We got tired of buying protein bars that tasted like lies
It started in 2019 when our founder Emma spent $78 on “highly-rated” protein bars that turned out to be chocolate-covered disappointment. After the third brand in a row failed to deliver on its protein claims (thanks, amino acid spiking), she realized something: nobody was actually testing this stuff honestly.
The fitness influencers were getting paid. The “review” sites were just rewriting press releases. And regular people were wasting money on pantry products that either tasted terrible or straight-up lied about their nutrition content.
So we started Pure BAREBELLS in a tiny apartment kitchen, buying products with our own money, testing them against each other, and writing reviews that actually helped people make better choices. Five years later, we’ve tested 247 products, saved readers over $42K in avoided purchases, and built a community that values honesty over hype.
Help people eat better without the BS
We exist to cut through the marketing noise and give you straight answers about pantry products. No sponsored content, no affiliate pressure to recommend junk, just honest testing and real data. We want to save you money, cabinet space, and the frustration of buying another overhyped product that doesn’t deliver.
Make honest reviews the industry standard
We’re building a future where food brands can’t get away with protein spiking, misleading labels, and fake health claims. Where consumers have access to real testing data before they buy. Where “healthy” actually means something. We won’t stop until transparent, independent testing is what people expect—not the exception.
The principles we won’t compromise on
These aren’t just nice words on a website. They’re the rules we follow when testing products, writing reviews, and making recommendations.
We Buy, Brands Don’t Pay
Every product we test is purchased with our own money from regular retail channels. We don’t accept free samples, sponsorships, or “influencer partnerships” that compromise objectivity.
Example: When Quest offered to send us free bars for review, we declined and bought them at Target instead.
Test It, Don’t Trust It
Marketing claims mean nothing to us. We verify protein content, compare ingredients, measure serving sizes, and actually eat the stuff. If it’s sketchy, we call it out—regardless of the brand’s reputation.
Example: We exposed three “high-protein” brands using collagen and amino acids to inflate their numbers.
Show Your Math
Every recommendation includes the data behind it. Cost per serving, macros per 100g, ingredient quality rankings—we show you exactly how we reached our conclusions so you can make your own informed decision.
Example: Our almond butter comparison breaks down price-per-ounce for 23 different brands with full spreadsheet access.
No Nutritional Fear-Mongering
We won’t scare you with pseudoscience about “toxins” or demonize entire food groups. Our reviews are based on actual nutrition science, not trendy diet dogma or wellness influencer hot takes.
Example: We don’t knock products for containing soy or gluten unless there’s a real reason to avoid them.
Admit When We’re Wrong
Formulas change, new research emerges, and sometimes we just screw up. When that happens, we update our reviews immediately and tell readers what changed. No hiding old posts or pretending we were always right.
Example: We updated our RXBar review when they reformulated and the protein content dropped by 3g.
Practical Over Perfect
We test products the way real people use them—not in ideal conditions. Does it taste good when you’re rushing to work? Does the jar fit in your cabinet? Can you actually afford to buy it regularly? That matters.
Example: We ding products with amazing nutrition but terrible texture because nobody will actually eat them consistently.
Our testing process, start to finish
This is how we go from “let’s test protein bars” to “here’s the one you should actually buy.”
Purchase & Blind Code
We buy products from regular stores (no samples from brands) and assign each one a random code. Our tasters don’t know which brand is which until after they’ve scored everything. This eliminates bias from packaging, price, or brand reputation.
Average tested per category: 15-25 products
Nutrition Analysis
We verify label claims by calculating protein-per-dollar, checking ingredient quality, and comparing macros per 100g (not just per serving, since serving sizes vary wildly). We also look for red flags like amino acid spiking, misleading health claims, or suspicious ingredient orders.
We’ve caught 12 brands inflating their protein numbers
Real-World Testing
Each product gets tested over 2-4 weeks in actual daily use. Does the nut butter separate in your cabinet? Does the protein bar melt in your gym bag? We test at different times of day, in different conditions, and with different meals to see how they actually perform in real life.
Minimum 14 days of testing per product
Write & Verify
We compile our findings into detailed reviews with comparison tables, price analysis, and honest recommendations. Before publishing, a second team member verifies all data, checks our math, and taste-tests the top picks themselves. No review goes live until at least two people have verified the conclusions.
Updated quarterly as formulas change
Join a community that values honesty
12,000+ readers trust our reviews to make better pantry choices. No fluff, no sponsored posts, just real testing and straight talk about what’s actually worth your money.