Categories: Bars

15 Sep 2011, Comments (11)

Clif Bar Iced Gingerbread Energy Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

Ahhh gingerbread. Brings me back to memories of Christmastime, either getting seriously sticky and messy decorating a gingerbread house, or baking delicious gingerbread cookies. I happen to be a fan of the deep taste of ginger and the slight crunch, and then a bit of frosting to add some sweetness. Delicious!

This particular bar is a seasonal one, and I’m assuming it’s available only around Christmastime. Why  I’m reviewing it in the beginning of September beats me, but, HEY- let’s just say I’m hopeful for the winter season to come (even though I DESPISE the cold. Gimme summer year round!! 8-) )

I opened the bar and was a bit surprised at what I saw. When I thought of “Iced” I thought there would be a layer of icing. Instead, it was more of a slight drizzle. A slight drizzle, in fact, that I barely tasted in the bar (was it really there? Or was it a figment of my imagination??)

As you can see, a few raisins scattered throughout the bar, with a light layer of icing.

The bar itself, was, eh, ok. It had a mild ginger flavor, but overall did have the flavor of a Gingerbread cookie. It was soft, and chewy, and rather dense. The raisins added a little bit of sweetness to the bar, but not much in terms of flavor. The taste actually reminded me of an oatmeal cookie, but with ginger.

It was ok, but certainly not my favorite. I dont think I would buy this in the future, for it was sort of lackluster, but it didn’t necessarily taste bad.  And, another thing to point out, 22 grams of sugar in one bar. OUCH! As a diabetic, I have to watch out for my sugar intake. I understand that some of the sugars may be from the raisins, but the first ingredient is Organic Brown Rice Syrup. Organic or not, sweetener is sweetener to me. And 22 grams is a bit much. But then again, this IS an energy bar- that energy has to come from somewhere!! (And I certainly had a ton of it during my spin class!!)

Overall, 3 stars.

What’s your favorite pre-workout snack? I usually stick to granola bars- easy on the stomach!!

20 Aug 2011, Comments (7)

Corazonas Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Square

Author: Healthnuttxo

Remember my oatmeal debate?  How I’d love to eat oatmeal all the time since it’s healthy, filling and deliciously versatile. But, I’m, well lazy. I don’t like cleaning pots, or waiting for the oatmeal to cook. Especially if a cold bowl of cereal is ready in five minutes after slciing up some fruit and pouring some almond milk. It’s just too easy!

However, I discovered I could still eat those healthy oats, but in an oatmeal square. I enjoyed the Chocolate Brownie with Almonds Oatmeal Square by Corazona, so I was sure I would also like the Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Square they sent me to try for free as well.

Some quick facts from the wrapper, this oatmeal square has 16 grams of whole grain, is all  natural, and “is made with ingredients proven in more than 140 clinical studies to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol”.

I opened this square up before a workout for a quick boost. I didn’t have time for a complete breakfast, so I figured this would be good to give me some energy alongside a scoop of peanut butter (you probably saw that one coming ; ) ). This also explains why there isn’t a picture. I’m a bad blogger and was in a rush to eat this. Sorry! : (

This bar was actually really tasty. It was decently sized, about the size of my palm. It was sweet and almost fruity in flavor, it was chewy and a bit dense, but really good.  It was light and slightly sticky as well. It had a mild oatmeal cookie flavor, but wasn’t as sweet as an oatmeal cookie would be. The chocolate chips added a nice touch, and tasted like a smooth milk chocolate. Also, the texture and taste almost reminded me of a sticky banana bread. It was really quite good!

Overall 4 1/2 stars. I would certainly buy it if I saw it in stores, and it provided me with a good amount of energy for the gym! Plus, who doesn’t like eating chocolate chips with some whole grains? :P

Favorite oatmeal add in? Mine is good ol cinnamon, butter, and milk. Like this yummy recipe here! : )

Here’s the nutrition facts from the website

7 Jul 2011, Comments (5)

Amazing Grass Organic GreenSuperFood Whole Food Energy Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

As a kid growing up, I was always told “Greens are Ninja Turtle food”. If we wanted to be strong and cool (or just be a ninja turtle for that matter), we had to eat our green vegetables. Oh and the fact that dessert wasn’t allowed to be eaten until the vegetables were gone probably had something to do with it too. But that’s besides the point.

