are LaraBars raw?

[kathy8429]

I saw a post about carrying these with you. Are they raw? Thanks

[bunny_rescuer]

They are mostly raw. If it has cocoa powder or nuts, I think those are roasted
http://www.larabar.com/food/about-larabar

[Jehote]

Yes and soooo good and simple! The peanut butter cookie are awesome!!!!

[juliebove]

Not necessarily. Some are not and will say so on them. Even of those that are purported to be raw, some here believe they are not. Do they not use a lot of almonds in them? If so, those almonds are probably not really raw.

[rkk]

What is meant by raw?
Raw means uncooked food in its real, most natural form. At LÄRABAR, we use ingredients dehydrated below 118 degrees, which we consider to be raw. In addition, our ingredients do not exceed 118 degrees in the production of LÄRABAR.

Are cashews truly raw?
Heat steaming is often used to extract the cashew nut from the fruit of the tree. It's not known for certain whether or not the nut is actually heated during the process. Regardless, we feel that cashews are loaded with vitamins and minerals and fit into a healthy diet.

Does LÄRABAR use raw cocoa?
LÄRABAR does not use raw cocoa powder at this time. Because of LÄRABAR's unique flavor profile as well as the challenge of finding a quality and consistent supply, we have chosen to use cocoa powder from a roasted cocoa bean. We feel the health benefits, including high antioxidant content, far outweigh the fact that the cocoa has been heated.

Where does the cocoa in LÄRABAR come from?
We source our cocoa from farmers and communities that support sustainability and Fair Trade, which ensures workers are treated with dignity and protects against forced labor and child labor abuses.

How can a raw product have such a long shelf life?
We use a multi-layer package that keeps out UV light and oxygen, which, in turn, maintains freshness without the use of preservatives.

Does LÄRABAR contain peanuts?
We currently make one product that contains peanuts: LÄRABAR Peanut Butter Cookie. We take the peanut allergen issue very seriously and have made certain that all LÄRABAR products containing peanuts are made in a dedicated manufacturing facility. This means that the product containing peanuts do not come into contact with our other LÄRABAR products, thus there is no possibility of cross contamination in the manufacturing process. While we manufacture our peanut flavor in a dedicated manufacturing facility, we cannot guarantee that any of our ingredients have not come in contact with peanuts prior to reaching our manufacturing facility or after they have been shipped.

Are the peanuts in LÄRABAR Peanut Butter Cookie roasted? What percentage of this flavor is raw?
Yes, we use roasted peanuts in Peanut Butter Cookie because we feel the taste is more appealing. For people who follow a strict raw food diet, the Peanut Butter flavor is 60% raw which is also noted on our packaging.

What is extra virgin coconut oil?
Extra virgin coconut oil is a tropical oil that is extracted using a cold pressed method from fresh coconuts.

What is the lemon juice concentrate and lemon flavor used in the LÄRABAR Lemon Bar?
The lemon juice concentrate we use is made from pure lemon juice and lemon pulp, which is flash pasteurized to ensure it is safe to consume. The lemon flavor we use is made from a cold press process during which the fruit skin yields pure essential oil.

[rkk]

I find it a bit annoying that they call the bar raw, and then go on to justify why they used cooked ingredients in their bar (saying that it's still nutritious, tastes better, etc) - as though that somehow makes their using the term 'raw' okay. Rather than calling the bar 'raw', they should simply label the package stating that it contains 'primarily' raw ingredients. And peanuts should certainly be labeled as 'roasted peanuts'.

Edit: Just noticed they said they labeled the peanut butter one as 60% raw. I'll have to check my labels next time I think about buying one of these. Though with all their justifications and excuses, I'll be more likely to pick up another brand of raw bar next time I'm at the health food store.... and will only buy a Larabar if I'm at a conventional store and no other raw bar is available.

[Jehote]

And they taste good to! :)
Matthew

[meow]

Thanks for the info! I've been wondering if they're truly raw, too. I am very disappointed that they use roasted cacao in the chocolate coconut bars- it seems like it'd be just as easy and probably the same amount of money to use raw cacao powder! But I have had my doubts that the almonds they contain are actually raw anyway, so I'll finish the two bars I have and then not buy them anymore. It's too bad we can't just trust companies who sell "raw" foods, but everyone is just out to make money I guess!

[mstrish]

I have read on one of the boxes and it said 90% raw.

[rawlight]

I have read on one of the boxes and it said 90% raw.

Right. Check the wrapper on the various bars. Some say 100% raw, some 90%.

[ReneeH]

Raw vegans are stupid! Hahahahahahahahaha

I just don't get this....

Ummmm....why exactly are you here? You have had this same response to several threads... I for one am tired of seeing you post this. Please stop. Thank you...

[raw_danceruk]

IMO junk food

processed, heated... better to go for something fresh

in a pinch it isnt a big deal to just go without until fresh food is available!

[Carol the Dabbler]

I just spoke with a very pleasant gentleman in the Larabars customer service department. His information sheet did not specify where their almonds are grown, but it did describe them as "steam processed."

Virtually all of the Larabar flavors that the labels describe as "raw" (rather than merely "x% raw") contain almonds and/or cashews.

It's hard enough to be 100% raw even when you really intend to be, and it's up to each of us to decide just where to draw the line. As for me and my house, I think we'll stop buying Larabars.

[kelane]

where can you buy lara bars?

[hapahaole]

where can you buy lara bars?

Costco has them for pretty cheap. Otherwise, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, amazon.com have them.