by Seth Couenhoven

Too many of us run out the door many mornings, leaving breakfast behind and sacrificing nutrition for a day on the run. The temptation to grab a sugary snack a few hours later can be overwhelming.

Here's a solution, or at least a compromise: Thuro Bread, a nourishing breakfast bar that does not compromise quality or contain artificial, overly-processed ingredients.

The Wedge recently started carrying our three Gluten-Free flavors: Chocolate Chip, Craisin and Raisin Walnut. Whether you have celiac disease, eat a vegan diet or just want to stay away from overly-processed foods, we've got you covered. They are sold in the frozen section, so just let them thaw or give them 15-30 seconds in a microwave.

Our bars contain amaranth, coconut flour and gluten-free oats that supply sustaining slow carbs and the complete protein found in amaranth. We sweeten with Sucanat, an unrefined cane sugar that provides a rich, natural sweetness and vitamins and minerals from its molasses. The coconut oil's tropical fat is a medium chain fatty acid which converts directly into quick energy, and helps increase metabolism. Freshly ground flax contributes fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals called lignans, which improve glucose control and insulin resistance. Add a touch of sea salt for balance, a dash of cinnamon for flavor and you have Thuro Bread.

About Our Company

We are a small, local family-owned company located in St. Paul. Bonus Vivus, our parent company, was started by my mother, Sarah. In 1995 she began researching ancient whole grains to develop a convenient snack that was tasty and sustaining, easy to digest, low in unrefined sugar and yeast free. After months of experimenting she developed a unique baked bar. We named our product Thuro Bread because it was a complete, innovative and delicious solution to the problem of processed, artificial, high-sugar, low nutrient snack foods.

To make Thuro Bread Gluten Free bars a safe option for people with gluten intolerance, we mix and bake the bars in our own commercial kitchen to maintain strict controls that prevent contact with gluten. Coconut flour and gluten-free oats are sourced from Canada. A company called Silliker, a food safety laboratory; has analyzed our products to be sure that our kitchen procedures were working. And they were! No gluten was detected in our products.

What people have been saying about Thuro Bread:

"My research found that Thuro Bread has a very low glycemic index compared to other breads, which means it is helpful for the control of blood sugar." -Mark Pereira, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota

"I have to be honest, I've never tasted anything so good in such a small package. It was all I needed to keep me going during a busy afternoon. It was so satisfying to the palate! Thank you for making a healthy and energy boosting snack." -Lori

"I've really been enjoying the Thuro Bread! In fact, today one allowed me to work through lunch and carried me through the rest of the day—a hallelujah moment for celiacs on the run." -Celeste