Understanding the Bobby Approved Standard
Before diving into LÄRABARs, it's crucial to understand what the 'Bobby Approved' designation entails. Bobby Parrish, a Food Network champion and founder of FlavCity, created the 'Bobby Approved' app to help consumers make smarter, healthier food choices. His criteria are simple but stringent: products must have a minimal and understandable list of ingredients, and should be minimally processed with no artificial additives, excessive cane sugar, or other fillers. The core philosophy promotes eating real foods and avoiding products with problematic ingredients.
The Case for Core LÄRABAR Flavors
For the original fruit and nut LÄRABAR varieties, the argument for being 'Bobby Approved' is strong. Many of these bars contain a remarkably short list of whole-food ingredients, often just dates, nuts, and unsweetened dried fruit. The Cashew Cookie flavor, for instance, famously contains just two ingredients: cashews and dates. This simplicity aligns perfectly with Bobby's philosophy of eating food that your great-grandmother would recognize. These bars are also non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, which further solidifies their clean-eating credentials. The sweetness comes entirely from the natural sugars in the dates and fruit, with no added sugars in the core flavors.
The Natural Sugar Content Dilemma
This is where the debate around LÄRABARs becomes more complex. While the sugars are natural and not added, they are still present in high concentrations due to the use of dried fruit, especially dates. A single LÄRABAR can contain over 20 grams of sugar. For individuals monitoring their sugar intake, such as those with blood sugar concerns or those following a ketogenic diet, this natural sugar content is a significant factor. Bobby Parrish's standards are not just about avoiding 'added sugar,' but about overall nutritional quality. While a product isn't automatically disapproved for having natural sugar, the high amount warrants consideration, especially for those with specific health goals.
The Chocolate Chip Flavors and Other Exceptions
Not all LÄRABARs are created equal. The chocolate chip varieties contain cane sugar within the chocolate chips, which would likely disqualify them from the 'Bobby Approved' label. Furthermore, the chocolate chips might not be entirely dairy-free due to potential cross-contact during manufacturing, although the ingredients themselves are vegan. This highlights a key aspect of Bobby's criteria: even if a small part of the recipe includes less-than-ideal ingredients, it can compromise the product's overall clean-ingredient status.
The Good & Gather Alternative
One search result on YouTube highlights a specific scenario where Bobby Parrish actually recommends a store-brand alternative over LÄRABAR. In the video, he points out that Target's Good & Gather bars have virtually identical ingredients to LÄRABAR but are cheaper. He explicitly states that these are "always Bobby approved". This does not mean LÄRABAR is not approved, but it showcases Bobby's emphasis on both clean ingredients and value for the consumer, suggesting that a simple, minimally processed product is approved, but a cheaper, equally good alternative is preferable.
Comparison of LÄRABAR Varieties vs. a Processed Bar
To put LÄRABARs in context, here is a comparison of two LÄRABAR flavors against a typical processed snack bar.
| Feature | LÄRABAR (Cashew Cookie) | LÄRABAR (Choc Chip Brownie) | Processed Bar (Hypothetical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Dates, Cashews | Dates, Choc Chips, Almonds, Walnuts, Cocoa, Sea Salt | Syrups, Soy Protein Isolate, Maltodextrin, Artificial Flavors, Preservatives |
| Sugar Source | Natural (Dates) | Natural (Dates), Added (Cane Sugar in Choc Chips) | Added (High-Fructose Corn Syrup, etc.) |
| Processing Level | Minimal | Minimal | High (Isolates, Synthetics) |
| Protein | Low (around 5g) | Low (around 4g) | Often higher (added protein isolate) |
| Fiber | Moderate (4-6g) | Moderate (4-6g) | Varies widely |
| Bobby Approval | Very Likely Approved | Probably Not Approved (due to cane sugar) | Not Approved |
Should You Incorporate LÄRABARs into Your Diet?
Choosing whether LÄRABARs are a good fit for your diet depends on your personal nutritional goals. For those focused on a clean, whole-foods diet and avoiding artificial ingredients, core LÄRABAR flavors are an excellent option. The minimal processing and short ingredient list are significant positives. The high natural sugar content means they function well as an energy source, but should be consumed in moderation, especially for those watching their glycemic load. They are not a meal replacement due to their low protein and vitamin content, but they serve as a simple, satisfying snack. Always be mindful of the flavor, as some varieties contain added sugars that would not meet strict 'Bobby Approved' standards. You can use the Bobby Approved app to double-check ingredients while shopping.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to "Is LÄRABAR Bobby approved?" is nuanced. The simplest, core LÄRABAR varieties are likely to be Bobby Approved, thanks to their short, recognizable ingredient lists and minimal processing. However, the chocolate chip varieties contain added sugar and would probably not pass his test. For all flavors, the high natural sugar content is a consideration for specific diets. Ultimately, LÄRABARs represent a cleaner, whole-food option compared to many highly processed snack bars, but it is important for consumers to read the specific ingredients and nutritional information of each variety to make an informed choice for their health goals.
