When it comes to fueling for endurance, there are a lot of options on the market, from synthetic gels to “quick-energy” snacks. But with Trail Butter, we’ve taken a different approach: creating fuel that’s rooted in real, whole-food nutrition.
Unlike many traditional endurance snacks, Trail Butter doesn’t rely on artificial additives, preservatives, or synthetic sweeteners. You won’t find artificial additives and preservatives, synthetic sweeteners, maltodextrin, high-fructose corn syrup, emulsifiers, or artificial flavors and colors in our nut butters. Here’s why we avoid these common ingredients and why you’re better off without them:
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Artificial Additives and Preservatives: Ingredients like BHT, BHA, and potassium sorbate are used to extend shelf life, but they can cause digestive issues and disrupt the body’s natural gut flora. Some studies even link these preservatives to allergic reactions and hormone disruption. Instead of artificial preservatives, Trail Butter relies on natural fats to keep our nut butters fresh.
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Synthetic Sweeteners (e.g., Aspartame, Sucralose): While synthetic sweeteners may add sweetness without calories, they interfere with metabolism, gut health, and appetite regulation. Research has shown they can disrupt gut bacteria, leading to digestive discomfort and impacting nutrient absorption. We believe in natural sweetness from dried fruits to provide energy that’s gentle on your digestive system and free from synthetic interference.
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Maltodextrin: Commonly used for quick energy, maltodextrin is processed in a way that causes rapid blood sugar spikes, followed by crashes that can leave you feeling sluggish. Trail Butter’s whole-food ingredients, on the other hand, offer balanced energy that works with your body’s natural metabolism for sustained performance.
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High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS): HFCS is a low-cost sweetener derived from corn that has been associated with insulin resistance and fatty liver when consumed regularly. It’s metabolized differently than natural sugars, leading to increased fat storage and potential weight gain. Trail Butter relies on natural sugars from whole foods to support stable blood sugar, helping you avoid energy crashes and cravings.
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Emulsifiers (e.g., Soy Lecithin, Polysorbate 80): These are added to improve product texture, but studies suggest they can irritate the gut lining and cause inflammation. By avoiding synthetic emulsifiers, Trail Butter offers a blend that’s gentler on the digestive system and better for long-term gut health.
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Artificial Flavors and Colors: These additives enhance taste and appearance but can lead to allergic reactions and, in some cases, affect focus and behavior. We stick with real flavors from whole nuts, fruits, and spices, giving you an authentic taste that’s naturally appealing.
Why We Use Sunflower Lecithin
While we avoid traditional emulsifiers, we do use sunflower lecithin — a natural, non-GMO alternative derived from sunflower seeds. Unlike more heavily processed alternatives, sunflower lecithin is minimally processed and contains essential fatty acids and phospholipids, which are beneficial for cellular health. It offers the smooth texture you expect without synthetic additives, keeping Trail Butter true to our real-food values.
Whole-food ingredients like almonds, cashews, and coconut oil offer balanced, sustained energy that’s easy on the digestive system, without the sugar spikes or energy crashes associated with synthetic ingredients. Our approach to real food means Trail Butter provides you with a cleaner, more stable fuel, so you can stay focused on your adventure.
Here’s to real fuel for real adventures!