In order for endurance athletes to perform under intense circumstances like cycling or a marathon, nutrition has to be a top priority. Whether it’s a pre-workout snack, training break, or post-race recovery meal, there’s no denying the importance of giving your body the nutrients it needs. Penny L. Wilson is a registered dietitian with the Ironman Sports Medicine Institute, and says that on race day, when you’re out for up to 17 hours, you have to be able to fuel your body to go the distance. Fruits and veggies are a go-to in her diet recommendations. “Fruits and raw vegetables (loaded with phytonutrients) provide a great source of fiber and antioxidants essential to digestive and overall health. So snack on apples, bananas, and green veggies (like spinach, zucchini, and kale), which are rich with iron—another key mineral for athletes.”

The History of Thunderbird Bars

Founded by endurance athletes in Austin, Tex., Thunderbird Bars was created based on a simple belief: eating healthy food doesn’t have to mean sacrificing convenience or flavor. The brand starts with fruit as a base and never adds any sugar or sweeteners, so the natural fruit flavor always shines through. Nuts and seeds are added for texture, along with healthy fats and plant-based protein. Superfoods like turmeric and goji berries are also on the menu, for an extra nutritional boost.

Thunderbird Bars Company Mission

Thunderbird Bars makes its products with fruit, nuts, seeds, spices—and nothing else. That means you get to enjoy a bar packed with flavor and nutrients, without a long ingredients list.

Benefits of Thunderbird Bars

Thunderbird Bars keeps the ingredients simple (think apricots, dates, papaya, almonds, walnuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds, cinnamon, cacao, and frankly, the list goes on and on), so you won’t find anything artificial inside your bar. This line is a great option for a range of diets, including:

Vegan
Plant-based
Certified Gluten-Free
Grain-free
Paleo
Soy-free
Dairy-free
Kosher

And you don’t have to be an elite athlete to enjoy them. Here are some of the things our Thrive Market members have to say.

Kristin from Va. says her family loves the clean ingredients in these bars. “My husband works outside at lot and often eats one in transit from location to location.”

Lanie from Calif. put it this way: “A lot of bars like this get too sweet, but this one has a great nuttiness to keep it a little more neutral! I had one of these bars in the middle of an 80-mile bike ride and it managed to power me right through the last 35 miles. Highly recommend!”

Top Thunderbird Bars Products

You’re bound to find a couple of flavors here that make you excited for snack time.

Texas Maple Pecan Real Food Bars

Lovers of pecan pie will enjoy the flavors of this wholesome bar that packs in crunchy pecans, sweet dates, maple, and a touch of cinnamon.

Cashew Fig Carrot Real Food Bars

If carrot cake and a fig bar had a baby, it would be this bar. Each bite features dates, figs, cashews, nutmeg, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

Chocolate Almond Butter Sea Salt Bars

For after dinner, post-workout, or an afternoon snack, reach for a chocolate almond butter bar, made with only four simple ingredients.

Snack Recipes From Thrive Market

Thunderbird Bars proves healthy snacks can be delicious. Here are more of our favorite ideas for afternoon nibbles, post-workout noshes, and more.

Healthy Snacks for Your Next Road Trip

Sticking to your regular diet on the road is sometimes a tall order. Keep your car stocked with the best gluten-free, vegan, and paleo snacks to keep you fueled until you reach your destination.

Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Snacks

Before you hit the gym, give your body some fuel in the form of the best caffeine-free pre-workout snacks. Try oatmeal cups, nut butter, and more.

The Best Snacks for a Paleo Diet

Transitioning to a caveman-inspired lifestyle? Check out our list of must-have paleo snacks to get you through the day.

Thunderbird, Superfood Bar, Cashew Fig Carrot