When it comes to choosing your next energy source, think outside the bar with Maple Waffles from UnTapped. Yes, maple waffles. Created by pro cyclists and skiers, it’s a modern take on the classic stroopwafel. Untapped uses all-natural maple syrup to bind the two waffle-like cookies. Available in original Maple (not shown), Coffee, and Raspberry, the result is delicious, and nutritious.
New England cyclist Ted King had been using pure maple syrup to fuel his rides. He teamed up with the legendary Cochran family of Vermont to bring us UnTapped. Each waffle contains a short ingredient list, of which 2/3 are organic. The wheat flour, pure maple syrup and sugar, sustainably produced palm fruit oil, invert maple syrup, soy flour, and rice extract are all organic. The sea salt, soy lecithin, and baking soda are not. Organic coffee, and organic raspberries are added to their respective waffles as well.
Here’s a breakdown of why they chose maple:
‘¢ Maple syrup is low glycemic. It contains all-natural sugars, and provides prolonged, sustained energy. This is much better than the quick burst and subsequent crash of many other, artificial sweeteners.
‘¢ Maple syrup contains Calcium, Riboflavin, Manganese, Zinc, and Potassium. They promote energy production, muscle recovery, and help prevent cramping.
‘¢ Maple syrup features more than fifty antioxidants, which are free radical fighting properties. Foods with similar qualities include berries, green tea, red wine, and flaxseed.
‘¢ Maple syrup contains amino acids, which help prevent muscle deterioration.
‘¢ Maple syrup is water soluble, making it easy to digest, and quick to absorb.
Now, that list is an edited version of what is listed on their site. But they forgot one of the best reasons – maple is delicious!
UnTapped was kind enough to provide samples when we visited them at Outdoor Retailer. While walking the floors of a trade show is not the same as riding a century (although they both feel like 100 miles), clean energy is welcome for both. The Maple Waffle tastes like breakfast. Both the raspberry and coffee have that same maple base, with a little something extra, for variety. After sampling all three, the coffee was the clear winner for me. But it’s so close, I’d be happy with any of them. If you want (or need) to avoid wheat and soy, they also offer 100 calorie packets of 100% pure maple.
I understand that not everyone is a world-class athlete. For most of us, outdoor sports are an after work, or weekend pursuit. But whether you work 8 hours, hike for 10, ride for 4, or ski for an afternoon, you’re going to need some energy. And now more than ever, we’re aware of the importance of getting that energy from pure, clean foods. UnTapped does that, really well. Check them out at UnTapped.cc.
Brian
I’d like to thank UnTapped for providing their samples during the show, and for sending us home with a small supply as well. They offer a unique and great-tasting alternative to energy bars.