Here in Santa Fe, we spend most of our free time doing things that require lots of energy—days at the crag, long runs and rides on buttery singletrack, mornings skinning up the local ski hill, and a number of other things you realize are rad only after you’ve finished them (read: Type A fun). On those days, most of our fuel comes from something wrapped in a package. And since we’ve seen our fair share of sports nutrition products land on our desk, we’ve had ample opportunity to sort through what’s worth bringing along and what’s better left behind. Read on for the products our editors always pack.
Clif Bar, Iced Gingerbread ($16 for 12)
I am a Clif Bar devotee. While I usually snack on the coconut chocolate chip or blueberry crisp, at this time of year I absolutely love the . It’s nice to have something new to throw into the mix after nine months of the same old stuff. These are definitely treat-yourself flavors, but it’s winter! Might as well snack on something delicious and comforting. —Jenny Earnest, social media manager
Epic Bar, Bison Bacon Cranberry ($25 for 12)
are my pick, for sure. Nothing makes me happier when I’m on a river than getting a little hungry, remembering that I tossed one of these bars into my pack in the morning, and digging in. And it could just be me, but I’m pretty convinced my dog runs back to me faster than usual when she smells one being opened. Paired with an apple, it’s enough to keep me fishing for another few hours. —Jonah Ogles, articles editor
Picky Bars, Smooth Caffeinator ($2.75)
look tiny, but these bars pack both chocolate and caffeine, which is all I need to be happy before or after a run. And even though they taste like Nutella, they don’t sit heavy in my stomach. Plus, they’re free of any scary, mysterious things hiding in the ingredient list. —Molly Mirhashem, associate editor
GoMacro Bar, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip ($38 for 15)
For a snack that tastes like real food and doesn’t leave you with a wonky stomach or hunger pangs an hour later, there’s no better option. All are made with real-food-based ingredients that are high in protein and slow-burning carbs, so you’re satisfied enough to get through your workout or an afternoon at your desk. The peanut butter chocolate chip flavor has the added benefit of tasting like dessert. —Carly Graf, assistant editor
Betty Lou’s PB&J Bar ($27 for 12)
Unlike sandwiches, these survive indefinitely inside my pack. They’re sugary and tasty enough to qualify as a treat but give 5 grams of protein to eliminate the bonk factor. —Aleta Burchyski, copy editor
UnTapped Maple Waffle ($32 for 16)
These are hands down the I’ve ever tried. The raspberry flavor is made with actual fruit, the coffee flavor is made with actual coffee beans (with a caffeine kick), and all flavors are made with real maple syrup. Plus, I can feel good about eating a product that comes from a family-run operation with deep roots in the ski community. —Ariella Gintzler, assistant gear reviews editor
Natti Bar ($32 for 16)
Although I’ve never been much of a bar fan, my go-to trail snack after discovering them earlier this year. They are super simple: a single dehydrated banana in bar form. For people like me whose stomachs churn at the thought of a sugary or overly processed snack, Natti Bars provide a tasty, potassium-filled solution. —Marie Sullivan, associate video editor
Clif Builder’s Protein Bar, Chocolate Mint ($13 for 12)
I eat in the middle of every morning to help tide me over until lunch. Most protein-heavy bars taste like crap, but the mint flavor makes this one lighter and actually delicious, and it still provides a whopping 20 grams of protein. —Ben Fox, associate gear editor