Doves Farm Organic Gluten Free Flapjacks Review

Flapjacks are one of those snacks which might have the appearance of healthiness because of the oats, but they're actually full of sugar and high in calories. Usually they're made with ingredients such as butter, golden syrup and brown sugar and, while they may be delicious, their high calorie count means they're a no go area for those wishing to lose weight.

An alternative option could be Doves Farm, who have recently introduced a new range of lower calorie, gluten free, organic flapjacks. They include the basic ingredient of oats, but have added a range of different healthy ingredients, such as dried fruit, linseeds and chia seeds.

Doves Farm flapjacks are currently priced £2.49 for a box of 4 x 35g bars (in Waitrose). They are endorsed by the Soil Association as organic and are Vegetarian Society approved.

Doves Farm Organic Gluten Free Banana and Hemp Seed Flapjacks

They are described as: ‘Baked with wholegrain oats & sweetened with agave nectar. Free from Gluten, Milk, peanut, egg, soya.’

What’s on the box:

‘These great tasting bars are made in our dedicated gluten free bakery n Wiltshire that does not use gluten, milk, peanut, egg or soya. We combine luscious banana, crunchy hemp and wholegrain oats with agave leaf nectar for natural sweetness rather than processed crystal sugar. Our flapjacks are dairy-free so we use sustainable palm oil, sourced from certified Colombian farms where wildlife and habitats are protected. A tiny pinch of salt is the finishing touch.

Since 1978 our original organic ethos remains at the heart of our business and is shared by our customers, farmers and suppliers worldwide. We follow international organic rules rotating crops, grassland and livestock to develop natural soil fertility and further nature conservation.’

Doves Farm Organic Gluten Free Banana and Hemp Seed Flapjacks

There are a good selection to choose from but for my first purchase I tried the Banana & Hemp Seed Flapjacks. Others in the range include: Apricot & Chia, Apple & Sultana, Fig & Linseed, Agave Nectar and Chocolate Chip.

Doves Farm Organic Gluten Free Fig & Linseed Flapjacks

Doves Farm Organic Gluten Free Apricot and Chia Seed Flapjacks

They're a good size for a small snack (35g) with 127 calories per bar. The consistency is quite soft, if a little dry. I was surprised by the crunchiness of the hemp seeds because I've only ever bought shelled hemp (Linwoods) (which is gorgeous by the way). But they provided an interesting contrast to the chewiness of the flapjack. One thing I did notice, or rather didn’t notice was a taste of banana.

Considering the variety I was eating was Banana which accounted for 24% of the ingredients, I simply couldn't taste it. However, it didn't detract from the taste, it just wasn't what I was expecting. I will definitely buy some of the others from the range as they make a nice change from my favourite Nakd bars (see post).

Doves Farm Organic Gluten Free Banana and Hemp Seed Flapjacks

They're a good source of fibre, so reasonably filling (especially with a cup of tea). They're also low in salt, but high in sugars, partly from the agave and partly from the banana. Each bar contains just over two teaspoons of sugar.

I've since bought the Apricot & Chia Seed flapjacks and they are gorgeous! Soft, chewy and very definitely taste of apricot. You can see chunks of dried apricot and the chia seeds provide the crunchiness texture in the way the hemp seeds do with the banana variety. I can't wait to try the others, especially the fig & linseed which is on my shopping list for next week...

Doves Farm Organic Gluten Free Apricot and Chia Flapjacks

It's now next week and I've purchased and LOVE the Fig & Linseed flapjacks. They're totally moreish and it's hard stopping at just one! They're soft and moist with lovely chunks of dried, sweet figs. I think these may just be my new favourite sweet snack. My children love them too and can't wait to try out the other flavours.

Doves Farm Organic Gluten Free Fig and Linseed Flapjacks

Purchased at Ocado online.

Nutrition information per 35g bar (Banana and Hemp Seed): 127 calories, 4.1g fat, 1.6g saturates, 18.0g carbohydrates, 9.5g sugars,2.3g protein, 4.5g fibre, 0.06g salt.

Ingredients: Oats*, Banana* 24%, agave nectar*, palm oil*, acacia gum*, hemp seeds* 3%, salt. *Organic produce.

Nutrition information per 35g bar (Apricot & Chia seed): 134 calories, 5g fat, 2.1g saturates, 17.2g carbohydrates, 8.0g sugars,2.6g protein, 4.6g fibre, 0.08g salt.

Ingredients: Oats*,  agave nectar*, apricots (12%)*, palm oil*, acacia gum*, chia seeds* 4%, salt. *Organic produce.

Nutrition information per 35g bar (Fig & Linseed): 128 calories, 4.9g fat, 1.9g saturates, 15.7g carbohydrates, 6.7g sugars,2.5g protein, 5.6g fibre, 0.08g salt.

Ingredients: Oats*,  agave nectar*, fig (12%)*, palm oil*, acacia gum*, linseed* 4%, salt. *Organic produce.

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