I had a great weekend, but it was none too exciting in the food department. I decided to use today’s post to share some new eats I’ve tried recently. These are all products that I purchased for myself.
Health Valley Organic Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars
The base of the bar was crisp rice, kind of like a Rice Krispy treat, but less gooey and not nearly as sweet. The top was drizzled with chocolate and had mini chocolate chips. Overall I’d say it tasted okay. There was something about the texture that I didn’t particularly care for, almost stale maybe? The chocolate was really yummy and had a good taste so that made up for something. Looking at them I didn’t expect them to be very filling, but they were. The nutrition information wasn’t too bad: 110 calories, 2 grams of total fat and 1 gram of protein. However, I was a bit turned off by the 1 gram of saturated fat and 10 grams of sugar. I bought these on sale for $2.99/box. I think I’d buy them again on sale, but I wouldn’t be willing to pay the regular price.
I have a think for little boxed drinks. I think it takes me back to my childhood. LOL I’ve always thought these looked interesting and decided to give them a try when I saw them on sale. The side of the box (and their website) had this to say:
O.N.E.™ Coconut Water is the water from inside the young green coconut. The water is extracted from the coconut at approximately seven months, before the meat grows. While the meat of the coconut (from which coconut milk and oils are extracted) is rich in fat and protein; O.N.E.™ Coconut Water has no fat. Our Coconut Water is naturally filtered through the dense fibers of the coconut creating a nutritious, pure, and refreshing isotonic beverage.
The website also bills coconut water as being full of electrolytes, a natural alternative to sports drinks, good for nursing mothers, and a drink able to improve skin, but the FAQ’s section includes a disclaimer that says none of these health claims have been reviewed or found to be true by the FDA or any other authority of the like. I bought the pineapple, pink guava and passion fruit flavors and thought they all had a great taste. They’re pretty sweet, but not syrupy and I thought they were very refreshing. The boxed packaging is convenient as is the fact that they do not have to be refrigerated, but I would suggest (as do the people at O.N.E.) that you drink them cold. I suppose you could drink them right out of the box, but a straw makes it much more convenient. Unfortunately, the boxes don’t come with those cute little straws so you’ll need to pack your own. I don’t think I’d keep a stock of these in the refrigerator at all times, but I’m definitely keeping them in mind for occasions that require packing portable beverages.
I love all things blueberry. Unfortunately, I’m allergic to most artificial blueberry colors and flavors. Bummer. My grocery store just started carrying this flavor of Clif Luna bars. I tried not to get too excited about them before I read the ingredients. In true natural Clif fashion, I didn’t see anything on the ingredients list that I couldn’t read or easily identify. Score! I grabbed one to try and I’m happy to announce that I had no reaction at all. Oh, and did I mention it was delicious? It had a great texture, perfect blueberry-to-crisp ratio and just the right amount of sweetness. I picked up several more of this flavor and have added it to my list of flavors to buy when I stock up.
I haven’t seen that new Luna bar but I’m excited to see it in my WF.
I love coconut water…but I have only tried the plain flavor. I agree with the straw thing though..it would be a nice addition!
I have never have only had regular coconut water before, I will have to check out flavored ones! they really do need to consider a straw. Just found your blog :]
Great post- I love product reviews. I have SO been meaning to try the coconut water. Glad you enjoyed it. In terms of the stevia- your mama will love it! My favorite brand is nunaturals but its a little pricey. Stevia in the raw is good too. Avoid truvia =ick! Large after taste. Almond milk is fabulous too. Like I said on the blog, I like the unsweetened vanilla and chocolate. They’re awesome to heat up the microwave…kind of like a less guilty hot chocolate or hot vanilla drink. If you need a little sweetness, you can always add some stevia. Cinnamon is also awesome in the vanilla milk- tastes kind of like egg nog. I do NOT like the almond milk in coffee though. Hope this helps? Or maybe TMI? haha 😉