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!

Snacks on the Hill + Go Go squeeZ Giveaway

*Congratulations to JLJMommy (#12), Blair(#2), and Connie(#4)!  Email me at mountainmamatales(at)gmail(dot)com to claim your samples!*

When you have kids and are outside and active, snacks are a must (for the sanity of all involved!)  A few weeks ago, I did a post about some of the food we regularly pack when we are out adventuring (which also includes a recipe for Homemade Pocket Sandwiches.)

As a general rule, we tend to stay away from a lot of the pre-packaged stuff.  If I had all the time and energy in the world, we would honestly eat completely from scratch.  However, reality sets in and the truth is that I would rather spend that time with my young boys and husband than in the kitchen all day long.

As a trade-off, I am picky about what we DO eat pre-packaged.  I try to limit sugar, unnecessary preservatives and waste from packaging.

A few months ago, I ran across GoGo squeeZ applesauce packets and they have turned into one packaged snack that we consistently use for the boys.  I believe in them enough to share them with you!

What we love about GoGo squeeZ:
- portioned out packets that result in no-mess (even when we are feeding them to P.)
- easy for on the trail, ski hill, car and general travel (we have to ration them out to J because he loves them that much - they are his "treat"...without all the sugar!)
- all natural and no added sugar
- gluton, dairy and nut free
- 100 % fruit
- resealable (J easily finishes a packet, but P usually is eating on it for a few feedings.)
- Plenty of applesauce-based flavors: apple, apple-stawberry, apple-peach, apple-banana, apple-cinnamon, and apple-berry.  We have only tried the regular apple, but would love to try the others!
- Their recycling system (see my corrections below!)