if you’re chasing 20g+ protein or strictly whole-food ingredients.