Bora Bora: Tropical Sesame Cranberry

Bora Bora’s Tropical Sesame Cranberry is part of its line-up of Polynesian-influenced nutrition bars. This bar contains a mix of nuts (peanuts, almonds), seeds (pumpkin, sesame, and fruits/berries (raisins, cranberries). The bar is bound in organic agave nectar and brown rice syrup. From a flavor standpoint, the bar is enjoyable, though it is strangely lacking in tartness. It seems they could have added a good bit more cranberry to this mix. Tartness issues notwithstanding, the bar has a nice texture and is very satisfying. It contains 180 calories, 4 g of protein and 2 g of fiber. The packaging is pleasant, but it devotes very little square inchage to advertising the flavor. Finally, cranberries for us conjure images of Pilgrims and Thanksgiving dinner, not of Polynesian splendor. Overall, a good effort from Bora Bora, but certainly not their best.

3 out of 5 stars

Vega Whole Food Energy Bar: Berry Flavor

Like the other Vega Whole Food Energy bars, this one is made from “raw, alkaline, plant based superfoods.” You’ll find dates, hemp protein, almond butter, agave nectar, sprouted whole flax seeds, cranberries, raisins, almonds, sesame seeds, organic sprouted mung beans, organic wheat grass, and a few other ingredients for flavoring. It’s a soft but chewy bar, with a slightly dry texture, especially at the finish. Flavor is really enjoyable, with notes of the fruit and nuts throughout. There’s also a slightly earthy note of flavor to the bar, which is likely from the wheatgrass, mung, and flax. Nutritionally, the bar is a winner, with 10g of raw protein, 250mg of potassium, 6g of fiber, omega 3 and 6, vitamins, and minerals on top of 240 calories. The bar is great as for snacking before a workout – or to help supplement a meal with something that’s sweet but nutritious. Packaging is probably the only area that we’d like to see some improvement, with a look that feels technical rather than inviting. To a degree, the label made us expect a bar that didn’t taste good, which is fortunately not the case. Overall, it’s a very enjoyable product, but kicking up the packaging a bit would definitely help.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Honest Foods: Cran Lemon Zest

Honest Foods’ Cran Lemon Zest bar is made with a base of whole oats, almond butter, and brown rice syrup, which results in a relatively dry consistency with a moderate amount of chew. It also contains nuts and dried fruit, which are ultimately what give it the cranberry and lemon zest flavors that the bar is named for. Cran Lemon Zest is pretty much spot on when it comes to expected flavor, with a mellow cranberry flavor that’s complemented nicely with the bit of lemon zest. As far as the size of the bar is concerned, this 1.9 ounce bar is certainly not the biggest bar on the market, but it’s also a more manageable size if you’re looking for something to snack on. Plus, it’s vegan, made with whole grains and contains protein, fiber, and omega-3. Packaging is simple and clean, with a clear plastic wrapper that lets you see what’s inside. We’re big fans of that approach, especially when a wholesome looking bar like this one is inside. Definitely give it a try.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Honest Foods: Blueberry Vanilla Crackle

Of Honest Foods’ “Granola Plank” line, this was our favorite – and a new member of our Hall of Fame. The bar blends flavor and texture perfectly, starting with a base of nuts, seeds, and puffed rice, wheat and corn. It’s soft but has a slight amount of chew and crunch, which has then been perfectly flavored with vanilla extract, dried fruit (blueberries & cranberries), brown rice syrup, brown sugar, natural flavors, and a touch of salt. The resulting bar has great depth of flavor, starting with the grains and nuts, followed by the dried fruit, and finally finishing with vanilla. From a nutrition point of view, this bar, which is labeled for 2 servings, has 380 calories, 3g of fiber, 4g of protein, iron, calcium, and 300mg omega-3. It’s got a lot of substance to it, so we’d certainly recommend that you only eat half at a time – you certainly won’t be hungry. Packaging is simple and extremely appealing, with a large window to view the bar. The placement of the Honest Foods logo in the centers adds a touch of wholesomeness and credibility to the product. Overall, one of the best bars we’ve had in a while.

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honest Foods: Pomegranate Walnut Crisp Granola Plank

Designed to be a fresh made granola “plank,” this bar does a great job of combining that wholesome made at home flavor with the convenience of a ready-made bar. There’s a nice oat and nut flavor to the base, with almonds, peanuts, and walnuts adding some crunch. Dried fruit in the form of cranberry and pomegranate provide some chew and a dash of sweet flavor, which is a nice complement to the granola base. However, they’ve also added some additional flavoring to the bar, which, as you eat the bar, starts to mask the flavor of the granola. In our opinion, this bar can hold its own without the added flavoring, so we hope to see if removed in the future. On the exterior, the product looks very clean and appealing, with a clear front that has only a red strip for the logo going across it. The use of lowercase text and a simple font gives the product that “wholesome” feel that they’re clearly going for. Overall, very enjoyable, but it would be more enjoyable without the added flavor.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars