Cytosport’s Muscle Milk is one of the most popular gainers in the bodybuilding market, due to its relatively low carb content and array of rich-tasting flavors.  Protein bars are a fave bodybuilding snack, so Muscle Milk bars are a natural extension of the brand.  Unlike Muscle Milk itself, the bars come in only three flavors (Banana Yogurt, Chocolate Peanut Caramel and Vanilla Toffee Crunch), but are designed to be “…the perfect solution for people who want to feel better and improve their performance while on the go.”

Manufacturer’s Description: Protein-packed: Muscle Milk Bars are loaded with 25 grams or muscle-sustaining protein to keep your body going and growing throughout your busy day. Energy: An equitable mix of 25 grams protein and 28 grams carbs per bar (only 11g sugar) provide the fuel for sustained energy between meals. Zero tolerance: Muscle Milk Bars are lactose-free and free from trans fat, so there’s no question you’re getting good nutrition even when time is tight. A healthy handful of goodness: Packed with protein and the same sustained energy as Muscle Milk but in great-tasting bars that’s ready when you are.

Serving Size 73g Calories 290 Calories From Fat 90 Total Fat 10g Saturated Fat 8g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 310mg Potassium 110mg

Total Carbohydrate 30g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 14g Protein 25g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 15% Iron 2%

Ingredients: Muscle Milk Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Milk Protein Concentrate, Sodium Caseinate), Evaporated Cane Juice Solids, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Maltitol Syrup, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Glycerine, Water, Corn Syrup, Invert Sugar, Nonfat Dry Milk, Peanut Flour, Butter, Nestle® Butterfinger®, Rice Flour, Cocoa Powder, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Salt, Polydextrose, Maltodextrin, Soy Lecithin, Cream, Molasses, Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils (Cottonseed And/or Soybean, Palm), Malt Extract, Rice Extract, Sucralose, Di-Sodium Phosphate, Carrageenan Gum, Distilled Monoglycerides., Nestle® Butterfinger®: Corn Syrup, Ground Roasted Peanuts, Sugar, Molasses, And Less Than 1% Of Confectioner’s Corn Flakes, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Salt, Cocoa, Soy Bean Oil, Whey, Nonfat Milk, Modified Food Starch, Lactic Acid Esters, Soy Lecithin, TBHQ And Citric Acid (To Preserve Freshness), Artificial Flavors, Yellow #5, Red #40

Comments: I picked up the Vanilla Toffee Crunch (shown above) and Chocolate Peanut Caramel bars at my local Fred Meyer, where they were sold open stock for $2.19 each – a fairly typical price for this type of bar. At 73g (2.57 oz), they’re somewhat larger than a standard candy bar.

Each bar featured a chocolate coating surrounding a nougat center. Both bars were quite soft, chewy and sweet…almost too sweet, although this was redeemed by the flavors, which were intense enough to avoid being overwhelmed. Of the two, the Vanilla Toffee Crunch was my favorite, although it the “crunch” part was barely discernable. Still, it had an interesting, almost buttery-tasting vanilla flavor, with a toffee aftertaste – nice. The Chocolate Peanut Caramel had visible peanuts, and tasted good, although it derived most of its flavor from the chocolate…the caramel and peanut flavors didn’t really stand out.

Unlike Muscle Milk, the bars aren’t fortified with vitamins and minerals; nor do they contain Lean Lipids™ - a proprietary MCT (medium chain triglycerides) blend. They’re simply reduced sugar/carb protein bars – good perhaps for an occasional snack or “fix” for a sugar craving – but not really  meal replacements.  Muscle Milk bars are a tasty way to get 25g of protein, though, even if they’re not the most calorically “economical” way to go about it.

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.5/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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“Perfect Meal” is a meal replacement powder produced by Garden Of Life, as a part of CEO Jordan Rubin’s “Perfect Weight America” program. Other weight management products included in the program are FucoTHIN (a weight loss supplement) and FucoProtein bars. Perfect Meal comes in two flavors: Milk Chocolate and Creamy Vanilla.

