Swole Bears: N.S. teen launches high-protein gummy business
A Nova Scotia teenager has come up with a sweet idea – a high-protein gummy bear business.
Rory Fox of Lower Sackville, N.S., launched Swole Bears almost a year ago thanks to his interest in fitness.
“Basically, they’re protein gummy bears that are low-calorie, high-protein, they’re sweetened with honey,” he says. “A whole pack has 170 calories, 25 grams of protein.”
The 15-year-old says he decided to use honey instead of glucose in his products because it is a more natural replacement.
“Honey can be a good fuel for a workout as it has some quick and easy carbs. Overall, a lot healthier than glucose, because glucose can cause a lot of health problems,” he says.
“Swole” is an informal term for muscular, and is a play on the word “swollen.”
“Some people say (it) after they get a work out, like they get a pump, or like they get swole,” Rory says.
And now fellow fitness enthusiasts are using them to get “swole” themselves.
“Everyone’s really liked them,” Rory says. “Haven’t really had anything negative, really good feedback overall.”
Rory has hosted meet and greets at local gyms, allowing people to taste test and purchase his handmade gummies.
“It’s really good. The flavour is really flavorful. The consistency is really good,” said Fitness FX member Christina Kim. “He’s done a really good job as someone super young starting a business.”
Rory’s mother says she and Rory’s father were “a bit concerned” when he first started Swole Bears, wondering if it could go anywhere.
“And he said, ‘Mom, I’m not afraid to fail. I just really want to try.’ It’s been impressive that he’s put the effort in and been thoughtful about all the steps along the way,” Tricia Fox says.
Tricia says the community as a whole has been supportive of Rory’s venture.
“His gym community, his school community, family and friends have really rallied around and helped him to move this to the next level. It’s exciting to see him grow,” she says. “He’s the youngest of six children, so he’s only been inspired by who’s gone before him, and it’s been lovely to watch.”
Rory says his goal is to expand his gummy business as much as he can.
“Try and get more people to know about them and be able to use this as a good tool for working out and having something that’s healthy, but can also meet your macros at the end of the day.”
More information on Swole Bears can be found on their Instagram page.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
'Summer of discontent': Federal unions vow to fight new 3-day a week office mandate
Federal unions are launching legal challenges and encouraging public sector workers to file "tens of thousands" of grievances over the new mandate requiring federal workers to return to the office at least three days a week in the fall.
Watch fighter jet pilots pummel fake enemy ship off coast of Philippines
The United States and Philippines held annual joint-training drills just off the Southeast Asian nation’s western coast on Wednesday. Military forces sunk a 'mock' enemy warship – the BRP Lake Caliraya, which was a decommissioned tanker made in China.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
TSB concludes investigation into cause of London, Ont. freight train fire
More than two weeks after a freight train with several railcars ablaze rolled through the heart of the Forest City, the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has concluded its investigation.