Product Review: Larabar – Apple Pie, PB&J, Banana Bread, Cinnnamon Roll Flavors

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

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?