Today was the longest, much grueling day of the semester. Every class went over time and I was crammed with lots of new information. My back aches! But the great news is I am done until Sunday (although I am going to try to get some stuff done tomorrow AM).
The Pear Apple Strudel? AWESOME!!! I loved the texture and flavor. Just sweet enough, and crumbly, and heavy, and oat-y! And best of all – it was very filling! At 240 kcal with 9 grams of PRO and 5 grams fiber, it packs a lot in. This was the least hungry I’ve been coming home from Clinical all semester. I am not sure how I feel about soy protein isolate, brown rice syrup, and inulin. They are all natural, yes, but not really real food. However, I felt that the benefits of the bar’s flavor and satiety may be worth it, and “all natural” is a pretty good award. I’d definitely like to try some more flavors! (Come to think of it, I did try the Peanut Toffee Buzz a while back since I love toffee and was not impressed.) I would like to try the Iced Gingerbread, Maple Nut, Carrot Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Cinnamon Raisin and Banana Bread. Surprisingly I’m not interested in the chocolate ones! I do have a lot of LaraBars on hand, though, so I doubt I should spend my money on new bars yet.
I came home to a package from Joleen, who sent me some PB2 she had leftover to sample. Of course I had to try some right away. (Here’s their website for all the questions you want to ask me but can find there 😉 ) It’s all-natural as well – peanuts, sugar, salt. It’s kind of like dehydrated PB (or maybe it is dehydrated PB?!)
I put a tablespoon in a bowl and added half that in water and stirred – magic!
I don’t think I’m ready to give my opinion yet. It tasted like peanut butter, but it lacked that “roof of your mouth” pleasure that we all love so much. On first thought, I’d say this would be good for
1) People who can’t keep their spoon out of the jar
and
2) Cooking!
It will be involved in oatmeal soon 🙂
So I wasn’t that hungry for dinner, but I did have the PB2 on a small end piece of Dakota bread with blueberry preserves
And for some veggies, I heated up my brussels, shrooms, and leftover rice and topped that with yogurt + peanuts. (Yogurt + rice is amazing, by the way, if you haven’t tried it).
This was carried by tray to the couch for some House Hunters, Nate Style.
Tomorrow Barbsies and Cliffsies arrive after lunch for a 2.75 day visit!!!
Goodnight moon
Courtney (The Hungry Yogini) says
Thanks for the info on PB2. I haven’t had the guts to try it yet.
I agree..rice and yogurt, divine!!! Love it with indian dal. YUM!
Have a great night!
Victoria says
It’ll be interesting to see what you cook with that. I have to admit, dehydrated peanut butter sounds weird to me, but I can see it being good in some baked goods when you want flavor more than the texture necessarily of PB.
zestycook says
oh very cool Kath… I have never tried PB2 yet. Looking forward to see what you do with it 🙂
zest!
Kate (Foodie on a Mission) says
I was wondering about PB2 as well. I’ve been seeing miss Gliding Calm use it so often and was thinking about trying some. Then again, nothing can compare to the taste/texture of real, good ole’ peanut butter. NOTHING.
And MMmm… I’m totally with you on the yogurt and rice thing. My whole family thinks it’s the wierdest thing in the world, but I think it tastes awesome, especially with curry.
Night! I’m actually far from going to bed here – trying to stay up until 10:00 to catch the new season of Dinner Impossible! I’m a Food Network junkie. xD
Laura says
I love those Clif bars!
PB2 is very good in oatmeal! It will never compare to fresh nut butters for me, but I love it for what it is. I’ll also add it to smoothies for a nice PB taste without all the extra calories.
Heather says
I’m intrigued by the PB2. I can’t wait to see all the different ways you come up with for how to use it!
I can’t get enough of those blueberry preserves that keep popping up! They look so good!
As for the Cliff Bars… I like to think they are good for an occasional bar, but I think bars like the Lara Bars are somewhat healthier on a regular basis. I can definitely recommend the Banana Bread Clif Bars though. So good!
Meg says
If you decide to sample more Clif bars I would recommend the flavors: Crunchy Peanut Butter, Carrot Cake, and Apricot. Some of my favorites! In Virginia I am able to find all these varieties (and lots of others) at Whole Foods – though I’ve never seen the Apple-Pear Strudel one there. I’ll have to keep my eye out for it!
Lee says
The PB2 that I sent you should be there soon too although I guess you have a lot now! The other one that I sent to someone in MD go there today.
Sharon says
Oh, interesting on the PB2.
Lee says
Oops, I meant got there.
I like it okay for stirring into things like oatmeal or yogurt, but on it’s own, bleh.
Anna says
Clifs are DIVINELY good! I’m glad you like it. I’ve actually written up reviews of all the Clif flavors and have it saved as a Word document…. yes, I’m cool haha. If you’d like to see it, I’d be happy to email it to you!
Beth says
Carrot cake cliff bars are my absolute favorite bars ever!