And, well, I’ve eaten my fair share of green vegetables over the years and I’ve yet to see any transformation. Just saying.

But anyway, hoping to come to the green rescue is the Amazing Grass Organic GreenSuperFood Whole Food Energy Bar. According the the wrapper of the bar, it is organic, raw, vegan, gluten free, dairy and soy free, and has no sugar added.

It had a slighty fruity smell, almost like a date. The bar was very dense, but also soft to chew. The taste was pretty fruity, and surprisingly sweeter than I had expected. It reminded me sort of like a raspberry flavored fruit leather, but softer, and definitely not as sweet. It also reminded me of what the inside of a fig newton tasted like, but again, not as sweet. The tiny pieces of walnuts that were in the bar I liked, because it added a bit more flavor.

Overall, not too bad, but not my favorite. It was lackluster for me, but the nutritional facts were impressive. Chock full of awesome ingredients, such as organic dates, organic wheat grass, organic flax lignans and more. I felt as if it truly was a bar from nature, and green inspired. However, it wasn’t so good as to where I would buy it again (although I recieved this sample for free). And even though it was sugar free, I felt like I wanted to drizzle icing on it. Curse my sweet tooth. 2 1/2 stars

Have you ever watched the Ninja Turtles? Which one was your favorite? Leonardo was mine =)

27 Jun 2011, Comments (17)

Corazonas Chocolate Brownie & Almonds Oatmeal Squares

Author: Healthnuttxo

I’m an oatmeal kind of girl.

Well….. I mean I eat  cold cereal for breakfast 6 out of 7 days of the week, but oatmeal is certainly on the top of my list for things I like to eat. I just hate cleaning pots and instant oatmeal is never as satifying as stove top.  SO basically, I’m a lazy oatmeal lover, where if it’s there, I’ll eat it, but if I have to cook it, I might just have cold cereal and wish it was oatmeal. But what about an oatmeal square?

Corazonas Chocolate Brownie & Almonds Oatmeal Squares got me covered. They incorporate the oats that I really should eat more often, and pair it up with chocolate. And almonds. And according to the wrapper, also “.8 grams of Plant Sterols” and “15g of Whole Grain”. That’s my kind of snack.

Do I get props for taking a good picture yet? No? Ok, I'll keep trying...

Chewy and fudgy in consistency, with some chewier peices that had the consistency of uncooked oats.It was very moist, and could easily be pulled apart. Lightly sweet, with more of a deep cocoa rather than chocolate flavor. I wouldn’t say this screamed “ALMOND” flavor, but there was a hint of almond flavor that went well with the fudgy chocolate flavor. I do think it reminded me of a brownie, but certainly a healthier type of brownie. It wasn’t overly sweet like brownies can be, but it did have somewhat of a rich flavor.  Also, it still  made me want to either

1. Grab a tablespoon of peanut butter to smear on top
2. Grab a cup of milk to eat with this
3. All of the above

(Can you guess which one I did?) (;

Overall, 4 stars. I like it. It’s a little small, but it’s a good snack for me on the go or before a workout, or to pair with some fruit and a glass of milk for a light breakfast. I like that it was sweet enough to feel desserty, but not too sweet where I have  a headache. (headaches from sugar? Not. Fun. Been there, done that, too many times. You think I’d learn! I never do).

So….if you HAD to choose… Cereal or Oatmeal for breakfast? tough choice, I know!


I was provided this bar to try, free of charge.

19 Jun 2011, Comments (12)

Edy’s Strawberry Fruit Bars

Author: Healthnuttxo

Ask me my favorite ice cream bar when I was little? Strawberry Shortcake bar. Favorite ice pop? Strawberry frozen fruit bars. (can we see a pattern emerging?) I was also told as a child that when eating my favorite fruit, strawberries, (which strangely enough, is not my favorite fruit anymore- I’ve graduated to the apple!) my entire face and hands would turn red. That was compltely uneccessary to share, but now you  know one of my flaws. I was a messy strawberry eater as a child. Shame on me.

ANYWAY, I saw these Edy’s Frozen Strawberry Fruit Bars in my freezer today, and decided I NEEDED to have one. How they got there, I don’t know. I suppose the appropriate thing to do would be to ask whoever bought them if I could eat one, but that never works nicely in this house.

“Can I have one?” “No.” “Why not?” “Because I said so. “

Which I then proceed to eat anyway and get yelled at, or not eat and wish I had eaten it. SO, as they say, ignorance is bliss. Or, ignorance= me eating strawberry ice pops.

it's really, really hard to take a good picture of an ice pop you plan on eating

So, now finally, enough of my rambling. Here’s how they tasted!

These bars had a very soft bite to them- I was surprised! I was expecting a harder, more icy product, but they were soft. Almost like they were strawberry ice cream bars. They also were not as sweet as I had hoped for, they were a bit toned down. Although I did like that because it wasn’t super sweet, it gave it more of a natural fruit product sort of feel. One thing I do wish is that there were more strawberry peices/chunks. In my bar, I think I only spotted one!

Overall,not bad, but not my favorite. Certainly not as good as the ones I had when I was little. 3 stars

What is your favorite ice cream bar and ice pop flavor?


9 May 2011, Comments (11)

Luna Chocolate Dipped Coconut Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

I’ve seen this bar in the stores for a little while now, but for some reason never picked it up. Finally, the opportunity came the other day when I was hungry and on-the-go, so I needed a little pick me up. This was perfect to satisfy me, and not slow me down with  my hectic schedule! That’s what I like about Luna Bars- they have protein and vitamins/minerals, but are also tasty and easy to eat. They don’t fall apart or get ruined if they end up being smooshed in the bottom of my bag, either. (;

I opened up the bar, I really love the design! Even a friend of mine said it was one of the “prettiest” bars she had seen from Luna. Here’s how it looked

There was a chocolate layer on the bottom, followed by the “soy” part, and then a light coconut topping. At first bite, I noticed it didn’t have that thick of the middle soy layer as the other bars do, and actually, I thought this bar was thinner than the other bars I have had in the past. I didn’t find it to be incredibly sweet, and I found the coconut flavor to be mild.

The bottom layer had a milk chocolate, slightly salty flavor. The coconut flavor was not overpowering or really overly noticeable at all, and had a sweet yet salty flavor. The top layer, had a white chocolate flavor, with coconut undertones. I thought it tasted similar to the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Bar. I also thought the coconut had a bit of an off flavor.

Overall, not bad. I do wish there was a more predominant coconut flavor. I also needed a glass of water to drink with this, as it has that “salty” flavor to it!  3 1/2 stars

Have you had this bar yet? What did you think?

1 bar is 190 calories, 7 grams of fat (4 saturated), 25 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein.

30 Apr 2011, Comments (9)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Larabar

Author: Healthnuttxo

Source

I’m almost always up for anything that involves peanut butter and chocolate. And when it’s gluten free, AND made with minimal ingredients? SIGN ME UP!

When I opened up the bar, it has a faint smell of a chocolate brownie. Upon first bite, I thought, where’s the peanut butter?! For some reason, I was expecting a chocolate flavored bar with peanut butter chips (which is totally NOT what the name says…just my mind playing tricks on me I suppose (;

But, of course, this was not the case. As I continued to eat it, the subtle flavor of the peanut butter became more prominent. This was actually REALLY tasty! A good chocolate-y flavor, and not so fruity where it’s tart, but rather a subtle fruity flavor.  The flavor of the peanuts shined through as well, especially after a few bites. It was kind of like a fudgy brownie with peanuts in it! The bar itself was moist, chewy and dense, but in a good way.

Overall, pretty yummy.I do slightly wish there was peanut butter chips, but  that’s just my love (read obsession) with peanut butter. It is a tad high in calories given it’s rather small size, but so chock full of goodness that it’s worth the splurge. I’m just going to have to contain myself as to not eat 2 in one sitting  (; 4 stars

I managed to snap a photo before I finished it all (almost forgot- oops!!)

1 bar (45 grams) is 230 calories, 12 grams of fat (3.5 saturated), 26 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber, 19 grams of sugar, and 5 grams of protein.

Dont forget this Silk Giveaway here!

