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If someone told you that a protein bar could change your life, you’d probably raise an eyebrow, right? Because let’s be honest—most of us have been down the road of gritty, chalky “health” bars that taste like cardboard wrapped in plastic. They promise you fuel, energy, and health, but what you often end up with is sugar spikes, bloating, and regret.   

But then there’s Five Plus Protein—a brand born not from a boardroom brainstorming session, but from one man’s very real frustration with the so-called “healthy” protein bars on the market. That man is Joel Montesano, the founder and CEO, and his story is one you’ll want to lean in for. Because once you hear it, you might just look at your next protein bar in a whole new way.

Meet Joel: From Navy Veteran to Nutrition Innovator

Joel Montesano is not your average entrepreneur. He’s a man who has worn many hats—Navy veteran, business professional, martial arts instructor, fitness enthusiast, husband, father, and now, innovator in the health food space.

For 14 years, Joel served in the U.S. Navy, including eight intense years in the Naval Nuclear Power Program. That experience didn’t just make him resilient; it made him disciplined, meticulous, and focused on problem-solving. Add to that a bachelor’s degree in business management, a master’s in cybersecurity, and 25 years in sales and marketing, and you’ve got someone who knows how to spot a gap in the market and fill it with precision.

But Joel’s journey into wellness wasn’t born in a corporate office. It came from his own experience as a lifelong consumer of protein supplements. Since the 1990s, he had been relying on protein powders and bars to support his active lifestyle. Yet the more he consumed, the more he noticed a troubling pattern.

The Protein Bar Problem

Joel knew there were three big problems plaguing protein bars on the market:

Added Sugar – Too many protein bars masquerade as candy bars. That sugar? It causes blood sugar spikes, followed by energy crashes and binge eating. Joel realized it was a vicious cycle that wasn’t serving anyone’s health.

Inflammatory Ingredients – Many bars are filled with artificial additives and preservatives that promote inflammation—something society is already struggling with thanks to autoimmune issues, stress, and processed diets.

Digestive Distress – Whey, soy, egg-based proteins, and certain fillers often cause bloating, gas, and stomach upset. For Joel, and countless others, the promise of protein wasn’t worth the trade-off of feeling miserable afterward.

And even when you could find a “healthier” option? They were usually grainy, chalky, and let’s face it—downright unpleasant to eat. Joel knew something had to change.

The Birth of Five Plus Protein

In May 2023, Joel decided to stop settling and start creating. He launched Five Plus Protein under his company Way of the Fit LLC with one mission: to make a protein bar that actually delivers what people want—nutrition that supports the body, not works against it.

He wasn’t interested in “just another protein bar.” He wanted something that was:

Non-GMO

Vegan

Gluten-Free

High in fiber

Anti-inflammatory

Free of added sugar

Easy to digest

And importantly… delicious.

Joel invited his wife, Lynda Montesano, and his close colleague, Bridget Grover, to join him. Together, they set out to not just make a product but to create a wellness movement around food as medicine.

The Dream Team

Lynda Montesano, Co-Founder

Lynda is more than Joel’s partner in life; she’s a partner in this mission. With a background as a CFO, business owner, designer, and fitness instructor, Lynda knows what it takes to bring ideas to life. She also lives with Lupus, which means she personally understands how difficult it can be to find foods that are both nourishing and tolerable. Her mantra is simple but powerful: food should be our medicine. That belief sits at the heart of Five Plus Protein.

Bridget Grover, COO

Bridget is the science and healthcare brain of the trio. A Physician Assistant, college professor, and certified personal trainer, she’s spent years caring for patients—including nursing home residents with strict dietary needs. She holds degrees in exercise science, kinesiology, and healthcare law. Her knowledge bridges the gap between fitness and medical wellness, ensuring that Five Plus Protein products do more than taste good—they truly serve the body’s needs.

Partnering with the Pros

Grover and the Montesanos weren't going to just blend whatever happened to be in the blender. They collaborated with YouBar, a Southern California-based food science firm, to develop their recipes. Working together, we made sure that every ingredient was purposeful, supported by research, and selected for its health advantages, not merely for the sake of marketing.

