S1E4: Embracing Mindful Eating with WiseBar – Summary

In this episode of the Made to Sustain Podcast, host Kelly D'Amico dives into the world of mindful eating with Josh Dominick, the innovative founder behind WiseBar. With a focus on the benefits of functional mushrooms and sustainable practices, Josh shares his insights into creating a product that is not only good for the body but also good for the planet. If you haven't listened yet, head over to the episode page now!

The Story Behind WiseBar

Josh Dominick’s journey with WiseBar began with a simple observation: The nutrition bar market was saturated with products full of artificial ingredients and preservatives. Dissatisfied with what was available, Josh and his friend Ryan decided to create something different. Their goal was to develop a great tasting functional mushroom bar that featured 100% organic ingredients in sustainable packaging. It also must truly deliver a functional doses of adaptogens and functional mushrooms.

Functional Mushrooms: A Game Changer

One of the core elements of WiseBar is its use of functional mushrooms. Josh explains how mushrooms became a pivotal ingredient in his diet. As he focused on improving his mental, physical, and emotional well-being, mushrooms were a gamechanger. Recognizing the historical use of mushrooms in Eastern medicine, Josh began experimenting with them in his daily intake. In particular, he introduced lion's mane, reishi, and turkey tail mushrooms, which known for their cognitive and immune-boosting properties. WiseBar is a functional mushroom bar that offers a full dose of functional mushrooms.

A Focus on Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is a central theme for WiseBar. Josh emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating the source and nutritional value of what we consume. WiseBar’s ingredients are meticulously chosen to ensure they are organic, whole, and free of unnecessary additives. This approach is evident in their popular peanut banana bar, which has whole peanuts and dried banana pieces. They also collaborated with Fantastic Fungi on a cherry chocolate bar infused with five functional mushrooms.

Sustainability at the Heart

WiseBar extends its commitment to well-being beyond the individual to the environment. The company is a member of 1% for the Planet and collaborates with Trees for the Future to plant a tree for every box sold. Their packaging efforts are equally conscientious, striving for zero waste and exploring compostable options despite the current challenges in industrial composting infrastructure. Today they use plant based films and work with One Step Closer, the Packaging Collaborative to keep up to date with the latest trends.

Overcoming Challenges

Creating and launching a product like WiseBar comes with its own set of challenges. Josh shares the difficulties of making functional claims in the retail space and the necessity of maintaining a short shelf life due to the exclusion of artificial preservatives. These hurdles, along with the stringent standards for organic ingredients, highlight the dedication to product integrity and consumer experience.

The Future of Mindful Eating

Josh sees a bright future for mindful eating and the functional mushroom space. As the industry grows, he anticipates the introduction of more diverse and potent functional mushrooms into the market. Education plays a key role in wider adoption. WiseBar is committed to spreading knowledge about the benefits of organic, natural ingredients and adaptogens through partnerships and innovative product offerings.

Supporting WiseBar

Interested in trying WiseBar? You can purchase their products online at wise-bar.com or on Amazon. They are also available at select Target locations and will soon have a relaunch in Sprouts. They are hoping to launch in Whole Foods by the end of the year.

If there are local grocery stores or co-ops you believe would be a good fit for WiseBar, Josh invites you to reach out directly at [email protected].

Food choices profoundly impact our well-being and the planet, and WiseBar stands out by championing mindful eating and sustainability. Embracing functional, organic ingredients and sustainable practices can lead to a healthier, more conscious lifestyle.