DriveForce’s DF-18 Is Now Informed Sport Certified

(BOSTON, MASS.) – DriveForce, a newly formed sports nutrition company specializing in functional health products, announced that its DF-18 premium pre-round performance blend has been designated an Informed Sport Certified product.

“We always intended DF-18 to reduce the physical stress of playing competitive golf and eliminate the drag players tend to experience on the back nine, but it was especially important to us that the product also meet professional standards,” says Zach Williams, co-founder of Drive Force. “This is why we took the time to become Informed Sport Certified, which marks us as worthy of the Olympic stage. If we were going to be the first on the market with a product like ours, then we needed to deliver on the promise -- and be safe for professionals to use in or prior to competition.”

Informed Sport is a quality assurance program for sports nutrition products, suppliers to the sports nutrition industry, and supplement manufacturing facilities. The program certifies that all nutritional supplements and/or ingredients that bear the Informed-Sport logo have been tested for banned substances by the world class sports anti-doping laboratory, LGC.

According to Williams, being Informed Sport Certified is about more than ensuring that the ingredients are not on the banned substance lists - it’s about confirming that, at no point in a complicated, multi-stage manufacturing process spanning multiple countries, did any contamination occur before the product was packaged and sealed.

“As far as we know, DF-18 is the only golf-specific sports performance product with an Informed Sport Certification,” says Williams. “Professional golfers deserve products that meet professional standards, especially now that golf is finally an Olympic sport. Getting certified by Informed Sport was mandatory for us to that end.”

A convenient sports nutrition solution, consumed daily or prior to a round, DF-18 sustains a golfer’s focus, hydration, and stamina for a complete 18 holes. The innovative powdered formula, available in single-serving packets, contains no added sugar or caffeine, but rather a multitude of health promoting ingredients designed to be mixed with a bottle of water and consumed before a round. It supports a healthy immune system, and by increasing the supply of nitric oxide in the body, may help regulate healthy blood flow and blood pressure, and a healthy heart and cardiovascular system.

LPGA pro Alison Walshe has been an early adopter of DF-18. This certification makes her even more confident in being able to recommend it to fellow players. “Nowadays, there are so many products in the fitness space with ingredients I’m not particularly familiar with,” she says. “For professionals like myself, knowing that you could innocently test positive because of an overlooked ingredient and cause irreparable damage to your career as an athlete is a frightening thought. Having DF-18 certified by Informed Sport is huge because that means it’s safe for all of us, no matter what level you play.”

DF-18 is available in Pineapple Passion Fruit, with more flavors to come, for $3.99 per 20-gram packet. To order DF-18 and see what customers are already saying about the new performance blend, visit https://driveforce.golf/product/df-18/.

Airline Food Study 2017-18 Survey Provides Travelers with the Best In-Flight Food Choices

Delta and Virgin America Receive Top Rating

(NEW YORK, NY) - There will more than 51 million passengers traveling during this holiday season  (Dec. 15th -Jan 4th) according to trade group Airlines for America . Knowing what are the ”best” and “worst” choices is a valuable tool for any traveler, so Dr. Charles Platkin, the director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center and editor of DietDetective.com., once again studied the best “Calorie Bargains” and "Calorie Rip-offs" at 35,000 feet.

Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center and DietDetective.com have released the 2017-18 Airline Food Study, rating foods for twelve (12) airlines. The study assigned a “Health Score” (5 stars = highest rated, 0 star = lowest rated) based on criteria including healthy nutrients and calorie levels of meals, snack boxes and individual snacks, level of transparency (display of nutrient information & ingredients), improvement and maintenance of healthy offerings, menu innovation and cooperation in providing nutritional information. The survey includes health ratings, average calories per airline, comments, best bets, food offerings, costs, and nutrition information (e.g., calories, and exercise equivalents). See the full study at http://www.dietdetective.com/airline-food-investigation/

“This year Delta and Virgin America share the top spot as the airlines with the ‘healthiest’ food choices in the sky. with Air Canada and JetBlue tied for second,”  says Charles Platkin, PhD, JD, MPH, the executive director of the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center and editor of DietDetective.com.

The average number of calories per menu choice was 360 in 2012; in 2013 it was 388; in 2014 it was 397; in 2015 it was 400; in 2016 it was 392; and this year it's 405 calories, a 13 calorie increase over last year. However, calories are not everything; the survey also looks at the nutrients in the foods when they are provided (they are requested each year), as well as innovations moving towards healthy, tasty, inexpensive, sustainable foods.

Here are the major airline food headlines:
- Delta is the clear leader among the major carriers and is tied with Virgin America this year as the healthiest airline.
- Alaska Air purchased Virgin America, and the goal is to maintain the status-quo when it comes to food in all categories until next year.
- American and Delta have once again started offering complimentary meals in economy class on domestic flights, something we haven't seen in more than 15 years.
- Airlines are eliminating those oversized packages of snack foods and offering individual smaller packages or eliminating individual snacks altogether.

