When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Nutty Bars
This could very well be the perfect title for the Nutty story, which is more than just another health bar brand on the market. Maja, the driving force behind Nutty, created Nutty Bars in response to her diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and a significant dietary overhaul. The whole saga began in 2020 when, following an earthquake in Zagreb, Maja first experienced unusual symptoms - tingling in her legs, a discomforting squeeze sensation, and constant fatigue. Despite a life filled with professional and personal sports activities, Maja suddenly found her strength waning, to the point where climbing stairs became a challenge.
She received her MS diagnosis shortly thereafter, and within a week, was undergoing her first medical treatment. It was then that her employer shut down, leaving her jobless. However, adhering to the old adage "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade," Maja transformed her diagnosis and dietary and lifestyle changes into Nutty Bars.
Bee Original
The first Nutty Bar, now known as "Bee Original," was created that same summer when Maja struggled to find a snack that was nutritionally sound and free of refined sugars while vacationing by the sea. Thus, she started making snacks from ingredients she could consume – almonds, hazelnuts, peanut butter, and honey. Given that nuts are incredibly valuable both as a source of energy and brain food, the Bee Original and Green is in Nutty Bars contain an impressive 58% nuts.
From the first bite, the then-unnamed bar was a hit with everyone who tried it, sparking the idea to take the product to market. The initial Nutty Bars were delivered to customers wrapped in baking paper, with Maja handling deliveries and her friends assisting with packaging and distribution, until the application for Startaj Hrvatska was submitted.
Startaj Hrvatska project
Startaj Hrvatska is a joint project by SPAR and Nova TV aimed at supporting small domestic entrepreneurs with the goal of launching their innovative, high-quality products on SPAR's shelves. Nutty was formally established in early 2021, and soon after, applied for the Startaj Hrvatska project. Through this initiative, the entire Nutty team, led by Maja, navigated the processes of bringing a product to market. From audits and HACCP to paperwork and suppliers, in three months, Nutty matured into a legitimate brand with three bars: Bee Original with honey, Green is in with agave syrup and apricots, and It's a date with dates. They were soon joined by a fourth bar – Better Together, featuring a blend of cocoa and orange. The quality and genuine story of the brand were recognized by customers, making Nutty Bars a hit product of Startaj Hrvatska's second season and securing them a spot on the shelves of all Interspar and SPAR stores.
Since 2021, all four Nutty Bars proudly bear the "Živjeti zdravo" (Live Healthy) seal, affirming their quality at the national level. Green is in & It's a date bars also carry the vegan label. All Nutty Bars are gluten-free, palm oil-free, salt-free, and refined sugar-free.
Vision and Mission
From day one, the Nutty brand and team have shared a singular mission – to change people's perceptions of food and offer a snack that, with its quality and composition, is the best choice in any situation – from school breaks and work pauses to workouts, nature excursions, or long drives.
Although intended for all age groups, Nutty Bars are especially beloved by kids and their moms, who are happy to provide them as a sweet treat. Behind the Nutty brand is Maja's personal story, and with her dietary choices, she continues to be a role model for many. The brand she has built embodies everything she believes in, and Nutty Bars are the best she could offer – to herself and others.
