GoMacro Bars Review
Does the Substance Really Live Up to the Style? (Nutritionist Reacts)
Could something this delicious possibly be healthy?
Vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, organic, rich in protein, and delicious—GoMacro bars seem to have a lot going for them. Of course, the gorgeous packaging doesn’t hurt, either.
But just because they tick all those boxes and look pretty doesn’t mean they’re healthy. Whether or not GoMacro Bars are good for you as an individual will depend on many factors, all of which I will cover in this article.
What if I told you they contain as much added sugar as a chocolate-sprinkled Duncan Donut?
“But it’s brown rice syrup, and it has no fructose!” you say. Unfortunately, that makes no difference. The sugars in brown rice syrup, maltotriose and maltose, have a high glycemic index and act like glucose in your body.
Make no mistake: added sugar is really bad news. According to Harvard Health, it can cause higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Yikes!
But wait, there’s more. GoMacro bars have less fiber than a Snickers 😬
Whether or not GoMacro bars are good for you will largely depend on the following:
- your health and wellness objectives
- how much sugar and fiber you’re already getting
- when, where, and how you eat your nutrition bars
Are you the rare bird who already gets a lot of plant fiber and rarely eats sweets? Do you have zero health issues? GoMacro bars are a good option for a pre-workout snack since carbs are a good energy source.
But if you’re like most Americans who eat too much sugar and are not in their ideal state of health, you’re better off with a low-sugar nutrition bar. To be clear: GoMacro Bars are not good for weight loss.
The good news is that food science has come a long way, and many low-sugar bars taste as good as the real thing without relying on unhealthy artificial sweeteners.
If your interest is piqued, our top pick for a low-ish sugar bar is Aloha Bars (read our review). If you want zero added sugar (and better quality fiber), check out Human Food Bar.
Here’s my quick take for those of you still considering GoMacro bars. Keep scrolling for the deep dive.
Psst! Got a moment?
If you're reading this, you came here for one my many protein bar reviews, which means you're a fellow bar eater.
If you found my article helpful, I hope you'll take a look at Human Food Bar, which I created after testing over 100 bars.
The bar's unique formulation can help you cut cravings, lose weight, sleep better, have more energy, regulate digestion, and more. It does this by balancing your gut biome.
Human Food Bar comes recommended by New York Times best-selling author Dr. Steven Gundry, MD.
Scroll through the gallery to learn more!
What Is the GoMacro Bar?
Despite my concerns about sugar, I really like GoMacro as a company.
GoMacro is a family-owned business that came to life on a Wisconsin farm in 2003. The brand has only grown since, making plant-based protein snacks accessible to people across the States.
The company strives to promote eco-friendliness and plant-based living. All ingredients are non-GMO, free of artificial sugars and preservatives, and grown using green farming practices.
The company spearheads a sustainability initiative, producing packaging from post-consumer waste and donating unused ingredients. The snacks come in compostable trays, allowing you to give back with each purchase.
“We absolutely love this flavor! The only issue was that it’s best to warm them in your pocket or dashboard cos when they’re cold, they’re like chewing a sticky chunk of frozen peanut butter, haha. Other than that great texture, the coconut is delicious but not overwhelming, the ingredients don’t leave any room for question of quality—just good snacks!”
The company sounds amazing, doesn’t it?
We have to agree, but we won’t stop our assessment at the level of company operations. As you may know from our vegan bars buyer’s guide we don’t let looks obscure the substance.
Nutrition Macros of GoMacro Bars
GoMacro sells four types of bars:
- Protein bars
- Snack bars (a bit lower in protein)
- Kids bars (snacks for youngsters)
- Minis (the smaller version of regular protein products)
We’re focusing on GoMacro’s protein bar in this review. On average, one bar contains:
- 270–280 calories
- 10–11 grams of protein
- 9–10 grams of fat (with 0% trans fat)
- 2–3 grams of fiber
- 14 grams of added sugars
These figures are in the ballpark of what you’d see in comparable bars that don’t limit sugar. So, what makes GoMacro different? Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of their products.
Pros and Cons of GoMacro Bars
Highest-quality, plant-based ingredients are the main selling point of everything GoMacro. GoMacro is among those rare manufacturers who can put ‘organic’ before every ingredient and be 100% honest doing so.
Is this practice enough to help you find nutritional balance? Or does the bar fail to meet this standard?
Texture and Taste
First up, we must say that the flavor variety available with GoMacro is impressive. The protein bars come in the following 13 flavors:
- Lemon
- Banana + Almond Butter
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
- Coconut + Almond Butter + Chocolate Chip
- Peanut Butter
- Mocha Chocolate Chip
- Sunflower Butter + Chocolate
- Dark Chocolate + Almonds
- Oatmeal Chocolate Chips
- Double Chocolate + Peanut Butter Chips
- Maple Sea Salt
- Blueberry + Cashew Butter
- Cashew Caramel
This scope is fascinating, and the organic nature of the ingredients makes each flavor stand out. However, an issue arises with the texture for some people.