Some airlines are going back to serving individual complimentary snacks, but they’re not very healthy. How about an apple or an orange, or maybe a Clementine or a Halo (mandarin orange).
The "Shame on You" award goes to Hawaiian, United Airlines and American. Hawiian just does not respond while United’s food and beverage department seems put-out by the process, and it shows in their responses to queries. American Airlines is not much better, with a media rep who also seems annoyed by the process. 

Note to all airlines: It is not difficult to get nutritional information for all foods. Every airline uses detailed recipes; all they have to do is put the ingredients into a free online food calculator (such as supertracker.usda.gov), and in a few minutes they could have complete nutritional information. 
Read  the press release from the FDA commissioner:  “One important step is ensuring consumers have access to reliable and actionable information about the foods they eat so that they can make more informed choices about their diets and health for themselves and their families.” Menu labeling is coming in May 2018.

Below are the surveyed airlines' "Health Scores" (Health Score: 5 stars = highest rating, 0 stars = lowest). For full survey results including full listings of the snack/on-board food offerings, comments, ratings, cost, calories, exercise equivalents, and tips go to http://www.DietDetective.com or email Elizabeth Cummings, Elizabeth@NutritionPR.com 212 -367-7575 ext 117.

Summary of Health Ratings (5 Stars is highest): Delta 4 stars, Virgin America 4 stars, Air Canada 3.75  stars, JetBlue 3.75 stars, Alaska Air 3.5 stars, United Airlines 2.75 stars, American 2.5 stars, Frontier Air 2.25  stars,  Southwest Airlines 2 stars, Allegiant Air 1.75 stars, Spirit Airlines 1.75 stars, Hawaiian Airlines 1 star

Delta Air Lines (www.delta.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Excellent
Health Score:  4 stars
Average Calories Overall (Meals, Snack Boxes and Individual Snacks) =  480
Average Snack Box Calories = 560
Average Meal Calories = 559
Average Individual Snack Calories = 164

Comments:  Delta is doing an incredible job focusing on improving its food, transparency and communication. It is the clear leader among the big carriers . While calories are surely not everything, it’s always nice to see a decrease; the overall calories are down from 527 to 480. Meals are down from 628 to 559. Delta has also eliminated many of its individual paid snacks; however, the free offerings (other than the almonds), while relatively low in calories, are still not the great choices.  Delta continues its commitment to improving its food in terms of health and consciousness. Its menu continues to focus on “transparency into ingredient and allergen information for customers,” and its focus on transparency includes providing a key on the menu for snack items that are Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian. Also, the Tapas box is the U.S. airline industry’s only non-GMO snack box. Delta continues to work with Luvo, which has a very strong commitment to healthy eating. All the calorie information for the Luvo items are listed on Delta’s menu (and online); I’m just not sure why the airline doesn’t put all nutritional information for all its food on the website and pocket cards. Why not list ingredients, as well as fats, proteins, carbohydrates and sugar.

Best Bets: For a snack, the almonds are the best choice--even over the Kind bar or the lower-calorie pretzels.  The vegan, GMO-free Tapas Snack Box is a good healthy choice if you share or make it a meal (it’s too high in calories as a snack).  Within the box the best bests are the Super Seed Crackers, Snapea Crisps, dark chocolate, almonds, hummus, and quinoa with pepper dip. You can pass on the rest.

For morning travel, choose the continental breakfast (fruit and yogurt) at 345 calories, but save the Kind bar for a snack later in the day. For Lunch/Dinner, choose the Sesame Noodle Salad or the Greek Meze Plate. You can skip the caramel-filled chocolate to save calories. 

Virgin America (www.virginamerica.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Excellent
Health Score: 4 stars 
Average Calories Overall (Meals, Snack Boxes and Individual Snacks) = 340
Average Snack Box Calories = 358
Average Meal Calories =  406
Average Individual Snack Calories = 276

Comments: The airline has been purchased Alaska Air, and eventually the Virgin name will disappear. The good news is that Alaska Air is committed to adopting the healthy food options (and transparency) of Virgin America.   Additionally, Alaska will more than likely reduce the sizes of the individual snacks. Virgin is still the only airline that provides nutritional information (not just calories) for all items. We applaud that transparency and hope Alaska continues to do so. There are not many menu changes (obviously because of the transition). The individual snacks are still unhealthy. There are nine snack options,which should include healthier options.

Best Bets: Avoid the individual snacks if you can. Even the nuts, which are the best choice, are high in calories if you consume the entire package. Always choose a real meal if you can. Even if it's slightly higher in calories; it will keep you full longer.

For breakfast, try the Udi's Granola with Yogurt and Fruit, which is a bit high in sugar but overall low in calories at 330. The best snack box is the Protein Meal with hummus, nuts and tuna; the others are a bit high in calories and are not really worth it. For kids, skip the Jet Set Kid Pack if you can, and go for the half peanut butter and jam sandwich. In general, almost all the meals (as long as they’re eaten as meals and not snacks) are good choices. The Quinoa Wrap at 420 calories is high in protein for a vegetarian meal, which will help keep you full longer. The Protein Plate is also a good choice, as is the Farro Salad with roasted chicken – powerful from a health perspective. Again, these are meals that will fill you up and help you avoid the junk. The good news is that none of the food goes overboard in terms of calories, so you really can't go too far wrong.

