Larabar Gluten Free Bar Apple Pie Review
Healthy Snacking Redefined
Larabar's Apple Pie bar merges the nostalgic essence of a classic American dessert with the modern demand for nutritious, convenient, and dietary restriction-friendly snacks. Designed for individuals who both cherish the taste of homemade apple pie and uphold a health-conscious lifestyle, this bar offers a blend of natural flavors and nutritional benefits. It contains a mix of dates, almonds, unsweetened apples, walnuts, and raisins, highlighted with a hint of cinnamon, intending to capture the essence of its namesake dessert without compromising dietary preferences or needs.
The Apple Pie Larabar is a celebrated choice among gluten-free and vegan options, providing a snack that is both accessible to those with specific dietary constraints and appealing to anyone looking for a wholesome treat. The careful selection of simple, non-GMO ingredients ensures a product that aligns with clean eating principles, while also being dairy-free, soy-free, and kosher. This particular bar not only satisfies sweet cravings but also offers a source of fiber, which is essential for a balanced diet.
This product underscores the trend toward plant-based and minimally processed foods, embodying the ethos that healthful eating can be both enjoyable and convenient. Packaged for ease of transport, the Larabar Apple Pie can complement a variety of settings, from a quick breakfast accompaniment to an afternoon snack. It represents an intersection where indulgence meets wellness, catering to a broad audience seeking taste and nutrition in equal measure.
Product Overview
Larabar's Apple Pie variety is a popular gluten-free snack bar designed to cater to those who appreciate a blend of health and flavor. It is inspired by the traditional apple pie, offering a convenient and nutritious option that aligns with various dietary requirements.
Ingredients and Nutritional Profile: Larabar's ingredient list for the Apple Pie bar is minimalistic, comprising:
Dates: Provides natural sweetness and texture.
Almonds: Adds crunch and a source of healthy fats.
Unsweetened Apples: Delivers the classic apple pie taste.
Walnuts: Contributes to the nutty flavor profile.
Raisins: Offers a hint of natural sweetness and chewiness.
Cinnamon: Gives the spice that's synonymous with apple pie.
Each bar is a fusion of just six simple, wholesome ingredients, ensuring what you eat is as close to its natural state as possible.
Health and Dietary Benefits:
Vegan: Suitable for those following a plant-based diet.
Gluten Free: Ideal for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Dairy Free: Making it a good choice for lactose-intolerant consumers.
Soy Free: Avoids a common allergen and supports those with soy allergies.
A single Larabar Apple Pie weighs in at around 200 calories, making it a moderate-calorie snack option. In addition, it offers a good source of fiber, contributing to daily nutrient intake without overwhelming calorie consumption.
Packaging: Larabar Apple Pie is available in various pack sizes, including a 6-count package, offering a convenient supply for snacking needs.
This product aims to provide a balance of flavor and nutrition, aptly captured in its tagline of raising the bar for real, unprocessed foods. Its commitment to simple, non-GMO ingredients positions it as a straightforward choice among health-conscious snackers.
Ingredients and Nutritional Value
Lärabar's Apple Pie bar provides a nutritious option with simple, whole food ingredients for those seeking health-inspired snacks. This section delves into the specifics of what makes up a Lärabar Apple Pie bar and the value it offers.
Core Ingredients
Almonds: These nuts contribute to the bar’s protein and healthy fat content.
Walnuts: A source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
Unsweetened Apples: Provide natural sweetness and fiber without added sugars.
Raisins: Offer additional sweetness and texture, along with fiber.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice flavor that complements the apple taste profile.
Nutritional Information
Serving Size Calories Total Fat Fiber Sugars Protein 1 bar (45g) 200 9g 5g 18g 4g
Calories: Each bar contains 200 calories, making it a modest addition to a daily diet.
Fiber: With 5 grams of fiber, the bar can help in meeting daily fiber needs.
Health Benefits
Lärabar's Apple Pie bar provides a serving of fruit and nuts in each bar, contributing to daily nutrition by incorporating wholesome fruits and nuts, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Dietary Considerations
The Apple Pie bar caters to:
Gluten-Free: Suitable for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Vegan: Contains no animal products or by-products, aligning with a vegan diet.
Allergy Information
As the bar contains almonds and walnuts, it may not be suitable for individuals with nut allergies. It is important to review the packaging for potential allergens, as recipes may change.
Consumption Experience
The Lärabar Gluten Free Apple Pie Bar offers a delightful combination of traditional apple pie flavors in a convenient snacking form. Consumers enjoy the balance of sweetness and spice, coupled with a mix of textures from the natural ingredients.
Taste Profile
The experience begins with the bold flavors of cinnamon and the tartness and sweetness from the dried apples. The presence of raisins adds natural sweetness and a note of fruitiness to the mix. To complement these tastes, a variety of nuts, including almonds and walnuts, are introduced, adding depth with their earthy tones. Consumers will notice the absence of artificial flavors, with dates serving as the primary sweetener, spotlighting the natural spices and apple pie essence.
Texture and Consistency
Texturally, the bar strikes a balance between softness and crunch. The dates and dried apples yield a chewy foundation, while nuts offer a subtle crunch. This combination ensures that each bite is satisfying and prevents the bar from being too dense or heavy. Users find the consisitency to be favorable for both a quick snack and a more leisurely eating pace.
Serving Suggestions
Whether one prefers it as a breakfast on-the-go or a midday snack, the Lärabar Apple Pie Bar delivers sustained energy. While it's designed to be eaten straight out of the wrapper, users can also chop it into smaller pieces and sprinkle it over Greek yogurt or mix into a homemade trail mix for a wholesome and nutrient-rich snack. The infusion of apple pie flavors and spices also make it a suitable pairing with warm beverages like herbal tea or a latte for a comforting treat.
