Fitness Fuel
Fitness Fuel: Power up anywhere, anytime with these locally made energy bars
Ally’s Bar, Pisgah Forest
The avid cyclists who create these bars start with sweet potatoes and dates and then add quinoa, cashews, and almonds. The owners source certified GMO-free ingredients, and in their spare time, raise awareness for Asheville nonprofit Africa Healing Exchange. www.allysbar.com
Threshold Bars, Asheville
The recipe for these chewy, gluten-free bars starts with a base of pumpkin seeds and dates. Delicious additions and spices result in chai-pistachio, mango-maté, blueberry-ginger, and cherry-coconut flavors. www.thresholdprovisions.com
Boone Barr, Banner Elk
These filling fruit- and oat-based bars could serve as an on-the-go meal. The apple-cinnamon-maté variety provides 15 grams of natural protein, derived from green peas. www.happymountainfoods.com
Yerba Mate Synergy Bar, Asheville
These soft, almost sticky bars provide an energy boost from yerba maté, a South American plant often consumed as an infusion. The base of oats, peanut butter, and carob fills the belly, and mint and hazelnut flavor profiles take these snacks a step above the average granola bar. www.matesynergybar.com
Do More Bars, Brevard
These gluten-free puffed-rice treats offer the satisfying crunch of a childhood snack without all the calories and sugar. The grown-up version harnesses healthy fruit and nut combos. www.domorebars.com
Energy Gems, Asheville
These dainty disks contain sprouted nuts for optimum nutritional benefits, in addition to local honey and apples and organic cranberries and raisins. Find them at two locations: the French Broad Food Co-op in Asheville and Crank Coffee in Pisgah Forest.