Air Canada (www.aircanada.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Very Helpful
Health Score: 3.75 Stars
Average Calories Overall (Meals and Individual Snacks) = 320
Average Meal Calories = 377
Average Individual Snack Calories = 267

Comments: The airline keeps nutrients high and calorie counts low for meals. Also, it’s nice that they offer meals but no snack boxes. People tend to eat the entire snack box, which is typically high in calories and low on nutrients.  The airline has ended its relationship with the food company, Luvo, and replaced them with a company called Freshii. The individual snacks are not great and still need work because there are very few healthy choices. Also, Air Canada should be transparent, putting nutritional information and ingredients on the menu. Why not?

Best Bets: For breakfast, the Greek yogurt is still a good option – and will probably fill you up. The Avocado Smash Box with fresh guacamole, hard-boiled egg, green apple slices, and multigrain muesli bread sounds amazing and also offers 23g of filling protein to keep you energized. Honestly, that is the kind of food every airline should be offering. Skip the egg sandwich.  The Chicken Soup is a low-calorie choice for a snack that will fill you up, but be wary of the 950mg of sodium if you have high blood pressure. The Celery & Carrots with Ranch Dip (if you use no more than half the dip) is an OK choice. While the hummus and the guacamole options sound healthy, the pretzels and Tostitos offer little nutritional value, and you’d be better off having a meal if meals are available.

If meals are available, the newly added Pangoa Bowl and the Fiesta Wrap are high-nutrient, low-calorie choices. The California Roll is another light offering that’s low in fat and calories. It would also make a great snack! The Thai Chicken Wrap is also a high protein, lower calorie option, but very high in sodium.

JetBlue Airways (www.jetblue.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Somewhat Helpful
Health Score: 3.75 stars
Average Calories Over All (Meals, Snack Boxes and Individual Snacks) = 337
Average Snack Box Calories = 357
Average Meal Calories = 483
Average Individual Snack Calories = 142

Comments: The individual snacks are still low in calories as well as nutritional value. The airline continues to post nutritional information for its snack boxes and meals on its website. They don’t post nutritional information for the individual snacks, but it is on the packaging.  In terms of free snacks, which JetBlue is famous for, how about offering something healthy--there is NOT a single healthy choice in the group. However, the airline is clearly thinking about this on the snack box level--just look at the new AmpUp box with olives, hummus, Mary’s Gone Crackers (they’re great crackers) and a That’s It fruit bar--those are the types of snacks JetBlue should be offering for free. It would change the face of the airline. JetBlue should note that people are very serious about what they eat and are extremely conscious of choosing healthier, organic, non-GMO, nutritious foods.  Finally, the airline should offer actual meals on more flights.

Best Bets: Still not too much in the way of healthy individual snacks. So keep in mind, the individual snacks are free, and the JetBlue team is generally friendly and will not say no to requests for extra portions. As for the Eat Up boxes, the Pick Me Up box is lowest in calories but not necessarily the most nutritious. The AmpUp box features hummus, Mary’s Gone Crackers and almonds, and while it’s high in calories, it’s loaded with good nutrition (e.g. fiber and protein). Have it as a meal though, not as a snack, and skip the chocolate crispy squares to reduce low-nutrient calories. If you’re on a flight that offers the Eat Up Café, the Yogurt and Granola (you might want to limit the honey), the Kale & Quinoa Salad and the Spicy Soba & Korean-Style Chicken (unless you’re sodium sensitive) are all good choices. Skip the Grilled Chicken and Brie Sandwich, which is very high in calories and low on nutrition.

Alaska Airlines (www.alaskaair.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Extremely Helpful
Health Score: 3.5 stars 
Average Calories Overall (Meals and Snack Boxes and Individual snacks) =  479.6
Average Snack Box Calories =  479
Average Meal Calories =  516.5
Average Individual Snack Calories = 315

Comments: The good news is that Alaska Airlines has purchased Virgin America (named the healthiest airline over the last few years), and has vowed to take on some of VA’s healthy approach to food.  That said, Alaska has always been committed to food, just not the healthiest.  The airline’s spokesperson was incredibly helpful and pointed out that the they will increase transparency on the combined airline and add many of VA’s healthy food choices 

Best Bets: Among the snack boxes, the Mediterranean Tapas hasn't changed much from last year and is still the healthiest choice. It has olives, hummus, almonds, dried fruit and even a dark chocolate bar. But keep in mind that 510 calories is a bit high for a "snack" (or even a meal), so it would be best if you either shared the box or had it as a meal replacement. For kids, the snack box may be tempting, but it's always better for children (and adults) to eat a real meal. FYI, the beef jerky is low in calories but very high in sodium. As far as breakfast goes, you can pick the Ham & Sweet Potato Frittata but skip the corn muffin. The breakfast offerings are a bit heavy and rich (as are all the meals). If you opt for the fruit and cheese plate, skip the crackers and half the cheese.  There aren’t too many dinner choices, but the Roast Turkey with Veggie Hash is a high-protein, low-calorie choice, although also high in sodium .

