Slim Pickings

Nature Valley Backpacker Chewy Oatmeal Bites
Nature Valley Backpacker Chewy Oatmeal Bites

WHAT: Nature Valley Backpacker Chewy Oatmeal Bites

STATS: Each pouch contains 150 calories and 6 fat, 24 carbohydrate, 2 fiber, 9 sugar and 2 protein grams. Sold in boxes of six pouches. Visit naturevalley.com.

THE SKINNY: Oatmeal doesn't excite me. It's plain. It's mushy. It requires cooking.

But I was intrigued by these Nature Valley Backpacker Chewy Oatmeal Bites. Not only do they come in two sweet flavors (S'mores and Chocolate Chip), they're chewy and they're packaged in portable pouches that can be stashed in the backpack of a student or camper.

I don't go to school, I don't camp and I haven't owned a backpack in 21 years. But these grainy, chocolatey squares will surely please nonoutdoorsy, purse-and-briefcase-toting adults too. Well, at least the ones who aren't too particular about nutrition.

These Backpackers pack a high amount of carbohydrates and sugar for not that much fiber and protein.

-- Jennifer Christman

Slim Pickings is a weekly review of light foods. Email:

jchristman@arkansasonline.com

ActiveStyle on 08/15/2016

Upcoming Events