On a recent visit to Toronto’s only pop-up gluten free food market (Gluten Free Garage) we received a bunch of samples. Now as a person who enjoys baking I almost never buy cookies or bars. Much preferring to bake my own, which enables me full control over quality of ingredients and how much sugar my kids get. Of course sometimes us busy moms need some help in keeping the cupboards stocked, especially with a couple of teenagers in the house 🙂
What are Oat-Up Bars?
Made by Pamela’s Deliciously Gluten Free Products Oat Up bars are certified organic, gluten free and non-GMO. Off to a good start but just because something holds all these designations doesn’t make it good or good for you. On closer inspection the ingredients don’t disappoint offering no refined sugars or preservatives and whole ingredients. I was pleasantly impressed.
What I Like/What I Don’t like
We tried out two flavors: Cinnamon Oatmeal and 2 Chocolate + Almonds
Cinnamon Oatmeal was my fav. I LOVE all things cinnamon, in fact I have been known to chew on whole cinnamon sticks. In my cupboards at any given time you will find a variety of types from Ceylon to Vietnamese, so in this way I tend to be quite picky. These bars didn’t disappoint! They tasted like real cinnamon. With a soft yet substantial texture they would pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea. My husband found these ones a bit on the dry side.
Nutrition Facts
Next up the 2 Chocolate + Almonds: Completely at a disadvantage here, I am NOT an almond lover, so I had my husband join in the tasting. He LOVED it! Seriously I had to fight him off to get a tiny bite. And me? Yeah I would absolutely make this purchase. Chocolatey in all the right ways, not too sweet and the almonds were ground; no nasty chunks for me to bite into. Now if you love almonds then you may be disappointed as there was almost no almond flavor. I have to say that this bar was moister than the cinnamon.
Nutrition Facts
So overall these bars are a win but not an everyday snack due to high calorie count. Small enough to carry in a purse for on the go snacking. My biggest complaint is that both of these flavors contain ground nuts making them a giant NO for school lunches, the main reason I would purchase them. However I will keep them on hand for those days when we are out on the town and are having trouble finding gluten free snacks. With 2 Celiacs in the house easy, safe, filling, grab and go snacks come in quite useful.
I look forward to trying out some of Pamela’s other products in the near future!
Buying Advice
If you have any allergies or sensitivities read all labels carefully.
Don’t be fooled by the small size they are quite filling and pack a calorie punch. Comparable to most granola type bars on the market.
The Verdict
Pamela’s Oat-Up Bars
Yumm factor: 5/5
Dollar value: N/A received as a sample. I will update this in the future once I have a price.
Buy Again: Yes
Health Benefits: N/A I would consider these bars a treat not a food and thus does not replace proper nutrition. That said the ingredients are good and would absolutely recommend over a classic granola or breakfast bar.
Final Score: 4/5
This product was featured during the “Trip to the Health Food Store” segment of the Prescription for Flavor Podcast. Listen here: