Picky Bars.  What a great name for a product, right?  I not only love the name, but the front of the package says “It’s freaking science, dude.”  When I first learned of Picky Bars, I knew they would be a product that I would be interested in.  Not only were they gluten- and dairy-free, but they have the 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein that I am always looking for to refuel with after my runs and workouts. 

More about how Picky Bars came about:

When I set out to make a special gluten and dairy free energy bar for my husband Jesse, I had his health and my nose in mind.  There were specialty bars available that would keep him from starving on his long bike rides, but I couldn’t find a single one that was athletically balanced and tasted good.  If he was going to make it as a Pro-Triathlete, he needed to start getting picky about his diet.  With my nerdy Stanford background in science and athletic performance, I knew what needed to be created, but it wouldn’t be easy.

I wanted a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio, slow releasing carbs for level blood sugar, minimal soy content, and healthy fats making up  25% of the calories.  Oh yeah, and it needed to taste amazing.  No big deal, right?  Good thing my training buddy Stephanie and I were injured and had time on our hands, cuz it was hard work.  Perfecting Picky Bars together became the perfect distraction from the misery of injury, and added the balance we needed in our lives to finally heal.

A years worth of gooey hands and gut-busting laughs results in a product we are exceedingly proud of.  We are picky about the quality of our ingredients, and where they come from.  Everything that goes into the bar has a good reason for being there, and took months of experimenting to earn its place in the recipe.  The finished product is what we trust to fuel us to the highest levels of international sport, to USA Championships and podium finishes.  And now we are thrilled to finally be able to share them with you.

Eat Picky and Prosper,

Lauren Fleshman

2 x USA Champion for 5k, and 5x NCAA Champion

The bars come in four different varieties:

Smooth Caffeinator – 200 Calories = 7g Fat + 28g Carbohydrates + 7g Protein. *Bold Ingredients are organic.  Ingredients: Organic Dates, Hazelnut Butter, Organic Agave Nectar, Rice Protein (Protein from Whole Grain Sprouted Brown Rice), Organic Brown Rice Cereal (Organic Brown Rice, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Sea Salt), Hazelnuts, Organic Apricots (Organic Apricots, Organic Rice Flour), Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Organic Chocolate Chips (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Chocolate Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin (non-GMO), Organic Vanilla Extract), Organic Coffee, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Safflower Oil, Natural Vitamin E (to preserve freshness).

All-In Almond – 200 Calories = 7g Fat + 28g Carbohydrates + 7g Protein. *Bold Ingredients are organic. Ingredients: Organic Dates, Organic Almond Butter, Organic Agave Nectar, Organic Brown Rice Cereal (Organic Brown Rice, Organic Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Sea Salt), Rice Protein (Protein from Whole Grain Sprouted Brown Rice), Organic Apricots (Organic Apricots, Organic Rice Flour), Organic Almonds, Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Organic Chocolate Chips (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Chocolate Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin (non-GMO), Organic Vanilla Extract), Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Safflower Oil, Natural Vitamin E  (to preserve freshness).

The Need for Seed –  200 Calories = 7g FAT + 28g CARB + 7g PROTEIN.  *Bold Ingredients are organic. Ingredients: Organic Dates, Organic Sunflower Seed Butter, Organic Honey, Organic Brown Rice Cereal (Organic Brown Rice, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Sea Salt), Rice Protein (Protein from Whole Grain Sprouted Brown Rice), Organic Apricots (Organic Apricots, Organic Rice Flour), Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Organic Chocolate Chips (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Chocolate Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin (non-GMO), Organic Vanilla Extract), Organic Sunflower Seeds, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Safflower Oil, Natural Vitamin E (to preserve freshness).

Lauren’s Mega Nuts – 200 Calories = 7g Fat + 28g Carbohydrates + 7g Protein. *Bold Ingredients are organic. Ingredients: Organic Dates, Organic Peanut Butter, Organic Honey, Organic Brown Rice Cereal (Organic Brown Rice, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Sea Salt), Rice Protein (Protein from Whole Grain Sprouted Brown Rice), Organic Apricots (Organic Apricots, Organic Rice Flour), Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Sunflower Oil), Organic Chocolate Chips (Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Chocolate Liquor, Organic Cocoa Butter, Soy Lecithin (non-GMO), Organic Vanilla Extract), Organic Almonds, Organic Cashews, Organic Pumpkin Seeds, Walnuts, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Safflower Oil, Natural Vitamin E  (to preserve freshness).

The obvious question is how do they taste, right?  One word: Phenomenal!  I loved the flavor and texture of the bars.  Similar to some of the other fruit and nut bars on the market, but a little more dense and not as dry.  These are a wonderful way to refuel on the way home for the gym or a run.  By refueling within 30 minutes after a workout, I afford myself the time to hop in the shower and stretch before sitting down to breakfast or lunch. 

Picky Bars can be purchased online or in select stores across the US.  The bars are a little pricey online (3 for $9; 8 for $21; 15 for $37), but shipping is free and you can’t beat that! 

*I received these bars free of charge for review purposes.  The thoughts and opinions shared here are mine and have not been influenced by anyone or anything. 

Oh, and on the topic of how many boxes of gluten-free waffles I purchased when they were on sale: 15.