United Airlines (www.united.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Somewhat Helpful
Health Score: 2.75 stars
Average Calories Overall (Meals, Snack Boxes and Individual Snacks) = 416
Average Meal Calories = 484
Average Snack Box Calories = 492
Average Individual Snack Calories = 311

Comments: United, the 4th largest airline in the U.S., needs to change the way it thinks about its food offerings.  They have very little food transparency on the website, meaning that nutritional information is not available, and the ingredients are listed but you have to dig a bit to find them (and take a peek here--they’re not very “clean”). The individual snack choices are generally not healthy, the snack boxes could be much more food/healthy thoughtful, and the meals are average to OK.  Also, the food and beverage group as well as the media reps for the airline seem bothered and put off  by our inquiries.

Best Bets: Among the individual snacks, the hummus is the best choice, and it would be a good idea to avoid the other choices. Get the Tapas snack box, which is high in calories but has many healthy foods, including almonds, olives, hummus and bruschetta; just toss out the cheese spread. You should also share it unless you’re eating it as a meal. Skip the Classic and Select snack boxes. For breakfast, the Chobani Greek Yogurt and Fresh Fruit is OK, but it has a lot of sugar and a not-very-clean ingredients list (i.e., granola).  For Lunch/Dinner, the Mezze Sampler is your best bet and should keep you full. Another choice would be the. Mediterranean Chicken Wrap, although it has a bit too much cheese. 

American Airlines (www.aa.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Below Average
Health Score:  2.5 stars
Average Calories Overall (Meals, Snack Boxes and Individual Snacks) = 446
Average Meal Calories =  495
Average Snack Box Calories = 526
Average Individual Snack Calories = 192

Comments: In addition to its complimentary snacks, American began providing complimentary main cabin meals as of March 2017.  Nothing very healthy, and I find the following comment not surprising considering that Delta is it’s competition: “Providing complimentary meals in the Main Cabin is yet another step we’re taking to enhance our service in this competitive market.”

The airline is still not publishing any food or nutritional information on its website--absolutely nothing.  This is  a strange move leading to even less food transparency and providing travelers with  no ability at all to plan their meal.  The only good news is that the airline has discontinued all it's unhealthy for-sale individual snacks. Fresh and Light Meals are a step in a better direction, but for a major US airline, American is very far behind when it comes to food.  The airline’s leadership needs to get in touch and start offering healthier, cleaner foods. 

Best Bets: The hummus box is the best bet among snacks for purchase.  If you opt to purchase a lunch, on flights of three hours or more the Chicken Arugula  Wrap seems to be the best option--go light on the dressing. The Turkey and Chutney Sandwich is also an OK choice. If you opt to purchase breakfast, the Egg and Turkey Bacon Sandwich is OK as long as you go light on the honey mustard dressing. If you're on a flight with complimentary breakfast, pick the Snack Box with yogurt and granola, which is just acceptable healthwise, and steer clear of the fruit and cheese plate. For complimentary lunch/dinner there really are no great options; the Fruit and Cheese Plate is the lowest in calories but not well rounded enough for a meal. The Vegetarian Wrap might be OK if you skip the brownie.

Frontier Airlines (www.flyfrontier.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Very Helpful
Health Score: 2.25 stars
Average Calories Overall (Individual Snacks and Snack Boxes) = 372
Average Individual Snack Calories = 386
Average Snack Box Calories = 300

Comments: Frontier’s communications team had historically been uncooperative. This year the information was shared promptly, but very little has changed on the airline’s menu.

Best Bet: As with last year, the trail mix could be the healthiest option, but travelers would be best off bringing their own food.

Southwest Airlines (www.southwest.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Very Helpful
Health Score: 2 stars
Average Calories = 125

Comments: Not much variety and not much in terms of nutritional value.  However, they are always helpful, and that’s nice.  I just wish they would add some healthy snacks or at least test a few.  This is one of the larger carriers in the US, so it would be great for Southwest to set an example and show that healthy food can sell if it is tasty and curated with consciousness.

Best Bet: The peanuts are the best, even though the pretzels are lower in calories.

Allegiant Air (www.allegiantair.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Very Helpful
Health Score:  1.75 stars
Average Calories Overall (Snack Boxes and Individual Snacks) = 402
Average Individual Snack Calories = 474
Average Snack Box Calories = 307

Comments: The media department’s response was excellent this year and helped to clarify some of last year’s estimates, but a few more healthy food items would be welcome on the menu. I bet they would sell. 

Best Bets: Among individual snacks, the nuts might work if you share them with at least one other person. The hummus snack pack is a good choice, but the snack boxes are not great in terms of health (and not just calorie-wise).  Avoid the Deli Snack Pack, and the Wingz Kids Snack Pack is not a healthy choice.

Spirit Airlines (www.spirit.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Helpful
Health Score: 1.75 stars
Average Calories Overall (Individual Snacks and Snack Boxes) = 316
Average Individual Snack Calories =342.5
Average Snack Box Calories = 316

Comments: The airline’s previous media spokesperson had been unresponsive but is no longer with the airline.  Good news.  Spirit, which is all about the bottomline, should see some grander opportunity in selling healthy food (e.g., better margins, increased revenue, improved customer satisfaction, etc…).  Also, the airline is not keeping up with the major
carriers, who have learned that large size snacks are not the best option for travellers.

