I love mail in general but I especially love mail that is filled with delicious food that I can review!

Mark from The Healthy Baking Company sent me Heart Thrive samples and I immediately wanted to try one! I had a Chocolate Heart Thrive for breakfast along with some fruit and a Via Starbuck’s Instant Coffee ( I’m moving and don’t feel like dealing with the coffee maker just yet!).

•  
  Made with oats, brown rice flour, brown rice syrup, soy protein, rice bran, and dried fruits, these little guys are packed with nutrients!

  Each Heart has approximately:

• 160-170 kcal
• less than 2g of Total Fat
• 0mg Cholesterol
• 6 g Fiber
• 6-7 g Protein

  Heart Thrive Bars are also:

• Wheat Free
• Dairy Free
• Vegan
• Contain No Trans Fat

The Negative
They come with two per package. I was really surprised that each contained 160+ kcal, which for one little cookie can be misleading. One really fills you up because of its nutrient density, fiber and protein power, so what do you do with the second? I think that can be incredibly confusing for the general public that think “This is a Heart Healthy option, it has all these great qualities and come in value packages of two so I’m supposed to eat both”. Just because you CAN doesn’t mean you SHOULD.

The Positive
These hearts are heart healthy because they contain at least 5g of fiber, 25% DV of calcium and are low in fat. They also contain a good dose of protein at 6-7g per heart, no cholesterol and they taste yummy! They are a great on-the-go snack that does not contain wheat (like everything else in this world!) and I don’t know anyone on-the-go as much as me right now! After taking Medical Nutrition Therapy class, I also know these would be a GREAT bar for older adults to get in their needed nutrition in less bites. Similarly, those with COPD, arthritis and emphysema have increased energy needs ( their energy typically goes to breathing first) and thus decreased intake from being too tired from daily activities. These bars would be great for that population as well as young kiddos and students because they require no preparation or cooking!

Thank you Mark from The Healthy Baking Company for a delicious healthy snack! You can find out more information as well as where to find these great bars here.