Zing
Dark Chocolate Mint
TL:DR
In 2 Sentences
A dietitian-created, vegan bar that uses real dark chocolate and peppermint oil for a true mint–truffle flavor, with 10g of plant protein and no sugar alcohols.
When to choose Zing Dark Chocolate Mint
Snackers who want a dessert-leaning, plant-based bar for the afternoon slump or a pre-gym nibble—especially if you prefer sweetness without sugar alcohols.
What's in the Zing bar?
Zing’s Dark Chocolate Mint leans into plant protein and real‑food fats: almond protein and brown rice protein do the heavy lifting, while almond and cashew butters add creaminess and staying power.
The mint‑meets‑truffle vibe comes from actual dark chocolate (cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, cocoa powder) lifted by peppermint oil and a touch of vanilla. Carbs come mostly from syrups (tapioca, rice, agave) and a little grape juice concentrate, with soluble tapioca fiber and monk fruit helping keep sugar in check.
Big picture: protein sits on the lighter side for a “protein bar,” fat skews higher than most bars for satiety, and the carbs are a mix of quick energy and added fiber.
- Protein
- 10 g
- Fat
- 13 g
- Carbohydrates
- 21 g
- Sugar
- 7 g
- Calories
- 220
Protein
1015LOWProtein here is entirely plant‑based—primarily almond protein and brown rice protein, plus what’s naturally in the nut butters. Rice protein is a bit light on lysine and almond protein benefits from being part of a blend, so the amino acid balance is decent but not as complete as whey. Net result: a moderate 10g that suits snack‑time more than post‑workout heavy lifting.
Fat
139HIGHMost fat comes from almond and cashew butters (rich in heart‑friendly monounsaturated fats) and cocoa butter from the dark chocolate. Cocoa butter’s saturated fat is largely stearic acid, which is relatively neutral for LDL cholesterol, while the small amount of safflower or sunflower oil in the cashew butter adds some omega‑6s. It’s a higher‑fat profile than many bars, but these are real‑food fats that help keep you satisfied.
Carbs
2120MIDThe carbs are driven by sweeteners and binders—tapioca syrup (a refined cassava starch syrup), rice syrup, agave nectar, and grape juice concentrate—plus the sugar in the dark chocolate. Soluble tapioca fiber (a resistant dextrin) adds prebiotic fiber, and the bar’s nut and cocoa fats help smooth the blood‑sugar rise, but this is still more quick “snack energy” than slow‑burn carbs from oats or sweet potato.
Sugar
74MIDWith 7g of sugar, it’s on the sweeter side for protein bars yet still in single digits. The sugar comes from the dark chocolate and syrups (agave, rice syrup, grape juice concentrate), while monk fruit—a very sweet plant extract—helps boost sweetness without adding more sugar. This is sweetness from refined and fruit‑derived syrups, not whole fruit; fiber and fat help temper the hit.
Calories
220210MIDAt 220 calories, it lands in the mid‑to‑upper range among bars. Most of that energy comes from the nut and cocoa fats and the syrup‑based carbs, with protein playing a smaller role. Think satisfying snack or light breakfast add‑on rather than a full meal on its own.
Vitamins & Minerals
No standout vitamins here, but you do get small amounts of minerals: the iron bump (about 8% DV) is largely from cocoa, calcium trickles in from almonds, and potassium shows up from nuts and cacao. Nice extras—just not enough to consider this a vitamin‑oriented bar.
Additives
Refined helpers show up in a short list: soluble tapioca fiber (a resistant dextrin) for prebiotic fiber and chew, tapioca syrup as a binder, and monk fruit for high‑intensity sweetness. Sunflower lecithin in the chocolate keeps the texture smooth, while vanilla extract and peppermint oil deliver flavor. Overall, a clean‑leaning recipe with a few modern, processed components typical of better‑for‑you bars.
Ingredient List
Ground roasted almonds
Almonds
Almond tree seeds
Almond kernels
Cassava starch
Sugarcane and sugar beet
Roasted cacao nibs from cocoa beans
Cocoa beans
Defatted cacao bean solids
Sunflower seeds
What are people saying?
Sources
Range
“I recently discovered Zing bars and I’m obsessed.”
“These Zing bars are my absolute favorites. Aloha gets second place.”
“Zing Bars ~ 220cal (25g carbs) Vegan, Cherry almond is the best and it tastes like a marzipan candy bar.”
Main Praise
Taste is the headliner. Fans describe Zing’s chocolate flavors as brownie-like, with the mint reading clean and refreshing rather than candy-cane harsh.
Reviewers on Amazon call the Dark Chocolate Mint “a delicious chocolate covered brownie,” and multiple Redditors lump Zing among their absolute favorites for flavor. The ingredient approach gets applause, too: real dark chocolate, almond and cashew butters, and a short, recognizable list without sucralose or maltitol.
Media roundups from Prevention and Women’s Health regularly recommend Zing because it was developed by dietitians and leans on whole-food fats and fiber for a steadier, more filling snack. In everyday use, people say it takes the edge off cravings and keeps them from diving into less balanced sweets.
Main Criticism
Two knocks surface often. First, protein: at 10g, this bar doesn’t compete with the 20g heavy-hitters and can feel less filling for some.
Second, texture and formula shifts.
A slice of long-time fans miss the older recipes (including whey-based versions), and a few shoppers note the current bars can be softer and slightly gritty from the plant proteins and fibers.
There’s also ongoing debate online about the syrups and prebiotic tapioca fiber—some prefer oats or dates, others worry about potential GI quirks at higher intakes. If you want ultra-low carbs or a classic “chewy-cookie” texture, this may not be your first pick.
The Middle Ground
So where does the truth sit?
If you come in expecting a 20g post-lift bar, you’ll call it underpowered; if you want a credible snack that tastes like a mint-chocolate treat, you’ll likely join the “obsessed” camp.
The fats here are the steadying kind—mostly from nuts and cocoa—so the 220 calories feel purposeful rather than airy. Carbs skew toward refined syrups with some added fiber, which explains why keto forums debate it while mainstream snackers praise it for avoiding sugar alcohols.
A Redditor fretting over glycerin or allulose was likely referencing older formulas; the current Dark Chocolate Mint lists syrups, fiber, and monk fruit instead. Texture is subjective: some say fudgey with a slight plant-protein grit; others call it brownie-like and polished.
If flavor matters most and you’re okay with moderate protein, it shines. If your bar needs to be a mini-meal or strictly low-carb, you’ll want another lane.
What's the bottom line?
Zing Dark Chocolate Mint is a dessert-forward, dietitian-built snack bar that picks its battles wisely. You get 10g of plant protein, 13g of satisfying fats from nut butters and cocoa, and 7g of sugar—sweetness coming from syrups plus monk fruit rather than sugar alcohols. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free, with real dark chocolate and peppermint oil giving you a convincing mint-truffle moment.
The trade-offs are clear: moderate protein, a softer plant-protein texture, and carbs that come from refined syrups rather than whole grains or fruit. If you want a delicious, plant-based bar to bridge the afternoon or tide you over before a workout, this one checks the right boxes. If your priority is a 20g protein hit, strict low-carb macros, or a sturdier, oat-based chew, keep looking.
For everyone else who loves mint chocolate and appreciates cleaner ingredient choices without sugar alcohols, this is an easy bar to keep in rotation. Condensed listicle blurb: A mint-chocolate truffle in bar form—vegan, gluten-free, and dietitian-crafted—with 10g protein and no sugar alcohols. Great as a satisfying snack or pre-gym bite; less ideal if you need a 20g protein punch or strictly low-carb macros.