LÄRABAR Review

I don’t know about you, but with two active kids, I am always on the run – literally!  Although I would love to, I don’t often have time to sit down and enjoy a nice, leisurely breakfast.  Most days, I’m post-run and trying to find a healthy on-the-go breakfast choice as I’m getting the kids off to school and starting my day.  I want something made with natural ingredients that tastes good and is free of artificial colors and flavors.        

Enter LÄRABAR.  I’d tried numerous bars but had yet to find one that I really liked.  The first thing I noticed was that LÄRABAR had numerous flavors to choose from, like Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Cashew Cookie, Chocolate Chip Brownie, Banana Bread, and Chocolate Coconut Chew, to name just a few.  The first ingredient in each bar is dates, of which I will be the first to admit, I’m not a huge fan.  However, somehow it works.  The dates help hold everything together and I don’t even notice their flavor. 

All of the LÄRABAR flavors are gluten free, kosher and contain anywhere from 190-240 calories.  Depending on the flavor you choose, some are vegan, soy free, and/or made with Fair Trade Certified chocolate as well.  All flavors contain no more than nine ingredients, and they are ingredients you can actually pronounce like almonds, peanuts, coconut, and unsweetened cocoa powder.  That in itself is refreshing in today’s world. 

Each LÄRABAR does contain a fair amount of sugar (typically between 19-24g per bar).  I try to watch my sugar intake during the rest of my day, so I’m willing to make that trade for wholesome ingredients.  However, if you want something with a little less sugar, they also make LÄRABAR minis, which are about half the size and contain 90-100 calories and 8-11g of sugar.  The minis are great for kids as well.   

LÄRABAR makes a great, filling breakfast or a perfect post-run snack.  I’m glad I found them, as I had gone through many bars looking for something I truly liked.  You can buy them individually at most Whole Foods stores for around $1.29 each, and Target typically sells a few flavors in boxes of (5) 1.6 oz. bars for around $5-6.  If you can’t find them near you, you can also order them directly from LÄRABAR.

Now for the fun stuff – the giveaway!  Leave a comment below with your favorite on-the-go breakfast or post-workout snack, and then share this post either on Facebook or Twitter with hashtag #getupandrunlarabar.  I’ll choose one reader at the end of the contest period, and that person will win a few of my favorite flavors of LÄRABAR.  Contest ends Friday, March 22, 2013, and the winner will be announced on Facebook and Twitter.  Good luck, and happy running!!