Best Bet: The hummus and pita chips are one of just a few changes Spirit has made to its menu, and at 330 calories are probably the best choice for a satisfying snack. The cup of noodle soup at 290 calories may also feel like a real meal, but it is very high in sodium, so it is not the best bet for anyone who is sodium-sensitive or has high blood pressure. The cheese tray at 130 calories is a much better choice than the Cafe Snack Box. 

Hawaiian Airlines (www.hawaiianairlines.com)
Cooperation in Providing Nutritional Information: Terrible / Unresponsive 
Health Score: 1 star 
Average Calories Overall (Meals, Snack Boxes and Individual Snacks) = 568
Average Meal Calories = 971 
Average Individual Snack Calories = 460
Average Snack Box Calories = 342

Comments: The airline does not respond to requests for food information. All the nutritional information was estimated by Diet Detective nutritionists.  Hawaiian Airlines’ food is high in calories and the menu doesn't offer much choice either in terms of health or in the way of food system consciousness (caring about sustainability, organic growing, no GMOs, etc…).  This could be a real disappointment if you are on a long flight and have not planned in advance. Plus, when free food is put down in front of you, you have a tendency to eat it. All of it. That could be a lot of unhealthy food.

Best Bets: Among the snacks, choose the Hummus & Pita Chips. It’s really the best choice, and better than any of the individual snacks, which are very high in calories. You might think the Salted Macadamia Nuts would be a good choice, and they do have healthy properties, but only if you split them with 5 other people or have them over the course of a few weeks. The two oatmeal options are lower in calories but likely high in sugar, while the beef and cheese sticks (the lowest calorie individual snack option) are high in saturated fat and sodium.

Also, keep in mind, you will probably get a very high calorie, unhealthy free meal on your flight, so go light on those snacks. Don’t be fooled by the Gluten Free Box; while many of the individual items are OK healthwise (such as the hummus and roasted chickpea snacks), it’s still high in calories and out-of-touch with current food trends.

For the complimentary meals, try to go light on the breads, treats and dressings. Your best bet calorie-wise, if it's available, is the Penne Pasta Bolognese Sauce and green salad, but skip the shortbread cookie. In the end, it would be best to eat before you board the plane; otherwise you might wind up feeling lethargic and cranky after one of these calorie-heavy meals.  Just say no, and bring your own food.

SCNS Sports Foods to Celebrate 10th Anniversary at ING Spring Conference

(UPLAND, CA) - SCNS Sports Foods, marketer and distributor of the popular 1st Tee and 10th Tee nutrition and energy bars, will celebrate its 10th anniversary by exhibiting at the 27th Annual ING Spring Conference.

This annual gathering of media and golf industry executives is set for May 21-25 at the World Golf Village in St. Augustine, FL, and marks the first time SCNS Sports Foods will be an exhibitor. This year, conference attendees will have the opportunity to join in the anniversary celebration by learning about SCNS and sampling its 1st Tee and 10th Tee nutrition and energy bars.

"What better way to celebrate the last ten years than with so many of our peers in the golf industry at this year’s Spring Conference,” explained Sheila Barnard, East Coast territory manager at SCNS Sports Foods. “It has been a remarkable ten years and we can’t wait to see where we go from here.”

SCNS Sports Foods will be an exhibitor in the popular ING One-On-One Appointment Show. This is a series of 15-minute meetings over two days meant to expand coverage and develop relationships between business and media attendees.

SCNS Sports Foods, which launched in 2007, distributes seven different types of nutrition and energy bars: 1st Tee Plus+ Oatmeal Raisin Bar, 1st Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Bar, 1st Tee Dark Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Bars, 10th Tee Plus+ Peanut Honey Bar, 10th Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bar, and 10th Tee Cranberry Trail Mix Bar. All 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars are free of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.

SCNS bars are sold and marketed to golfers through 2,500 green grass outlets and online through the company’s website, www.golfenergybar.com.

SCNS Sports Foods Expands Distribution in Canada

(UPLAND, CA) - SCNS Sports Foods, marketer and distributor of the popular 1st Tee and 10th Tee nutrition and energy bars, is expanding distribution in Western and Atlantic Canada through a new agreement with Golf Master Canada.

“Canada is a key strategic opportunity market for 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars. Canadians play more golf per capita than Americans, and we frequently receive requests from golf courses and golfers in Canada for our bars. In addition, our new 1st Tee Plus+ and 10th Tee Plus+ golf energy bars are made in Canada,” stated Bill Stewart, SCNS Chief Operating Officer. “We are delighted to have Golf Master Canada as our exclusive distributor in Western Canada and Atlantic Canada.”

Golf Master Canada has been distributing products for the Canadian golf industry for 20 years, including the popular Zeus Rangefinder and Replacement Batteries.  The company has dedicated and experienced golf course sales professionals for each province in Canada. Golf Master Canada is headquartered in North Vancouver, BC.

