A week or so ago, I received this adorable package from the nice gals and guys over at 18 Rabbits with a sampling of their five granola bars. I’d seen these all over the blogs (and lusted over them in the checkout aisle at Dean & Deluca) and fell head over heels in love with their snazzy packaging and quirky flavors. I couldn’t wait to try these bad boys out!
A little about the country, written by Alison Vercruysse, the founder of 18 Rabbits:
It all started down a gravel road in Farmers Branch, Texas in the kitchen of Two Lost Valley Lane. I liked to play outside with my four brothers and sisters and our rabbit, Blackjack, while Mom watched from the kitchen where she made her special granola.
On days Mom made granola, the aroma of oats, coconut, honey and nuts wafted through the house and out the windows, and we’d all leave off playing and head inside. One day we ran off and forgot Blackjack, leaving him to a rabbit rendezvous. Soon he had a family of 18, and our yard was hopping with more rabbits than we knew what to do with!
I created my own recipe for 18 Rabbits granola because I like for people to feel good—the kind of good that comes from enjoying the most delicious, most nutritious food. Like the way your favorite childhood memory gives you a spring in your step, wherever it comes to you—even as you head down a busy city street far away from where you grew up. Eat some and see where it takes you.
—
I tried to pick a favorite bar, but they were each so different and interesting that it was impossible to choose!
Funky Figs and Cherries
I love the sweet figs and the cherries. I like that this, like many 18 Rabbits bars, uses both hazelnuts and walnuts! Perfect amount of dark chocolate.
18 Rabbits Nibble A Sultana
There’s an almost smoky flavor here. It’s softer than some of the other bars; this flavor reminds me of the Koka Moka-flavored Pro Bar. I like the variety of nuts, seeds and dark chocolate.
Ari’s review: The first bite tasted like a cardboard bx, but as I chewed it I realized I actually really like it. It’s not a Reese’s cup, but I like it. And the “box-y” taste makes me feel healthy.
18 Rabbits Belle Bananas Foster
This flavor reminds me of a Kind bar. It breaks well; would be great crumbled over yogurt. It’s both hard and chewy. The banana flavor doesn’t overpower. It could be a little softer, but it feels heartier this way.
Cheeky Cherry Chocolate
This flavor reminds me of a Super Charge Me! cookie, and of the Whole Foods granola bars I love so much. It’s sweet, but not overly so, with the perfect amount of chocolate. I love the tart cherries and the deep dark chocolate.
Haute Diggity Date
Mmm! You can really taste the ooey gooey dates here. They pair perfectly with the pecans! Not too sweet, as I’d expected it might be.
—
Bottom line: I love these. I love the granola they use in the bars–there are two: Veritas Granola with hazelnut, walnut, flax & cacao nibs; and Gracias Granola with pecan, almond and maple, which you can also buy as is. I love the interesting flavors, the variety of tastes and textures. I love that they’re made with 91% organic ingredients (read about why they’re not 100% organic here) and source local ingredients. There’s something for (almost) everyone: the bars are all wheat and/or dairy free and certified Kosher. They’re also certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council! And most importantly? They’re delicious (and cute)! My one complaint is that they’re a tad greasy, but not enough so to keep me away!
I enjoyed them crumbled up with yogurt, fruit and peanut butter…
… but mostly enjoyed them as is. They break easily for convenient snacking, but don’t fall apart!
Would I buy these? Yes! I may just head back to Dean & Deluca’s to replenish my stash.
Thanks again, 18 Rabbits!
What do you look for in a granola bar?
These look really delicious! Cute names too.
I look for gluten-free, low sugar granola bars. I’ve often thought about making my own but then my laziness sort of takes over.
Awww I love the way the founder describes the company. Too cute
I look for heft. I want to see, feel, and taste the ingredients! If it has a chemical aftertaste, foh-get about it!
Yum, yum! I LOVE 18 rabbits bars!
I loved the company story of 18 rabbits and the company’s philosophy. I also loved the quirkiness and cute names, but I wasn’t a big fan of the texture of the granola bars. I either like soft cookie like bars, like Cliff bars, or crunchy bars similar to a Nature Valley bar. Glad you loved the bars!
thanks for the review girl! ive never tried these! but they sound GREAT! i look for protein content in protein bars!
I LOVED 18 rabbits. I still have not done my review yet, but it’s coming. My favorite was the cherry and the banana foster. So good, and it’s surprising bc I don’t really like granola bars! What I look for them is actually not the nutrition, but the taste. That’s the key thing for me!
Those granola bars look yummy!! I look for the shortest ingredient list possible on my granola bars, which means they’re more likely to be “clean.”
-emily http://www.emilyeatsclean.wordpress.com
I LOVE these bars! I am posting my review about them soon.
As a vegan, I can’t eat the two flavors with dairy, but the other 3 were soooo good. Definitely buying some if I can find them at Whole Foods Sunday!
Thank you for the great review! I’m glad you’re looking into your schedule so that we can meet up soon! Next week is a bit difficult for me because I have midterms, but after that we should definitely grab a bite:)
Yummy! I have seen these too all over the blog world but havent seen them around me yet.
But they do look tasty! Especially that banana foster mmm mmm! My perfect granola bar has to be crunchy, sweet and not overly processed.
Great review! I think the cherry chocolate one sounds really good- I have a cherry choc Bear Naked one to try
I usually use granola bars crumbled in place of cereal…burned out on Quaker Chewy bars back in the day! Definitely prefer softer/chewier bars for just plain munchin’.
Have a great weekend!
I have seen these bars all over the blog world too, I must try them!! I dont think i ever seen them at the store, will have to check!!! I know I would love them!!
In a bar I look for protein sometimes, I look at the sugar, make sure its not really high unless its natural fruit , I look at saturated fat too, and the less ingredients the better for sure!!!
My favorite granola bars are the Cascadian Farms chocolate chip ones. They are the best I’ve come across as far as taste goes. Also the nutrition isn’t so bad either! The 18Rabbits one with chocolate in it looks really good!
These bars have such cute names.
Personally, I don’t like it when granola bars are too “firm” … I actually like to let them get a little stale, because they’re almost chewy that way. Yes, I am weird.
<3 <3
So funny, when I first opened your page this morning, I thought you were going to review an 18Rabbits bead spread! The packaging looked very cozy to me! I’m glad they’re sticking to what they do best- granola bars!
i LOVE all the flavors they have…i am definitely keeping my eye out for these!!!