LARABAR

Introduction

Larabar was founded by Lara Merriken in 2000, inspired by the need for healthier snack options while hiking in the Rocky Mountains. Her vision was to create a nutritious and satisfying snack bar made from simple ingredients. From its inception, the brand has focused on using whole, organic ingredients that are minimally processed, reflecting a commitment to health and wellness. Lara's hands-on approach was evident even in the brand's early days, as she personally hand-sealed all 500 bars for their first retail order.

Central to Larabar's philosophy is the belief that food should be uncomplicated and accessible to everyone. Larabar prides itself on being a brand that caters to various diets and lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of real food for real people. The company actively seeks to empower innovators and change-makers through its platform, encouraging a community that values authenticity and simplicity in nutrition. With a focus on just a few high-quality ingredients per bar, Larabar aims to redefine what a healthy snack can be, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers.

What truly makes Larabar special is its dedication to producing snacks that not only taste good but also nourish the body, mind, and spirit. The brand’s commitment to transparency and quality means that consumers can trust what they are eating, as each bar is made from whole ingredients without any added sugars or artificial flavors. Larabar's innovative approach to snacking helps to foster a community guided by health, environmental responsibility, and a passion for real food, making it a brand that resonates with many.

Signature Products

With a focus on simplicity and real ingredients, Larabar offers a variety of delicious snacks that cater to diverse tastes.

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough : A classic flavor that blends rich chocolate with the satisfying taste of cookie dough.
• Apple Pie : A wholesome bar that captures the essence of apple pie with flavors of cinnamon and baked apples.
• Peanut Butter Cookie : Made with just dates, peanuts, and salt, this bar embodies the deliciousness of homemade peanut butter cookies.
• Blueberry Muffin : Enjoy the taste of freshly baked blueberry muffins, conveniently packed into a nutritious snack.
• Coconut Cream Pie : A delightful blend of coconut, almond, and dates that evokes the flavors of a tropical dessert.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Larabar

• Vanilla : Vanilla is a flavorful ingredient derived from the orchid species Vanilla planifolia. It is often used for its sweet aroma and taste to enhance the flavor profile of Larabar products, providing a natural sweetness and pleasant scent that appeals to a wide audience.
• Cashew : Cashew nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals, making them a nutritious ingredient. Larabar incorporates cashews for their creamy texture and subtle sweetness, offering a satisfying crunch while contributing to the bars' overall nutritional value.
• Sugar : Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that provides sweetness and energy. In Larabar's ingredients, it serves to enhance flavors and balance the taste of other ingredients, ensuring that the bars are enjoyable while keeping them in line with consumers' preferences for taste.
• Butter : Butter, typically made from churned cream, is used for richness and texture. In Larabar, it adds a velvety mouthfeel and helps bind other ingredients together, promoting a more cohesive and pleasant eating experience.
• Lemon : Lemon is a citrus fruit known for its bright, tangy flavor and high vitamin C content. Larabar uses lemon to add a refreshing zest and enhance the overall flavor profile, appealing to those who enjoy a citrusy note in their snacks.
• Cocoa : Cocoa is derived from cacao beans and is known for its deep chocolate flavor. In Larabar, cocoa is included to provide a rich and indulgent taste, catering to chocolate lovers and adding a source of antioxidants.
• Peanuts : Peanuts are leguminous seeds that are high in protein and healthy fats. Larabar includes peanuts for their nutty flavor and crunch, which not only enhances the taste but also contributes to the satiety and energy-boosting qualities of the bars.
• Salt : Salt is a mineral that enhances flavors and can balance sweetness. Larabar incorporates salt to amplify the overall taste experience and provide a contrast to the sweet ingredients, making the bars more satisfying.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Larabar

Deforestation:

Deforestation is a significant concern in the production of ingredients such as vanilla, sugar, and cocoa. Vanilla cultivation in countries like Madagascar often leads to forest clearing to expand farming lands, which results in habitat loss for native species and contributes to biodiversity decline. Similarly, sugar and cocoa production in regions like Latin America and West Africa frequently involves converting forests into agricultural landscapes, further exacerbating this issue. The loss of forests not only threatens wildlife but also releases stored carbon dioxide, contributing to global climate change.

Labor Rights Abuses:

Labor rights abuses are a prevalent issue in the supply chain of many agricultural products, including vanilla, cashew, and sugar. In Madagascar, vanilla farmers often face poor working conditions and unfair wages, posing significant ethical concerns. Cashew processing, particularly in India and Vietnam, is notorious for exploitative labor practices, where workers endure long hours for minimal pay and inadequate safety measures. Similarly, sugarcane plantations in Latin American countries sometimes involve exploitative labor conditions, including child labor, reflecting the desperate need for improved labor rights and protections.

High Carbon Footprint:

The high carbon footprint associated with transporting ingredients like vanilla and cashew from their growing regions to global markets is concerning. Vanilla is often grown in remote, tropical areas such as Madagascar, requiring long-distance transportation, typically through air or sea freight, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, cashews, grown in places like India and Vietnam, need extensive shipping to reach consumers worldwide, further elevating their carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Water Usage:

Water usage is a critical environmental issue related to ingredients such as cashew, lemon, and peanuts. Cashew cultivation consumes substantial water resources, particularly in water-scarce regions like India. Lemon production also demands significant irrigation, especially in countries like Spain and Argentina, where water resources are becoming increasingly scarce. Peanuts, though drought-tolerant, still require substantial water usage, and when grown intensively, they can exert pressure on local water supplies, contributing to water scarcity and competition for resources.

Child Labor:

Child labor remains a pressing social issue in the cocoa industry, particularly in West African countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. Many farms rely on children to conduct hazardous work such as harvesting cocoa pods and using sharp tools, often without proper education or compensation. This practice reflects broader systemic issues, including poverty and lack of access to education, calling for global efforts to eliminate child labor and ensure a fairer, more ethical supply chain.

Pesticide Use:

The extensive use of pesticides in lemon and peanut farming poses potential health risks to farm workers and surrounding communities due to chemical exposure and runoff. Pesticides can contaminate local water bodies, adversely affecting aquatic life and ecosystems. Farmers often use these chemicals to combat diseases like citrus canker in lemons or pests in peanuts, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing crop protection with environmental and health safety.