“We believe in offering the finest products from around the world.  Quality, service and satisfaction have been the keys to making our business the success that it is today.” said Ken Williams, President and CEO of Golf Master Canada.

Currently, SCNS markets and distributes seven golf energy bars in the US, Canada and the Philippines: 1st Tee Plus+ Oatmeal Raisin Bars, 1st Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Bars, 1st Tee Dark Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Bars, 1st Tee Honey Almond Snack bars, 10th Tee Plus+ Peanut Honey Bars, 10th Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bars, and 10th Tee Cranberry Trail Mix Bars.

For more information on SCNS Sports Foods, visit www.golfenergybar.com.  For more information on Golf Master Canada, visit www.golfmastercanada.com or call 1-888-499-3343.

SCNS Sports Foods Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

(UPLAND, CA) - SCNS Sports Foods, marketer and distributor of the popular 1st Tee and 10th Tee nutrition and energy bars, is celebrating its 10th year in business.

“It has been a remarkable ten years. We are very proud and grateful to our staff, our customers and our suppliers” stated Chief Operating Officer Bill Stewart.

In 2007, Bill Stewart and fellow investors purchased the rights to the original four bars, which had been on the market since 2001. The company was named SCNS Sports Food and the mission was to blend nutritional science with great taste to enhance energy and performance.

In 2014, SCNS introduced its gluten free 1st Tee Honey Almond Snack Bars, followed by gluten free and dairy free 1st Tee Dark Chocolate Chip Trail Mix bars in 2015; and gluten free and dairy free 10th Tee Cranberry Trail Mix Bars in 2016. Last year, the company removed High Fructose Corn Syrup and artificial flavors from the four original bars which it now markets as 1st Tee Plus+ and 10th Tee Plus+ bars.

In 2007, 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars were sold in 1,000 golf clubs. Today, that number is over 2,500. In addition to distribution in the US, bars are available in Canada and the Philippines.

“One thing we have maintained throughout the years is our spirit of giving back, both in terms of donating thousands of bars to support charity golf tournaments, as well as financial donation to The First Tee” said Stewart, who also serves on the Board of Directors of The First Tee of Greater Pasadena.

SCNS Sports Foods supports The First Tee by donating $0.15 per every bar sold of our gluten free Trail Mix bars. As a result, SCNS donated over $30,000 in 2016 to The First Tee, a non-profit organization that provides positive youth development through golf. SCNS is also a tournament supplier to NextGenGolf, the leading entity for golfers in their 20s and 30s in the U.S.

In an effort to increase brand awareness, SCNS signed as a sponsor of PGA Tour professional Scott Langley in 2016. Scott is the first alum of The First Tee program to earn PGA TOUR Membership.

Currently, SCNS markets and distributes seven golf energy bars: 1st Tee Plus+ Oatmeal Raisin Bars, 1st Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Bars, 1st Tee Dark Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Bars, 1st Tee Honey Almond Snack bars, 10th Tee Plus+ Peanut Honey Bars, 10th Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bars, and 10th Tee Cranberry Trail Mix Bars.

For more information on SCNS Sports Foods, visit www.golfenergybar.com.

SCNS Sports Foods Had a Successful Three Days at 2017 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando

(UPLAND, CA) - SCNS Sports Foods, marketer and distributor of the popular 1st Tee and 10th Tee Plus+ nutrition and energy bars, had a successful three days at the recent PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando, Fla.

Thousands of show attendees were able to sample the company’s 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars.  PGA Tour Pro Scott Langley, whom SCNS sponsors, also joined the SCNS team in the booth on Thursday afternoon.

“Food is always popular at a trade show and we expected to have folks enjoying samples all day long, but it was great to hear from a large number of golfers who told us that they regularly purchase our bars on the course. It’s always nice to hear from happy consumers,” said SCNS founder and COO Bill Stewart. “We were also able to introduce our bars to new buyers which is the main purpose of being at the PGA Merchandise Show.”

SCNS Sports Foods, which launched in 2007, distributes seven different types of nutrition and energy bars: 1st Tee Plus+ Oatmeal Raisin Bar, 1st Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Bar, 1st Tee Dark Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Bars, 1st Tee Honey Almond Snack bar, 10th Tee Plus+ Peanut Honey Bar, 10th Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bar, and 10th Tee Cranberry Trail Mix Bar.

Recently, SCNS announced the release of four new Plus+ Bars, which replaced the original four 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars which had been on the market since 2001. Attendees at the PGA Show had the opportunity to sample the new Plus+ bars, which are free of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.

SCNS bars are sold and marketed to golfers through 2,500 green grass outlets and online through the company’s website. For more information on SCNS Sports Foods and the 1st and 10th Tee bars, visit www.golfenergybar.com.

SCNS Sports Foods To Exhibit at 2017 PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando

(UPLAND, CA) - SCNS Sports Foods, marketer and distributor of the popular 1st Tee and 10th Tee nutrition and energy bars, have announced its participation at the PGA Merchandise Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.  SCNS will exhibit in Booth #2215 from January 25-27, 2017.

“I have been eating the 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars for quite a while now,” said PGA Tour Pro Scott Langley recently. “They really deliver what they advertise. They help provide the focus and energy you need to perform your best, and they taste great.”

