Mazama Bar Company Introduction + Giveaway

Energy bars are certainly something we depend on as a family (I don't go ANYWHERE without food or the kids rise up against me... :))  We have tried a bunch of them and I have to say this up-and-coming new company has something BIG going for them!  Created and perfected by Derek and Brittany Manwill, Mazama Bars are giving the "Big Guys" a run for their...bars....(or money!)??  I got a chance to taste them months ago and have been eagerly awaiting their site to get up and running to be able to introduce them to you all.

Just like they claim, they are fresh, tasty and nutrient-rich, and something I have to hide and save for the outdoor adventures (or we would eat them every day!)  They come in 3 different flavors (chocolate banana, wild berry and hazelnut mocha).  I personally detest the taste of coffee, and think the hazelnut mocha ones are my favorite (though they are all truly delicious.)  They go for $42 for a box of 12 or $22 for a variety box of 6 bars.  Yes, a bit more expensive, but their size and ingredients definitely warrant the cost.

I managed to corner Britt long enough to ask her a few questions - I really think sometimes this is the very best way to get to know a company, especially a new one!  Make sure you read all the way to the end for a chance to win some bars for yourself!

1. So excited for you to finally have Mazama Bar up and running.  I must say I am super impressed with what you guys have come up with.  The bars are excellent!  Tell me a little about you, why energy bars are a passion of yours and how Mazama Bar started.

It’s not really that energy bars are my passion. It’s more that living is a passion. I wasn’t satisfied with my job, and I really needed a change. I love being active, being outside, and eating good food, so I started a company that combined those things into something I’m way more excited about.

I always found backcountry trail food options lacking. Everything was either too heavy, unhealthy, inconvenient, or just plain gross. So, I set out to make the best tasting, compact, healthy, meal replacement for our adventures. Fast forward to now, and Mazama Bars are fueling all types of adventures all around the world! They’re headed to Everest next year!

2. Mazama Bar is a Husband/Wife Collaboration!  How is it working so closely with Derek?

It's great! We work really well together. Before starting Mazama Bar, we both worked at a local engineering company (he's actually an engineer...I'm not), so we're used to working together. Now, we're both working full-time trying to get Mazama Bar up and running. We're all in, and it's been awesome. It's great getting to work with my best friend every day. Plus, it's easier to schedule adventures, and our dog is super happy to have us both home all the time!

3.  What sort of outdoor activities do you participate in yourselves?

Oh, we’re up for just about anything! I love running, but Derek doesn’t. We both love hiking and backpacking, biking, and skiing (both downhill and x-country), and we also play on a city-league soccer team. I haven’t been on a rafting trip in a long time, so I’d like to get out and do that again.

4.  What sort of shelf life do Mazama Bars have?  Can I carry them around in my pack for a while (not that that EVER happens) and not worry about them?

Yep! Mazama Bars are all-natural, so they have a naturally long shelf life without preservatives. Since we hand make them, they’re always fresh when you get them. They’re best within about nine months, so if you haven’t eaten them within that time frame, you’re probably not getting outside enough!

5.  Are Mazama Bars sold anywhere right now besides your site?  Any plans in the works for them being in local shops?

Right now Mazama Bars are only available at www.mazamabar.com. We're hoping to get into a few specialty outdoor stores in the future to make them more available. I’m taking suggestions if anyone has a favorite outdoor store they want to see us in!


Also, right now we are offering complimentary gift wrapping (super classy brushed silver paper with twine) through June. Great for Father's Day and Graduation presents. Orders are delivered in just 2-3 days, so it's a decent last-minute online shopping option :)  And shipping is just $5 (or free if you order 2 full boxes.)

6.  Mazama. Tell me about the name.

The name comes from Mt. Mazama, which was a massive volcano in Cascade Range in Oregon. In 5,677 BC it erupted (the ash blew as far as Nebraska!), and the entire mountain collapsed into itself, creating a huge crater. Over time, it filled with snow and rain, creating Crater Lake - the only national park in Oregon. It’s the deepest lake in the US, and it’s completely clear! It’s beautiful!

7.  I know I am super impressed, but help me convince everyone else why they should choose Mazama Bar (since we know there are a TON of choices out there!) 

First of all, they taste amazing. Taste is a personal preference, but we’ve gotten consistent feedback that they’re the best energy bars out there. The great thing is that they’re healthy, too: all-natural, preservative-free, GMO-free, and no fillers. It’s real food,  so it’s actually satisfying. They’re also just super convenient to stash in your backpack (or car, purse, pocket...you name it) for trail food or snacks.

Since they’re pretty nutrient-dense (about twice as big as other bars), they’re perfect for meal replacement and keeping energy levels up during extended activities. We ate them for every single lunch backpacking through Yosemite last summer! It’s nice to actually enjoy eating on the trail, and it lightened up our packs, too!

8.   Anything else you would like to tell me about yourself?  The bars?

Grab some bars and give them a try on whatever adventures you have planned this summer. You seriously won’t find a better tasting and healthier bar for outdoor activity!


Try some out for yourself:
Britt has generously offered the chance for one of you to win a variety pack of bars (6 bars total)!  
To enter, do one or all of the following three entries and leave a comment for EACH one you do (a total of 3!)
Congrats to the random winner, Becca! Email me at mountainmamatales(at)gmail(dot)com to claim your bars!
1. Leave a comment for Britt and Derek on this post about what you think of Mazama Bar! (required)
2. Like Mazama Bar on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall telling them Mountain Mama sent you.
3. Like Tales of a Mountain Mama on Facebook (or say you already do)


The giveaway will be open until Midnight MST on Wednesday, June 13th.  A random winner will be chosen after that date and announced on this blog post and on Facebook.  Make sure to include your email address so I can get ahold of you if you win!


Mazama Bar generously provided me some samples for this review.  However, as always, the opinions expressed here are completely and honestly my own!