As many of you know, much of my health philosophy is based around the notion that the food we eat should be prepared by our own hands. That’s why I cook myself a meal most evenings, pack a lunch when I’m out for an afternoon, or save myself for desserts that are homemade, not packaged in a box.
As with everything in life, however, there are exceptions to this rule. Cereal is one with which I am pretty liberal. The only other product I generally eat from a wrapper is an on-the-go necessity: an energy bar.
Though I try to limit my bar consumption, there are occasions that require them. Typically, those times involve me being hungry, really busy, and sparing about 45 seconds to eat something. It would be nice to mindfully savor a dish at every meal and snack, but that is simply unrealistic. And so, enter the bar.
Everyone has their preferences when it comes to packaged bars. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth, and the multiple types of sugars used in most bars [even the natural ones, like agave or honey] tend to overpower my tastebuds. Plus, I’m looking for an energy-dense snack, not a sugar rush. 20 grams of added sugar in a bar – not my thing.
I also like a specific texture – chewy, not crunchy. And most importantly, I like a certain ingredients list – not only one where I can pronounce each element, but one where I would actually use the ingredients myself. Chicory root fiber and soy protein isolate, as I’ve seen on the packaging of other popular bars? I wouldn’t find those in my pantry. Typically, I stick with Larabars, as the dates and cashews that comprise my favorite flavor are regular staples of my diet.
Sometimes, however, I’m looking for something other than fruit and nuts. I’ve long searched for a bar with a good grain base that still fulfills my requirements, and I have continually come up short. But, there is some good news for me, and perhaps for you: I think I’ve finally found it.
Recently, I was given the opportunity to sample several new bars, courtesy of a lovely California-based company called 18 Rabbits.
The name is inspired by a childhood memory of the owner’s, and the company’s philosophy focuses on exactly what I adore: pure, unprocessed, nutritious food. 100% of the ingredients come from local farmers; almost all are organic. Being that family and whole foods are key aspects of my lifestyle, I was a fan of this company from the moment I learned of their existence.
Each flavor is based off a type of granola already produced by the company, which fulfills my criteria of something I might eat as a snack were I not on the go. The ingredients come exclusively from dried fruits, nuts, seeds, oats, and natural sweeteners. The bars are soft and supple; the sugar content lower than any bar on the market; the flavor oat-y, not too sweet, and very natural. I’m in love.
Currently, four varieties are offered, with adorable names such as “Haute Diggity Date” and “Cheeky Cherry Chocolate.” They’re as delicious as they sound, and I appreciate that the flavors are built around natural fruits [dates, sultanas, figs, cherries], rather than attempting to imitate the taste of a cookie, as so many energy bars do. [Yes, I realize my favorite Larabar is named "cashew cookie." Feel free to call me hypocritical].
Unfortunately, 18 Rabbits’ products are currently only available in select locations outside California [in New York, they're sold only at Dean and Deluca in the city]. But, there is always online ordering through the website - the shipping charges are worth it.
Thanks to 18 Rabbits for providing me the samples – even if I had to eat while climbing subway stairs, each bite was pure, energy-inducing, and a tasty pleasure.
What is your favorite on the go snack?
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I’ve never tried this kind of bar. Looks interesting. I’ll have to give it a go sometime.
My favorite bar besides lara! I agree with the statement “Chicory root fiber and soy protein isolate, as I’ve seen on the packaging of other popular bars? I wouldn’t find those in my pantry.” I too feel the same..if its not something I cook with why would I eat it all wrapped up? I think if people really applied this to half the things they ate..many companies would go out of business…aka cliff =)
Maggie
i love those 18rabbit bars so much! i actually first had one over a year ago, bought one a dean and duluca’s and ahh it was so good! then i forgot all about them and then saw them at my co-op a month or so back! now they are getting to be quite popular! they are delicious, i agree and i love the ingredients!
…
my favorite on the go snack is definitely a some kind of bar, ProBars, are one of my favs and of course Larabars, duh
love you
xx
Eliza
love 18 rabbit bars! great review and post! i agree i love my laras but sometimes i need a grain-y type of bar and 18 rabbit is perfect! love the chocolate chips in some of them! so goood
my fave on the go snack is def Larabars or probars or 18 rabbit bars 
or i like to make my own trail mix sometimes, with raisins almonds and cashews!
xo
maya
Favorite on-the-go snack = One Lucky Duck bars, Larabars, Wild bars, Pure bars… BARS
I’ve never had 18 rabbits bars! look good though! maybe I’ll order some
my favorite on the go snack: a luna bar, any flavor, especially lemon zest flavor.
Those sound delicious — I’m the same way with chewy over crunchy.
I try to pack non-packaged snacks but sometimes grab a Kashi Pumpkin Spice bar and love it!
I agree with your philosophy about making foods rather than consuming processed foods. This way you can assure you know what you’re putting into your body. For reasons like these, I don’t tend to consume energy bars. However, I do eat them when I go backpacking, and am never sure which ones to choose, so thanks for the recommendation!
i like your “real food” philosophy! i agree. but I also <3 nutrition/energy bars… i can be a sucker for the protien-filled superfudgecaramelchipblast, lol ;P
mmm… granola. granola bars are so yummy crumbled in yogurt. 18 rabbits sounds good, i'll have to keep an eye out for that!
my fave snacks ~ apples, clif & luna & lara & balance bars, yogurt, cereal. separately or all together
happy december, leslie!
Cashew cookie is one of my top 3 Larabar flavors. They are better than real cookies, for sure. Nature’s candy blended into a bar, that’s what I love about Laras. I’ve meant to grab 18 rabbits every time I go to WF, but I somehow forget… It is now HIGH on my priority list.
So funny/ironic that you posted about an ‘on the go’ snack, because I hate bars! Hate them! Besides Larabars–the only exception
Mostly for the same reasons as you–TOO sweet and sugary, too processed. But, these 18 Rabbits look adorable, wholesome, and delicious. I want to try them now !
As much as I love to savor and enjoy the meals and snacks I eat, I do have to realize that is not always realistic. Great when you can find nice alternatives for those on the go times!
[...] some other well respected bloggers are showing 18 Rabbits some love as well: My lady Katharina, The Whole Plate, and Lynn from the Actor’s [...]