Manufacturer’s Description: Perfect Meal^™ is a delicious and satisfying high protein and high fiber drink designed to be used as a meal supplement, available in two great tasting natural flavors: creamy vanilla and milk chocolate. As part of a healthy diet and exercise program, Perfect Meal^™ will help you successfully manage your weight by naturally curbing your appetite.

Serving Size: 47 g (2 scoops) Servings Per Container: 14 Calories 180 Calories from Fat 10 Total Fat 1 g Saturated Fat 0.5 g Cholesterol 45 mg Sodium 95 mg

Total Carbohydrate 24 g Dietary Fiber 5 g Sugars 3 g Protein 19 g Vitamin C 50 mg Calcium 275 mg Iron 1 mg Chromium 200 mcg

Native Whey Protein Undenatured, Bioactive, Minimally Processed, with Glycomacropeptide – 25 g Fibertrol Blend Konjac Glucomannan, Organic Oat Beta Glucan, Oat Fiber – 6 g Glycemic Balance Blend Calcified Red Algae, Organic Acerola Cherry, Chromium Rice Amino Complex (chelate) – 880 mg Proprietary Probiotic Blend Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium breve, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus paracasei – 6 mg Other Ingredients: Xylitol, natural flavors, salt.

Comments: I picked up individual packets of both Perfect Meal flavors from “Christine’s Cleanse Corner” – not one of my usual haunts, but the first vendor I found that offered single servings. This made the meals rather more expensive per serving ($3.50 each)…buying the larger, 658 g containers would have brought the price more in line with other MRPs (roughly $2.00 per serving).

Nonetheless, I’m glad I bought only the two sample packets. The Perfect Meal powders are classic examples of the cliche, “if it tastes bad, it must be good for you.” Ok, that’s probably a bit harsh: they didn’t really taste “bad”…but they didn’t taste particularly good, either…the flavors were flat and watery and the glucomannan used in the fiber blend caused the shakes to thicken excessively before I could finish them.

I daresay they’re healthy enough: the shakes are made with whey protein concentrate and soluble dietary fiber, with added vitamins, minerals and probiotics. They contain no artificial sweeteners or other superfluous additives. They’re low in calories and feature a reduced amount of low glycemic index carbs (company literature states the GI of the shakes is 14 – which is very low). They also made some impact on my appetite, although the effect was only sustained for about 2 hours.

All told, the Perfect Meal powders could make a good, healthy, snack-on-the-run, provided you’re more concerned with the benefits than you are with the taste.

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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The Instant Breakfast Shakes are made by Labrada Nutrition: a company well-known to the bodybuilding world. The company was founded by Lee Labrada, who holds 22 professional bodybuilding titles, including the IFBB “Mr. Universe.” The shakes are part of the “Lean Body” line of meal replacements and functional food products aimed at the fitness market.  They come in three flavors: Bananas & Cream, Blueberries & Cream and Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal.

Manufacturer’s Description: Lean Body Instant Breakfast Shakes is the quick, convenient whole-food breakfast solution for hard-training athletes who have little time to prepare a nutritious meal. Each serving contains more concentrated, muscle-building nutrition than 10 scrambled egg whites, a bowl of oatmeal and a handful of vitamins. It’s a rich, delicious shake fortified with whole-food goodness.

Serving Size: 1 Packet (92g) Calories 360 Calories From Fat 60 Total Fat 7g Saturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 55mg Sodium 130mg Potassium 880mg Total Carbohydrate 35g Dietary Fiber 7g Sugars 7g	Protein 40g Vitamin A 60% Calcium 30% Vitamin E 60% Thiamin 60% Niacin 60% Folate 60% Biotin 60% Phosphorus 30% Magnesium 60% Selenium 50% Manganese 130%	Molybdenum 110% Vitamin C 60% Iron 60% Vitamin K 45% Riboflavin 80% Vitamin B6 60% Vitamin B12 60% Pantothenic Acid 60% Iodine 60% Zinc 60% Copper 60% Chromium 50%
Ingredients: LeanPro® (Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate), Whole Carb™ (Brown Rice Flour, Hydrolyzed Oat Flour, Rice Bran), Natural And Artificial Flavor, Banana Powder, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Calcium Caseinate, Fibersol-2, FOS (Fructooligosaccharides), Vitamin And Mineral Blend (Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Ferrous Fumarate, Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Manganese Sulfate, Calcium Pantothenate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate, Chromium Polynicotinate, Folic Acid, Sodium Molybdate, Biotin, Chromium Chloride, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Selenite, Phytonadione, Vitamin B12), Bananas, Rice Bran, Cellulose Gum, Soy Lecithin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Cream, Guar Gum, Mono- And Diglycerides, Xanthan Gum, Acesulfame K, Spice, Potassium Phosphate, Sucralose, Salt, Beta Carotene Added For Color, Tocopherols Added To Protect Flavor, Ascorbyl Palmitate Added To Protect Flavor.

