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

Raw Revolution: Cashew & Agave Nectar

If you’re like us and you subscribe to the belief that raw food is better for you than processed food, then this is a bar that’s worth checking out. Made with only a handful of ingredients (cashew, date, agave nectar, almond, sprouted flax seed), this bar delivers “raw” flavor that’s pleasant and satisfying to eat. The flavor starts out with a light (compared to other bars) date flavor that’s followed with notes of almond and cashew. Bear in mind, the taste of raw nuts is different than that of roasted, so this will likely taste somewhat different than you are expecting. The bar is, as the name suggests, sweetened with agave nectar, which gives it a subtle honey like sweetness and also helps bind this soft and chewy bar together. Packaging is hip and functional, with a cool looking logo that’s tries to make “crunchy” into something that’s fun. Overall, a superbly executed product that delivers great taste and nutrition using only raw ingredients.

Rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Simply Bar: Peanut Butter Chocolate

Designed to be a low glycemic index (GI) bar that has more protein per gram than any other bar on the market, The Simply Bar’s Peanut Butter Chocolate bar delivers solid nutrition and great flavor.  Using a base of soy crisps, the bar has a light and airy body with a light crackle to the finish.  There’s a decent amount of chocolate and peanut butter flavor to this gluten-free vegan bar, but it’s not too much that the bar eats like a piece of candy.  Plus, the massive dose of protein (16g) doesn’t appear to impact the flavor at all.  Finally, the bar is low GI thanks to the use of agave nectar and brown rice syrup as the bar’s sweeteners. On the outside, the bar has a minimalist design that relies on the appetizing appearance of the bar itself to sell the bar.  It’s clean, attractive, and simple, which firts well with something that’s named The Simply Bar. Overall, an extremely enjoyable bar that delivers the full package: taste, nutrition, and appearance.

Rating: 5 of 5 Stars