As a 31-minute 10k runner and certified running coach, I'm constantly testing nutrition products, both for myself and to recommend to the athletes I work with.
When I heard about One Good Thing bars and their completely wrapper-free design with an edible beeswax coating, I'll admit I was intrigued but skeptical. Could a bar with no plastic wrapper actually work in practice? Would it just turn into a sticky mess in my pocket?
After testing these bars over the past few weeks, I'm genuinely impressed. But let me take you through the full experience with my One Good Thing bars review, because these bars occupy an interesting space in the running nutrition world.
I was gifted a box of One Good Thing bars. This post contains affiliate links, and I'll earn a commission if you purchase through them. That said, everything in this review reflects my genuine experience as both a runner and coach.
Want to try them for yourself? Get 10% off your first order with my code here.
What Makes OGT Bars Different?
Before diving into my experience, it's worth understanding what One Good Thing is trying to achieve.
This is a UK startup founded by father and son Mike and Daniel Bedford.
The concept started when Mike, a keen cyclist, became frustrated with the amount of plastic wrapper waste littering the British countryside.
His question was simple but ambitious: what if you could replace traditional wrappers with something edible?
The result is a bar covered in a 100% natural, edible beeswax-based coating.
Think of it like the skin on an apple.
It protects the ingredients inside, keeps the bar fresh, and requires absolutely no plastic wrapper.
From a sustainability perspective, this is genuinely innovative.
As runners, we go through countless gel wrappers, bar wrappers, and packets. Having something you can literally pull from your pocket and eat without generating any waste is a game-changer for long training runs and races.
The Flavours: All Five Hit the Mark
I tested all five available flavours: Lemon Drizzle, Cherry Bakewell, Honeycomb, Salted Caramel, and Chocolate Orange.
My standouts were the Honeycomb and Lemon Drizzle.
The Honeycomb had this subtle sweetness that wasn't overpowering, while the Lemon Drizzle offered a pleasant citrus note that felt refreshing.
Although I have to say, I genuinely enjoyed all five flavours.
They've nailed something crucial: the flavours come through clearly without being overpowering.
When you're running and your taste buds are already compromised, you don't want something aggressively sweet or artificial tasting. These bars sit in that perfect middle ground.
The Salted Caramel provided a nice savory-sweet balance, the Cherry Bakewell had an almost nostalgic quality to it, and the Chocolate Orange was rich without being heavy.
Having variety matters on long runs when you're fueling multiple times, so the mixed box is definitely the way to go.
Try the variety pack with 10% off here – I'd start with Salted Caramel or Honeycomb if you're ordering individual flavours.
Performance: Real Food for Real Running
Here's where I need to be clear about my thoughts on what the bars are and aren't.
They serve a different purpose than energy gels, and that's actually what makes them valuable.
I've primarily tested them in the hours before runs and as fuel during longer training efforts.
The size is perfect for providing energy without sitting heavy in your stomach. They feel like real food, not engineered nutrition.
When you look at the ingredients, you see things like oats, sunflower seeds, and honey. Real ingredients that your body actually recognizes and can digest efficiently.
On a recent long run, I found myself actually looking forward to eating one of these bars.
That might not sound revolutionary, but if you've ever been 90 minutes into a run and dreading your next gel because the texture and sweetness have become overwhelming, you'll understand why this matters. Sometimes on a long run, I don't want another gel. The consistency, the artificial sweetness, it all becomes too much. Having something that tastes and feels like actual food is a welcome change.
They're not going to give you the immediate sugar spike of a gel, but that's not what they're designed for. They're more about sustained, natural fueling that your stomach can handle mile after mile.
The Beeswax Coating: Better Than Expected
I was genuinely curious about how the beeswax coating would work in practice. Would it feel weird? Would it affect the taste?
Honestly, I found it to be a welcome addition.
Oat-based bars can sometimes be quite dry and crumbly, but the coating adds a smoothness and different texture that actually enhances the eating experience.
