In 1990, Gary Erickson can no longer stomach his energy bar during a ride. He makes a better one in his mother’s kitchen.
Clif is an American sports nutrition brand based in Emeryville, California, founded by Gary Erickson. Its Clif Bar, launched in 1992, is named after his father, Clifford. The brand is known for its oat-based bars and Clif Bloks energy chews.
| Origin | United States (Emeryville, California) |
|---|---|
| Clif Bar launch | 1992 |
| Founder | Gary Erickson |
| Name | A tribute to Clifford, the founder’s father |
| Flagship products | Clif Bar, Clif Bloks, Nut Butter Bar |
In 1990, Gary Erickson sets out on a 175-mile bike ride, about 280 km, with a friend. Halfway through, exhausted and hungry, he can’t stomach another bar: it’s too sticky and too hard to digest. He calls this moment “the epiphany.” Together with his mother, “the best baker he knows,” he tests recipes for months. The Clif Bar comes out in 1992 as a tribute to Clifford, the father who introduced him to the great outdoors.
The Clif Bar is a dense, oat-based bar that you chew, making it a good choice for long rides when you have time to eat. Clif Bloks are eaten cube by cube, making them easier to take while running or exercising at high intensity. Nut Butter Bars have a peanut butter-filled center, while the 28 g Minis offer a smaller serving.
| Product | Serving | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Clif Bar | 68 g | oat-based bar |
| Clif Bloks | 60 g | chews in cube form |
| Clif Nut Butter Bar | 50 g | filled bar |
| Clif Minis | 28 g | mini bar |
Boxes of 12 bars and 18 Bloks, as well as the discovery pack, let you try different flavors. For bars made with ingredients inspired by Italian baking, try Veloforte. For other energy chews, see TA Energy.
Sources: Clif Bar, The Clif Bar story, Wikipedia, Clif Bar.
Gary Erickson named his bar after his father, Clifford, who introduced him to the great outdoors and encouraged him to pursue his passions.
The Clif Bar is a 68 g oat-based bar meant to be chewed. Clif Bloks are energy chews in cube form, sold in 60 g packets, and are more convenient to take one at a time during exertion.
At Nutri-Bay: Tropical Punch and Black Cherry. The other flavors (Strawberry, Mountain Berry, Margarita Citrus) do not contain any, unless otherwise stated on the product page.
A 50 g bar filled with peanut butter, available plain, chocolate, or chocolate chip.
Yes, Clif Minis: 28 g bars sold in boxes of 10, in your choice of flavor.
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