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Who Makes Probar? The Story of the Plant-Based Snack Company

4 min read

Founded in Park City, Utah, in 2002, Probar began as a passion project for outdoor enthusiasts Jeff Coleman and Art Eggertsen, who wanted a healthy, plant-based meal replacement bar. The short answer to who makes Probar is the company itself, Probar LLC, which now manufactures its own products from its dedicated facility in Utah.

Quick Summary

Probar LLC is an independently owned, Salt Lake City-based company co-founded by Jeff Coleman and Art Eggertsen, which manufactures its own range of plant-based nutrition bars from its Utah facility.

Key Points

  • Founders: Probar was co-founded by outdoor enthusiasts Jeff Coleman and Art Eggertsen in Park City, Utah, in 2002.

  • Ownership: Jeff Coleman eventually bought the company outright, making Probar LLC an independently owned, private company.

  • Manufacturing: Probar produces its own line of plant-based nutrition bars from its in-house manufacturing facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah.

  • Values: The company operates based on core values focused on family-like culture, sustainability, integrity, and a commitment to high-quality ingredients.

  • Clarification: The company Probar LLC is distinct from other entities like the Portuguese meat producer or the fire safety tool company that share a similar name.

  • Products: Probar offers a variety of plant-based products, including MEAL bars, Protein bars, BITE bars, and BOLT Energy Chews, all made with whole superfood ingredients.

In This Article

The Origins of the Plant-Based PROBAR

The story of PROBAR begins in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, where an avid trail runner named Jeff Coleman was searching for a better way to fuel his outdoor adventures. His quest for a truly whole-food, plant-based, and delicious meal replacement bar led him to meet Art Eggertsen, a vegan food coach and snowboarding instructor. Eggertsen’s homemade vegan meal bars inspired Coleman, and together they co-founded PROBAR with a clear mission: to create a healthy, convenient, and great-tasting meal replacement bar.

The founders' commitment to using high-quality, whole-food ingredients like fruits, nuts, and seeds set PROBAR apart in the early days. This unique flavor profile and nutritional integrity quickly helped the company gain traction in local natural product stores and eventually expand to national retailers like Whole Foods. Coleman, who initially helped fund and grow the company, eventually purchased it outright, solidifying its status as an independently owned, purpose-driven brand.

PROBAR: A Company Built on Core Values

PROBAR is more than just a brand; it’s a company built on a foundation of strong values and a family-like culture. Their operational philosophy, as outlined on their website, emphasizes several key principles:

  • Treat Business Like You Treat Family: Cultivating long-term, meaningful relationships with employees, vendors, and customers.
  • Let Your Actions Define You: Acting with honesty, integrity, and trust.
  • Big Steps, Small Footprint: A commitment to sustainability and sourcing plant-based ingredients with a positive impact.
  • We Don't Run From Our Karma: Acting ethically and prioritizing quality over cost.

This culture is reflected in their in-house manufacturing process, which gives the company complete control over production, quality, and ingredient sourcing. By owning their facility in Salt Lake City, PROBAR can ensure the highest standards for its plant-based, non-GMO products. This self-sufficient approach allows them to maintain the vision and passion that drove the company from its inception.

Not All "Probars" are Created Equal: The Importance of Context

One of the most important things to note when asking, "who makes Probar?" is that the name 'Probar' is used by multiple, completely unrelated companies. The Probar you are likely thinking of is the plant-based snack company, Probar LLC, from Utah. However, search results can sometimes lead to very different entities. To avoid confusion, here is a comparison table of different companies that use the name 'Probar.'

Company Name Primary Business Headquarters Industry
Probar LLC Plant-based nutrition bars Salt Lake City, Utah Food & Beverage
Probar - Indústria Alimentar, SA Portuguese cold meat products Coimbra, Portugal Food Processing
PRO-BAR by Fire Hooks Unlimited Fire and rescue entry tools United States Safety & Firefighting Equipment
Probar Inventory Solutions Asset management services Annapolis, Maryland Information Services

This table clarifies that the vast majority of search queries are for Probar LLC, the company known for its line of healthy, plant-based snack bars. The other businesses are completely separate and operate in different industries. This information is crucial for those seeking details on the snack brand.

PROBAR Product Manufacturing and Innovation

Since its founding, PROBAR has expanded its product line well beyond the original meal replacement bar. The in-house manufacturing process allows for consistent innovation and quality control across its diverse offerings. The products are all vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free, and kosher, staying true to the company's initial commitment to whole-food ingredients.

Key products include:

  • MEAL Bars: The original line of whole-food meal replacement bars.
  • Protein Bars: Formerly known as 'Base,' these bars are packed with plant protein.
  • BITE Bars: Smaller, snack-sized bars for a quick energy boost.
  • BOLT Energy Chews: Plant-based energy chews for high-endurance activities.

This wide range of options caters to active lifestyles, whether you're a marathon runner, a weekend hiker, or just need a nutritious snack between meetings. The company's commitment to sustainability extends to its sourcing practices, working with partnered growers to ensure high-quality organic ingredients. This approach, combined with the ethical and community-focused business philosophy, has allowed the company to thrive.

The Future of PROBAR

As PROBAR moves forward, it remains dedicated to its original mission while continuing to evolve. By maintaining independent ownership and in-house manufacturing, the company ensures it can stay true to its roots and core values. The focus on creating delicious, convenient, and healthy plant-based options will continue to be the driving force behind its product development. For more information on the company's story and its products, you can visit their official website: theprobar.com.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of who makes Probar is answered by Probar LLC, a company that designs and manufactures its own plant-based nutrition bars. Founded by Jeff Coleman and Art Eggertsen in Utah, the company grew from a passion project into a nationally recognized brand. Unlike other companies that share a similar name, Probar LLC is a food and beverage company focused on whole, plant-based ingredients. Through its in-house manufacturing process and commitment to sustainability and quality, Probar continues to provide a healthy and delicious fueling option for active individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Probar is an independently owned company. Co-founder Jeff Coleman eventually acquired the company outright, ensuring it remains privately held and dedicated to its original mission.

Probar manufactures its products in its own in-house facility located in Salt Lake City, Utah. This allows the company to maintain strict quality control and ingredient transparency.

No, Probar is not owned by a larger food corporation. Unlike many competing snack brands, Probar has remained an independent entity dedicated to its plant-based, whole-food mission.

Probar was co-founded by Jeff Coleman, an avid trail runner and outdoor enthusiast, and Art Eggertsen, a vegan food coach and snowboarding instructor.

Probar emphasizes using high-quality, whole-food, and plant-based ingredients like nuts, seeds, and fruits. Their products are also Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free, and kosher.

Knowing Probar is independently owned assures consumers that the company remains true to its original vision of producing high-quality, whole-food, plant-based snacks, rather than being driven by a larger corporation's profit motives.

Yes, several unrelated companies share the name. These include a Portuguese meat company (Probar - Indústria Alimentar, SA), a fire and rescue tool manufacturer (PRO-BAR by Fire Hooks Unlimited), and an asset management firm (Probar Inventory Solutions).

Probar's key differentiators include its commitment to in-house manufacturing, its emphasis on whole-food plant-based ingredients, and its independence, which allows it to prioritize quality and sustainability over corporate mandates.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.