Laughing Giraffe went out of business. For an alternative to Snakarola, I recommend Flax4Life Snacking Granola.
Previously known as “Granola”, Laughing Giraffe changed the name of this product line to Snakarola. We do think this more accurately reflects its oat-free nature, especially since it’s a little too hearty to enjoy by the bowlful!
My very first batch of home-baked granola brought an abrupt finale to our days of store-bought granola. It was immediately obvious that no pre-packaged cereal could compare to the earthy freshness of my slow baked recipe. Although I still haven’t found a breakfast cereal competitor, Laughing Giraffe Snakarola is a close contender for convenient snacking.
Tasting Notes for Laughing Giraffe Snakarola
Of course, it makes sense that a “raw” granola, slowly dehydrated, could come close to the quality of homemade. Laughing Giraffe uses raw organic nuts, seeds, fruits, and spices to create earthy, rich, and flavorful clusters. As for the flavors, there were three delicious types to choose from: Cranberry Orange, Cherry Ginger, and Curry Cashew.
Cranberry Orange Snakarola
This turned out to be my unexpected favorite of the pack. Inside the unassuming package were giant slabs of granola that traveled with me on errands and hikes as if they were energy bars. There were pumpkin seeds, whole almonds, and apple-sweetened cranberries against a background of raisins, walnuts, and pecan chunks.
But it was the minor ingredients that won me over. An incredible cinnamon scent carried over into the flavor, adding richness to every sweet and savory bite. But cinnamon alone doesn’t make an award-winning granola. It needs the perfect amount of vanilla, a hint of citrus, and a deep underpinning of cacao to round out the taste. I was surprised and delighted by how muted the cacao was. It merely added structure, rather than creating a chocolate granola.
Cherry Ginger Snakarola
This was the softest Snakarola in texture, but also the nuttiest of the bunch. The walnut and pecan base came shining through. Eating this Snakarola brought back memories of my grandma’s house before Christmas, cracking open pecans and walnuts with a nut cracker. The chunks were lightly sweet and subtly savory, but not a bit salty.
I found the gentler flavors of this Snakarola to be perfect for my morning taste buds, hiking, and post workout – all times when my senses are a bit heightened. The ginger flavor was subdued, only asserting itself on the very rare occasion. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it for those who might be timid around this potent spice. The bits of dried cherry added interest, but didn’t dominate the scene.
While Snakarola doesn’t come cheap, it shouldn’t. Loaded with whole, high quality nuts and hefty raw chunks, this premium snack seems suitably priced. And luckily, a little goes a long ways in terms of satiety.
The Facts on Laughing Giraffe Organics Snakarola
Price: $5.49 per 6-ounce bag
Certifications: Laughing Giraffe Snakarola is Certified Kosher Parve, Certified Organic, and Non-GMO Verified.
Dietary Notes: By ingredients, Laughing Giraffe Snakarola is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan / plant-based, vegetarian, raw, and paleo-friendly. Nonetheless, always read the ingredient statement and check with the company on their manufacturing processes for all varieties if potential allergen cross-contamination is an issue for you. Processes and labeling are subject to change at any time for any company / product.
For More Product Information: Visit the Laughing Giraffe website at thelaughinggiraffe.com.
Hearty clusters of nuts, dried fruit, and bold, pure, flavorful ingredients
Formerly known as a granola, this hefty snack really is made for eating out of hand. The hearty clusters of nuts, dried fruit, and bold, pure, flavorful ingredients are addictive. But fortunately, they’re so filling, it’s hard to eat too much! The Cranberry Orange was my favorite with various flavor nuances (including cacao!) that work so beautifully together. Nonetheless, the Cherry Ginger was a delightful medley that wasn’t too overpowering for timid taste buds.
