By Alisa Fleming - After trialing three “pie-style” Larabars, out of shear coincidence, I moved onto the cookie side of dessert...

Really, I don’t know how I kept myself from trialing the Ginger Snap Larabar before the "pie" selections.  With a passion for potent spices, I can easily say that ginger snaps are tops on my cookie list.  So, did it taste just like a ginger snap cookie?  Well it isn't a cookie that's for sure, but the boldly spiced scent was heavenly, and the potent ginger and cinnamon punch certainly gave this bar a ginger snap flavor that I positively adored.  My only complaint was the dash of cloves used, when it probably should have been a pinch.  The cloves lingered on with a strong aftertaste.  If this component was toned down, then the Ginger Snap Larabar could very well be my perfect “bar.”

Mimicking the Apple Pie Larabar (my “pie” favorite) in texture and complexity, the Ginger Snap Larabar was soft and chewy, yet nutty and easy to break apart. It even looked somewhat more attractive as far as bars go.  Like the Apple Pie Larabar, this one was about as complex as Larabars get, loaded with dates, almonds, pecans, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves.

For my final Larabar venture of the week, I dove into the Cashew Cookie for yet another breakfast-on-the-go.  Considering the hour, it was a nice mellow bar that worked for my sensitive early morning taste buds.  This is another super-simplistic creation, like the Pecan Pie Larabar, consisting of just two ingredients, dates and cashews.  It was a very nutty creation, nut erring too much on the date side.  Also, since cashews have a creamier consistency, I felt that this bar had a bit more fluidity in flavor than the Pecan Pie.  But, cookie flavored?  I didn’t even get the slightest vibe of a cookie.  It was really, a fairly neutral bar, not bad, but nothing exciting either.  Of the cookie-inspired varieties I was definitely more impressed with the Ginger Snap, but I may have to get my hands on the Banana Cookie Larabar for a full “cookie” comparison.

If you have had a Clif Nectar Bar, Larabars really are a similar experience in terms of taste, texture, and nutritional overview.  Thanks to the dates (I believe) each Larabar boasts a good dose of potassium (over 300mg), which really does seem to keep my calf-cramps at bay, so I did like this as a pre-workout option.  Plus, they are rich in fruit sugars (no added sugars) with a fair dose of fiber and a modest amount of protein to keep from weighing you down.  That being said, I was usually hungry again within two hours of eating one with or without any physical activity.  Being free from additives and funny ingredients also allows these bars to be sodium and cholesterol free.  A definite bonus!

My vote thus far:
Ginger Snap Larabar: A little over the top on cloves, but a deliciously potent blend of flavors and spices nonetheless, I will repurchase.
Cashew Cookie Larabar: Fairly fluid and mild in flavor, but a bit too simplistic for my taste buds.  It didn't wow me enough in relation to the price tag to warrant a repurchase.

See the Larabar "Pie" Review for my vote on those.

Where to Purchase: Larabars can be found in many grocery stores and natural food stores.  I recommend purchasing them when they go on sale, as they are in the mid to high range cost-wise for a bar in my opinion.  However, they can be purchased online for a fair price anytime!

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