Energy Bars For Rider With Food Allergies

[Alex]

I have been looking for energy bars that don't contain nuts, peanut butter, or dates. (I'm allergic to those ingredients.) I have perused the aisles at Wild Oats and REI and I haven't found anything that won't kill me.

I use Clif Bloks and various gels, but I really wish I could branch out into more solid foods. Any suggestions? I'm thinking that I will try fig or fruit newtons if I can't find a bar I can eat.

Thanks.

Alex

[Offthegrid]

You could try some of the EnviroKidz bars (the non-peanut butter flavors). They say they could contain traces of nuts, though, I'm sure because the peanut butter flavor is processed on the same equipment.

Fig Newtons are wonderful, but they can get squishy in a jersey pocket. Jelly Bellys are fun, but sometimes tasted too sweet on hot days. You might even be able to make your own trail mix without peanuts.

[Grog]

You could try some of the EnviroKidz bars (the non-peanut butter flavors). They say they could contain traces of nuts, though, I'm sure because the peanut butter flavor is processed on the same equipment.

That could be enough to kill our friend Alex if she's very sensitive... (And does not have an epipen around.)

I'm sorry I have no suggestions for you Alex but I'm curious to read what others bring forward! Fig Newtons are great, but I'd call the company regarding the traces problem. They make all sorts of cookies in that factory I am sure...

Good luck!

[KnottedYet]

I've seen a few recipes for making your own bars here and there. I've heard "Living Without" has a website with recipes. How about slicing some apples and putting them in a zippy bag with a little lemon juice? Or getting some rice crispie treats to take along? There's always good ol' bananas...

There are very few energy bars I can eat because I get sick off wheat/oats/barley/rye. Unfortunately, the ones I eat (lara bars and Clif Nectar) are exactly what you CAN'T have!

[equus123]

Kalahari Fruit Trekker Bars - allergy and nut free, not process in locations that also process nuts.

Flavors - mango, pineapple, banana, and apricot.

[Eden]

These look quite promising no peanuts (but there are almonds if you are sensitive to other nuts too)
http://www.organicfoodbar.com/usa/prod.html

these also have no peanuts - and are gluten free too - they do have almonds and cashews
http://rawindulgence.com/onlinestore...ain_page=index

doh! sorry I spaced the first post it says nuts and not just peanuts...

[KnottedYet]

I'm pretty fond of Bumble Bars. Most of their flavors have nuts, but you could write and ask them about trace contamination. Lemon doesn't have any nuts.
http://www.bumblebar.com/lemon.php

My favorite is Chai, but it has almonds in it.

[Eden]

an allergy sufferer posted this to another forum

As for Bars and stuff, go for ODWALLA BARS. Although one or two of the varieties do have nuts, the others don't say "may contain traces of nuts" on the label. I've called the company to make sure there's no cross contamination. I've been eating those bars in mass quantities for years and haven't had a problem -- taste pretty reasonable too. They have a few varieties which are without either nuts or chocolate -- cranberry is pretty good, and they have ok protein bars too.

I've had Odwalla bars too - they are pretty tasty and easy to find, even Safeway carries them

[Alex]

Thanks for all the suggestions. It sounds like the Fruit Trekker bars and Sport Beans are good options. The Odwalla bars have date paste, so those are out. Fresh fruit would be great, but I am also allergic to many fresh fruits and vegetables. Once they are frozen or cooked, however, they don't cause an allergic reaction. Frozen blueberries would probably be a bit messy on a ride!

I do have to worry about cross-contamination from other products, as I have actually experienced that with some allegedly nut free granola. Oh, yeah, and then there was the time I kissed a college boyfriend after he had eaten some nuts. Twasn't pretty...

I'll check with my allergist on the bumble bars. I'm allergic to soy milk and I'm trying to figure out what forms of soy are problematic for me. The lemon bumble bars sound good, but they do contain soy.

Great suggestions! Thanks so much!

Alex

[emily_in_nc]

I'd suggest making your own bars. It's less expensive, and then you know exactly what is in them. I'm sure you could find recipes online -- we hardly use cookbooks any more for all the online recipes these days. Good luck!

Emily

[EBD]

Alton Brown did a show on making your own granola and protein bars - the recipes are here: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show..._38665,00.html. He also did nutritional breakdowns on the show, although I don't see the in the recipes. Anyway you could use these as a starting point and then make substitutions . . . although I'm not sure what you would substitute for nut butter.