Baking & Snack - June 2024 - 36

BARS
from their snacks, such as focus, energy or mood stabilization,
are turning to adaptogens, which are herbs or
mushrooms thought to have health benefits, including
helping the body adjust to physical, chemical or biological
stress, according to WebMD. Many of these plants
have been used in traditional Eastern medicine for centuries,
but the website said more research is needed on
these claims.
Wise Bars have 3,000 mgs of adaptogens in its retail
Innovation among
bar manufacturers
has ramped up after
suffering the ups
and downs of COVID
and its fallout.
©beats-stock.adobe.com
bars, including 1,000 mgs each of the mushrooms lion's
mane and reishi, 750 mg of turkey tail mushroom and
250 mg of ashwagandha. The bars available in retail
stores all have the same formulation but come in six
flavors.
" This is the powerhouse formulation we've developed
that hits all of the main things: immunity, focus,
energy, mood stabilization, " said Josh Dominick, who
founded Wise Bar, Carbondale, Colo., with his friend
Ryan Nuccio. " We know this is going to give you that
well-rounded benefit that a mushroom powder is going
to give you. That was our focus. Let's get the best of
each and put it into one bar and then just differentiate
on shelf with flavor. "
He acknowledged that making a good-tasting bar
with so much mushroom powder can be challenging,
but the company prides itself on using high-quality
ingredients to create great flavors that don't taste like
mushrooms but complement the earthiness of the powders,
like lemon ginger and peanut banana, the company's
best-sellers.
" These really poignant flavor profiles help work with
the earthiness of the mushrooms instead of trying to
mask it, " Dominick added.
The bars are organic, non-GMO and free of syrups,
preservatives and artificial flavors.
They've got to be tasty
A lot of indulgent flavor innovation is happening even
in BFY bars, Chychula has noticed.
" Lots of flavors are inspired by baked goods, like cakes
and donuts, " she explained. " As far as formats, refrigerated
options are expanding what's possible in terms of
textures and ingredients, pushing products closer to
'freshness.' "
Lyons Wyatt said she saw some interesting innovation
at Natural Products Expo West in March.
" There were some different types of bars that were
out there, and they were a little more health-minded, "
she noted. " There was some innovation there, but
then there's been some more mainstream innovation. I
haven't seen everything I've heard was coming, but if we
do get half of what I've heard is coming, it will be a better
year. "
The most popular flavors at Kate's Real Food are
Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate
Cherry & Almond bars.
" These best-selling bars tap into timeless flavor combinations
that resonate with a wide audience, " McAndrews
said. " Peanut butter and chocolate is a classic pairing
that has stood the test of time, appealing to both adults
and children with its nostalgic appeal and irresistible
taste. Likewise, the combination of dark chocolate, cherries
and almonds offers a sophisticated twist on traditional
flavors, appealing to health-conscious consumers
seeking a more indulgent yet nutritious snack option. "
When weighing new flavors and formats, the company
strives to stay at the forefront of category trends and
nutritional research, she said.
" We explore emerging ingredients, flavor profiles and
dietary preferences to create unique and exciting options
that resonate with our health-conscious consum36
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Baking & Snack - June 2024

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