Taos Bakes

Taos Bakes looks out at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in Northern New Mexico, where founders Kyle Hawari and Brooks Thostenson first decided that the world didn't need another chalky, protein-packed brick masquerading as food. Since 2010, they’ve been crafting an alternative: nutrition bars that actually taste like food, made from whole nuts, seeds, and fruits.

The difference in Taos Bakes comes down to their culinary approach. Most snack bars found in big-box retailers are manufactured through cold-pressing—a process that requires highly-refined syrups and binders to hold everything together. Taos Bakes, however, actually bakes their snacks. This slow-cooking process allows them to use less sugar and highlights the natural oils and flavors of the almonds, pecans, and cashews that make up their recipes.

Everything is produced in their own solar-powered facility in New Mexico. While many independent brands eventually sell to food giants like General Mills or Kellogg, Taos Bakes remains independent and chef-led. Their ingredient lists are short, recognizable, and free from the "natural flavors" and soy isolates that populate the bars of their corporate competitors. If you’re tired of snacks that feel like a chemistry experiment, Taos Bakes is a breath of fresh air.

Products

• Artisan Snack Bars
• Pinon Nut Bars
• Toasted Trail Mixes
• Almond and Cashew Butters
• Granola

Why We List Them

• Independent and founder-led in Northern New Mexico.
• Solar-powered manufacturing facility.
• No refined syrups, soy isolates, or artificial binders.
• Small-batch, culinary approach to snacking.