Comments: My take on the Instant Breakfast Shakes is similar to Paul’s comments on the other Labrada MRPs:

…these shakes represent the higher end (quality wise), of the meal replacement spectrum. As such, rich in protein and high in fiber, they represent a good choice for any weight loss, weight management, or muscle building program.

The shakes are defintely high in protein (from whey and casein) and dietary fiber, and provide a moderate amount of carbs from whole grain sources. They’re relatively low in fat and sugar…and quite filling. Drinking one was nearly as satisfying as eating a solid food meal…a definite plus.

Tastewise, the shakes are good, although I wasn’t equally enthusiastic about all three flavors…I thought the blueberry was excellent; the apple-cinnamon was decent (more spicy than fruity), but the banana was only so-so. Don’t get me wrong, the latter was drinkable, but it’s just not one of my favorite flavors…at all. As Paul notes in his MRP review, the shakes are best made in the blender (also handy for adding frozen fruit or other amendments). They tend to thicken a bit on standing, thanks to the soluble fiber content.

Overall, the Lean Body Instant Breakfast Shakes are good for a quick meal on the run, or a solid, between-meal snack.  They’re available here from bodybuilding.com!

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

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Sambazon was the first company to market acai on a commercial scale in the US. Founded in 2000 by Ed Nichols and brothers Ryan and Jeremy Black, the company is dedicated to “using acai as a vehicle” to promote sustainable agriculture and preservation of the Amazon rainforest.  The company markets a variety of acai products, including juices/concentrates, smoothies, energy drinks, sorbet, frozen smoothie packs and supplements.  The frozen smoothie packs come in Original, Amazon Cherry and Pure Acai – which is the unsweetened, pure fruit puree.

Manufacturer’s Description: Sambazon acai products are all certified organic and great for anytime you’re hungry or looking for a natural energy boost. And as part of our mission to bring acai to you, we believe we also have to care for the planet and farmers. To do that, we’ve created a supply chain that benefits thousands of local families while protecting the Amazon rainforest through sustainable agriculture.

Serving Size 100g Calories 80 Calories from Fat 50 Total Fat 6g Saturated Fat 1.5g Trans Fat 0g Omega 6 860mg Omega 9 3360mg Cholesterol 0mg	Sodium 10mg Total Carbohydrate 7g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 0g Protein 2g Vitamin A 15% Calcium 4% Vitamin C 8% Iron 6%
Ingredients: Organic Acai Palmberry Pulp, Soy Lecithin, Citric Acid

Comments: So who hasn’t heard of acai by now? Both Paul and I have commented on the “superfruit” phenomenon on the blog…suffice it to say, acai is nutritious stuff, but there’s zero human evidence that it can cure cancer, increase energy, help people lose weight/fat, and so on. In Brazil, it’s a popular food, but it’s not regarded as a cure-all.

Nonetheless, I figured I’d give it a whirl: you never know, after all. And the Sambazon product is one of the few relatively unprocessed products on the market…it’s about as close as you can get to consuming it the same way as the Brazilians do. So I picked up a month’s supply direct from Sambazon: 7 packs of 4, 100 g packages of flash-frozen acai – shipped on dry ice. It ran just a skosh under $60 – not exactly a bargain price, but less expensive than buying it freeze dried in caps, or extensively diluted in retort-sterilized, blended juices.

