You gotta love a product that says “Refrigeration Necessary”. Why? Because it means that the product is as natural as it gets. Anything that can sit in your kitchen pantry for longer than a week has got something in there that allows it to do so. More than likely, it would not be a natural ingredient.

But these bars by Papa Steve? Well, they need to be refrigerated.

Papa Steve was kind enough to send me a few samples to review. I received 2 Chocolate Coconut Crunch bars, a Banana Nut Crunch bar, and a dairy free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip bar.

The first thing I noticed as I took a bite of the Chocolate Coconut Crunch bar was the overwhelming LACK of sugar. And that is JUST what I like! Who wants a sticky sweet protein bar? I’m so over that. I also noticed Chia. I love chia and any bar that has incorporated it successfully, in my humble opinion, has got a winner!

The ingredients in this particular bar are as follows: Raw Organic Coconut, Organic Dates, Pea Protein, Raw Hemp Seeds, 100% Organic Certified Raw Cacao, Raw Pumpkin Seeds, Tapioca Fiber, Chia Seeds, Organic Vanilla Extract.

Chia, chocolate, coconut and naturally sweetened with dates. Not to mention the amazing protein provided by the Pea Protein and the Hemp Seeds.

Nutrition Stats:
Gluten, Grain, Soy, Wheat Free. Taste Freaking Amazing.
280 Calories = 15g Fat + 31g Carbohydrates + 16g Vegan Protein + 18g Fiber + 9g Sugar   (net carbs = 15)

This is a little bar (2.5 oz) that packs an amazing punch! So it is small enough to carry on a run or a bike ride, or take along in a purse or back pocket. They are handmade fresh in Southern California, and shipped fresh, at which time when it is received, to be refrigerated.

I seriously love everything about them and am excited to try a few of the other flavors. Here is what Papa Steve offers:

• Dairy Free Peanut Butter Choco Chip Raw Protein Bar
• Almond Coconut Crunch Raw Protein Bar
• Cranberry Almond Crunch Vegan/Dairy Free Raw Protein Bar
• Apple Cinnamon Crunch Raw Protein Bar
• Blueberry Almond Crunch Raw Protein Bar
• Peanut Butter Choco Chip Raw Protein Bar
• Dairy Free Banana Nut Crunch Raw/ Vegan Protein Bar
• Chocolate Coconut Crunch Raw/ Vegan/ Protein Bar
• Chocolate Cherry Crunch Vegan/Dairy Free Raw Protein Bar

Papa Steve’s Sampler

And, you can also order a No Junk 5-bar  sampler box which includes 1 ALMOND CRANBERRY, 1 BLUEBERRY ALMOND CRUNCH, 1 APPLE CINNAMON CRUNCH, 1 PEANUT BUTTER/CHOCO-CHIP, and 1 ALMOND COCONUT CRUNCH. Papa Steve also offers 100% FREE Shipping on All Orders over $35.

If you are looking for a way to fuel your runs with real food that you can truly bite into, I highly recommend Papa Steve’s. I also recommend you check out their website and take a look at the No Junk page where there is a list of ingredients, one of which may be in YOUR favorite protein bar.  You might be surprised what you find! And please read the Papa Steve’s story. It is inspiring as well as personal. You’ll understand why this bar is so special!

Have you stumbled upon a new and delicious bar that we all must try? Please share it with us below!