Using the Bend-hosted USATF Cross Country Nationals as a backdrop over the weekend, Picky Bars—the Oregon-based energy bar company founded by professional athletes Jesse Thomas, Lauren Fleshman, and Steph Bruce— debuted the newest addition to its real food family, a chai-inspired flavor called Chai And Catch Me.
Using a blend of hazelnut and almond butter in the base, sweet additions of maple and vanilla are balanced by chai-inspired spices that also boast a host of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and digestive properties (cloves, black pepper, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger). Similar to the eight existing flavors in the Picky Bars lineup, the ingredients and recipe for Chai And Catch Me were hand-selected and crafted by Fleshman. Coming off the success of last year’s release of Moroccan Your World, Picky Bars predicts this unique flavor profile will be another hit.
A preliminary test batch was sent to Picky Club members in November for feedback and naming suggestions, which helped dial in the recipe and come up with the winning name.
The final product is now available online at pickybars.com and soon in select Picky Bars retail locations including REI, and other natural grocery and sports specialty retailers across the country.
All Picky Bars are gluten free, dairy free, soy free, GMO free, and feature a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio that is considered ideal for nutrient absorption. Although they were created with athletes in mind, Picky Bars are great for fueling any type of activity, workout, or day-to-day living. Wrappers feature fan photos using the hashtag #lifepoints on social media. Chai And Catch Me showcases Jess Slaughter (@speedymama) on North Sister, one of Central Oregon’s prestigious Cascade Range mountains.