The 100g, single-serving packs were long and thin, so they thawed reasonably quickly. The resulting fruit puree had the consistency of Hershey’s Syrup, with a deep, red wine color – neat. It had a fruity, berry-like flavor, although this wasn’t apparent until I added some sweetener – as is, the stuff is virtually sugar-free. It was ok mixed in water, and pretty good mixed in kefir or yogurt. I pretty much ate it daily, throughout the month of December.

I regret to inform enthusiasts that I did not begin leaping out of bed in the morning, whistling Disney tunes; nor did I experience any dramatic increases in energy or drop a single pound. In short, I experienced nothing unusual: just the same old good health and strength I’m used to. This did not come as a surprise to me, as I normally consume a pretty good whack of antioxidant phytochemicals to start with: My cabinet is well stocked with green and white teas and there are resealable bags of frozen, unsweetened blueberries, raspberries and blackberries in the freezer. I also keep bags of spinach leaves and broccosprouts in the fridge for salads and sandwiches. I consume all of the above, + organic, raw cacao, almonds, walnuts, red wine and other assorted veggies and fruits on a more-or-less daily basis. So I’m doing just fine on the ORAC front already…and expect I’ve reached the point of diminishing returns.

This is not to knock Sambazon’s product – far from it. I doubt you can get closer to what’s available in the rainforest than this, short of a trek to Brazil. It’s pricey, although my local Fred Meyer is now selling it for around $5.50 per pack – which is less than what I originally paid, so it’s likely I’ll buy it again, every so often, as a change from my usual berries. It’s to Sambazon’s credit that they don’t make any wild/unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits of their product – and, if nothing else, I like to reward good behavior. But I see no reason to revise my opinion about acai: it’s a nutritious food, but one of many…a “nice have” perhaps, but not a “must have.”

Taste: 3.0/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

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The “South Beach Living” line of products is produced by Kraft Foods, which manufactures frozen meals, snacks, dressings, cookies and bars suitable for the South Beach Diet.  The bars are designed to be relatively high in protein, with reduced carbs, fat and calories.  The Crispy Meal Bars come in five flavors: Chocolate, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Creme, Caramel Peanut and Vanilla Creme.

Manufacturer’s Description: SOUTH BEACH LIVING SANDWICHES CRISPY MEAL BAR CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER Keep that classic combination of Chocolate and Peanut Butter close at hand with our Crispy Meal bar—even when you’re on the run. Every bar is packed 23 vitamins and minerals, 19 grams of protein, and loads of rich chocolate and peanut flavor. Buy individually or in 6-packs.

Serving Size 60g Servings per package 1 Amount Per Serving Calories 210 Calories from Fat 60 Total Fat 7g Saturated Fat 3g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 350mg Total Carbohydrate 26g Dietary Fiber 6g Sugars 1g	Protein 19g Vitamin A 50% Vitamin C 100% Calcium 10% Iron 25% Vitamin E 100% Vitamin K 25% Thiamin 25% Riboflavin 25% Niacin 25% Vitamin B6 25% Folic Acid 25%	Vitamin B12 25% Biotin 25% Pantothenic Acid 25% Phosphorus 20% Iodine 25% Magnesium 15% Zinc 25% Selenium 25% Copper 25% Manganese 25% Chromium 25% Molybdenum 25%
Ingredients: SOY PROTEIN CRISPS (SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, TAPIOCA STARCH, SALT), MALTITOL SYRUP, PEANUT BUTTER (ROASTED GROUND PEANUTS), INULIN (FOR FIBER), FRACTIONATED PALM KERNEL OIL, GLYCERIN, MALTITOL, OLIGOFRUCTOSE (FOR FIBER), CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL FLAVOR, MILK PROTEIN ISOLATE, NONFAT MILK, MILK PROTEIN CONCENTRATE, CHOCOLATE, COCOA, COCOA PROCESSED WITH ALKALI, PEANUT OIL, SOY LECITHIN, BUTTER (CREAM, SALT), HEAVY CREAM, SALT, MONOGLYCERIDES, CARRAGEENAN, CARAMEL COLOR, FISH GELATIN, SUCRALOSE. VITAMINS AND MINERALS: BETA CAROTENE, ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C), CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, FERRIC ORTHOPHOSPHATE (IRON), VITAMIN E ACETATE, PHYTONADIONE (VITAMIN K1), THIAMIN MONONITRATE (VITAMIN B1), RIBOFLAVIN (VITAMIN B2), NIACINAMIDE, VITAMIN B6, FOLIC ACID, VITAMIN B12, BIOTIN, CALCIUM PANTOTHENATE, POTASSIUM IODIDE, MAGNESIUM OXIDE, ZINC OXIDE, SODIUM SELENITE, COPPER GLUCONATE, MANGANESE SULFATE, CHROMIUM CHLORIDE, SODIUM MOLYBDATE.

