Larabar - an Energy Bar Which Supplies Long Lost Flavors to Celiac Sufferers

Once you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, have eliminated all the gluten and most grain-based items from your diet, and have lived this way for several years, you stop craving most forbidden foods. But that makes certain long-lost flavors all the more delightful when and if a good substitute comes your way. Unlike people on weight-loss diets, or even those of diabetic diets, the celiac sufferer does not have the possibility of returning to flour and gluten based foods-- or even having just a little bit or a smaller portion of forbidden foods. This is because gluten acts as a direct poison in the celiac's system, and even a tiny amount can trigger a full attack of symptoms. So the celiac person develops a different mindset. They use odd ingredients, develop alternatives and learn to enjoy the things they can eat.

How nice it is, however, to find a small portable pre-made and relatively inexpensive product, made of a few healthy ingredients that can supply the taste of some long-abandoned flavors. Larabar, an energy bar found in supermarkets, drugstores and health food stores is just that. As opposed to many of the energy bars with a long paragraph of multi-syllabic ingredients, Larabars are remarkably simple: They contain ground nuts, dried fruit and an occasional spice. That is all. They are completely gluten free and even better, for those such as myself who also cannot eat rice and corn, they are totally grain free as well.

What is so unique about Larabars, however, is that they come is a variety of flavors which, with only the most minimal ingredients and no added sugars or honey, they mimic the taste of dessert and pastry items. The Cinnamon Roll, Apple Pie, Cherry Pie, Pecan Pie and Cashew Cookie varieties really do taste like these baked goods! As someone who cannot have any of the real life versions of these goodies, I can attest that Larabars are a true delight.

The company's web site now advertises some new varieties which my local super market does not carry-- Coconut Cream Pie, Peanut Butter Cookie and some new chocolate and nut combinations which sound intriguing.

Did the creator of Larabar realize that she was providing such a nice taste treat to the celiac population? I do not know. But I am writing this piece entirely at my own prompting because it is rare to find a product one so actively enjoys which has no down sides! Thus, it gives me a good feeling to be able to recommend this product to others with celiac. If you are going to an event where dessert is bound to be served, and you are going to have to turn it down, bring along a Larabar to have with your coffee or tea. I guarantee you will enjoy it.