Hi there
As the end of the year is approaching, I am feeling a bit.. delusional, thinking still have time to meet my resolution for the year I have been trying to eat a little healthier lately.
Then when I read from the magazine where they printed this Nature Valley granola bars, I told myself I got to try this out, at least it will still be better than munching on the chocolate cookie. It is definitely a low calorie option, 100%, natural ingredients like whole grain oats & honey, you know – a light bulb moment.
There I go, happily went to the supermarket to try it out to see if I can debunk the myth that low calorie packet snack usually taste horrible and at the same time, march one step closer to complete my 2011 resolution. (Delusional)
Anyway got this Nature Valley cereal bars for $9.45 which was on promotion for two boxes and decided to try it out.
Each box contains 6 individually wrapped packs which comes in 2 good sized granola bars. Each 2 bar serving contains around 190 calories.
Actually I was a bit apprehensive at the beginning because my colleague did tell me this tasted really horrible, but I thought I will just try it out for myself, at most I will just use it to make a crunchy base for some cheese cake recipe (talk about “low calorie options”…)
It comes in various flavors, and of course the kiasu side of me got the multi pack ones, so that I can try out most of their popular flavors 🙂
The flavors include :
- Peanut butter – my favourite, hint of saltiness from the peanut butter compliments the roasted oats
- Oat’s N Honey – subtle sweetness that is suitable as morning snack
- Cinnamon – cinnamon was not overpowering at all, just a hint of the cinnamon aroma.
- Roasted Almond – another of my favourite, pieces & bits of almond provided the extra crunch
Each mouthful is chockfull of nutty crunch. You can taste the roasted oats and the sweetness that bind the whole grain oats together, well balance not just flavor but also the taste as well. What’s more, each bar comes with 16 gram of whole grain too!
The look of it might not look that appealing, unlike other brands like Alive, where they have all these big chunks of nuts and yogurt drizzle over it, but what they make up for is the flavourful oats that is not as sweet as other granola bars. You are literally eating roasted oats in a bowl but better still without the spoon and bowl, but packed with nutrients.
I was quite surprise by how tasty it is. My favourite so far is peanut butter, because it can pass off as some sinful snack yet it is so healthy too! yohoo!
The roasted almond is another of my favoruite, the almond gives it an extra crunch and saltiness, instant perk for that late afternoon snack. Guess never judge the book by its cover can be right even when it comes to healthy options, you might really find some gems in some healthy snack.
I have been having that for the past weeks, as a mid afternoon morning or afternoon snack and have been loving it ever since.
The only downside I can think of is the texture, it can be a bit hard in texture and also a little dry so it crumble quite easily, it can get a bit messy when you are eating it. Flavor wise it is great. Now the myth has been debunked. Healthy snack can actually taste great too!
You can find these in most leading supermarkets, check out other flavors too, this is going to be in my shopping list next time I go to the supermarket.
Happy Snacking!
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Cheers,
Dawn
