Granola Gourmet Energy Bars Review

by Derek Howes
I Was Lazy
February 11, 2012

Recently I received the Granola Gourmet Energy bar line in the mail. I’ve really been aiming to eat as clean and as healthy as possible on my cut so these fit my diet perfectly. Anything with the word “Gourmet” in it sounds appetizing, but the word “Granola” gives it that no-so-guilty feeling. I’m sure you’re wondering if these bars taste more like the “Granola” (healthy/bland) or “Gourmet” (delicious) part of the name.

I should note that each of these bars were ate before the gym – they all gave me energy. Not a caffeine-type jittery energy or anything, just a natural “thank you for eating healthy” type energy if that makes any sense?

The first bar that I ate was the Ultimate Berry

*low Glycemic Index (25), 590mg Omega-3′s per bar and 12g Whole Grains

Ingredients: Organic whole grain oats, organic agave syrup, blueberries (blueberries, apple juice concentrate, sunflower oil), almonds, organic flaxseeds, organic sunflower seeds,soy protein isolate, olive oil, natural flavors, natural strawberry extract. Contains Soy and Almonds. Manufactured in a plant that also processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts. This is a Kosher product produced on dairy equipment (DE) without dairy ingredients.

Now as we can see here the macros are good (on all of the bars I reviewed here). It doesn’t call itself a protein bar yet the protein is still up there for a 150 calories bar. The ingredient list is a beautiful on all of them (other companies should take note).

How about the taste? Well, “Ultimate Berry” tasted just like I’d imagine a mixture of berries into granola would taste. Actually, a bit better than that. It didn’t have that artificial fruit taste that a ton of these bars have (you know who I’m talking about). It wasn’t dry at all, it didn’t have that bland/chalky taste that most companies tend to have when the ingredient list is this small. I enjoyed it.

Overall Ultimate Berry would get a 9/10 (awesome ingredient list + good taste = high rating!)

The second bar I tried was the Cran-Orange

*low Glycemic Index (19), 530mg Omega-3′s per bar and 10g Whole Grains

Ingredients: Organic whole grain oats, organic agave syrup, cranberries (cranberries, apple juice concentrate, sunflower oil), almonds, organic flaxseeds, organic sunflower seeds, soy protein isolate, olive oil, natural flavors, cinnamon, natural orange extract. Contains Soy and Almonds. Manufactured in a plant that also processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts. This is a Kosher product produced on dairy equipment (DE) without dairy ingredients.

I’m really not much of (or wasn’t) a cranberry or orange fan so I wasn’t too excited to try this. I do have to say though – it was definitely tasty in a good way. The combination of orange and cranberry really stood out and it wasn’t dry/chalky at all. It’s kind of hard to explain how this one tasted but it was good. I would say it tasted like a fruity granola gummy. I’d say I liked this one equally as much as the Ultimate Berry.

Overall Cran-Orange would get a 9/10 (Made me a fan of orange/cranberry combinations)

The third bar that I tried was the Mocha Fudge

*low Glycemic Index (23), 530mg Omega-3′s per bar and 10g Whole Grains

Ingredients: Organic whole grain oats, organic agave syrup, chocolate chips (cane sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter), almonds, organic flaxseeds, organic sunflower seeds, soy protein isolate, natural coffee extract, alkalized cocoa, olive oil, natural flavors. Contains Soy and Almonds. Manufactured in a plant that also processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts. This is a Kosher product produced on dairy equipment (DE) without dairy ingredients.

This was probably my least favorite of the bunch. Not because the bar tastes bad or anything but I just can’t remember the last time I’ve said that I enjoyed something that was mocha (or maybe I’m just not used to it). The bar had a nice granola-fudge like consistency so it went down rather nice. Had a nice chocolatey taste/after-taste to it too…the mocha just doesn’t do anything for me. If you enjoy mocha I’m sure you would love this bar.

Overall Mocha Fudge would get a 7.5/10 (Not really a mocha fan – bar itself was not bad)

The fourth and last bar that I tried was the Ultimate Fudge Brownie

*low Glycemic Index (23), 540mg Omega-3′s per bar and 10g Whole Grains

Ingredients: Organic whole grain oats, organic agave syrup, chocolate chips (cane sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter), almonds, organic flaxseeds, organic sunflower seeds, soy protein isolate, alkalized cocoa, olive oil, natural flavors. Contains Soy and Almonds. Manufactured in a plant that also processes milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts. This is a Kosher product produced on dairy equipment (DE) without dairy ingredients.

Two words: My Favorite.

This bar hit a home run in the natural-but-tastes-amazing category. Fudge like consistency in a granola bar that tastes like a brownie? Mouthgasm/sold! The only thing wrong with these bars is that it wasn’t long enough (I wanted more!).

Overall Fudge Brownie would get a 10/10 (Awesome ingredients while tasting like a brownie = GREAT!)

These are definitely a nice snack before the gym/in general. They are low in calories, have great macros/ingredient list, and taste good to boot!

