The other day, when I spotted the new Larabar flavors at the store—chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate chip brownie, carrot cake, and peanut butter chocolate chip—my hand involuntarily reached out to snatch them.
(Well, I only got these two, so I did manage to not buy all the newest Larabar flavors.)
I love to make my own Homemade Cookie Dough Larabars, where I can put in extra-dark chippies and use whatever nuts I want (sometimes I like using almonds in place of the cashews). But then again, isn’t homemade always better?
As far as packaged bars go, I thought the cookie dough was Larabar’s best flavor yet! But the brownie bar was seriously lacking in the chocolatey department. Jocalats are much richer. I ended up giving the rest of the brownie bar to my dad (who really would eat anything!) and took all of 5 seconds to make myself a different snack:
Homemade Peanut Butter Larabars
Question of the Day:
Have you ever tried making your own Homemade Larabars?
If so, what’s your favorite flavor? If not, you really should try; it’s super-simple, quick, and much less expensive than buying pre-packaged bars. Plus, you get to make up your own flavors! Best part!!
I know I could get kicked out of blogland for this, but I’m just not a bar fan. I don’t like the thought of eating something on-the-go like that. I rarely actually enjoy them.
But, given my insane life right now, I may change my mind on that since I often find myself up creek without a healthy snack. Hmm…perhaps some homemade bars a la CCK?
I always get so tempted by pretty packaging and new products. It’s hard to stop myself sometimes, yet I know what I make at home is usually at least 10x better 🙂
Are the larabars made with “real” chocolate chips or nibs?
Chocolate chips. You can actually taste whole chocolate chips in there, which was one plus in my opinion (but not enough of a plus that I’d buy them again).
I’ve never had a Lara bar – not a big bar person. But, I think that the ingredients sound like they make up a happy medley, so maybe I ought to try to homemade version!
never tried making my own!! I want to try the new ones so bad!!!
Hey Katie!
I LOVE Lara bars! They are so GOOD. The Ginger Spice version is one of my favorites! It tastes like pure Thanksgiving pumpkin pie:) I love making homemade cookie dough too ! I’ve never made the bars, but have some dough of my own called “Cookie Dough Coins”- here’s the link address for those:)-
http://millieskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/06/oh-my-pumpkin-pie-shake-and-cookie.html
PS- I can’t believe you didn’t buy the Carrot Cake version~ that’s the one I can’t wait to try! YUM to Carrot Cake- I’m making your muffins this week for a new recipe:)
Heather McClees
http://www.millieskitchen.blogspot.com
well of course yours are better!!! these ones look good but theyre missing your extra ingredient… LOVE <3 hehe
seriously tho, i think i will make urs before i try these!
I’ve been wanting to try the cookie dough Lara bar but I think I”ll just take your advice and make my own. Off to buy ingredients for your cookie dough babies 🙂
I just discovered these, too. I relied on Larabars when I was first diagnosed with a gluten allergy. Since then, I’ve learned to experiment in the kitchen. But you’re right, homemade versions are so much better. Please keep the clever, chocolate-y recipes coming – they’re inspiring!
Aw thanks, Kate 🙂
I feel so behind the times! I had no idea there were new flavors!
Oh don’t worry, girl, they’re EXTREMELY new! I don’t think my local WFS is even selling them yet!
I must start to make my own Lara bars!!! They are so expensive and yours look amazing!
katie,
i thought of you when i bought one out last week… think they stole the idea from you. pretty good, but homeade are better!
t
ps. i never match when i run because i tend to buy the crazy colored nike shorts that are on the sale rack!!! sans matching top!
Tracey, that’s EXACTLY my problem!!! LOL so now I have all these mismatched tops and bottoms and they’ve discontinued the colors, so there’s no hope!
Wanna hear something RIDICULOUS? Larabars are made in Colorado (where I am currently living) and the new flavors are NOWHERE to be found! Geesh!
Sheesh, that IS ridiculous! Maybe you should sneak into the factory and get some not-yet-packaged larabar “dough” 🙂 🙂
We’ve reviewed a few of this brand’s products and have also not been impressed. In general, sadly, we are left unhappy with many “healthy” treats and products available today. Why can’t companies figure out that you need to think about both — health and taste?
Agreed! Just today, I tried a free sample of some new “healthy”” product, and I was left thinking, “How on earth did this thing make it past the first batch of taste testers, let alone into production?!”