SCNS Sports Foods, which launched in 2007, distributes seven different types of nutrition and energy bars: 1st Tee Plus+ Oatmeal Raisin Bar, 1st Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Bar, 1st Tee Dark Chocolate Chip Trail Mix Bars, 10th Tee Plus+ Peanut Honey Bar, 10th Tee Plus+ Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bar, and 10th Tee Cranberry Trail Mix Bar.

Last month, SCNS announced the release of four new Plus+ Bars, which replaced the original four 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars that had been on the market since 2001.   Attendees at the upcoming PGA Show will the opportunity to sample the new Plus+ bars, which are free of high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors.

SCNS bars are sold and marketed to golfers through 2,500 green grass outlets and online through the company’s website. For more information on SCNS Sports Foods and the 1st and 10th Tee bars, visit www.golfenergybar.com.

SCNS Sports Foods to Sponsor Franklin Templeton Shootout

(UPLAND, CA) - SCNS Sports Foods, marketer and distributor of the popular 1st Tee Plus+ and 10th Tee Plus+ nutrition and energy bars, have announced their partnership with the 28th Franklin Templeton Shootout, scheduled this week, December 5-10, 2016, at Tiburón Golf Club at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples.

SCNS will distribute product samples throughout the week to guests in the expo village and volunteer tent as well as at Saturday’s 5k Road Race.  Additionally, spectators are able to purchase 1st and 10th Tee Plus+ bars through the tournament’s concession program.

SCNS recently removed high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and artificial flavors from its four original bars (1st Tee Oatmeal Raisin Bar, 1st Tee Chocolate Peanut Bar, 10th Tee Peanut Honey Bar and 10th Tee Chocolate Peanut Caramel Bar) and now markets the bars as “Plus+” bars.

“The Franklin Templeton Shootout is the perfect opportunity for us to introduce our new Plus+ bars to the golf community,” said Bill Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at SCNS. “If you are at the Shootout, please give us a try.  We think you will enjoy the new, improved Plus+ bars which offer golfers the same great taste and sustained energy as the original bars.”

Hosted by World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman, 24 players are set to compete in the 12-team competition.  As a premier PGA TOUR post-season event, the Shootout will once again feature a different format during each competitive round --- Scramble (Thursday), Modified Alternate Shot (Friday) and Better Ball (Saturday). This year, Golf Channel will televise Thursday and Friday live from 2 - 5PM ET and FOX will broadcast Saturday’s final round which will be live from 1 - 5 PM ET.

Norman, who founded the tournament in 1989, played in the Shootout a tournament-record 24 times. He will compete in the Tuesday and Wednesday pro-am event. For the latest Franklin Templeton Shootout news visit www.franklintempletonshootout.com.

Current Alphabetical List of Participating Professionals
Daniel Berger                                   Kevin Kisner
Kevin Chappell                                Russell Knox
K.J. Choi                                          Matt Kuchar
Bryson DeChambeau                       Davis Love III
Luke Donald                                     Sean O’Hair
Jason Dufner                                     Kenny Perry
Harris English                                   Rory Sabbatini
Charley Hoffman                              Brandt Snedeker
Billy Horschel                                   Steve Stricker
Charles Howell III                            Justin Thomas
Smylie Kaufman                               Lexi Thompson
Jerry Kelly                                        Gary Woodland

For more information, visit www.golfenergybar.com.

Product Review: Nutritional Benefits of 1st, 10th Tee Bars and Glukos Whey Protein Bars and Powder

A journalism professor of mine enjoyed the phrase “garbage in, garbage out” when performing a search for public records. His meaning - if you don’t put the right information into the search, you’re not going to get the data you need on the other end. The same goes for nutrition. 

I was always one to reach for a candy bar and a Coke before a round of golf, or order a hot dog at the turn. While the sugar rush - along with the resulting crash - and bloated, sluggish feelings hampered my game, the longing for junk food won every time.

I’m older and, hopefully, wiser now, but I still love snacks. My choices have taken a healthier turn in recent years, though. 

Take, for instance, my pregame habit of reaching for a Snickers bar. While I still enjoy the occasional nougat beauty topped with caramel and peanuts, and covered in milk chocolate, I’m now taking down a 1st Tee bar from SCNS Sports Foods. Originally offered in two flavors - oatmeal raisin (my favorite) and chocolate peanut - a couple gluten-free bars (dark chocolate chip trail mix and honey almond) have joined the team.

At the turn, I now look to the aptly named 10th Tee bar, available in cranberry, peanut honey and chocolate peanut caramel (three key ingredients in the aforementioned Snickers bar). The green tea and panax ginseng extracts help sustain energy through the back nine. 

If I’m lucky, I golf once a week. Because I need to take care of myself the other six days, as well, I’ve found Glukos. Originally introduced to me a little more than a year ago through their Energy line, the whey protein powder and bars have become staples in my post-workout routine. 

The Cookies ‘N Cream is my favorite bar, but Rocky Road and Chocolate Peanut Butter are both loaded with flavor. As for powder, both chocolate and vanilla added to 8 ozs. of fat-free make a delicious shake.

