Several weeks ago I received a free sample Prana Bar and a Boomi Bar from Divine Food Products to review. I opened the package, pulled out the two sample bars, looked them over, and set them down. I nearly forgot about them. I think subconsciously I was apprehensive about trying them. Sure, I like to try new things and I like to spread the word about quality products to the GF community. I have tried several "power bars" in the past, both gf and non gf. What always bothers me is that I feel that they try to pack too much into one thing. Too many vitamins, too much protein, too much whatever. Or they try to be all things to all people. Usually this comes at the price of sacrificing flavor or texture. When I saw the packaging for the Prana Bar, I had some similar feelings. The Prana Bar is: Soy Free, has No Sugar Added, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, and Vegan. In my mind this all added up to a little tasteless rectangle of chewy cardboard. Before I even got around to trying these bars, I had already decided that I would not like them and this would be a difficult review. For crying out loud, I still don't even know what Acai is or why I would want to eat it.
Well, I did finally get around to trying the Boomi Bar. I took my first bite. I must say, all my apprehension and skeptisim faded away instantly. The Apricot Cashew Boomi Bar turned out to be really good. The apricot flavor was wonderful and the cashews and crisped rice added a nice crunch. The Boomi Bar contains one full serving of fruit and only has about 190 calories. I could easily see myself picking up a few of these to have on hand for a quick snack or to pack with me when I take my daughter to the Zoo for the day.
After trying the Boomi Bar, I was much more open to trying the Prana Bar. Again, I was surprised. The flavors were well balanced and the texture was great. I love coconut and I was happy that a nice straight forward coconut flavor came through without being offset by the other ingredients. Despite my initial, unfounded apprehensions, I really enjoyed both of these energy bars. I have no problem recommending that you seek these out for yourself. You might be just as surprised as I was. Enjoy!!!
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I just found your blog and have to admit that I really love it.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to try the Prana Bar... Apricot isn't really my thing, but I love coconut and it does sound like it would be great to take on the road.
I wanted to thank you so very much for your french bread recipe. I have wanted french bread for over a year. I just made your recipe and I had another lovely slice last night from the freezer and it was heaven. Thank you so much! Barbara
ReplyDeleteGood to know. I love trying new bars but they're always so expensive, so it's nice to know if they're any good first.
ReplyDeleteI found Boomi bars right after I went gluten free. They came in handy when traveling. I think they've changed the flavors slightly since then, but I loved both the cashew and almond flavors at the time. Have not tried the Prana bars. I'm just not near any place that sells protein bars (other than the disgusting cardboard variety at my local basic grocery store) now (our local health food store closed), or I'd take some with me on a more regular basis.
ReplyDeleteShirley