While prepping for my latest backpacking trip, I ran across a company that sells a product with an interesting concept behind it. YouBars are customized energy bars-you choose the ingredients (from a set list). Like peanuts or dried fruit, but not too many? You can specify to have less in your bar. Categories of ingredients include bases (like almond, peanut butter, or dates), protein powders, nuts, fruits, sweeteners, seasonings, grains, and extra infusions (like vitamins or spirulina). You even get to make a catchy name for your customized bar. Too many choices? They also provide some pre-made ‘popular bars’ that you can choose from.
While these are definitely a bit pricier than your average Clif or Luna bar, you have significantly more control over the ingredients included in your bar (great for those with specific diet concerns, like soy allergies). A 13-bar box of customized bars will cost you between $37.57 for the small bar (35 grams) to $41.47 for the large bar (55 grams). The pre-made popular bars cost a little less, at $32.37 for a 13-bar box.
The company also sells custom protein shakes and trail mixes. While I can understand the custom protein shake mixes, custom trail mix just seems a bit far-fetched. Maybe it’s designed for those with not enough time to stop at Trader Joe’s and pick up some dried fruits and nuts?
Overall, it’s an interesting and innovative concept. I may just have to try my hand at building a custom energy bar in the future.
Wow, those looks so cool. I just might spurge from my cheapskate ways and try them.