I’ve long known about the benefits of whey protein in building lean mass and increasing strength, but it also can help in losing weight and preserving muscle. I like that it tends to reduce my hunger after a fat-burning session at the gym. Whey has been shown to lower levels of ghrelin - a hormone that tells your brain you’re hungry. 

Sticking with the researchers ... studies show whey protein can boost your immune system, reduce stress and even fight against some common forms of cancer, including prostate and colon!

You know the ills of fructose and sucrose, right? Why is glucose better? For one, glucose is what provides your muscles energy to repair themselves using protein. And the sooner you get glucose into your bloodstream after a workout, the sooner your muscles start repairing themselves to become stronger. Glucose (and Glukos) is absorbed immediately, starting in your mouth. Fructose and sucrose are digested in the intestines. That results in delayed absorption and by-products - Triglycerides (fat)

and Lactic Acid. Yuck!

Like always, know what goes into your body. No two people are the same, so take some time to do your own research and learn more about both companies and their products at the respective websites golfenergybar.com (SCNS Sports Foods) and glukosenergy.com (Glukos). 

SCNS Sports Foods Partners with Nextgengolf to Supply Bars to Amateur Players

(UPLAND, CA) - SCNS Sports Foods, maker of the popular 1st Tee and 10th Tee nutrition and energy bars, has become a Tournament Supplier of Nextgengolf. The group will supply amateur players with its nutritional bars to fuel their game at Nextgengolf events throughout the U.S.

“SNCS Sports Foods couldn’t be more proud to support young amateur golfers and to inform the golf world how Nextgengolf is helping grow the game,” said Bill Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at SCNS Sports Foods.

Nextgengolf is the leading entity for golfers aged 18-34 in the U.S. The organization was founded by Kris Hart to help solve some of the fundamental problems with non-varsity collegiate golf.  In 2013, Nextgengolf merged with the National Collegiate Club Golf Association (NCCGA), the governing body for collegiate club golf.  Nextgengolf coordinates the City Tour tournaments for young adults around the U.S. as well as NCCGA tournaments for non-varsity college golfers.

“We know that golfers need sustained energy in order to play their best, so we are happy to distribute 1st Tee and 10th Tee bars at our events,” said Hart. “Nextgengolf participants enjoy the taste of the bars and are glad to have a healthy snack on the course.”

SCNS Sports Foods has seven different types of nutrition and energy bars. The original 1st Tee bar comes in two different flavors: Oatmeal Raisin and Chocolate Peanut, and contain all-natural chamomile, hops and valerian root to help reduce anxiety on the first tee.  Most recent additions to the 1st Tee line are two gluten-free bars: Dark Chocolate Chip Trail Mix bar and Honey Almond Snack bar.

There are three flavors of the 10th Tee bar, two of which contain green tea and panax ginseng extracts to help sustain energy right through the back nine. Those flavors are Peanut Honey and Chocolate Peanut Caramel.

“We created the 10th Tee bars to look and taste like a candy bar, because a lot of golfers like to grab a candy bar at the turn,” said Stewart. “But our bars contain half the fat and twice the protein of most candy bars. So while you will get the same enjoyment as you would eating a traditional candy bar, you also will gain the energy-sustaining benefit for the back nine from our 10th Tee bars.” Earlier this year the company launched a gluten free 10th Tee Cranberry Trail Mix bar.

For more information on SCNS Sports Foods and the 1st and 10th Tee bars, visit www.golfenergybar.com.

For more information on Nextgengolf, visit www.nextgengolf.org.

SCNS Sports Foods Becomes Gold Partner of The First Tee

(RELEASE) - SCNS Sports Foods is proud to become a Gold Partner to The First Tee, an organization that provides positive youth development through golf.

SCNS Sports Foods supports The First Tee via donating a portion of the proceeds on every bar sold of their gluten free Trail Mix bars. There are two varieties – Dark Chocolate Chip and Cranberry.

Each bar is a delicious combination of gluten free oats, and six different nuts and seeds. The primary sweetener of each bar is agave syrup, and the bars do not contain any artificial ingredients.

“Golfers need sustained energy in order to play their best. Our gluten free Trail Mix bars are designed to help golfers sustain energy while providing great taste,” said Bill Stewart, Chief Operating Officer of SCNS Sports Foods. “Our Trail Mix bars are also a great light meal or snack off the course as well” Stewart added.

“We are especially pleased to be able to contribute a portion of the proceeds on these bars to The First Tee across the country. Their youth development programs have positively impacted millions of young people over the years, and helped them learn highly valuable life lessons while learning the game of golf,” Stewart noted.

"The First Tee is reliant upon charitable contributions to carry out our mission and is grateful to receive support from donors like SCNS Sports Foods" said Jennifer Weiler, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer of The First Tee. "We're positively impacting the lives of young people thanks in great part to their contributions."

1st Tee and 10th Tee golf nutrition and energy bars are sold at more than 2,000 golf courses and golf retail outlets across the United States. For more information on 1st Tee and 10th Tee golf nutrition and energy bars, visit www.golfenergybar.com or call toll free 1-888-638-8686.