Carolyn says
I bought the four pack blindly of PB2. Using it in all kinds of things.. smoothies (doesn’t get caught up in the blender gears like regular pb can), mix it in pudding prior to making instant, for hubby…PBJ’s…Kath you are right there is something missing in the spoon and eat moment with it, but as long as there are other ingredients involved you can’t beat that nurtitional comparison…
Does anyone else, besides me, have horrible stomach reaction to Inulin (Chickory Root) or Soy Protein Isolate???
Lisa D says
carrot cake clif bars used to be my fave! but they may have been replaced with the blueberry ones! also the white choc mac flavor is delish.
VeggieGirl says
Loooove the Dakota bread snack!!
My folks and I LOVE ‘House Hunters’ 😀
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Thanks for the PB2 review!
Nice dinner!
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats says
One of my friends is crazy about PB2…too! I’m indifferent I guess…the calorie count is good…but I always remember as I’m eating it that it was just in a powdered form…straaaange 🙂
Shannon (The Daily Balance) says
so glad you liked the clif! I JUST did a review for PB2 on my blog last week! I thought the same thing — lacked the ‘stuck tot he roof of your mouth’ consistency that we all associate with PB! Not the best for stand-alone PB, but great for mix-in in oats, smoothies and if you think of it as a PB whipped topping, it works well on vitamuffins, etc.
those brussels and shrooms looked delish, by the way!
Have a great night 😉
Elizabeth says
The best Clif bar flavor I have found so far is White Chocolate Macademia Nut.=) The carrot cake was also delish!!
Run Sarah says
Never tried yogurt and rice, but it sounds great…I’ll have to try it!
Michelle Hisae says
Yeah that peanut butter sketches me out a little. I guess I’d have to try it first before I give my serious opinion…Is it available online or in stores?
BethT says
The Pear Apple is the best of the flavors you mentioned. The Maple Nut is good, too, but the rest are all kinda meh. I think the Pear is seasonal, so get it while you can!
Erika says
The Maple Nut and Carrot Cake cliff bars are verry good! I’m not a huge bar girl either, but these 2 flavors are really tastey and filling!
I’m not a fan of PB2…I agree that it lacked that famous PB texture…and I think it lacks in the flavor department. It does seem like it would be useful for sauces or stir-fries though!
Have a great night!
Erika
P.S. Michelle Hisae….Yes, PB2 is available online at www.bellplantain.com
elle79 says
I just tried Better n Peanut Butter tonight…UGG so gross. Nothing like peanut butter, tasted like an artificial, sugary, spread, really bad. Anyone have any better low calorie peanut butter options that taste good? I’m skeptical to try PB2 now, I really just love the taste of good ol real PB!
April Nguyen says
Carrot Cake and Blueberry Crisp are by far the superior Clif Bar flavors!!!
In case you wanted to know… 😉
sue says
i agree with the rice + yogurt combo- so yummy! enjoy your short break from school… you deserve it!
eliza says
carrot cake clif bad is sooooo good
Niki says
Kath,
I am interested to find out what the actual calorie count is in pb2??
I love House Hunters too!!
Hallie says
Yeah, I also think the PB2 concept is a little strange…but I do like the idea of being able to add it to smoothies…and maybe using it to make a savory peanut sauce? Hmm…
I like the White Choc Macadamia clif bar (UBER sweet) and that’s about it, although I’ve only tried a few kinds. I think the bang for the calorie buck isn’t that great, but I can see how they’d be good for camping/hiking or a between-class snack.
kristin point says
dark chocolate cherry almond clif bars are amazing, i ate half as an afternoon snack today! they’re not chocolately like you would think but very oat-y and have full almonds in them!
Biz319 says
I like PB2, but not the consistency of it mixed right away. I did a small batch in my food processor, and loved that more. I also think regular peanut butter is saltier – maybe that gets the “roof of the mouth” feel you were missing?
Ellen says
i have to say that while i hate the longggg ingredient list of clif bars, i still eat them fairly regularly. they taste good, have a satisfying texture, and keep me full for forever. my favorites are chocolate chip (tastes like oatmeal cookie dough!), black cherry almond, and carrot cake. toffee buzz is my least favorite, so don’t let that dissuade you! glad to hear the pear one is good!
Kristen says
I bought a jar of PB2 a month ago out of curiosity. The first time I mixed it, I was definitely not a fan…the second time around, I mixed it with milk instead of water, and I liked it much better. I’m almost through with my jar but I think I’m gonna stick to the “real” kind from now on…there are some things that–when eaten in moderation, of course–just can’t be replaced! 😀
Casey says
Carrot cake and banana are a couple of my faves! The banana tastes banana-y, just not like real bananas. It reminds me of bananas and chocolate! I also recommend the blueberry. We had sinilar dinners tonight! I had toast too (with BB, bananas and honey!) and yogurt (but mine was with granola and fruit!)
Meghan at Making Love In The Kitchen says
I’m with Victoria on the weirdness of dehydrated peanut butter. In my opinion, I think peanuts are bad enough (http://meghantelpnerblog.com/2009/04/03/nut-butter-battle/)… but all that processing to dry them just they can be reconstituted…. I don’t know. Seems like a few unnecessary processing steps… maybe if I were going to outer space or going on a really long camping trip. Otherwise I’ll stick with my moist, just almonds, almond butter.
thepinkpeppercorn says
PB2 – cool! Looks interesting for sure. Thanks for writing about it!
