Review: Daryl's Chocolate Elite Bars

I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for the convenience of protein bars. While I'm working, the portability and satisfaction a protein bar can give between seeing patients is too good to pass up. The trouble is, many of these bars have too many preservatives, too little fibre, and too much sugar.

A few years ago, I discovered a local manufacturer in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, that hand makes All-Natural High Protein Bars daily. No preservatives, natural sweeteners (honey, molasses), high fibre, and high in protein. Perfect - on paper. Do they taste all right?



Taste.
Truly outstanding. Daryl's Hi-N-R-G Bars bars make 6 different bars, but my favorite are the "Chocolate Elite" Bars. I enjoy the texture of the toasted oats, with sweetness coming from just a little bit of honey and molasses. (The drizzle of chocolate on top doesn't hurt either!) The tartness of the dried fruits (cranberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) are a great balance.



In Protein bars, I like to see a protein:fat ratio of 5-6 grams protein to 1g fat, and these bars are certainly in that ballpark. The fibre content is outstanding, and the total sugars relative to carbs is low making them a good low glycemic choice.
My one caution to people is that at 288 calories per bar, if you are watching total calories, either cut them in half, or consider them as a treat.

I love finding great products close to home, and am proud to see a Canadian Company doing a good job.

Have you had these before?
Let me know what you think!

Recipe: Chocolate Oatmeal Protein Bars

Those of you that know me, know I am constantly on the look-out for the perfect snack. I try to eat small amounts throughout the work day, as well as soon after training as possible. Finding something satisfying to eat quickly between seeing patients can often be difficult. These have been some of the criteria I need to be met for my perfect snack.

• Portable.
• Satisfying. 
• High in Protein, high in fibre and low in fat.
• Can't get stuck in my teeth. (I'm dealing face to face with people)
• Can't have a strong odor. (see above)
• Has to actually taste good.

After many years of tweaking recipes, I think I've found the perfect "on the go" snack, for work, for training, for travel, for anytime. There's just enough sweet from the maple syrup, to satisfy my sweet tooth; just enough protein and fibre to satisfy hunger; just enough brightness from the OJ and spice to pick me up.

Perfect. Let me know what you think!

Chocolate Oatmeal Protein Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Baking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups Large Flake Oats ( I like Quaker)

4 scoops Chocolate Protein Powder

1/4 cup Dutch Processed Cocoa (I like Valrhona )

1 heaping tablespoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1 cup Canadian Maple Syrup

1/4 cup applesauce

1/4 cup O.J.

Splash of Vanilla

2 egg whites

Pre-heat oven to 325 F.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the first 6 dry ingredients.

In another mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until slightly foamy. Then add the other 4 wet ingredients to the egg whites.

Pour wet into dry and gently fold ingredients together, until just mixed through.

Spray an 8x8 baking dish with your favorite cooking spray, and spread mixture into dish evenly.

Sprinkle top with more cinnamon, and bake in oven for 30 minutes.

Let cool and cut into squares to enjoy.