Review of GreenWise Organic Grain Bars

Kevin and I recently tried GreenWise organic grain bars from Publix. These bars are available in four flavors: Strawberry Shortcake, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Brownie, and Iced Oatmeal Cookie. Priced at $4.59 per box, each package contains six bars, each weighing 36 grams. Below, we delve into the key features, nutritional aspects, and our overall impressions of each flavor.

General Features

• Brand: GreenWise, a Publix organic brand.
• Price: $4.59 per box (six bars).
• Calories: Most bars contain 150 calories, with the Chocolate Brownie at 140 calories.
• Ingredients: All bars prominently feature oats, tapioca syrup, and fig paste. They are gluten-free and made with organic ingredients.

Flavor and Texture Analysis

1. Strawberry Shortcake

   • Calories: 150 per bar.
   • Texture: Dense and chewy, similar to Quaker bars but tougher.
   • Taste: Natural strawberry flavor from organic freeze-dried strawberries, despite not seeing visible strawberry pieces. The flavor is pleasant, but the dense texture might not appeal to children.
   • Overall Impression: While flavorful, the tough and chewy texture is a drawback.

2. Chocolate Chip

   • Calories: 150 per bar.
   • Texture: Softer compared to Strawberry Shortcake, making it more enjoyable to eat.
   • Taste: Subtle chocolate flavor, with a slightly sweet taste from fig paste. The texture is similar to bars from Trader Joe's.
   • Overall Impression: The softest and most enjoyable of the four flavors, making it the best option for those who prefer a less dense bar.

3. Chocolate Brownie

   • Calories: 140 per bar.
   • Texture: Very dense and dry, challenging to chew.
   • Taste: Unsweetened chocolate flavor with a slight bitterness. Reminiscent of a less sweet no-bake cookie.
   • Overall Impression: The dry and dense texture makes it less appealing, despite a decent flavor profile.

4. Iced Oatmeal Cookie

   • Calories: 150 per bar.
   • Texture: Tough and chewy, similar to the other bars.
   • Taste: Strong cinnamon flavor with an earthy undertone from fig paste. The cinnamon aroma is pleasant, but the overall taste may not appeal to everyone.
   • Overall Impression: The cinnamon flavor is strong but not overwhelming. However, the texture remains a significant downside.

Nutritional Highlights

• Primary Ingredients: Oats, tapioca syrup, fig paste, and various natural flavors depending on the bar.
• Organic Certification: All ingredients are organic, which is a key selling point for health-conscious consumers.
• Caloric Content: Ranges from 140 to 150 calories per bar, making them a moderate-calorie snack option.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Organic and gluten-free.
• Natural flavors with no artificial additives.
• Reasonable price for an organic product.

Cons:

• Inconsistent texture across different flavors, with some bars being too tough and chewy.
• Flavor profiles, while natural, might not appeal to all palates, especially children.
• Competing products offer better textures and similar nutritional benefits.

Final Verdict

While GreenWise organic grain bars offer a decent flavor and the benefit of organic ingredients, the tough and chewy texture of most bars detracts from the overall enjoyment. The Chocolate Chip bar stands out as the best option due to its softer texture. However, given the wide range of softer, more enjoyable bars available in the market, these might not be the first choice unless organic certification is a primary concern.

We hope this detailed review helps you make an informed decision. If you've tried these bars, please share your thoughts and experiencies.