Frustrated by the lack of healthy and functional snacks, young couple Vanessa Murillo and Lachlan Powell, the minds behind I Am Grounded, are shaking things up in the world of caffeine.
Their innovative snack bars aren’t just a delicious pick-me-up, but also a champion for both your health and the planet.
Inspired by Lachlan’s triathlete family and Vanessa’s Colombian heritage, a passion for healthy eating and a keen eye for sustainability were at the heart of I Am Grounded’s creation.
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A transformative trip to Colombia in 2015 opened their eyes to the vast amount of coffee fruit going to waste — a delicious and nutritious byproduct of coffee production.
This sparked the idea: could this underutilised fruit be the key to a better snack bar?
After weekends spent perfecting recipes, their first product launched in 2020, finding initial success online and in local cafes and offices.
With a commitment to natural ingredients and a mission to tackle food waste, I Am Grounded quickly gained traction.
A major milestone arrived in May 2023 with their national launch in Woolworths’ health aisle, propelling them into over 1,200 retail locations across Australia.
International expansion is now firmly on the horizon.
The hero ingredient? The coffee fruit itself.
Not to be confused with the coffee bean, this vibrant fruit boasts a delicious berry-like flavour and a surprising secret weapon: natural, jitter-free caffeine.
Unlike sugary drinks and traditional energy bars, I Am Grounded offers sustained energy without the dreaded crash.
The magic goes beyond the coffee fruit.
Shoppers can choose from five delicious options, each offering a different level of caffeine — from a gentle 20mg to a more robust 60mg.
I Am Grounded bars are wholefood-based, rich in gut-healthy fibre and they help regulate caffeine absorption for long-lasting energy.
Perfect for those with dietary restrictions, these bars are both gluten-free and vegan.
Packed with antioxidants, they contribute to overall health and well-being.
Every bar upcycles 50g of coffee fruit, preventing it from ending up in landfills.
Since launch, they’ve diverted over 33,000 kilos of coffee fruit waste.
Proudly Australian, I Am Grounded is a homegrown success story from recipe creation to production.
The team at I Am Grounded isn’t stopping there though, they’re currently developing a new line of high-protein, functional energy bars with less than five grams of natural sugar.
With a focus on innovation, sustainability and delicious flavour, I Am Grounded is poised to revolutionise the way we approach our daily energy needs.
So, next time you’re looking for a healthy and sustainable pick-me-up, keep an eye out for the vibrant I Am Grounded bars — a delicious and guilt-free way to fuel your day.
