One thing I’ve found quite difficult at times about being gluten-free is snacking, particularly when I’m out and about. In the office it’s not too bad – I can have a dollop of humous with a couple of oatcakes, or a handful of grapes. Not so easy to have either in my handbag. The easy-grab options tend to be full of stuff I can no longer eat, or full of calories and general bad stuff – whether it be chocolate bars, biscuits or cereal bars that are still moulded together with gluten. Which is where Eat Natural have come in to rescue me (and all other gf-er’s, and anyone wanting a healthier snack bar). I’d seen these before but hadn’t been too drawn towards trying them – I’m not particularly a massive fan of eating nuts, which a lot of their range contains. But I’d heard good things, so decided to give them a go – and all I can say is thank goodness I did. After my first one, I was hooked.
If you’ve read any of my previous posts you’ll know that I crave any kind of sweet-tasting goods, but too much chocolate is neither good for my heart or my scales. One of my favourite Eat Natural bars is the Cranberry, Macadamia and Dark Chocolate – the cranberries provide a sweet hit that I know is good for me, and the dark chocolate base provides my cocoa quota. Added flavour comes from the nuts and the coconut flakes that are packed in alongside the crisped rice puffs, Brazil nuts, honey and sultanas. I’m not even going to deny that just typing about it is making me rather desperate for one.
But if you’re looking for a fruit and nut bar minus the chocolate, try the Almond, Apricot and Yoghurt coated variety – the one I’d reach for after the Cranberry. While the bar overall provides a whole variety of delicious flavours, the yoghurt coating adds a twist and makes it feel like a really indulgent treat (and satisfies my sweet tooth).
Having said this, I can genuinely say that I love all the varieties; including the ones without a sweeter coating. Even me, far from a nut enthusiast, really enjoyed the Brazil nuts, sultanas, almonds, peanuts and hazelnuts bar – granted, the sultanas and honey still gave it a hint of sweetness but the combination of nuts and their different tastes and textures blend fantastically together. And, for any of you reading this who can still eat gluten, there’s also a Popcorn and Peanut bar – I can only look at this longingly, but would be highly surprised if it wasn’t delicious, too.
I think you get my drift; I can’t rate the Eat Natural range highly enough. There’s rarely a time I leave the house now without one in my bag, and each time I enjoy it as much as the last. Have you tried any of the bars or can share any other on-the-go snack recommendations? Drop me a line at healthy@therivergroup.co.uk.