AshB says
i really want to try this stuff but don’t want to buy a 4 pack. anyone want to do some sort of swap equivalent slash ill send you cash for a jar if you have extras?
Sarah (lovINmytummy) says
With all this Cliff talk, I have the urge to watch Cheers.
You should call Barb “Norm” just for kicks. I would.
Shawna says
PB2 has been a staple in my cupboard since I found it a few months back, I LOVE IT! I haven’t bought real PB since and haven’t missed it! Give it a fair chance 🙂
Kara says
I’ve been reading complaints about the PB2 texture, too. I can’t find it anywhere, but I’d love to try it.
Becky says
PB2 has become a staple in my house! Not the best texture, but mix it with just a touch of say Brumle and Brown or some yogurt etc to give it a more creamy smooth texture. It of course goes great in oats!
haya (living and learning) says
that’s a lot of clif(f)s!
also. pb2 sounds really really weird. like really weird. though that roof of your mouth sensation is one of the things i hate about peanut butter (but i also don’t really like the taste of peanuts that much either so i probably still wouldn’t love pb2)
how many points did you get playing house hunters nate-style?
Angie says
I agree with you on the pb2- my verdict is still out. I’ve got a jar in my cabinet, and I tasted it twice, and it does taste like peanuts, but I’m not convinced I love it yet.
Anne says
check out the peanut butter boy for tons of good ways to use pb2
he also just did peanut butter review where he reviewed a pb2 competitor product
Beadie @ What I Ate Yesterday says
PB2 is dehydrated with the fat removed and the fat is the best part 🙂 I am not a fan of PB2, I tried it all sorts of ways only to discover that PB is all about the texture for me.
Shelby says
Pear Apple Strudle is my favorite Clif flavor!
PB2 is perfect in oatmeal, or even for thickening up cereals!
Kerri says
A peanut butter day! The black rice looks gorgeous.
JENNA says
I love how you sometimes end your nightly post with “good night moon..” so sweet. ha-
That clif bar sounds great! I haven’t had the pear Apple Strudle yet.
Barbara says
Hi Kath~
I tried PB2 a couple years ago and must say that it really didn’t satisfy my PB craving. The taste is pb-ish but the consistancy is so very lacking:(
I’m excited to try your famous Tempeh/Pumpkin Butter Sammy this weekend…wohoooo
Have a great day!
Barb
brandi says
I love using PB2 in cooking more than just eating plain, too.
It’s also good in smoothies!
K says
House Hunters!! I love that show!
White Chocolate Mac. Nut Clif is by far my favorite! Even though you’re not interested in the chocolate ones (I’m not either) you should definitely try this one!
Lynne says
I’ve tried both the plain and chocolate PB2, and while I do enjoy it in my morning oatmeal, I’m not crazy about it on it’s own. I do want to try it in a smoothie, though.
Caronae says
I have been on the Clif Bar bandwagon since about seventh grade (like 8 or 9 years ago) when I used to eat them during gymnastics practice. You should consider some of the chocolate flavors — the chocolate peanut chip and brownie ones are very good. My favorite is maple nut so you should definitely try that. The mint chocolate is also very tasty! Good luck!
Ronda says
I have PB2, I had to drive an hour and some one way to get it too, but I am not impressed. I did not like it in my oatmeal. It has the taste, but not the texture.
Diana says
PB2 is great in smoothies!
I really love that stuff!
Diana
Nicole says
Carrot cake is the best clif bar flavor. Mmmm!
Jtine says
I recommend the Iced Gingerbread and Carrot Cake Clif Bars. (My favorite is the chocolate peanut one). I love pumpkin, and pumpkin pie, but that bar was disappointing.
Meg says
2.75 day visit. That’s cute.
I really like Cliff bars. The iced cinnamon raisin one is really good. The carrot cake is good, but not was good as I hoped it would be.
I feel the same way you do about the soy protein etc. I’m thinking about no longer buying Cliff and Luna bars. I will save some money as well if I stop.. they’re just so tasty!
Jess says
Clif makes good stuff, but the Clif gels (used for long distance running) upset my stomach, and I think it’s that brown rice syrup.
Kath says
Thanks for all of your recommendations!
Thanks Lee
Anna ,
Yes, please send me your review doc! (KathEats at Gmail)
Niki ,
it’s on the website!
Kath
Anne says
Kath, I’m glad you liked your present!!!!! 🙂
if anyone else wants some, let me know people!
Seana says
I LOVE PB2! But I do agree it isn’t “quite” right all on it’s own. I love to add a tablespoon of it in chocolate milk for a nice sweet treat. Another great way to eat it is to slice up some fruit (like apples) toss them in a baggie with a scoop of PB2 and shake it all up. The juice from the fruit makes the powder stick and they come out all peanut buttery. I could go on and on about it. I probably use a jar a month all on my own.