The First Creation: PB Cacao Chocolate Chip Bar

In September 2024, the team launched their first bar as a “proof of concept.” The Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Last Protein Bar wasn’t just another protein snack—it was a carefully crafted blend of taste and health.

Pea Protein for a plant-based, easily digestible protein source.

All-natural Peanut Butter for flavor and creaminess.

MCT Oil for clean energy.

Stevia and Monk Fruit instead of sugar.

Cacao, Cinnamon, and Turmeric for their anti-inflammatory properties.

The result? A decadent bar that truly promoted health—smooth, creamy, and satisfying. Customers were raving about it, confirming Joel's suspicion that they were yearning for something superior.

The Sequel: Café Mocha Latte Last Protein Bar

On May 1st, 2025, Five Plus Protein unveiled their second star: the Café Mocha Latte Last Protein Bar with Cacao Nibs and Caffeine.

This wasn’t just a bar; it was a bar with a buzz—about the same caffeine as a cup of coffee. Perfect for mornings when you’re rushing out the door or afternoons when your energy dips.

The ingredients were just as intentional:

Pea and Almond Protein for digestibility and nutrition.

Cashew Butter for smooth texture.

Cocoa Powder and Cacao Nibs for depth of flavor and antioxidants.

Coffee Fruit Extract for a natural caffeine boost.

Stevia and Monk Fruit for sweetness without sugar.

Cinnamon, Turmeric, and Cacao again bringing those anti-inflammatory benefits.

Smooth, energizing, and indulgent all at once—this bar is proof that health and pleasure can absolutely coexist.

Why Anti-Inflammatory Matters

The heart of Five Plus Protein’s mission is to reduce inflammation. But why does that matter so much?

Many contemporary health problems, including autoimmune diseases, joint discomfort, exhaustion, and even premature aging, have inflammation as their foundation. You may help your body recover from inflammation instead of hurting it by eating foods that have these qualities, such as chocolate, cinnamon, turmeric, and plant proteins.

Wellness Tips Inspired by Five Plus Protein

While the bars themselves are powerful, the brand’s philosophy goes beyond snacking. Here are a few wellness tips inspired by their mission:

Choose food as medicine. Every bite either fuels inflammation or fights it. Pay attention to ingredients.

Skip the sugar crashes. Opt for natural sweeteners paired with fiber to avoid the rollercoaster.

Listen to your gut. If your protein bar leaves you bloated, it’s not serving you. Digestion should feel easy.

Pair protein with routine. Whether post-workout or mid-day snack, consistent protein helps regulate energy and appetite.

Age well, proactively. Think of today’s choices as investments in your future body.

Interesting Facts You Might Not Know

Cacao isn’t just chocolate. It’s packed with antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support brain health.

Turmeric needs a buddy. Its active compound, curcumin, is better absorbed when paired with fats—like the nut butters in Five Plus bars.

Monk fruit is ancient. Used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, it sweetens without spiking blood sugar.

Coffee fruit extract isn’t coffee. It’s the fruit surrounding the coffee bean—rich in antioxidants and a gentler caffeine source.

A Mission Beyond Bars

Five Plus Protein isn’t just about creating tasty snacks. Their mission is to empower people to live better, longer, and stronger. They believe aging well isn’t about denying yourself or chasing youth—it’s about fueling your body with foods that actually serve it.

With every bar, they’re making it easier for people to take a step toward that vision.

Why You Should Find Out More

Here’s the truth: you could keep eating the same old bars and dealing with sugar spikes, inflammation, and discomfort. Or, you could try something that was designed from the ground up to help you feel better, perform better, and age better.

Joel, Lynda, and Bridget didn’t just want to make a snack—they wanted to make a difference. And if you’re someone who values your health, your energy, and your future, their story is one you’ll want to be part of.

Because sometimes, finding out more isn’t just interesting—it could actually change your life.