While delicious, GoMacro offers an overly-chewy texture that is too much for some people. Cold temperatures also leave the bar very hard to bite into, while warmth makes it melt in your pocket.
Macros
Although not particularly protein-rich, GoMacro packs quite a plant-based nutritional punch with a decent amount of all three macronutrients.
A single 280-calorie bar contains 11 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, and about 36 grams of carbs. This balanced nature makes it easy to fit GoMacro snacks into your overall dietary plan without tipping the scales.
Protein Qaulity
All the protein and fiber in GoMacro products come from natural sources.
The organic protein blend combines brown rice and pea protein to deliver your daily muscle boost without any gluten or soy. The fiber is sourced from oats, rice, and flax seeds.
Nutrient quality isn’t an issue, but we’d like to see more than 10 grams of protein in such a high calorie bar.
Ingredients
GoMacro puts ingredient quality at the forefront of its production efforts. Everything is organic, sourced from eco-friendly farms, and free of artificial additives and preservatives.
This wholesome recipe is near-perfect and treats your body to real foods that don’t cause digestive issues or introduce unnecessary chemicals to your diet.
Value
GoMacro produces premium-quality protein bars, a mission made possible thanks to top-tier ingredients. The scope of their certifications and suitability to various dietary preferences further support their claim of excellence.
Busy people in need of first-grade quick meals free of artificial ingredients find tremendous value for their money in GoMacro.
However, an average shopper might find the macro count a bit too low to account for the price. The comparatively low-calorie, low-protein bar isn’t enough for a full meal, but it costs almost as much as one.
Too much sugar
All sugar in GoMacro products is organic, sourced primarily from brown ride syrup or coconut nectar. There’s no alcohol or cane sweetener to speak of, but we do see a problem with the amount. An individual bar brings around 14 grams of added sugar to your daily calorie total.
This figure is over half the suggested amount for an average person, making it a tricky snack for anybody who watches their sugar intake.
GoMacro Bar vs. Human Food Bar
Overall, GoMacro delivers a high-caliber product. Although lacking in some respects, these bars have a fantastic organic base that sends them head and shoulders above most competitors.
It’s products like these that helped us develop our own Human Food Bar. We looked extensively through the market to find the top available products and use them as inspiration.
The table below displays the areas of improvement we introduced to the already impressive formula of GoMacro.
| GoMacro Bar | Human Food Bar | |
| Sugar | 14 grams added per bar | 3 grams per bar (sweetness comes from safe, natural sources0 |
| Fiber | Only 3 grams of fiber per bar | 13 grams of fiber per bar (enough to help you meet your daily goals without disrupting digestion) |
| Texture | Too hard when cold, too chewy when warm | Incredible taste and texture at all temps |
| Superfood Ingredients | No | Yes—baobab, tiger nuts and green banana flour |
Our premium bars come packed with health-boosting superfoods. They’re suitable for everyday consumption, helping you meet your wellness and fitness goals.
GoMacro: The Final Verdict
Overall, GoMacro stands its ground upon close inspection. Substance does live up to style—especially with this manufacturer who puts quality first.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free, plant-based bar to carry anywhere you go, you can’t go wrong with GoMacro.
Still, you should always, make sure to supplement your protein and fiber intake with other food sources and be careful about added sugars to make the most of this balanced health bomb.
If GoMacro beats most products on the market, just imagine what our Human Food Bar will do! Treat your body right with the highest-quality treats and never again reach for store-bought artificial snacks.
Still not sure? Check out these reviews of other vegan bars we tested:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are GoMacro bars vegan?
Yes, GoMacro bars are vegan. In fact, they’re 100% plant-based. The original recipe for these bars was inspired by the macrobiotic diet, which is predominantly vegan. GoMacro also promotes sustainability, largely made possible thanks to its cruelty-free practices.
Are GoMacro bars good for you?
This will largely depend your lifestyle and health and wellness goals. Yes, GoMacro fuels your body with good-for-you ingredients. Everything from the roasted peanuts to the cocoa butter and blueberries used in these bars is organic and high-quality. You can’t get much healthier than GoMacro (if we’re discussing snack bars).
Which diets does GoMacro fit?
GoMacro fits a whole range of diets. These bars can be a part of the following specialized nutrition plans:
- Macrobiotic
- Vegetarian and vegan
- Low-FODMAP
- Gluten-free
- Organic
- Kosher
Note: Unlike our Human Food Bar, GoMacro bars are loaded with lectins and unsuitable for the Plant Paradox Diet.
Are GoMacro bars godd for weight loss?
The answer to this is a resounding “no”. Not only do they have 14g of added sugar, they are high in carbs overall, while being low in fiber. If you’re trying to lose weight, opt for a bar that is low in sugar and high in fiber.