Erin DeMarines, the visionary behind 3BAR, brings a blend of nostalgia and nutritional expertise to her vegan energy bars. Inspired by her grandma’s homemade cookies, Erin set out to recreate the cherished flavors of her childhood while ensuring the bars met the demanding nutritional needs of her life as a sponsored triathlete. From humble beginnings in her kitchen, Erin’s dedication has propelled 3BAR to success, with products now available in over 60 locations across the Southeast United States.
Fitness has been a cornerstone of Erin’s life since she started running at the age of four, a passion sparked by her father, who continues to run even in his seventies. Erin, a certified Personal Trainer, Nutritional Consultant, and Sports Nutritional Consultant, incorporates this legacy of fitness into her family life, enjoying running, and working out.
Meatless Movement recently had a chat with her.
Committed to quality, Erin ensures that only high-quality, organic ingredients are used in 3BAR products, reflecting her unwavering dedication to health and wellness.
Tell us more about yourself, please
Hi my name is Erin. I was born and raised in the DC area!
I have been vegan for over 20 years! I was a competitive triathlete and my coach was vegan 🌱, but never told me. We were out on a long run and he asked me what my biggest complaint was with training, and I told him I was often congested so he asked me to give up all dairy for 3 days. And, after 3 days I felt so clear, so different, that I needed more info. That conversation changed my life and I began studying nutrition….
Fast forward to a few years later when I landed in LA and was training clients. It was easy to be vegan 🌱 in California. One of my clients asked me to bring dessert to her party, so I brought my grandmother’s cookies that I used to make, and they were a hit! Then she asked me to make the healthier and she would buy some! And, a lightbulb moment struck again! She told everyone and the 3bar energy bar was born! A vegan, wheat & gluten free, GMO free and high protein energy bar!
As a Certified Vegan Hospitality Consultant, I work with restaurants, hotels, and businesses to be more plant forward and sustainable. After too many plain baked potatoes, steamed broccoli, and boring salads, it was time to help so I got certified! I now work with chefs creating more balanced meals for vegans and those with food allergies!
You don’t have to go vegan, but try some of our food! Times have changed, and to go out and get a vegan steak is becoming increasingly more accessible! And, don’t get me started on vegan sushi!
My favorite is Pure Kitchen, Good Intentions, 3dot dash, House of Vegano, We Vegan Cafe, Flourish, Love Food Central just to name a few. They are here in Tampa and St. Pete!
You need protein not meat, and all plants have protein!
With energy,
Erin DeMarines
CVO & Vegan Badass
E Fit Foods & The Good Mood Foods
Erin DeMarines VEGAN🌱CONSULTANT
Changing restaurants & hotels to be more PLANT 🌱 FORWARD
Mom/Athlete/Entrepreneur
CVO (chief vegan 🌱 officer) @efitfoods
all images courtesy of Erin DeMarines VEGAN🌱CONSULTANT