\n<\/p>\n
MUKWONAGO \u2014 Just two and a half years after launching her business, Emily Koltermann has transformed a simple idea into a growing Wisconsin brand found on the shelves of local supermarkets.<\/p>\n
Koltermann, founder of Bulk Butter<\/a>, created the company after searching for a healthier alternative to traditional sweet spreads.<\/p>\n “Bulk Butter is a lower sugar, better-for-you sweet treat,” she said. “We start with a natural peanut butter base and add in different fun inclusions. Think of your favorite treat or candy bar added to a jar of nut butter, minus all the added sugar plus additional protein.”<\/p>\n Unlike many commercial nut butters, Bulk Butter starts with natural peanut butter that contains no added sugar, salt, oils or emulsifiers. From there, Koltermann adds creative mix-ins that turn the spread into a dessert-inspired snack.<\/p>\n “Our best seller is our Monster Cookie,” she said. “We start with just a natural peanut butter base, blend it with white chocolate and then add toppings to both the top and bottom to make for a better-for-you sweet treat.”<\/p>\n Koltermann said the idea was born during her years as a nationally competitive bodybuilder. While training, peanut butter remained a staple in her nutrition plan because of its healthy fats, even though many people mistakenly assume lower-calorie foods are always healthier.<\/p>\n Watch: Wisconsin entrepreneur builds success with Bulk Butter<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n <\/p>\n From Bodybuilding to Business: Wisconsin Entrepreneur Builds Success with Bulk Butter<\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n “A lot of people think that lower calories equate to better for you than higher calories,” she said. “But as a competitor, I had peanut butter in my plan all throughout prep. We need those healthy fats as individuals for energy, fuel and proper body function.”<\/p>\n After competitions, she would celebrate with a simple indulgence.<\/p>\n “I love peanut butter, so after competing, I would take a spoonful of peanut butter and dunk it into chocolate chips. That was my little sweet treat,” she said. “So, I thought, put it in a jar, and I kind of ran with it.”<\/p>\n At the time, Koltermann was balancing national bodybuilding competitions with a full-time corporate job but wanted something more fulfilling.<\/p>\n “I felt very unfulfilled in the corporate life, so I wanted to find something that was fulfilling while also being passionate about it,” she said.<\/p>\n Building the business meant long days and even longer evenings.<\/p>\n “I knew nothing about the whole business background, and I wanted to just jump in on something and go 10 toes to the ground,” she said. “I was working my 9-to-5 job. In the morning, I would go to the gym, train, get my cardio in, work from 9 to 5, and then after work I would go to farmers markets to launch my product.”<\/p>\n That hard work has paid off. What began as a farmers’ market venture has grown into a regional brand, with Bulk Butter now available in numerous local supermarkets across Wisconsin.<\/p>\n For Koltermann, the company’s success is rooted in offering something different.<\/p>\n “We wanted to find a product that was lower in sugar and didn’t have all the added oils that most nut butters do,” she said. “We took a twist on your natural nut butter and added fun inclusions. We’re very different from your standard nut butter.”<\/p>\n Bulk Butter: Nut Butter Treat | Handcrafted & Small-Batch<\/a><\/p>\n Let’s talk:<\/p>\n Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com\/tips. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24\/7 by searching for \u201cTMJ4\u201d on your device.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Report a typo or error<\/b><\/a> \/\/ Submit a news tip<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n