Comments: I picked up three flavors of the Crispy Meal Bars at my local grocery store: Chocolate Peanut Butter (described above), Chocolate and Caramel Peanut Butter.

The bars are reminiscent of Rice Krispie or granola bars, in that they have a cereal-like base composed of soy crisps. The bars more-or-less lived up to their name (although I thought they were more crunchy-chewy than “crispy”), and were sweet, without being overpowering. The bar flavors were pretty good, too.

Despite the name, however, I’d hesitate to call these “meal” bars…yes, they contain a decent amount of protein and are fortified with a range of nutrients, but the calories are low, and they simply aren’t as satiating as genuine food. Rather, I’d see these bars as “value-added” treats or – at best – an occasional snack or dessert. And the emphasis should be on “occasional” from a practical perspective as well: these bars are fairly high in sugar alcohols, which are useful if you’re trying to cut cals/carbs, but can also cause diarrhea and flatulence if consumed in excess.

Taste: 4.0/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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Slim Fast is a well-known brand of functional food products designed for weight loss.  The line has expanded from the original, ready-to-drink shakes into meal bars, snacks and powders.  The “Optima” products feature lower carbs and sugar than the “Original” Slim Fast products. 

Slim Fast Optima Bars come in 10 flavors: Milk Chocolate Peanut, Chocolate Cookie Dough, Caramel Crispy Peanut, Oatmeal Raisin, Rich Chocolate Brownie, Strawberry Cheesecake, Blueberry Crisp, Chewy Granola Trail Mix, Chewy Granola Peanut Butter and Chewy Granola Chocolate Chip.

Manufacturer’s Description: 25% Less Sugar (This meal bar contains 16g of sugar. Our Oatmeal Raisin meal bar contains 22g of sugar) than our Oatmeal Raisin meal bar. 220 Calories. Great taste. 22 Vitamins & minerals. 30% of Daily Calcium. Naturally & artificial flavored. Slim-Fast Optima Meal Bars, when used as part of the Slim-Fast Plan, help you control the amount of calories you eat, and provide you with the balanced nutrition you need throughout the day.

Serving Size 1 Bar (56g) Calories 220 Fat Cal 45 Total Fat 5g’ Saturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol < 5mg Sodium 75mg Potassium 150mg Total Carbohydrate 35g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 17g	Sugar Alcohol 11g Protein 8g Vitamin A 35% Calcium 30% Vitamin D 35% Vitamin K 25% Riboflavin 35% Vitamin B6 35% Vitamin B12 35% Pantothenic Acid 35% Iodine 35% Zinc 15%	Chromium 30% Vitamin C 35% Iron 15% Vitamin E 35% Thiamin 15% Niacin 35% Folate 15% Biotin 35% Phosphorus 25% Magnesium 35% Selenium 25% Molybdenum 35%
Ingredients: Maltitol Syrup, Raisins, Yogurt Flavored Coating [Sugar, Partially Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Nonfat Milk, Nonfat Yogurt Powder (Cultured Whey, Nonfat Milk), Soy Lecithin, Caramel Color, Natural Flavor], Rolled Oats, Calcium Caseinate, Graham Cookie Pieces [Wheat Flour, Sugar, Graham Flour, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and/or Cottonseed Oil, Salt, Sodium Bicarbonate (leavening agent)], Soy Protein Isolate, High Maltose Corn Syrup, Milk Protein Isolate, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Soybean Oil, Lemon Juice from Concentrate, Cinnamon, Artificial Flavor, Cellulose Gel, Maltodextrin, Honey, Guar Gum and Soy Lecithin

Comments: The Optima bars are sold open stock at my local Fred Meyer, so I picked up a couple of samples: the Oatmeal Raisin (above) and the Caramel Crispy Peanut. They’re roughly the size of a standard candy bar, and are designed with that taste/texture in mind. The Oatmeal Raisin bar had a white, “yogurt” coating surrounding a chewy, slightly crunchy base, while the Caramel Crispy Peanut was chocolate-coated, with a gooey caramel layer.

