Tri-Cities entrepreneur launches horchata-flavored protein bar inspired by Latino heritage

Tri-Cities, Washington — From real estate agent to entrepreneur, a local Tri-Cities resident has launched his own product inspired by his Latino heritage.

There are a million protein bars to choose from when you’re at the grocery store or the gym. But a Yakima native and now Tri-Cities resident has created his own horchata-flavored protein bar.

Edgardo Quiroz, founder of Fuerza Elite Supplements, explains: “I was getting back on my feet and I realized that there was a lack of Latin-flavored supplements. This was four years ago, so at the time there were some, but there were no bars.”

Even though the young entrepreneur was working in real estate at the time, he says he couldn’t stop thinking about a new protein bar.

“I started researching manufacturers to get an idea, to play around with it. Eventually, I decided to take a risk in research and development,” Quiroz tells us. “Over the last four years, I’ve been working with a manufacturer in California to get FDA approval, working on the design, the logo, finalizing the ingredients and everything else.”

Edgardo, who grew up with a low-income single mother, says he struggled with his health and anxiety for two years. It motivated him to do his research and prioritize his health by knowing what he puts in his body. Quiroz says, “Our ingredients, you can pronounce them. We have 20 grams of protein and are high in fiber.”

Edgardo tells us that he dedicates this protein bar to first-generation students who may be going through a similar time. “It’s a good complement, especially for first-generation students who are always running around, it doesn’t leave us time to eat breakfast, to do something. The advantage of this bar, if you can watch what you eat, is that it has a lot of protein.”

While the bars are currently only available locally, we’re told they hope to expand to other locations soon, including gyms around the Tri-Cities and Yakima.

“The goal is to develop the product. We hope to have at least four flavors by the end of the year or the beginning of next year. We also hope to offer another one, “La Fresas con Crema”, made with strawberries and cream.” Edgardo Quiroz.

The new bars were released just two weeks ago and are making waves locally, Edgardo says his dream is to see the bars at Costco and other major retailers, he tells us they are also looking for investors in the brand and product, you can find out more on their social media pages.

Edgardo explains: “In Yakima, you can find it at Yakima Fit foods, cafes like Mercantile. In Tri-Cities, Café con Arte and Conquer Meals.”