Why Savory? The Question I Get Asked Most About Lope Bars

The most common question I get is: “Why savory?”

Most energy bars are loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, or sticky syrups. But as a former D1 track and cross country runner who constantly struggled with nausea and fatigue after eating energy bars, I knew there had to be a better option. That’s why I created Lope Bars… to solve that exact problem.

1. Savory, Not Sweet

This is the big one. We’re one of the only (if not the only) energy bars offering truly savory flavors. No more forcing down chalky “chocolate peanut butter” bars when your stomach’s already turning. Our bars taste like real food and are seasoned with real spices, and made with whole, recognizable ingredients.

2. Designed to Prevent Nausea

Every ingredient is chosen for its digestibility. That means low-glycemic sweeteners like honey, zero sugar alcohols, and nothing that will leave you bloated or crashing. If you’ve ever felt nauseous before/during a workout, on a hike, or just from a “healthy” bar in general … this was made with you in mind.

3. Functional Adaptogens

We include three functional adaptogens (maca, ashwagandha, and reishi) to help you feel grounded, focused, and energized. Our goal? Helping you hit your flow state and stay there.

4. Small-Batch & Female-Founded

Lope isn’t a mass-produced brand with a corporate budget. It’s just me…making bars out of a commercial kitchen and handling every detail from production to packaging to shipping. Each bar represents hundreds of customer conversations and countless hours of hard work.

5. We’re Building Something Different

This isn’t just about a snack. It’s about feeling like you’re exactly where you need to be….even in your most stressful moments. Keep supporting us and we will continue to innovate towards products like savory protein bars and other truly new and helpful products.

Our Ingredient List

All Lope Bars are made with thoughtfully selected ingredients designed to support performance, reduce nausea, and promote overall wellness. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into every bar:

Core Ingredients (Found in All Flavors)

Click on each ingredient to learn more

• Brown Rice Puffs

  A gluten-free, easily digestible carbohydrate source that provides sustained energy and contains antioxidants.

• Honey

  A low-glycemic sweetener that contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids…powerful antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Honey also has antibacterial properties that support gut health and ease indigestion.

• Gelatin

  Rich in glycine and proline, which are key for collagen production. Gelatin may improve joint health, support digestion by healing the gut lining, and help regulate blood sugar levels.

• Ghee

  Packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) that promote gut health and reduce inflammation. Ghee also contains omega-3s for brain support and vitamin K for better calcium absorption and bone strength.

• Magnesium

  An essential mineral that supports cardiovascular, nerve, muscle, and bone health…especially important for athletes.

• Maca, Ashwagandha, Reishi

  These adaptogens help the body better manage stress by balancing the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

• Citric Acid

  A natural digestive aid that stimulates enzyme production and reduces bloating.

• Chia Seeds

  Nutrient-dense seeds rich in fiber, omega-3s, protein, calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Flavor-Specific Ingredients

🧀 Cheddar

• Cheddar Cheese Powder

• Nutritional Yeast: High in B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12)

• Potato Starch

• Mustard Powder: Packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc

🔥 BBQ

• Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder

• Blackstrap Molasses Powder: A rich source of iron…especially important for female endurance athletes

• Tomato Powder

• Dried Apple Cider Vinegar: Supports blood sugar regulation and digestion

🌶 Chili Lime

• Lime Powder: Acts as a natural electrolyte and aids digestion

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Coriander

• Tajin: Adds flavor and electrolytes

Have more questions?

Drop them in the comments or shoot me a message…. I’d love to include more in a future FAQ post.

And if you have ever felt sick from sweet snacks, share this with a friend who might need to try savory.

What I Learned from Tabling at 20+ Events as a Startup Founder

When I first launched Lope Bars (the first savory energy bar designed to prevent nausea) I didn’t think much about the sales strategy. A friend told me he made $500 at farmers markets selling sweatshirts, so I figured I might as well give it a shot. At the very least, I could meet someone important.

Spoiler alert: It wasn’t that easy.

This summer, I tabled at over 20 pop-up events and farmers markets across Florida with a tiny budget and a whole lot of trial and error. I forgot chairs, borrowed tables, bought a tent off Facebook Marketplace …..and didn’t really make any profit.

But I did learn what it actually takes to represent your brand in person and connect with customers face to face.

Here are my biggest takeaways:

1. People Buy From People… But Only If You Catch Their Attention

Booth setup matters….A LOT. The difference between being overlooked and drawing a crowd often came down to presentation: signage, samples, and energy.

A couple selling candles next to me ( https://lunabloomcandles.com/) said their sales increased tremendously when they improved their booth display. I only had three flavors, and even after adding stickers and a sample box, my table still lacked that wow factor to really pull people in.

2. Niche Products Require Education

Explaining why a savory energy bar exists takes a second. I had to constantly refine my pitch. Eventually, I landed on a one-liner that clicked:

“We’re the first savory energy bar, made for people who get nauseous from sweet snacks.”

That landed, but only after people tried the bar did they really get it.

3. Sales Don’t Always Match Effort

Some of the best-looking events had the worst turnout. I once prepped over 100 samples… and made just 4 sales.

Sometimes we broke even. Sometimes we didn’t. It was hard, but it taught me to detach results from self-worth and focus on learning.

4. Looking Professional Can Backfire at Farmers Markets

People often assumed we were a big corporate brand. Whether it was our banner, packaging, or setup, they thought I was an intern working for a company… and turned away, preferring handmade, local products

If you’re going to do a farmers market, it may work better if your brand looks more homemade or early-stage.

So… Was It Worth It?

Honestly, not really.

Here’s why:

• Supplies are expensive. A compliant tent alone was $60 on Facebook Marketplace (normally $375 and mine had holes). Then you need pole weights, chairs, a table, and your full display setup.

• Setup and breakdown take time, and often you’re sitting there for hours.

• Entry fees for markets range from $120–$500 or require large amounts of free samples.

• The audience is usually looking for produce and homemade goods, not innovative startup products.

While it wasn’t profitable, it gave me something more valuable, real feedback, firsthand insights, and grit. If you’re a startup founder thinking about pop-up events or farmers markets, I hope this helps you avoid some of the lessons I had to learn the hard way.

Ybor farmers market (a great low cost farmers market): https://ybormarket.com/