Skratch Labs Anytime Energy Bar - Ginger Miso

Dr. Allen Lim, a cycling coach, sports physiologist, nutrition wizard, and the founder of Boulder-based Skratch Labs, first began experimenting with drink mixes to give his cycling team an alternative to the sugary sports drinks that then dominated the market. Skratch has since diversified into recovery mixes, energy chews, and energy bars, developing a loyal following in the process. 

Not Your Average Energy Bar

Savory energy bars are tough to get right—there's a reason why the vast majority of energy bars are sweet. We weren't crazy about Skratch's Parmesan, Sun-dried Tomato, and Red Pepper Bar, but we were pleasantly surprised by its Savory Miso Bar.

The Miso Bar has 50% less sugar than your run-of-the-mill energy bar, although candied ginger chunks do add a welcome touch of sweetness. Red pepper flakes and soy sauce add a savory, flavorful kick that makes you feel as if you're chowing down on takeout on the couch instead of hammering through a taxing section of singletrack. Skratch's recipe also includes a variety of nuts, oats, and brown rice crisps, and the resulting well-balanced 220-calorie bar contains 6g of protein, 8g of sugar, 29g of total carbs, and 10g of total fat. 

Best for: This savory trail snack is the ideal energy bar for people who hate energy bars.