Both bars had pretty good flavors, but were unbearably sweeeeeeet…I’ve eaten straight-up candy that wasn’t this cloying. But this is a problem with the whole “Slim Fast” diet concept: the R & D folks at Unilever (the manufacturer) evidently believe that people can’t deal with a program that doesn’t provide ample amounts of sugar. For example, the sample diet I got from the Slim Fast website featured the Optima shakes for meals, along with three fruit snacks. Sure, fruit’s good for you, but it’s also sweet. Following this plan as written would mean consuming the majority of my daily carbs as simple sugars. Anyone who’s addicted to sweets would have a hell of a time with this: constantly feeding a “sweet tooth” is no way to go about breaking the habit.

The label claims that a bar “controls hunger for up to 4 hours.” To test this, I substituted a whole Oatmeal Raisin bar for my usual mid-morning snack. It was kinda-sorta satisfying…I would have liked more food, as I didn’t feel like I’d eaten a meal, but I wasn’t actually feeling hunger pangs, either – so I just had a cup of (unsweetened) tea, and let it go.

I was ready to eat again in 2 hours. This isn’t even close to the promised 4 h, but I expect this is why Unilever inserted the words “up to” on the product label. Nothing like a loophole…

I suppose Optima bars aren’t too different from a lot of other protein bars, except for the fact that they really don’t provide much protein…so I don’t really see a lot of use for these, except as an occasional, “value-added candy fix” for a sugar craving. Like Paul, I’m no fan of the Slim Fast plan, so I wouldn’t encourage regular use of these products for weight loss.

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 2.5/5.0

Efficacy: 2.5/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 3.0/5.0

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Rockin’ Roll bars are made by Labrada Nutrition: a company well-known to the bodybuilding world. The company was founded by Lee Labrada, who holds 22 professional bodybuilding titles, including the IFBB “Mr. Universe.” The bars are part of the “Lean Body” line of meal replacements and functional food products aimed at the fitness market. Other bars in the line include the Lean Body Cookie Bars, Lean Body Original, Lean Body Gold, and Lean Body Granola Bars.

Manufacturer’s Description: The Rockin’ Roll™ is a phenomenal protein bar that tastes like a decadent treat. It has a smooth creamy nougat that is dipped in buttery caramel and then it’s smothered with real peanuts. If you’re a fan of nuts, you’ll go nuts over this bar and it’s really good for you! High in protein (21g) and essential fats, the Rockin’ Roll™ bar also provides 6 grams of fiber and only 2 grams of sugar and 0 grams of trans fats.

Serving Size 1 Bar (70g) Amount Per Serving Calories 290 Calories From Fat 150 Total Fat 16g Saturated Fat 3.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 350mg	Potassium 150mg Total Carbohydrate 25mg Dietary Fiber 6g Sugar 2g Protein 21g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 4% Iron 8%
Ingredients: Dry Roasted Peanuts, LeanPro® Nut Roll Protein Blend (Soy Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Sodium Caseinate), Maltitol, Gelatin, Polydextrose, Glycerine, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Peanut Flour, Gum Arabic, Lecithin, Butter, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Potassium Sorbate

Comments: My husband originally put a Rockin’ Roll Bar in my Xmas stocking, so my sample was a freebie…but the single bars available from Netrition.com run $2.29 each, which is a decent price for a good quality bar.

And the Rockin’ Roll bars are pretty good quality…it’s one of the few protein bars I’ve come across that actually uses a whole food – peanuts – as the primary ingredient. Other pluses to the product are the fact that they’re low in sugar (2g), relatively high in fiber (6g), have a solid protein blend and aren’t icky-sweet. They’re crunchy and have a good texture (not overly chewy, like many bars with sugar alcohols are).