What’s your favorite thing that combines PEANUT BUTTER and CHOCOLATE? (:


I was given this Larabar to try for free

14 Apr 2011, Comments (3)

Pro Bar Apple Cinnamon Crunch

Author: Healthnuttxo

Source

I scored  a few free bars from ProBar, such as the Sweet & Savory Maple Pecan Bar, and the Apple Cinnamon Crunch bar. I was hungry the other day, and in the mood to try something new, so I opened up the Apple Cinnamon Crunch bar to give it a try. I was sure I was going to like it- I love apples & cinnamon!

A quick few things about these bars, they are vegan, organic, and I found out online that this one is “70% Raw” and also has “Omega 3: 650 mg per bar” and “Omega 6: 720 mg per bar”. I thought that was pretty cool, a lot going on this bar!

I opened up the package was greeted to a rather thick bar, brownish in color, with visible chocolate chips scattered throughout. Examining closely I also saw a good deal of flax seeds and an occasional nut. I took a bite, and found it to be chewy and very soft, except the for the nuts providing an little bit of crunch. It was pretty apple-y in flavor, which I liked, and really quite tasty!! The apple flavor kind of reminded me of apple pie, with just a very light cinnamon aftertaste.

Overall, I really liked this bar. However. The one thing I did not like, and I also did not like with the Sweet & Savory Maple Pecan Flavor was the chocolate chips. They are way too bitter for me, and I did not enjoy them at all. Not a big deal, I can always pick them out of the bar and enjoy the rest, but I do wish that they could be swapped for something else! Otherwise, 4 stars

1 bar is 370 calories, 18 grams of fat (4 saturated), 49 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of fiber, 25 grams of sugar and 9 grams of protein.

Since this one reminded me of apple pie, what’s YOUR favorite flavor of pie? I think I’d have to say, mine really is apple!

11 Apr 2011, Comments (3)

Luna Mini’s Peanut Butter Cookie

Author: Healthnuttxo

I happen to like Luna Bars, I think they are unique, and I love that they have a good amount of protein as well as some vitamins and minerals. My favorite is the White Chocolate Macadamia bar, as it is just sooo good!

Seeing my love for peanut butter, I thought I would certainly like the Peanut Butter Cookie flavor, which I got in the Mini’s form. How big is this “Mini” bar exactly? Here is the comparison against 2 Nips candies.

First bite, I was a bit surprised. There really wasn’t a strong peanut butter flavor at all :(

You know me, I loooove peanut butter, so if this is called “Peanut Butter Cookie” I want something sweet and peanut buttery! While there was a very mild peanut butter flavor, I thought it mostly had a vanilla flavor with peanut butter undertones. It was crunchy and chewy, with an icing-like smooth consistency on the bottom. It really wasn’t all that sweet, despite the 5 grams of sugar for this little bar. I also tasted flaxseed at one point, which really isn’t one of the flavors I enjoy.

At first I thought, there is no way this tiny little bar is going to satisfy me. However, after I ate it, it really did satisfy! I wasn’t hungry or full for that matter, but it just took the edge of my hunger for the time being. It was pretty good, but not my favorite. I wish it was sweeter and/or more peanut buttery! 3 stars.

1 bar is 80 calories, 3 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 5 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein.

What’s your favorite bar that is peanut butter flavored? Mine, hands down, is this one here.

24 Mar 2011, Comments (1)

Clif Crunch Chocolate Chip Granola Bar

Author: Healthnuttxo

Source

Clif Bar & Company is one of my favorite companies when it comes to making delicious bars. I happen to enjoy the Peanut Butter and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut  flavors in the Clif Crunch, and the Chocolate Chip Energy Bar as well!

I opened up the package to find 2 bars, a little crumbly in consistency, but still held together for the most part. I took a bite and found a nice crispy/crunchy bar, with a very slight oily feel. There were scattered chocolate chips throughout, so I didn’t expect it to have a lot of chocolatey flavor. However- there really was a lot of chocolatey flavor! It was surprising, and in a good way. There also was a hint of vanilla flavor I detected as well.

Overall, these were delicious. I liked how they were not overly sweet, just right. It reminded me of a chocolate chip cookie, actually! I would certainly eat these again. 4 stars

2 bars is 180 calories, 8 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 11 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein.

Have you ever had any product from Clif Bar & Company? Which one is your favorite?

I was sent to try these bars for free. Regardless, my opinion is unaffected.

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