We discovered these l’il balls of loveliness a while back in a health store and found out some more about them for our Ban the Bar series. This occassional series aims to bring you healthy, tasty snack options for snowboarding days - so you need never buy an overpriced chocolate bar again!

Bounce Balls were invented in Australia by Andy and Paula Hannagan. They come in five flavours – Almond protein, Cashew & Pecan, Fudgey Walnut, Premium Protein and Spirulina & Ginseng.

Most are wheat, dairy and gluten free (but check individual packs for details) and they contain between 169 and 209 calories per ball. They’re a filling, nutritious snack which will give you plenty of slow-release energy for days on the hill. They're solid little snacks, really tasty with a chunky nutty coating.

They are available at healthfood stores and supermarkets in Australia and the UK and can also be bought online at www.bouncefoods.com

We caught up with Andy Hannagan to find out more about them:

Where did the idea for Bounce Balls come from and when were they launched?

The idea was born out of a trip to New York in 2003, my wife and I saw the products and we investigated with the manufacturers whether they would be interested in making a slightly amended version and a different brand for the Australian and UK markets. We launched in 2004 in Australia and then 18 months later in the UK.

What are the benefits of choosing Bounce Balls over other healthy snacks?

Taste, Taste, Taste! And the fun aspect of the brand appeals to our core consumers. Also we are gluten free, wheat free, preservative free, GM free. Women love our products and are the dominant consumers.

How did you decide on the flavours?

We decided on the flavours based on our tastes.

Why have some got more protein than others?

There are two protein flavours, and these two products serve a particular purpose for replacing protein stores in the body (great for post workout), or giving you a more filling snack food on the run. The Spirulina is more a natural energy hit with the Spirulina and Ginseng - this is actually our best product from an ingredient perspective but not to everyone taste!

Which is your favourite?

The Premium Protein - love the peanut flavour interestingly this flavour is the best seller in Australia and the Spirulina ball is the best in the UK.

Any plans to introduce them into other countries?

We have conquered Australia and UK for the moment with this range, we are planning some European destinations soon. We are also looking at expanding on the current success of the brand with other products.

We heard you were a ski instructor in New Zealand in a previous life. Do you think Bounce Balls are good for snowsports fans?

I have sat on many a ski lift eating one of the Bounce Balls! They are the perfect snack for on the snow fuel to keep you going so you don't have to stop for lunch!

What are your plans for the future of Bounce Balls?

Have more fun!
Develop new products
Have more fun!
Take the brand further into new countries
Have more fun!
And then have more fun!