I’m always on the lookout for a good granola, and after receiving some from LIL BUCKS awhile back, I was excited to try them. However, it was around Christmas and life got busy and all the bags got buried in my pantry. Once they resurfaced, I decided it was high time I tried them!
Lil Bucks started when its founder, Emily, experienced sprouted buckwheat on a smoothie bowl in Australia. It was love at first bite, and she’s been on a mission to spread the gospel of adaptogenic buckwheat ever since. Sprouted buckwheat is gluten-free, a good source of protein and fiber. ‘Adaptogens’ are substances that help our bodies deal with stress, such as fighting inflammation.
Buckwheat is a good source of magnesium, is a complete protein, and can even improve blood-sugar levels.
Lil Bucks has two flavors of ‘Clusterbucks,’ Tumeric Lemon Myrtle and Chocolate Reishi. I paired the tumeric with blackberries and lemon yogurt and loved every bite! The clusters had just the right crunch and had a distinct lemon flavor, in addition to a bit of a kick from the tumeric.
Tumeric is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, and some studies have shown it can boost brain function and help lessen the effects of heart disease and even cancer.
Lil Bucks is also promoting sustainable farming, as buckwheat is a crop that enriches the soil and increases crop diversity. Additionally, they are helping the environment by being certified ‘plastic neutral.’ Read more here.
Both Maelle and I enjoyed the chocolate variety, too, in a couple yogurt bowls.
Reishi, a mushroom often used in Eastern medicine, has been shown to boost the immune system, have anti-cancer properties and help fight fatigue and depression.
It had a pleasing chocolate flavor and crunch without any strong aftertaste (something I’ve noticed in a variety of plant-based sources of protein).
They also make a product called Lil Bucks, which is less ‘granola-like’ and more for sprinkling on top of smoothies or toasts. Personally, I love the added crunch on avocado or a nut-butter toast! Lil Bucks come in multiple flavors, including Original, Cacao, Cinnamon and Matcha.
I think I prefer the Lil Bucks to the Clusterbucks, personally. Their size and crunch is just perfect for sprinkling. I added some to this waffle with almond butter with a drizzle of syrup and felt like I was eating breakfast at some earthy-crunchy coffeeshop.
Their website even has some amazing recipe ideas, for both sweet and savory items. It’s a great resource if you aren’t sure what to do with them, beyond adding them to a smoothie. (Admittedly, many of the recipes ARE for different smoothie bowls, BUT there are also recipes for pancakes, buddha bowls and even meatballs!) The pictures make me want to make them all!
My next creation was a savory one: toast with turkey, shredded cheese, avocado, tomato and the matcha Lil Bucks!
Disclaimer: I received these samples for free but was not compensated in any way.
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