Recently I contacted Larabar requesting them to send me some samples of their bars to review. Erica over at Larabar gladly sent me 4 samples... Apple Pie, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Banana Bread, and Cinnamon Roll.
Each day I had a different bar for breakfast along with my tea. Overall, Larabars made a healthy breakfast with all the necessary nutrients needed. An hour later I had enough energy for a workout.
NUTRITION
INGREDIENTS
PURCHASED FROM
samples sent from Larabar.
You can purchase Larabar directly from the company website. I have also seen them at health food stores.
APPROXIMATE COST
~ $1.79 per bar
No GMOs
Gluten-Free
No Added Sugar
Made from 100% Whole Foods (2 to 9 ingredients each bar)
High Fiber
No Cholesterol
Cost per bar
VERDICT - 3 / 5
Although Larabar has very good nutrition, I have to admit that I wasn't completely in love with these bars. Some of the flavors had a weird aftertaste which was hard to look past. I'm not a fan of the texture either; I found each bar to look the same, more or less. In addition, every bar was slightly sticky. I understand the bars are made with real ingredients and contain lots of nuts, so I am just stating the obvious.
In terms of packaging, I love it, I love how each color represents its flavor. I love there are so many different flavors to choose from, so I do plan on trying more Larabars in the hope of finding a few good flavors that suit my palette.
Review of Apple Pie Bar: 2.5 / 5
For me the Apple Pie flavor was below average. The Apple Pie bar was made up of 6 ingredients and there was a very strong flavor of apple, and an obvious taste of cinnamon. There was also a crunch to this bar since Apple Pie contained almonds & walnuts. Although I am a hugeeeeeeeee fan of real Apple Pie, this bar didn't do it for me. It felt as though something was missing, perhaps sugar, and there was a definite aftertaste that pretty much ruined the Apple Pie experience. I definitely won't be purchasing the Apple Pie bar again.
Review of Peanut Butter & Jelly Bar: 3 / 5
The Peanut Butter & Jelly bar consisted of 4 ingredients and tasted just like a peanut butter & jelly sandwich would. However, this bar started off with an aftertaste, and then I tasted a bold flavor of peanut butter. In addition, I tasted some kind of berry, however I wasn't able to tell that they were cherries. While eating this bar, I didn't feel as though sugar was missing. I will most likely not purchase the Peanut Butter & Jelly bar again.
Review of Banana Bread Bar: 4 / 5
The Banana Bread bar is made up of just 3 ingredients. This tasted really good, just like a Banana Walnut Muffin. Again, there was a slight aftertaste, but it seems to disappear after a couple seconds of munching. The banana flavor was really bold which was nice. I couldn't believe this bar was only made with 3 ingredients. I would definitely purchase the Banana Bread bar again.
Review of Cinnamon Roll Bar: 3 / 5
The Cinnamon Roll comprised of 6 ingredients with an obvious taste of cinnamon. There was a little crunch considering this bar consists of walnuts, almonds, and cashews. Unlike the other bars above, I did not experience a slight aftertaste with this bar. On their website, Larabar mentioned for Cinnamon Roll, "You'll think you've reached the gooey center of a cinnamon roll." With all due respect, I beg to differ there was no comparison between these bars and the gooey center of a cinnamon roll. When I think of cinnamon, the first thing that comes to my mind is Cinnabon, and there was nothing Cinnabony about these bars. I will not purchase the Cinnamon Roll bar again.
WOULD I PURCHASE AGAIN
Apple Pie - No
Peanut Butter & Jelly - No
Banana Bread - Yes
Cinnamon Roll - No
Although Larabars are packed with nutrients and such few ingredients, I am not too crazy about the texture on these bars. In addition, most of these bars had a slight aftertaste. Out of the 4 samples sent I loved Banana Bread the most.
Larabars make a good breakfast or can be eaten before a workout. Even though I wasn't too crazy about some of the flavors, I will consider trying some of their other bars, such as, Carrot Cake, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Coconut, Chocolate Chip Brownie. From their Jocalat line, I am excited to try Chocolate Hazelnut, Chocolate Coffee, and German Chocolate Cake. Can you tell I am digging chocolate in the Larabars? 🙂
Tell Me: If you tried this product, what are your thoughts on it and what are some of your favorite flavors?
~Nilu~ says
At my occassional trips to Whole Foods, I gaze at their Larabar collection and wonder how each one would taste. I had my reservations about trying each and every flavor so I normally stick to buying only 1 flavor. So imagine my delight to read your reviews! Now I can make an informed choice when I buy my next Larabar. I used to be a huge fan of these when they were introduced. I tried 2 flavors : Cashew cookie & Apple Pie. The fact that I purchased Apple Pie only once goes to show something about my preference I guess! The Cashew bar was irresistible initially.. but in subsequent batches, I started noticing an aftertaste too. Now, I do put a Larabar in my purse when I know I'll be out shopping for long.. but I eat it only when I'm too hungry and don't want to eat out. Something that started out to me as a dessert is now no more than a "hunger-curber" (or something like that!). Since they may not add any preservatives, I think the aftertaste has something to do with the dates. As dates are part of every other Larabar flavor, its probably affecting the taste in all of these. Also, I don't mind the texture.. I know its sticky.. but I hold on to the wrapper while biting into the bar, so hands don't get icky 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
@Nilu - Aww, I don't want to discourage anyone from purchasing Larabar, definitely try it. I just happened to believe there is an aftertaste which I don't care for, but it definitely curbs hunger in a healthy way. 🙂 Thanks!!!
Anonymous says
The coconut cream pie bar is very good
Gar says
Have you tried the other flavors recently? I prefer nut bars (aka KIND bars), but the Larabars were on sales so I gave the carrot cake a try. Sadly, still not to my preference. 🙁