It's subtle – you're not biting through a thick waxy layer – but it's there, and it works.
The coating also makes them easier to chew and swallow while running, which is no small thing.
I ate them straight from my pocket, and they were perfectly fine.
I tested them in standard UK weather around 15°C, and they held up brilliantly in my pocket. No crumbling, no melting, no mess. They genuinely are grab-and-go fuel.
Where These Bars Excel
After testing them across different scenarios, here are the situations where I think OGT bars really shine:
Pre-Run Fuel: In the hour or two before a run, these make an excellent light snack. They're substantial enough to provide energy but not so heavy that they'll sit in your stomach.
Post-Run Recovery: Having one ready for the drive or walk home from training is perfect. You get those carbs in quickly without needing to prep anything.
Long Runs and Rides: This is where they really come into their own. When you're out for 60+ minutes and need fuel but don't want another gel, these provide real food that tastes good and doesn't generate wrapper waste.
The Final Miles: On those runs where you could use a boost to get through the last few miles, these are ideal. They provide enough energy without being overkill.
The Coach's Perspective
Would I recommend these to my athletes? Absolutely, but this is who I would recommend for most, athletes training for half marathons and marathons, for those doing long base-building runs, or for anyone who struggles with gel tolerance, these are excellent.
I particularly like them for athletes who are trying to incorporate more natural nutrition into their training.
Not everyone needs to rely on highly processed sports nutrition for every run, and having options that use real, recognizable ingredients is valuable.
The subscription model starting at just £14.99 for your first box of 12 bars also means you can tailor delivery frequency to your training volume. Get them every 7, 14, 30, or 45 days depending on how often you'll use them.
Limitations to Consider
It's important to be realistic about what these bars are. They're different from energy gels and highly engineered performance products. They serve a different, more natural purpose.
If you're looking for rapid glycogen replenishment mid-race, stick with gels.
The shelf life is currently four months, which One Good Thing aims to increase to six months.
This is actually impressive for a food product with no packaging, but it's worth noting if you're someone who likes to stockpile nutrition.
They're also not suitable for vegans due to the beeswax coating, which might limit their appeal for some athletes.
Price and Value
At £14.99 (50% off) for your first subscription box of 12 bars (with free shipping) at time of writing, I think this is really reasonable value. That works out to £1.25 per bar. Along with substantial discounts going forward for your future box's.
One-time purchases are available at £26.99 plus shipping if you want to try before subscribing.
Compared to buying individual bars from running shops or paying premium prices for other natural energy bars, the subscription saves both money and hassle. Factor in the sustainability aspect and convenience, and it's a solid deal.
One Good Thing Bars Review: Final Verdict
One Good Thing bars have earned a permanent place in my training nutrition rotation.
They've solved a problem I didn't fully realize I had: sometimes I want real food on a run, not another gel or engineered bar.
The wrapper-free design works brilliantly in practice. The flavours are genuinely enjoyable. They provide good, sustained energy without digestive issues. And as someone who runs through the countryside regularly, I appreciate not contributing to plastic waste.
Are they perfect for every situation? No. But they don't need to be. They fill a specific niche – natural, convenient, sustainable fuel for longer efforts and training – and they do it really well.
As both a runner and coach, I'm excited to recommend these to athletes who are looking for something different from the standard sports nutrition options. They're proof that innovation in running fuel doesn't always mean more processed ingredients or flashier packaging. Sometimes it means less packaging and more real food.
If you're curious, I'd suggest trying the mixed box to find your favourite flavours. Start using them on easier training runs to see how your body responds, then incorporate them into your longer efforts.
Ready to Try OGT Bars?
Get 10% off your first order with my code here
I recommend starting with the trial variety pack so you can taste all five flavours and find your favourites. The subscription model means you'll never run out, and you can adjust delivery frequency based on your training schedule.