Purchasing Options
When considering purchasing options for Larabar Gluten Free Apple Pie bars, consumers have the flexibility to choose from retail stores, online platforms, and also select from variety packs offering different flavors.
Retail Availability
Larabar Apple Pie bars can be found in various brick-and-mortar retail stores such as Walmart, where customers usually have the option to buy individual bars or in larger quantities. These physical stores often provide the convenience of immediate pickup.
Online Purchases
For online shoppers, Larabar Apple Pie bars are available for purchase through e-commerce websites including iHerb. Customers can benefit from free 2-day shipping on orders over $30, making online purchase a viable option. Some platforms may also offer a subscription service that schedules regular deliveries, ensuring a consistent supply of your favorite bars.
Variety Packs and Flavors
In addition to the Apple Pie flavor, Larabar offers a range of other flavors such as Cherry Pie. Shoppers can buy variety packs which often include multiple flavors in one package, providing an assortment to fit different tastes. While snacks like cookies and chips are common, Larabar's focus remains on natural ingredients in their bars. Consumers should be aware that delivery for these items typically has a 3+ day shipping estimate when purchased online.
Consumer Information
The Larabar Gluten Free Apple Pie Bar is packaged for convenience and maintains a reputation for being a healthy snack based on customer feedback. This section will detail the product's packaging, shelf life, storage recommendations, and customer reviews.
Product Packaging
Larabar packages its Apple Pie bars in a 6 count box, making it a convenient option for consumers seeking wholesome vegan snacks on the go. The packaging is designed to ensure freshness and protect the integrity of the bars.
Shelf Life and Storage
To maintain the Larabar Apple Pie bars' optimal taste and texture, it is recommended that consumers store them in a cool, dry place. The bars have a shelf life that is consistent with other similar fruit and nut bars, and the expiration date is clearly marked on each package for consumer convenience.
Customer Reviews and Feedback
Customers have expressed satisfaction with the taste and quality of the Larabar Apple Pie bar, often highlighting its natural ingredients and health benefits. With an overall high rating, the feedback underscores the bar's favorable balance of sweetness and spice, along with its satisfying nutty finish.
Brand and Manufacturer
Larabar is widely recognized for its simple and wholesome ingredients, and the Apple Pie bar is one of its celebrated offerings. These bars are made with a minimal number of ingredients, typically fruits and nuts, aiming to provide a convenient and nutritious snack option.
Company Profile
Larabar is a brand that specializes in producing fruit and nut bars. Founded by Lara Merriken in 2000, the company has grown to offer a range of flavors, with the Apple Pie variety being among its most popular. Larabar's commitment to simplicity is evident in its products, which are made with a few, easily recognizable ingredients.
Founded: 2000
Founder: Lara Merriken
Product Range: Various flavors of fruit and nut bars
Sustainability and Ethics
Larabar places a strong emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices. The ingredients used in Larabar products, including the Apple Pie bar, are non-GMO and gluten-free, catering to consumers' health and environmental concerns.
Ingredients: Non-GMO, Gluten-Free
Certifications: Kosher, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free
Ethical Practices: Committed to simple, plant-based ingredients and clean eating
By maintaining a focus on health, taste, and ethical production, Larabar continues to serve as a trusted brand for nutritious snacking options.
Homemade Alternatives
Creating your own Larabar-inspired apple pie bars is a straightforward process. These homemade versions are customizable and can often be healthier than store-bought options, giving the individual full control over the ingredients used.
DIY Larabar Recipes
Homemade apple pie Larabars require just a few key ingredients and a simple method. An individual starts by adding dates to a food processor and pulsing until they have broken down. Then, one must incorporate dried apples, raisins, almonds, walnuts, and cinnamon, pulsing until the mixture is combined with small bits of nuts and fruit evident.
The blended mixture is then transferred to a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Using fingers or a flat utensil, one should press down on the mixture to compress it evenly into a compact layer. The bars can be refrigerated to harden before cutting into desirable sizes.
Customization Ideas
One can tailor their homemade Larabar to personal preferences or dietary needs with several customization options:
Fruit: Apart from dried apples and raisins, creators can experiment with other dried fruits like cherries or apricots for a different flavor profile.
Nuts: While almonds and walnuts are typical, one might also use pecans or cashews.
Spices: Cinnamon is a staple for the apple pie flavor, but additional spices like nutmeg or allspice can add depth.
Sweetness: For those who prefer a less sweet bar, the amount of dates can be adjusted, or one might add a hint of natural sweeteners like honey if preferred.
By adjusting these elements, an individual can create a bar that is tailored to their taste preferences and nutritional requirements.
Conclusion
The Larabar Gluten Free Apple Pie Bar offers a convenient snack option for those seeking natural ingredients and nutritional benefits. With a simple composition, the bar contains dried apples, raisins, almonds, walnuts, cinnamon, and no additional sweeteners. It is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, catering to various dietary needs.
Nutritional highlights include:
A half cup of fruit
5 grams of fiber
A calorie count of 200
The taste profile mirrors a homemade apple pie, with the added convenience of portability. While the bar boasts a nutty finish, it isn't overly sweet. It serves as a smart choice for a quick snack or part of a meal on the go.
Despite these advantages, individuals with nut allergies or those requiring strict dietary monitoring should always check ingredient lists and consult with healthcare professionals before integrating new foods into their diet.
The Larabar Gluten Free Apple Pie Bar, with its natural content and health-conscious approach, stands as a fitting snack for both the health-aware individual and anyone seeking a guilt-free taste of dessert.
