Once upon a time…

Many of the products on the Freshlife shelves have a story behind them. Staff samples a new product, examines the ingredient label, and gives it a thumbs-up. Research confirms the health benefits of a previously little-known food. A local supplier asks for space on our shelves; and we deem his product to be both healthy and in-line with our mission to increase our local and sustainable inventory. A customer begs us to carry her favorite breakfast and spare her the hassle of mail order.

The latter is the story of BOLA GRANOLA, now in the cereal aisle at Freshlife.

“You just have to taste it”, claimed Caryn Powers. “It’s not like any other granola I’ve ever eaten. I order it by the case from the girl in Massachusetts who makes it.”

And thus began my correspondence with Michele, owner of Bola, in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. www.bolagranola.com

Michelle Miller has had a passion for good food since her childhood, when she watched her Parisian mother prepare elegant dinners and fabulous desserts. Michelle has been feeding people delicious, whole foods in various venues since 1975. In the spring of 2008, Michele introduced BOLA granola, an artisanal granola she makes by hand using all organic grains, organic pumpkin seeds, and 20% almonds. One serving of BOLA provides 10 grams of protein and plenty of fiber. As with all whole foods, the nourishment is greater than the sum of its parts.

Michele says, “The crunchy good taste and absolute freshness keeps people coming back for more.” Caryn Powers agrees. We think you will, too. Give BOLA a try.

Barb Jarmoska