  1. You can purchase as well as find where to purchase these at their homepage.
  2. Visit them on Twitter at http://twitter.com/granola_gourmet
  3. or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GranolaGourmet

Overall:

  • Cost: 8.5/10 (About $1.60 a bar and sometimes cheaper. This is a great price point especially since it’s a lot more “natural” than the alternatives)
  • Healthiness: 10/10 (Can’t debate the healthiness of these!)

Also I feel I should state this in my reviews: I have no issue giving a company a bad review even if they do send me a product to try for free – they are NOT paying me for a positive review, these reviews all come from me with my complete honesty.

Healthy Back To School Snack Idea: Granola Gourmet

transformr
August 12, 2010

Because of it’s low glycemic index and allergy-safe ingredients (No Wheat, No Dairy, No Refined Sugar and very Low Sodium), Granola Gourmet became a popular snack among weight-watchers and people with diabetes.

However, Granola Gourmet is good for practically everyone. It’s best for children and parents on the go, of course without ditching the delicious factor in a healthy snack.

Here are a few reasons why Granola Gourmet is a good back-to-school snack:

  • Instead of sugary cereals, grab a Granola Gourmet Energy Bar made with 100% natural ingredients, including 391mg Omega 3′s and 13 grams of whole grains per bar
  • If you have food allergies and need to stay away from wheat or dairy (these do contain almonds)
  • When at school you are looking for satisfying snack, that also keeps your kids going, energy foods that hold up well in a locker
  • Your kids come home from school and are hungry before dinner and need something to satisfy their sweet tooth, but you want your kids to avoid the high fat, sugar and sodium content of some popular protein bars and snacks

Diet Food Reviews

by Emily W.
IateApie.net
June 14, 2010

I was very excited when my favorite guy, suited up in a UPS uniform, handed me a package from Granola Gourmet. Granola Gourmet Energy Bars are made with 100% natural and wholesome ingredients that are low or very low on the Glycemic Index. I picked up the Very Berry Energy Bars which has no sodium, no wheat, no dairy and no refined Sugar. Oh my.

Each 35 gram Granola Gourmet Very Berry Energy Bar is somewhat small, fitting into the palm of your hand; yet, Granola Gourmet’s creation is so dense and flavorful that it is just as satisfying as a bar that may appear to be twice its size. The base of this bar is extremely smooth and soft with a subtle flavor that evolves with every chew that you make. Although the bar is very soft, it does not fall apart in your hands.

The sweetness is pleasant, but does not overwhelm the all natural berry flavor. The smooth and flavorful base is accentuated by the densely packed nature of the bar, with organic oats, organic sunflower seeds, organic flaxseeds and almonds providing some welcomed chew and a level of nuttiness. The Very Berry flavor profile comes from dried blueberries and natural strawberry flavor; which meld with the honey and organic blue agave to create a thoroughly enjoyable, while still being subtle, sweetness.

Each Granola Gourmet Very Berry Energy Bar provides 140 calories, 8% of the daily value for total fat, no saturated fat or sodium, 11% of the DV for fiber, 10 grams of sugar and 4 grams of protein.

I received these bars from the company, but you can buy a 10 bar package online at granola Gourmet for just $13.95 – SO WORTH IT

Alternative Energy: SCV man finds success with granola bars

by Joshua Premako
Santa Clarita Valley Signal
September 14, 2009

Jeff Cohen didn’t intend to go into the business of producing granola bars. He was simply looking for something to snack on.

But in nearly three years, Cohen has gone from whipping up snacks to helming Granola Gourmet, a company that produces low-glycemic energy bars.

Cohen, 47, was diagnosed with diabetes about 15 years ago.

One of the biggest feathers in the cap of the Stevenson Ranch resident has been having 24 Whole Foods Markets in Southern California carry his bars.

“My goal is to make Granola Gourmet a national brand that’s widely accepted by everybody, and just happens to be good for you,” Cohen said.

Cohen’s is a story with simple beginnings – he got the idea while his wife was baking muffins.

It was late 2006 and, Cohen said, “I was looking for a snack that tasted good but wouldn’t cause my blood sugar to spike.”

One of his sons got the ball rolling, he said, by urging Cohen to come up with something he’d like that his father could eat.

“I’m not a cook. I don’t know the first thing about food,” Cohen said.

As he researched the glycemic index, Cohen said, he eventually settled on trying out granola bars.

He started preparing more and more batches, as he found his sons were frequently taking them to school to share with friends.

In spring 2008, he began selling his energy bars at the weekly farmers’ market held in downtown Newhall.

“One thing led to another,” he said Monday, standing next to shelves full of colorfully packaged energy bars in Valencia’s Whole Foods store. “It’s been a pretty interesting ride.”

When Cohen started setting up shop at the farmers’ market, he was making about 1,000 bars a month.

Now, he said, Granola Gourmet is producing about 20,000 bars monthly.

