Keeping It Whole With Lara Merriken

We sat down with Lara Merriken, founder of LÄRABAR which is known for its bars that are comprised of fruits, nuts, and spices as well as their plant-based protein bars.

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Lara's interest in whole foods that keep you satisfied with its decadent ingredients stems from being an athlete playing Women's Volleyball at USC. But it would be years later after working as a social worker that she went hiking in the Rocky Mountains where the birth of LÄRABAR came to fruition. We hung out with Lara to talk about the bars, their original offerings, and the brand's growth as they were acquired by General Mills.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to creating LÄRABAR, what were you working on before this that led you to launch this company?

LARA MERRIKEN: Well, I was actually a social worker right outside of college. I worked with at-risk kids for a long time. But I did play volleyball in college which is really the reason why I got into healthier eating for athletic performance which was the beginning of my journey. That evolved into being passionate about healthy eating and feeling good. I found myself on a mountain one day for a hike and the idea of LÄRABAR came. It’s about simple ingredients of fruits, nuts, and spices but making something that tasted indulgent and delicious.

AM: So you were on the Rocky Mountains and you decided to do this, what was the first process in creating the initial LÄRABAR?

LM: Well, I actually would comb the grocery store aisles and get my inspirations from pies, cookies and cakes. Cashew Cookie is one of those that we have today which is just 2 ingredients – cashews and dates – that’s it, but it tastes indulgent! Apple Pie is another one that we have today and I would harken towards those junk foodie forbidden foods, but using healthy ingredients!

AM: That's amazing! What were your first 5 original flavors that you started with?