The Most Sustainable Protein Bars: numove (Review)

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Update: Sadly, the nu company has discontinued production of some of their products, including the protein bars. However, fans of their sustainable, plant-based snacks can still enjoy their other tasty and eco-friendly snacks available on their website. (more on that below)

Numove protein bars were (probably) the most sustainable protein bars on the market. Vegan, made with truly natural and organic ingredients, and 100% plastic-free, these bars offered a delicious and eco-friendly snack option.

In this article, you’ll find out why numove bars stood out and what made them so natural and sustainable – plus a personal review, pros and cons, and info about the nu company’s other products.

Numove protein bars: Ingredients

Numove bars come in two flavors – Cookie Dough and Brownie Crunch – made from only 12 plant-based ingredients plus vanilla extract. They contain no artificial sweeteners or additives.

Key ingredients include:

Pumpkin seed protein (a resource-saving by-product packed with essential amino acids)
Almond butter (adds creaminess and fiber)
Hemp seeds (rich in omega-3s and protein)
Coconut blossom sugar (low-impact, mineral-rich sweetener)
Acerola (vitamin C powerhouse)

All ingredients are organic, plant-based, and ethically sourced from different parts of the world, transported mostly by ship or land.

Sourcing of the ingredients

While some ingredients, like sunflower protein, come from Europe, others are sourced from more distant countries. Cocoa comes from Peru, coconut blossom sugar from Thailand and Indonesia, tigernut flour from Niger, hemp seeds from China, vanilla from Madagascar, and acerola from Brazil.

These ingredients are responsibly sourced and mainly transported by ship or land to reduce emissions. All suppliers are certified organic and regularly audited by independent organizations.

Numove: Plastic-free packaging

The bars come in plastic-free packaging made from home-compostable cellulose film, starch blends, and paper from FSC-certified forests. The water-based inks are organic and non-toxic.

This packaging decomposes naturally in home compost in about six months, making it an excellent zero-waste choice.

Personal experience

At first, I thought Numove protein bars looked pretty simple, just a handful of ingredients. But after trying them, I was pleasantly surprised. They’re moist and creamy, without that chalky or artificial taste you often get in protein bars.

The chocolate coating is just right, and the Pumpkin seed protein adds a nice nutty flavor. I never felt bloated or heavy after eating them, which is a huge plus.

Between the two flavors, Brownie Crunch was tasty, but Cookie Dough stole the show with its mild, sweet, fudge-like taste that reminded me of halva from my childhood. Despite their small size, these bars kept me full and satisfied longer than I expected.

Pros

Delicious and naturally sweet
Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals
100% organic, plant-based ingredients
No artificial additives or sweeteners
Plastic-free, compostable packaging
50% less sugar than conventional protein bars
No bloating

Cons

Might take some getting used to if you prefer very sweet snacks
The chocolate coating melts quickly in warm weather

The nu company overview & other products

The nu company is based in Germany but operates throughout Europe and the UK. They’re members of Eden Projects and contribute to reforestation efforts with every purchase. They used to offer protein powder in compostable packaging, nut seed bars, and small chocolate bars.

However, these products have been discontinued, and now their focus is on their range of vegan nut-filled chocolates and chocolate-covered dried fruits, still crafted with sustainability and great taste in mind.

You can find the nu company’s other products here.