The bars are available in four flavors: Spiced orange cranberry, very berry, brownie and chocolate espresso.

The base ingredients in each bar are organic oats, blue agave, flax and sunflower seeds, almonds and honey.

A key to success, Cohen said, has been maintaining a broad appeal, reflected in his motto: “Energy bars for athletes, diabetics and you.”

Gaining the support of Whole Foods was a matter of finding someone interested in the product, which Cohen said was hard work.

The first store to start carrying Granola Gourmet bars was the Whole Foods on Arroyo Parkway in Pasadena. Within two weeks, 10 more stores added the bars, with another 10 over the following month.

Now, Cohen is selling Granola Gourmet bars in 24 Whole Foods markets, through www.Amazon.com and at www.granolagourmet.com, and he said he is negotiating a deal with a major California grocery store chain.

In a year, Cohen said he’d like to be on track to becoming a million-dollar-a-year business.

With Granola Gourmet, Cohen came up with more than a solution for snack-time cravings.

“These are the granola bars that saved my life,” he said.

Granola Gourmet designs diabetic-safe energy bar

Dee Long
examiner.com
May 20, 2009

We enjoyed reading Mary Tyler Moore’s latest autobiography, ” Growing Up Again: Life, Loves, and Oh Yeah, Diabetes” (www.amazon.com) and were amazed to discover the amount of discipline and strategy that goes into choosing when and what to eat when you are diabetic.

A nice example of synchronicity, then, to discover Santa Clarita-based Granola Gourmet (www.granolagourmet.com), a company that’s created “Energy Bars for Athletes, Diabetics and YOU”.

Sweetened with raw organic blue agave and honey, four varieties of bars are offered: brownie, chocolate espresso, spiced orange cranberry (pictured above) and very berry. The bars we sampled were sweet, chewy and very satisfying and although we don’t need them for dietary reasons, we’d rather opt for a Granola Gourmet bar than any of the other packaged energy bars currently on the market. Granola Gourmet Energy Bars contain antioxidants, omega 3′s and fiber and are chock full of such natural healthy ingredients as organic oats, dried cranberries, olive oil, almonds and cinnamon.

Grab a four-pack to keep handy in the car during the summer when traveling with the kids. Granola Gourmet Energy Bars are great for hiking and camping. Keep a carton in your desk drawer to satisfy those 3 o’clock munchie cravings rather than heading to a vending machine. And a portion of all sales supports the American Diabetes Association.

Until our next food find…may all your food finds be fabulous!

Looking for a diabetic-friendly snack?

by Jenna Phillips – Nutrition/Fitness Expert
Mission Possible with Jenna Phillips
September 2009

I honestly believe that everyone would be better off if he or she ate like a person diagnosed with diabetes “should” eat. As much as I don’t like the word “should” (because “should” is so subjective), there’s no reason why people can’t eat foods to nourish their bodies instead of those that DEGENERATE them.  We hear so much about low-glycemic index foods but what does that really mean?

The glycemic index of food is a ranking of foods based on their immediate effect on blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Carbohydrate foods that breakdown quickly during digestion have the highest glycemic indexes. Eating these foods typically require a BUNCH of insulin (blehhhh!). Carbohydrates that breakdown slowly, releasing glucose gradually into the blood stream, have low glycemic indexes and don’t require as much insulin. I’m all about eating foods that don’t SPIKE my blood sugar so I don’t have to take a beyond-crazy load of insulin.

And why am I a huge fan of low GI stuff?

  • Low GI means a smaller rise in blood sugar and can help control established diabetes (yay!)
  • Low GI diets can help people lose weight and lower blood lipids (woo hoo!)
  • Low GI diets can improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin (yessssss!)

DUH! So, WHY ON EARTH would you NOT eat more low GI foods?! Oh, because high GI foods are soooo tasty? Um, really? Ok, fine. Let me give you a few suggestions:

  • sweet potato french fries instead of regular French fries
  • dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate
  • Granola Gourmet™ energy bars instead of ANY OTHER “pretending to be healthy” energy bars!

I discovered these yummy treats at the WHOLE FOODS on Wilshire and 6th street in Santa Monica. I fell in love at 1st taste and my blood sugar was SO happy with me when I munched on a few pieces of my new healthy find. With my high-intensity fitness regimen, this is a perfect source of sustainable energy for my multiple workouts throughout the week.

As a person diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I’m delighted that my sweet tooth can be satisfied with such a healthy treat! I honestly feel like I’m cheating when I eat them! Haha! But I’m so NOT cheating. With a nice dosage of fiber and ingredients like: Organic Whole Grain Oats, Organic Agave Syrup, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Honey, Almonds, Organic Flaxseeds,Organic Sunflower Seeds, Olive Oil, Alkalized Cocoa & Natural Vanilla Flavoring how can I possibly be cheating? My taste buds are fully confused when I nourish my body with the yumminess of Granola Gourmet™. So quit messin’ around with “pretending to be healthy” energy bars and GO GET SOME!!!