While not specifically a meal replacement product, the Rockin’ Roll bar still works on that level…I ate one with a piece of fruit as a mid-morning snack, and found it to be pretty filling. I wasn’t the least bit hungry until the afternoon, after completing a heavy bench workout. It was a good workout too: I had plenty of energy to see me through the session.

If you’re a peanut fan, the Rockin Roll bars are worth a try. I could think of worse ways to “spend” ~300 calories.

Taste: 4.0/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

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Supreme Protein bars were once marketed exclusively to the fitness/bodybuilding crowd, but are now being “mainstreamed,” thanks to their uncanny resemblance to conventional candy bars. According to a company representative: “Our bar was developed by candy technicians with over 30 years experience, who took their skill and expertise and built a protein bar that rivals the most established candy bars.”

The Carb Conscious bars come in Caramel Nut Chocolate and Peanut Butter Crunch flavors.

Manufacturer’s Description: Supreme Protein® bars represent a comprehensive profile of the most premium-quality ingredients available in a protein bar. Best of all, these amazingly delicious bars provide a high-performance blend of top-quality protein, including the power-packed nutrition of pure whey isolate. Supreme Protein® is exactly what the name implies – a masterpiece of nutrition and flavor in every bite of these Supreme Protein® Bars.

Serving Size: 1 bar 3.4 oz (96g) Calories 360 Calories from Fat 144 Total Fat 16g Saturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 20mg Sodium 300mg Potassium 65mg Total Carbohydrate 34g Dietary Fiber 1g	Sugars 4g Sugar Alcohols 27g Protein 30g Vitamin A 35% Vitamin C 25% Calcium 15% Iron 15% Vitamin E 50% Thiamin <2% Riboflavin 10% Niacin 15%	Vitamin B6 30% Folate 30% Vitamin B12 25% Biotin 10% Pantothenic Acid 10% Phosphorus 20% Magnesium 6% Zinc 10% Selenium 4% Copper 20% Manganese 15%
Ingredients: Supreme Protein Blend 30g (Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Milk Protein Isolate), Chocolate Coating [Maltitol, Palm Kernel Oil, Milk Protein Isolate, Cocoa Powder, Soy Lecithin (an Emulsifier), Natural Flavor], Maltitol Syrup, Peanuts, Vegetable Glycerine, Milk Protein Concentrate, Soybean Oil, Coconut Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Cream (Heavy Cream, Carageenan, Mono and Diglycerides), Water, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Soy Protein Crisps (Isolated Soy Protein, Rice Flour, Malt Extract and Salt), Soy Lecithin (an Emulsifier), Vitamin Mix, Salt, Potassium Sorbate

Comments: Best. Protein. Bar. Ever.

There really isn’t much more that needs to be said.

I first sampled these at the Natural Products Expo in Boston last October, and could hardly believe these were reduced carb, high protein bars. The product literature wasn’t exaggerating: they really did taste like genuine candy bars, with the exception of a little extra chewiness – which betrayed the presence of sugar alcohols. But they were sweet, rich tasting, chocolatey, crunchy and gooey – good stuff.

Despite the favorable impression, I more-or-less forgot about them until just before Xmas, when the hubby and I stopped by the Mall to pick up our kids right after a workout. As it turned out, they weren’t quite done with their shopping, so we had to cool our heels for 20 – 30 minutes. John suggested heading over to GNC to find a snack…and when I saw the Caramel Nut Chocolate bars on display, I could not resist.

It was every bit as good as I remembered. And it kept me reasonably satisfied until I could get home and eat some real food too.

Personally, I consider commercial protein bars as “value added candy” – so I’m not going to kid you and pretend that a bar like this is health food. And – despite the low “net” carbs – it’s not really a “diet” food either. But it certainly scores high as a satisfying treat. While I wouldn’t make a regular habit of munching these, as a portable emergency snack, or something to combat a chocolate/candy craving, Supreme Protein bars reign supreme.

Taste: 5.0/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.5/5.0

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