|
After trialing Nana’s cookie bars I was amazed, make that shocked, to find out that the sugary sweetness in these bars is purely from fruit juice. Come on, I thought, “How in the world do they get all that super-sweet flavor from fruit juice alone?” But it is true, not a speck of the granular white or brown stuff. Nana doesn’t age discriminate, her treats are for everyone, as noted by her website name “Healthy Crowd.” However, these cookie bars couldn’t be more perfect for kids. Moms need not shy away from Nana’s cookies as they are free from refined sugars, all natural, and made with gluten-free whole grain goodness. You might be thinking that a no sugar bar may be a bit too wholesome for the little ones to enjoy. Au contraire. The flavors are quite sweet, and I found them to be oddly familiar to my childhood days, as you will note in my individual reviews below. As long as you don’t let on that these bars may actually be healthy, trust me, they will never know. These unique cookie bars are individually wrapped in lunch box sized packaging, with whimsical writing for a little extra curb appeal. 
For kids (and adults) with special diet concerns, from Celiac Disease and Autism to food allergies, the Gluten-Free Cookie Bars from Nana’s are vegan, and made without gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy. Alas, they are manufactured on shared equipment with peanuts and tree nuts, but it is difficult to win them all. Berry Vanilla: I chose this bar for my first trial, as the flavor combination was intriguing. The scent from the cookie nearly burst out of the package as I ripped it open. It seemed strangely familiar. Not a second or two passed before Captain Crunch appeared in my head. Could it be? Yes, it is…Captain Crunch Berry cereal. The flavor was very sweet, a bit too sweet for my current taste buds, but tasty nonetheless. The flavor combination was a good match, with the all around berry essence taking center stage. The texture was most certainly gluten-free, due to the notable brown rice flour. But, after the first bite, as I settled into the finer and slightly drier feel to the flour, it evolved into more of a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Little brown rice crisps were also an added bonus. Nana Banana: The sweet aroma from perfectly ripe bananas wafted through the air as I opened my second cookie bar. The scent was matched by a sugary sweet banana taste, textured with a few brown rice crisps. I would be hard pressed to classify this strictly as a cookie. It was more of unique hybrid dessert, melding the flavor and texture of cookies and banana bread with a candy-like twist. Like the Berry Vanilla, I found the Nana Banana a touch too sweet, but as a cookie dough fiending child, I likely would have flipped for it. 
Chocolate Munch: Another blast from the past emerged as I tore into my final cookie bar. The scent was reminiscent of warm hot cocoa laden with marshmallows. Though it was the flavor that truly took me back. As I bit in, it took me a minute. But once the visual of Cocoa Pebbles appeared, Fred Flinstone wouldn’t stop Yabba Dabba Dooing in my head. Though in most other contexts I would always reach for vanilla over chocolate, this was my favorite flavor. Despite the Cocoa Pebbles vibe, it wasn’t overly sweet. It also had a very mellow chocolate flavor that would be very suitable for young taste buds, which aren’t yet in tune with the pleasures of rich dark chocolate. The texture was slightly distinct from the others, more of a cross between an ordinary cookie and chocolate cake. Just a bit of the brown rice flour vibe remained, while Nana’s signature brown rice crisps enhanced the overall cookie experience. This could easily become a go to snack for my own lunchbox! 
Where to Purchase: Nana's products are sold in stores throughout the U.S., most notaby in Whole Foods stores (now to include Wild Oats). You can also order direct from Nana's Healthy Crowd website.
 Quote this article on your site
Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6
AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com
All right reserved |
Product Reviews 
Subscribe to our
We eat Nana's Gluten Free Bars as our special treat. She loves them and so do I.
