Cool Hunting

You Bars
After an athletic mom and her marathon-running, allergic-to-milk son got fed up with the energy bar options on the market, they took matters into their own hands and came up with a customizable alternative that they call You Bars. On their site, customers can make up their own recipe to their exact specs, choosing from a variety of ingredients like almond butter, soy protein,...

Elev8 Me Protein and Fruit Bars
If you're anything like me, you've searched long and hard for a protein and energy bar that wasn't filled with loads of chemicals and artificial ingredients. After reading about and trying a couple of flavors of Elev8 Me bars, I started buying them by the case! Elev8 Me bars were created by a very physically active family in Vancouver who wanted to create the...

Go Appetít Beverages
Go Appetít savory fruit and vegetable beverages are a new and delicious take on the pre-packaged smoothie. Available in three flavors (Gazpacho, Mango Melange and Carrot Bisque), the summer soups are made with premium fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. There's no artificial preservatives, colors or added sugar, which helps keep each eight-ounce single serving bottle under 150 calories. Created by two entrepreneurial single mothers...

Green Tea
With more and more reports linking green tea to weight loss, extolling its skin care, anti-infection, immune-boosting, and cholesterol-lowering benefits, and citing its potention to prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and tooth decay, the green tea product boom is in full-force. An Asian staple, recent green tea inventions of the East include a Kit-Kat (pictured above right) and the Japanese crisp rice-and-white chocolate bar...

Homegrown Pure and Simple
Chef Michel Nischan is a source of inspiration for me as both a cook and someone passionate about food (especially organically raised food), family and friends. His new book, (with the help of formidable food writer Mary Goodbody), Homegrown Pure and Simple is a wonderful combination of his love for his mother and her simple garden cooking, his experiences and skills as a world-class...

Sahale Snacks
I've been obsessing over these great snacks lately. Like Josh and Edmond, the creators of Sahale snacks, I've found most nut/trail mixes lacking inspiration and flavor. The four recipes (Ksar Blend is my favorite) blend the freshest fruit and nuts with spices that really bring the flavors out. Great in the lunch box, as an afternoon snack, or with drinks. Available at stores everywhere...