In the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, where the air is crisp and the landscape expansive, lies the birthplace of Vafels – a brand born out of a desire for clean, natural energy to power our outdoor adventures. Where we’re used to seeing artificial additives and unsustainable practices, Vafels is different - they are authentically committed to the outdoors and the individuals recreating in it. They have created compact snacks in warm, happy flavors with zero environmental guilt.
Humble Origins
The Vafels recipe originated from from Founder Darin Morgan's need for a tasty energy source to attract riders to cycling charity events he was organizing. Inspired by his travels in Europe as a professional cyclist, Darin, along with his roommate, started making plant-based Liège wafels. Tired of the saturated market of energy bars with unpronounceable ingredients, they aimed to craft a clean product using quality ingredients. Outdoor activities demand constant energy expenditure, and these easily digestible Vafels provide sustained energy without leaving their customers lethargic and fatigued.
Since launching their Liège wafels, they have also launched a line of plant-based stroopvafels (which we carry here at GGG), an even more compact way to enjoy the delicious flavors Vafels is cooking up.
"Our Vafels make for an exceptional on-the-go portable snack, catering to the demands of an adventure-filled lifestyle," says Vafels Business Development Manager, Allison Picchini. "Their lightweight and compact nature allow them to easily fit into any bag or pocket, making it easy to enjoy an energy-filled treat wherever your adventure takes you."
Sustainability at the Forefront
The brand's plant-based creations are a vegan alternative without compromising on the flavor of the original classic wafel. As avid outdoor enthusiasts, Vafels prioritizes its environmental impact. All ingredients undergo cultivation, packaging, and transportation through sustainable practices, aiming to minimize their footprint. Production remains small-scale, with a dedicated team handcrafting their Liege Vafels in Boulder, Colorado, the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.
They use recyclable packaging materials and efficient packaging strategies for shipments to help reduce waste. Vafels’ organic certification ensures their customers are confident in the quality and sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of a Vafel.
"Vafels' commitment to both quality and sustainability is evident through our plant-based ingredients and environmentally conscious production process," explains Allison. "Opting to be 100% plant-based reduces environmental impacts and naturally elevates the quality of a Vafel. We ethically source our ingredients and handmake our Liège Vafels to further reduce the footprint of the production process."
"Our small business values set us apart," says Allison. "We exclusively use 100% natural, GMO-free, and organic ingredients — never incorporating any artificial sweeteners or preservatives. What you get is pure, natural energy designed to suit demands of long days spent outdoors!"
Lifting up a Local Community
Vafels' also fosters some philanthropic efforts, as evident in their "Supertraining" events, where they support local and national non-profit organizations through donations from monthly rides.
Looking ahead, Vafels aims to expand its community to encompass a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts. "All sports and adventure activities deserve high-quality fuel and energy sources," says Allison. "Our goal is to keep the heart of our small business but spread the love of vegan fueling to all."
As adventures evolve, Vafels remains committed to innovation while upholding traditional methods. Their R&D team continually refines recipes and explores new flavors to meet the drooling demands of today's adventurers.
"Vafels believes everyone should have access to fuel their body with clean and natural energy," concludes Allison. "Feel great, be great."
I personally was able to take out a few on my most recent adventures and can say with gusto, that these Vafels absolutely ROCK as an adventure fuel. They’re flat and compact and fit in any pocket for easy access on the go. Plus the flavors are so comforting and indulgent.
I tried all four flavors of the stroopvafels available through GGG: Maple, Coffee, Caramel, and Speculoos.
They have a satisfying, slightly chewy yet crisp exterior and are delightfully sweet. The interior is bouncy and slightly resistant at first, but quickly melts, giving in to the heat of your mouth.
The Maple flavor provides a warm, comforting sweetness that reminded me of a first diner breakfast after a long trek in the wilderness. The Coffee version delivers a rich and robust flavor, perfect for a morning pick-me-up or an afternoon boost. Caramel gives you that classic, buttery sweetness that melts in your mouth, perfect for those who like it simple and straightforward. Lastly, Speculoos brings a hint of spice and a nostalgic, cookie-like taste that pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Calories and Macros
Maple - 140 Calories, 6g Fat, 19g Carbs, 2g Protein
Caramel & Speculoos - 140 Calories, 6g Fat, 18g Carbs, 2g Protein
Coffee - 140 Calories, 7g Fat, 18g Carbs, 2g Protein
I vibe with Vafels’ commitment to quality, sustainability, and the love of the outdoors. From their humble beginnings to their innovative plant-based recipes, Vafels continues to push the boundaries of what an adventure fuel can be. Whether you're a cyclist, hiker, or simply someone who appreciates delicious, natural food, Vafels offers a product that supports your lifestyle and respects the environment. As you savor the yummy flavors of Maple, Coffee, Caramel, and Speculoos, you can feel an inner warmth, knowing that you're fueling your adventures with the best nature has to offer.
Ace Curtis is a plus-sized outdoor enthusiast who thrives in the rugged landscapes of Northern California, where she has lived most of her life. She plays a vital role in her community as an active member of the county's Search and Rescue Ground Team. Currently, Ace is expanding her expertise by attending EMT school, aiming to enhance her ability to provide critical care in emergency situations. You can check out her current ADHD fixation on Instagram @breakfastwithace.
