Herts-based start-up business Ryeharvest, based on the Rothamsted campus in Harpenden, are launching their innovative, eco-friendly, plastic-free energy snacks this month.

The products are designed to be wrapper-free, waterproof, fully-edible, high-energy snacks and are also vegetarian. Just wash and go!

The idea behind the product comes from biologist Daniel Bedford and nutritionist Malgorzata Sobieralska who are passionate about reducing single-use plastics, reducing their carbon footprint and “cleaning up our act for future generations!” Their investor, a keen cyclist, was getting really fed up of seeing so many energy wrappers littering the countryside when he was out and about so decided to do something about it.

Following two years of research and development work at Rothamsted, Rye Harvest are now launching their first product – the hazelnut and chocolate chip energy flapjack, known as Wellbars. The products are packaging-free, plastic-free and litter-free and are locally produced.

Daniel Bedford at Rye Harvest commented: “Here at Rye Harvest we are doing our best to help everyone move towards a healthier and greener future. We want people to enjoy fantastic energy snacks while playing their part for the environment. We are trying to reduce the negative impact of single use plastic packaging around food and leave the world a little bit better as a result.”

Nicole Sadd, CEO at Rothamsted Enterprises said “We are delighted to be supporting Rye Harvest with their innovative product launch. At Rothamsted, affecting climate change is vital and we believe passionately in supporting our tenants to enable real change. Rye Harvest’s product is innovative, eco-friendly and plastic-free and we could not be prouder of all that they are achieving.”

If you are a local restaurant, coffee shop, café or retail outlet and are looking for a new, eco-friendly energy product to stock, get in touch with the team at Rye Harvest to find out more.

Alternatively, if you are a runner, cyclist, swimmer or general fitness enthusiast, Wellbars will give you a healthy energy boost without creating waste on the way. You can simply pop it in your pocket and eat on the go after washing it. ⁠ The products are on sale now at Rothamsted Café, as well as Thompsons Close Café and Emily’s Teashop in Whitwell, and are coming soon to Healthy and Wise in Harpenden.

To support this local start-up business, follow them on Facebook and Instagram! Or call Rye Harvest on 01582 320978 or email ryehl.info@gmail.com.