Kashi Coconut Cashew Macaroon Chewy Nut Butter Bars: Kashi has not fared well on Tasty Snacking, averaging a score of 2.6 for products that fall too far on the "health food" spectrum of healthy snacks. With this new line of Chewy Nut Butter Bars, Kashi seems to have realized the limited marketing appeal of wholesome and nourishing ingredients, instead capitalizing on America's love of junk food, all while maintaining a consistent brand strategy. Take a look at the packaging: If you strip away the Kashi logo and minimalist typography, you're left with a photograph of what could easily pass as a candy bar, with a thick drizzle nut butter, a sprinkle of coconut flakes, and a peek of oats behind it all. The word "macaroon" is strategically substituted for "granola bar," establishing a connection with cookies, what most people really want to be consuming when they find themselves in the cereal bar aisle. I purchased this box on sale along with another cookie-disguised-as-granola-bar flavor (review forthcoming). The Coconut Cashew Macaroon taste like slightly healthier Samoas, my favorite Girl Scout cookie. They are not quite as sticky as Samoas in texture but still have a satisfying chewiness and spiced goodness. It was far superior to the regular "Chewy Granola Bars" line of Kashi cereal bars I previously reviewed. Unfortunately, they aren't particularly filling - a more nutrient-dense energy bar like Cliff will take you much further. Nonetheless, flavor-wise, this is one I can wholeheartedly recommend. 3.5/5.0

recommended kashi coconut cashew macaroon chewy nut butter bars 3.5