It all started with Jeff Cohen’s quest to find a great tasting snack that he could enjoy without causing his blood sugar to elevate. Exploring a variety of ingredients in different foods and researching nutrition facts, Cohen created delicious energy bars that were made especially for diabetics. However, not only could his energy bars be enjoyed by those living with diabetes, but family and friends were impressed with the taste of the bars, and motivated Cohen to start a business. By 2007, Cohen established Granola Gourmet, a company that produces healthy, low-glycemic energy bars for diabetics as well as the general population.

SCL: When did the business begin?

JC: The genesis for the idea of the business actually occurred in 2006. We took things slowly and were actually pulled into busi-

ness in 2007 when our energy bars were introduced to Hollywood.

SCL: How long have you lived in Stevenson Ranch?

JC: We moved to Valencia’s Northbridge community in 1991 and moved to Stevenson Ranch in 2000.

SCL: What do you like about living in Stevenson Ranch?

JC: Just today as I was driving into the ranch passing the fountain, I could see the mountains and commented to my son how beautiful the view was. We have friends all over and see them everywhere.

SCL: In which stores are your products sold?

JC: Granola Gourmet Energy Bars can be found in our first retail location, Lassen’s (Saugus), and in Whole Foods Markets (Valencia) in the South West. In May, Granola Gourmet debuted at Vons and Pavilions in Southern California and Safeway in Northern California. Granola Gourmet has been selected as the first product for www.yourhealthyfundraser.com as well!

SCL: What motivated you to start selling these healthy products?

JC: For years I struggled with my weight and my blood sugar. In 2006 my family and I decided to identify foods that were low on the Glycemic Index. I needed a tasty snack that would not cause my blood sugar to spike. We determined that, with the right low glycemic ingredients, there might be a snack the whole family would enjoy that was good for me, too!

Since that day, we were hounded by friends, family and acquaintances that we had something so good that we should turn it into a business. We received several endorsements from physicians and a slew of endorsements from customers once we began selling the bars at the Farmers’ Markets, including the Newhall Farmers’ Market. We also participated in the American Diabetes Association Expo in Long Beach.

SCL: When were you diagnosed with diabetes?

JC: In 1993. I was 32 at the time.

SCL: What would surprise people about Granola Gourmet?

JC: In September 2009 I appeared on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Over 9 million people viewed the episode. It was great exposure for the business.

SCL: What is the goal of your business?

JC: Our goal is to provide healthy, delicious snacks for diabetics and their families.

SCL: Where can our readers get contact information?

JC: We can be contacted by email at info@granolagourmet.com or on our website, www.granolagourmet.com.

Cohen’s commitment to fighting diabetes has made Granola Gourmet a widely recognized brand. The energy bars have been served to the cast and crew of over 20 TV shows and movies. They come in a variety of flavors with organic ingredients and are 100% natural. Flavors include Brownie, Chocolate Espresso, Spiced Orange Cranberry and Very Berry. Cohen expressed gratitude for the assistance of Cindy at RSVP Catering, who helped him launch the business, and also for Sara at Jam West. Catering company Jam West is where Cohen’s company spent a year after it grew out of the RSVP facility. For more information visit www.granolagourmet.com or email info@granolagourmet.com.