After one too many Kind Bars and no patience for understanding the sugar alcohol issues of Quest Bars, I thought I was done with granola bars. They all seem too processed, overly sweet, and not at all filling; however, that was before I discovered the Gutsey Bar.
Here's everything you need to know about the Gutsey Bar, your new favorite snack.
What's a Gutsey Bar?
Created in 2015 by Boston-based, New Hampshire-born entrepreneur Carrie Forbes, Gutsey Bars are all about combining a general love for food with the desire to live a healthy lifestyle.
Gutsey bars are organically crafted with heathy fats, no GMO's, no grains, and no added sugars, and are a delicious and nutrient-filled alternative to traditional, on-the-go energy bars. Nutrition-wise, they're about the same as your average Clif Bar, ranging from 200-240 calories per bar. They come in three New England-themed flavors and are the perfect snack to nourish and satisfy the busy body.
The Way Bahs Should Be: Maine
Whether you're mid-hike in northern Maine and need an energy boost or looking for a quick snack in between classes, the Maine Bar is one of my favorites to snack on during a busy day. Containing 9 grams of plant-based protein, 9 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fiber, and 2 grams of natural sugar, this Coconut Cookie Dough vegan bar is packed with superfoods including coconut-derived MCT oil, coconut, pea protein, and cashew butter.
MCT oil is associated with increased brain function, weight management, increased energy levels, and decreased blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and pea protein is an easily digestible vegan-friendly protein source that supports heart health.
Wicked Strong Bah: Boston
Boston is a paleo Double Chocolate Brownie bar with chunks of cacao, and contains 20 grams of grass-fed whey protein, 20 grams digestion-resistant fiber, and 3 grams of natural sugars. Grass-fed whey contains anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and has a higher content of conjugated linoleic acid than regular whey protein, which is proven to reduce body fat.
With its high fiber content, the Boston bar will keep you full and satisfied in between meals, while supplying you with an array of nutrients.
Eat Clean, Live Free: New Hampshire
As a New Hampshirite myself, its not surprising that the New Hampshire Bar is my favorite in Gutsey's collection. The texture of the Quinoa Cookie with Chia and Cherry bar is unlike any other bar I've had, and it is addicting.
The bar, which is made with organic whole grain quinoa, cashew butter, cherries, and a 'super greens blend', contains 9 grams of plant-based protein, 6 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of natural sugar. The 'super greens blend' of spirulina, green tea, and chlorella has an expansive list of health benefits including protection against certain cancers, reduction of blood sugar, and improvement of muscle strength.
If you're sold on Gutsey Bars, here are a few ways to get them: Gutsey Bars can be found online or at local health food stores across Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire.