A bar that gives you energy
… while giving back to our planet and community
An idea starts to grow: how our story began…
For years, Thad Cummings had made his own simple snacks on the go – always tinkering with new, innovative ways to find the balance between health, nature and taste. But a paradigm shift happened when Thad found himself in Ukraine confronted by the reality of thousands of kids without food.
Back home, working in the Emergency Department – where shifts could surpass 15 hours – his colleagues typically had no time for meals, choking down candy bars to get by. Racing in triathlons for kiddos with disabilities, sugar gel packets were the saving grace. Processed junk was prevalent everywhere.
Amidst all this, Thad was consumed by a thought, a hope – isn’t there a better way? A way of providing sustainable, sustaining nutrition. Nutrition that doesn’t destroy our health or our planet and can make a meaningful difference to the lives of those most in need?
From this research, The Meal Bar was born – and the idea became a reality.
The goal? A product that could restore a person’s energy and sustain them through long runs, long shifts, and short turnarounds.
A product that could also help sustain our local community, rebuild the environment, and reduce our impact. By shortening our supply chain, and choosing ingredients that are responsibly grown and minimally processed, we’re on a mission to protect the health of both people and the planet—one thoughtful choice at a time.
We source our ingredients from trusted, responsible suppliers - always prioritizing quality and integrity. By building close relationships across our supply chain and choosing partners who share our values, we ensure that what goes into our bars is as good for you as it is for the planet. We want to give you the peace of mind that you’re only putting the very best ingredients in your body.
Our ingredients are all natural – no added stabilizers, fillers or sugar substitutes
Our commitment to restoring our connection with food
We believe that so much of the unhealthy living and disease in society comes from a disconnection to our food and how it’s grown and made.
By focused on transparency, thoughtful sourcing, and minimizing harm, we're working to change this. To advocate for newer, better farming practices that are more sustainable for the farmer, for the land and for the quality of food we are consuming.
Want to rethink the way you snack?
Where we are – and where we want to be
From honey and blueberries to apricots, cherries, and oats, we choose ingredients that are grown with care and have a lighter impact on the planet. We prioritize what’s in season, what travels less, and what supports a more thoughtful food system. Every decision we make is about building something that lasts—sustainable, responsible, and rooted in long-term wellbeing.
Packaging
Our goal is to use only petroleum-free, compostable packaging by 2027. At the moment, we don’t have access to that kind of volume – so we’re using a plastic-based wrapper for now.
That said, we’re already negotiating with a company to develop a new, seaweed-based solution – and exploring a range of other compostable packaging options, too.
Ingredients
Our goal is to use only whole-food ingredients. That means no added stabilizers and no chemical or even “natural” sugar alternatives messing with your gut microbiome.
Low in sugar (but high in fat and protein), our bars rely on natural, sustainably sourced ingredients. Our gluten free oats increase micronutrient absorption; our dehydrated fruits are free from preservatives or added sugars.
Transport
Our goal is to grow, harvest, and manufacture everything we need within 500 miles of our home base in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Through this, we can cut down on transport-related emissions – one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gasses in agriculture – and reduce our impact on the environment. All while keeping things local and giving back to the community and industries that sustain us.
Our vision
To empower people on the move to restore their health, their community, and the planet. By educating communities – and providing whole-food bars sourced from sustainable farms.
About our founder, Thad Cummings
Thad Cummings is a highly sought-after speaker and author of several books: including Running From Fear and Radical Compassion. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Thad spent nearly a decade running social enterprises and for-purpose organizations.
Now, he dedicates his life to speaking, writing, educating, growing The Meal Bar, and spending time adventuring with his daughter.