4 Corners, 5 Ingredients: Keep Things Simple With This Paleo and Gluten-Free Snack Bar

Have you ever stood in a grocery store aisle trying to decipher hard-to-pronounce ingredients on the back of a box? We’ve all been there, and SIMPLE Squares wants to make eating a little bit, well … simpler. With a short list of only five organic ingredients in every bar, this is one snack you can always feel good about.

It starts with a master recipe (nuts + honey + vanilla + sea salt + herbs) with an emphasis on functional herbs—adaptogens—a special class of plants that, according to proponents, seems to have a normalizing effect on the body and may be able to adapt to whatever the body is dealing with, like stress, anxiety, or fatigue.

Here’s a look inside one of the most popular bars: Cinna Clove! Thrive Market member Emily E. says “they taste like a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal,” and Thrive Market member Charlie B. says they keep him full for hours.

1: Nuts
Every bar starts with a trio of heart-healthy cashews, almonds, and coconuts.

2: Honey
Raw, unprocessed honey adds This nectar has a lower glycemic index number than many other highly processed sweeteners so it may provide a steadier source of energy.

3: Vanilla
Organic vanilla not only has antioxidants, but lends depth of flavor and a yummy scent.

4: Sea Salt
The sea salt flakes in this bar are sourced from the United States, and offer essential vitamins and minerals.

5: Herbs (Cinnamon and Clove)
Cinnamon (known for its anti-inflammatory properties) and clove, which may aid in digestion, make for a delicious savory-sweet tasting combo.

At SIMPLE Squares, caring about the ingredients you put in your body is only part of the equation. Real ingredients in food products promotes the understanding of sustainability and earth-friendly harvesting practices—two essential environmental issues that need our attention. Through its Parks 4 Kids program and a partnership with the Outdoor Foundation, the company helps educate people about the benefits of spending time outdoors and hopes to encourage a new generation of environmental stewardship in the process.

What’s your favorite flavor? Let us know in the comments, and get snacking!