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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