In a world of flashy packaging and lofty wellness promises, most nutrition bars promise the moon—and deliver sugar-laced sawdust. However, something unusual is taking place in the center of New York City. It’s not a fad, not a gimmick, and certainly not another “natural” bar that claims to be healthy while hiding behind fine language. It’s a rethinking of what sustenance entails. And it all started in a small apartment kitchen, propelled by science, perspiration, and unwavering determination.

Welcome to the world of Intrinsic, a protein bar that does more than fuel you. It dares you to expect more with each bite.

The Origin: From Personal Blind Spot to National Breakthrough

Matthew Charles Friedberg was not looking to start a business. He was attempting to solve a problem. After years of relying on convenience foods and so-called “clean” protein bars, his cholesterol had risen. Determined to prioritize his health, he collaborated with a functional medicine team, adjusted his diet, and reduced his numbers by an impressive 48 points. Is there a catch? Finding truly clean, healthy snacks that didn’t contain synthetic sweeteners, seed oils, or inadequate proteins was like looking for treasure in a dump.

So, he created his own. Not just one bar, but two hundred batches. The Intrinsic bar evolved from flavorless sludge to silky perfection via frustration, investigation, and intentional refinement. Matthew’s Columbia science background went into overdrive. He delved deeply into gut-brain chemistry, spent evenings poring over clinical articles, and refused to compromise on any single element.

Then came the big reveal: a bar with clinical-grade integrity and dessert-level pleasure. Dense. Velvety. Satisfying. Not a sugary trap in disguise, but a functional food masquerading as a delight.

Mint Chip: Where Clarity Meets Craving

Imagine biting into a cold, minty, chocolate-laced bar that melts like silk and hits like caffeine—but with no crash.

Intrinsic’s Mint Chip Bar combines focus and flavor. Its crisp freshness is fueled by organic peppermint oil, which is high in menthol and believed to assist digestion and increase alertness. But it’s not just a breath-freshening gimmick. Research indicates that peppermint can improve cognitive performance, reaction time, and even mood.

The bar’s 70% dark chocolate, sustainably sourced from farms in Central and South America, provides not only rich cocoa flavor but also a potent dose of flavanols, which have been linked to enhanced heart health and brain function. Importantly, this chocolate tests much below California’s Prop 65 criteria for heavy elements such as lead and cadmium, which few companies can claim. Most do not even test.

Finally, there are the supporting cast members:

Medjool dates are high in fiber and potassium. Prebiotic fiber promotes intestinal homeostasis.

Avocado oil guarantees a creamy mouthfeel and anti-inflammatory omega-9s.

This is not a bar. It is a refresh button in edible form.

Maple Almond: Comfort Food Reinvented

Imagine you’ve just walked into a wood cabin in Vermont. It’s cold outside, but you’re holding something warm, rich, and soul-soothing.

The Maple Almond Intrinsic bar evokes a similar sense. Sweetened with early-season Vermont maple syrup, recognized for its subtle, caramel-like depth, this bar provides comfort while keeping your macros in check.

It begins with sprouted almond butter, imported from Europe, where nut farming encourages reduced phytic acid concentrations. Sprouting allows for more bioavailable minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and zinc. That means your body does more than simply eat; it also absorbs.

But this life-changing wellness brand goes further.

Macadamia oil for smoothness and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. MCT oil for fast-burning, brain-boosting energy. Egg whites for a complete amino acid profile without the bloat or hormones of traditional whey proteins.

With 13 grams of protein, 8 grams of prebiotic fiber, and no fillers or sugar alcohols, this bar feels like dessert but works like fuel.

Not Just Clean; Clinically Clean

Let’s be clear: clean means nothing unless it’s measurable. Intrinsic backs up its formulas with testing that exceeds FDA standards.

Each batch undergoes third-party testing for:

Potential issues include bacterial growth, water activity, shelf stability, and heavy metal contamination.

Unlike other products that rely on vague “natural flavors,” these bars include:

No gums, seed oils, sugar alcohols, or artificial ingredients.

This means no bloating. There’s no mental fog. Simply fuel that is as real as your ambition.

Designed for Real Life, Not Just Fitness Models

Intrinsic can help everyone, regardless of their triathlon background. You simply need a moving body, a functioning brain, and a life that requires clarity. Whether you’re chasing a deadline or chasing your child around the house, these bars are built to keep up.

Matthew’s life is proof. Between graduate studies, 5 a.m. training sessions, and overseeing production runs, his days left little time for a proper diet. His background as a karate champion instilled in him the importance of discipline, which is reflected throughout the business. His mantra, “Excellence by design,” is more than just a tagline. It’s an experience.

Community Momentum: When Taste Meets Trust.

Real recognizes real. That’s why, when Intrinsic first reached the shelves at Happier Grocery in New York City, every delivery was sold out in less than two weeks. Then came Remedy Place Boston, Remedy Place SoHo, and now Pop-Up Grocer (July 11, 2025).

Athletes, trainers, nutritionists, and busy parents alike are not only buying these bars—they’re sharing them, stocking them, and *”Where have you been all my life?”

And this isn’t just a retail play. Intrinsic holds monthly tasting labs at performance studios throughout New York, educating consumers on how gut health, mineral absorption, and amino acid profiles influence mood, recovery, and cognition.

This is a movement based on transparency, not trends.

Do you know? Intrinsic’s “Uncommon” Ingredients Are Backed by Science.

Sprouted almond butter is more than just a buzzword. Sprouting reduces phytic acid, which binds to minerals and inhibits absorption. That implies you obtain the magnesium and zinc your body requires.

Peppermint oil has been clinically proven to improve memory and alertness, making Mint Chip the ideal afternoon slump buster.

Maple syrup includes more than 24 antioxidants. It’s more than simply a sweetener; it’s also a phytonutrient powerhouse, particularly when harvested early in the season.

Egg whites are one of the most bioavailable proteins on the globe, and unlike whey, they do not raise insulin levels or irritate sensitive stomachs.

The Refrigerator is the New Pantry

Intrinsic protein bars may differ from those often found on store shelves. And that is the point. These bars are refrigerated, not because they must be, but because real food deserves real care. These items, like fresh fruits and vegetables, thrive in a cold, fresh, and undisturbed environment.

It’s not a limitation, but a signal. When something is this fresh, lively, and unadulterated, refrigeration isn’t an issue. It is a badge of honor.

The Final Word: Intrinsic is More Than Just a Bar. It’s a Standard.

Everyone needs fuel that works with them and not against them. Innumerable bars nowadays contain gastrointestinal disruptors, raise insulin levels, or leave you hungrier than before. Intrinsic flips the script.

It’s:

Refrigerated, organic, low-glycemic, fiber-rich, gut-friendly, sustainably sourced, science-backed, and addictively delicious.

Whether you prefer the cool, clean edge of Mint Chip or the comforting, metabolic warmth of Maple Almond, one thing remains constant: This is nourishment, uncompromised.

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Bite?

These are not simply protein bars. They are Intrinsic—created by science, inspired by nature, and exalted by excellence.

And they’re ready to challenge your preconceived notions about what a snack can do.