So the summer months have crept upon us and whilst I have been happily comfort eating every junk food under the sun during the winter months I realised all my clothes were feeling quite snug and wearing little fitted tops just wasn't an option! Also, when I took into account how much I was spending buying food at work I decided to cut down dramatically and bring food and snacks from home that would curb my urges and also a lot more purse friendly!

So wandering around Sainsburys as I do on the naughty chocolate and biscuit aisle I saw this box of Nature Valley Crunchy Oats & Honey Granola Bars. In all honesty, when I was younger I used to eat a bar of similar variety from the Jordan's brand but as I could not see them on the shelf I opted for this brand instead....how bad it could be?

- Packaging -

The bars come in a rectangular cardboard box which is a dark green and has a big picture of the bars lying flat and the jar of honey on the side (picture from DooYoo is slightly outdated!). Inside are 6 packets but each packet contains 2 bars so altogether there are 12 bars in the box. The packets are foil wrapped for long lasting freshness.

- About the Bars -

Nature Valley Oats and Honey Granola Bars are a light and crunchy granola mixed with oats and rolled in honey. These flavours compliment each other as you can get all the nutrition and fibre from the granola and oats with a nice flavour of the sweet honey. These granola bars are made from more than 50% wholegrain oats, so they're packed with whole grain goodness, for a satisfying energy boost that keeps you fuller for longer. (This is the box speaking!)

Each individual bar is full of natural fibre and contains only 198 calories. For those of you who like to count the calories and ensure a healthy intake (I don't I tend to eat whatever, whenever just try to eat the bad stuff in moderation!) this is good to know. In addition these bars are free from lactose, suitable for vegetarians and both Halal and Kosher certified, meaning almost everyone can eat them!

- Taste and texture -

The bars do have a nice flavour as I was expecting them to be quite bland. As a general view they do simply taste of oats and granola but the honey comes through but in a good way so as not to make it overly sweet so strikes a nice balance. I have eaten granola before and it has simply tasted like cardboard but these bars are much different in they can taste nice on their own without feeling like I am eating rabbit food!

My only downside with these bars is the texture and consistency isn't great. One bite and the entire bar seems to crumble apart so I don't take it out the packet when I eat them and usually just kinda eat the big blocks and then pour the crumbs into my hand or down my throat! So although it is described as a "bar" it really isn't to be consumed as a bar of chocolate as you are left with a big crummy, oaty mess everywhere...oops!

- How I ate mine -

I began eating mine for breakfast with an apple on the way to work and found these incredibly filling. I would eat my apple and this bar at around 9.30am and generally didn't feel peckish again until 12.30 which for me (as someone who is CONSTANTLY eating!) this is a long time! I was surprised at how full and satisfied I felt and I found the bars gave a lot of long, slow releasing energy which meant I didn't burn out and crave more food within half an hour and had energy to keep on the move or doing whatever errands I am up to that day.

As mentioned before, these bars crumble extremely easily so I decided to try something new and buy a big tub of natural greek yoghurt and pour some into a small container I have at home and then sprinkle this crumbled bar on top and took it to work to have for breakfast. This turned out to be lovely and filling and I was impressed. I don't normally like greek natural yoghurt as it is sooooo SOUR! However, the honey that is mixed in these bars overpowers the yogurt when these 2 are mixed together and I found this a lovely, light and healthy meal to start the day.

As a general I often carried a bar in my bag in case I got a bit peckish and these are amazing for just a quick snack throughout the day. I found them much more delicious and worked longer to suppress my hunger than eating a packet of crisps as I usually would!

- Price -

I am sad as I bought these at the price of £2.39 at which price I didn't complain but have now seen them in Sainsburys in offer for £1.59! I am off out today to pick up 2 boxes as these are so versatile and tasty I can't get enough of them! For £1.59 it is equivalent to around 26p for each packet of 2 granola bars so it is really amazing value for money :)

- Would I recommend? -

Oh most definitely! If anyone wants a nutritious snack which is filling, healthy and gives sustainable energy this is the one you want. I couldn't praise it enough and it is certainly going to be in my cupboard from now on :)