The following review features JAMBAR and was written by trail runner Sarah Barber. Product was provided for the review at no charge.
JAMBAR. It sounds like a thatched roof hut on an island near the equator where they serve drinks with umbrellas and play Bob Marley covers until well past sundown. Or it could be a sports nutrition bar made of all organic ingredients and plant-based protein designed to fuel surfers and trail runners alike. If the former is great for a relaxing vacation, the latter is here to support type two fun—the kind that makes you grimace, but leaves you grinning when you’re finished.
Flavor evolves
Anyone remember the original PowerBar that revolutionized in-game fueling for endurance athletes? Yeah, well, 1992 called and wants its gluey food pellet back. Good thing for the 90s because no one (not even triathletes) wants those tasteless energy sources to ruin an otherwise fantastic workout in 2024. Interestingly, JAMBAR’s founder is one of the co-founders of the historic PowerBar company, and it’s clear that her formula has evolved on a scale not unlike the path of Neanderthal to Steve Jobs.
Present day sports nutrition has to do more than please the palate; it needs to cater to folks who count macros, restrict gluten, avoid animal products, and have sensitive intestines. JAMBAR covers those bases and goes the extra mile by donating 50% of after-tax profits to “organizations that support the transformative pursuits of music and sports.” Hold on. Music AND sports? So maybe there’s a reggae band at a tiki bar on an island after all!
Exotic mash-up
Regardless, JAMBAR’s recent launch of its Tropical Trio flavor adds another vegan option to its existing vegan duo (Jammin’ Jazzleberry and Musical Mango) and promises an exotic mash-up of pineapple, coconut, and banana that might just make your taste buds sing.
Although I’m not usually one to crowdsource, I’m aware that athletes are often incredibly picky eaters and incredibly opinionated consumers, so it felt appropriate to survey members of my track team as part of this product review.
JAMBAR feedback
From the point of entry, one eager sampler noted that the wrappers are “busy,” and the JAMBAR logo in the musical clef is “clever.” Bonus thought: this might appeal to kids, making for a versatile snack.
JAMBAR ingredients list.
The one glutard in the group appreciated the clear gluten-free and non-GMO labeling. However, when she unsuspectingly read the ingredient list, she froze mid-munch and abruptly abandoned the trial (despite claiming to enjoy the bar’s gentle sweetness and soft texture) due to her mild walnut allergy. She was quick to note, “That’s on ME, though!” as she otherwise would have eaten the entire thing.
A macro-conscious runner felt the ratio of protein to carbs is spot on, and she dug the “clean and not processed” flavor. She also has a sensitive stomach and was pleased to report no ill effects post-consumption. More than one tester self-reported as “not a fan of anything with even a hint of banana flavor,” but most were pleasantly surprised to find coconut more dominant in the flavor profile of the Tropical Trio.
Two vegetarians in the group appreciated vegan options with relatively high protein content at 10 grams per bar, and the fact that JAMBAR supports good causes. “All that means a lot to me,” said one athlete, “and it does tip the scales when I’m looking at buying snacks.”
Another runner was reminded of, “homemade raw energy balls both in consistency and flavor.” She further commented, “I bet the mom who developed this product started with the hand-rolled balls…I could taste coconut flakes, which was nice. It was soft enough that chewing wasn’t taxing, but solid enough that I could split it and share with the husband and not lose any crumbly bits.”
Her husband’s comment? “Kind of tastes like an old beer…” And we’re back to the island locale with the thatched roof hut and rotating taps operated by a Jimmy Buffet lookalike!
JAMBAR on
As for me, I happen to like tropical flavors. So if you see me trotting down the trail, that’s not a banana in my pocket. It’s a JAMBAR. It’s as close to real food as it gets when we’re talking about tidily wrapped packages, small-batch balanced nutrition, and convenient energy on the go. Keep jammin’ friends!
Editor’s note: Collegiate Running Association announces partnership with JAMBAR.
