Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters Review

Since I began counting calories in January and had my surgery in May, I’ve lost over 30 pounds. I’ve been stalled the last two weeks though in what my doctor describes as Lap band Hell. Today I had my first “fill”. The doctor and his staff survived the procedure. Take it from me; I hate needles and am not good at having them ever. Nevertheless, I’ve been watching my diet and trying to eat more healthy. I’m abstaining from soda, be it diet or regular. I’ve also given up all candy. But that doesn’t mean that I still don’t have a sweet tooth. When I received four packages of Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters, I could hardly wait to try them.

I got out my scale and weighed one serving (that’s one ounce or about 7 clusters) of the peanut variety. They were so good that I measured out a second portion. Realizing that I was showing signs of addiction, I zipped the bag, handed it to my husband, and ordered him to try them.

I got lucky. He came into the den about ten minutes later and told me he finished the bag. Great news for me–no more temptation for the day! His initial findings were that he didn’t notice the granola (something he insists he dislikes). He thought the peanuts helped disguise its taste. He liked the honey coating enough to say, “Very nice, not super sweet”. He said it was almost CANDY. I agreed docilely.

The following day I opened the almond variety. I knew I was in trouble as I tore open the packaging. Jordan almonds were my favorite as a child; chocolate almonds, my favorite as a grownup. I think I found a new one though in the Nature Valley Granola Almond Clusters. As I nibbled on a piece, I decided it was the perfect size. I wanted something solid so the crunchy texture made it an ideal snack. Hubby felt the almond product was not as good as the peanut. His opinion, “Needs more almonds and more honey”.

Yesterday it was mixed nuts, specifically pecans, cashews, and peanuts. I wished that some macadamia was in the mix. I truly savored them because I love pecans. Hubby found them tasty. He even told me, “Buy more”.

Tomorrow the cashews will be gone. I am sacrificing them since Father’s Day is Sunday. Besides hubby loves cashew nuts and doesn’t share them well. Need I say more?

Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters are all a lightly sweet yet salty combination of nuts rolled into a granola mixture of safflower oil, whole grain oats, sugar, rice flour, tapioca syrup, honey, salt, baking soda, rice maltodextrin, and nut flour. Servings average 150 calories, 17 grams carbohydrates, and four grams protein with about four servings per five ounce bag.

Thank you, General Mills, for giving me a nutritious alternative to junk food. I have to admit that its being 100% natural is a huge plus. Every bag was good tasting, a perfect consistency, and the right size for the mouth. Because Granola Nut Clusters are very good, I will buy them again and again. They are just right for home or on the go.

Nature Valley products can be found in most stores. The Granola Nut Clusters are new.  If you go to the Nature Valley website you’ll find a $1 off coupon you can print.

I was unable to find them at my local Shop Rite but they are available in multi packs on Amazon.com:

• Nut Lovers, 5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 5)
• Honey Roasted Peanut, 5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 5)
• Roasted Cashew, 5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 5)
• Roasted Almond, 5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 5)

Thanks to MyBlogSpark for the review!