“No chocolate on our hiking trip?!”
This was the comments that I received from a group of friends about to embark on a 4 day hiking trip into the backcountry in +30°c weather. Negotiations ensued as they tried to get me to budge on including bars, candy coated chocolates and chunks of dark deliciousness into their trail mix. Mentioning that the bars found next to the till at the grocery store were high in sugar and would melt quickly was overlooked and people decided to bring chocolate anyways. It wasn’t long into the trip that people had sticky hands, messy packs and in the evenings when things cooled down, they pulled out baseball sized chocolate trail mix bricks. People realized that there had to be a better way.
Adventures are all about pushing boundaries and making memories, and having the right foods to get you where you need to go is an essential part of the experience. But what if I told you didn’t have to stick to your freeze-dried meals or the ‘just add water’ snacks and you could expand to something that tasted a whole lot better and can boost your energy? There is one such company that asked this very question and brought in a food scientist to save the day. Enter the humble yet mighty nutrition bar, 7 Summits Snacks. These bars aren't just any chocolate; they're crafted to be your perfect adventure companion. Let’s chat about functional chocolate and why it should be a staple in your backpack.
The Sweet Perks of Chocolate on the Go
7 Summits Snacks are crafted with nutrition in mind. Made with ethically sourced chocolates and ingredients you can actually pronounce, these bars are designed to keep you going. Whether you’re scaling a mountain, running a marathon, or simply walking the nearby trails, the right nutrition can make all the difference.
Chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, is a fantastic source of energy. It's packed with carbohydrates and fats that provide a sustained release of energy, crucial for those long hikes or intense activities. The sugar content in chocolate can give you that immediate boost you need to power through challenging moments.
Functional Chocolate: What’s the Buzz?
You might have heard the term "functional chocolate" before, but what exactly does it mean? Unlike regular chocolate, which is mainly for enjoyment, functional chocolate is designed with additional health benefits. 7 Summits Snacks are a prime example, incorporating vitamins, minerals, and superfoods into their recipes.
Key Ingredients in 7 Summits Snacks
7 Summits Snacks also include a variety of purposeful ingredients like goji berries, golden berries, and blueberries, each offering unique health benefits. Goji berries are high in antioxidants, protecting cells and boosting immunity. Golden berries, rich in vitamins A and C, support eye health and immune function. Blueberries, another antioxidant powerhouse, improve memory and cognitive function. So, it is true; (this) chocolate is good for you!
The Benefits of Functional Chocolate
Stress Relief: High levels of magnesium and antioxidants in chocolate can help reduce stress, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Imagine taking a moment to savour a piece of chocolate while soaking in a breathtaking view – it’s a brief escape that can give you that encourage you need.
Brain Health: The flavonoids in cocoa improve blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and protecting against age-related decline. Add superfoods like goji berries and blueberries into the mix, and you have a powerful brain-boosting snack.
Nice Package
When you grab any 7 Summits Snacks bar, you’ll notice that the wrapping is made of a strong and durable material that won’t tear open when it’s tossed around in your pack. As the product is made of natural ingredients, it doesn’t take too long in warmer weather for the chocolate to melt. Despite the change in physical form, just squeeze the packaging to enjoy the delicious and nutritious liquefied bar to get a shot of energy.
Our Adventures
After seeing how 7 Summits Snacks has elevated the nutrition food game for athletes and adventurers, my stance on bringing chocolate on my backpacking trips has changed. Since then, I take these small, durable yet delicious and nutritious energy boosting bars on my biking, hiking, and skiing adventures and enjoy them as a post-workout snack.
So, the next time you’re packing for a hiking trip, know that there are other options out there. If you choose to include these bars in your gear – they just might become your favourite travel companion too.
And remember, every adventure is sweeter with a bit of chocolate.