Balance Bars are based on the macronutrient ratio popularized by Barry Sears in the Zone Diet: 40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, 30% fat.  Now manufactured by Kraft Foods, they come in a range of 4 different types: Original, Balance Bare, Pure, Carb Well and Gold.  There are 4 Gold bar flavors: Caramel Nut Blast, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch and Triple Chocolate Chaos.

Manufacturer’s Description: Lasting energy combines with triple layer goodness.  Complete with 23 vitamins and minerals perfect for on-the-go hunger satisfaction and maintaining your healthy lifestyle.

Serving Size 1 bar (50g) Calories 210 Calories from Fat 60 Total Fat 7g Saturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol <5mg Sodium 125mg Potassium 140mg Total Carbohydrate 23g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 15g	Protein 14g 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 15% Iodine 25% Magnesium 10% Zinc 25% Selenium 25% Copper 25% Manganese 25% Chromium 25% Molybdenum 25%
Ingredients: Balance Pro 4 Protein Blend (Casein, Whey Protein Isolate, Partially Hydrolyzed Casein and Whey, Soy Protein Isolate), Evaporated Cane Juice, Invert Syrup, Corn Syrup, Sugar, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Glycerin, High Maltose Corn Syrup, Milk Protein Concentrate, Cocoa (Processed with Alkali), Canola Oil, Contains Less Than 2% of Natural Flavor, Nonfat Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate, Fructose, Soy Lecithin, Cocoa, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Heavy Cream, Butter (Cream, Salt, Annatto for Color), Carrageenan, Salt, Mixed Tocopherols (To Help Protect Flavor), Fish Gelatin. Vitamins & Minerals: Calcium Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Magnesium Oxide, Vitamin E Acetate, Beta Carotene, Copper Gluconate, Niacinamide, Ferric Orthophosphate (Iron), Zinc Oxide, Biotin, Phytonadione (Vitamin K1), Potassium Iodide, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Chromium Chloride, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin, Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1), Folic Acid.

Comments:  I was able to pick up a couple of Balance Bar samples from my local Fred Meyer for only $1.00 (US) each – a pretty good bargain, although Bodybuilding.com also sells them for $16.95 per box of 15…which is pretty close ($1.13 each). 

I sampled both the Triple Chocolate Chaos (shown above) and the Chocolate Peanut Butter.  Both were pretty tasty: chocolatey, sweet and chewy, without being difficult to chew – if you know what I mean.  The “Chaos” bar had a particularly deep, dark chocolate flavor, rather than the more typical milk chocolate, which I liked.

I liked the look of the protein blend, although was less than thrilled with the low fiber and 14 grams of sugar.  Admittedly, this amount of sugar is about half that of a candy bar of the same size, but if you’re trying to keep your intake of simple sugars reasonably low (like me), you might prefer the Balance Carb Well bars instead. 

Nonetheless, as “value-added candy” I thought the Gold bars were pretty decent.  They’d make a good, portable on-the-go snack for an active person.

Taste: 4.0/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.0/5.0

Value: 4.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

Balance Gold Bars are available from bodybuilding.com here!

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Yoplait yogurt is a familar sight in most US grocery stores.  Owned by mega-food corporation General Mills, the product line has jumped on the “digestive health” bandwagon with YoPlus+ – a probiotic/pre-biotic fiber product.  YoPlus+  is sold in single-serving 4-packs, and comes in 7 flavors: Strawberry, Cranberry-Raspberry, Blackberry-Pomegranate, Blueberry-Acai, Vanilla, Cherry and Peach.

Manufacturer’s Description: Yo-Plus has a special combination of probiotic cultures and fiber, plus vitamins A and D.  In fact, Yo-Plus cultures are clinically proven to help naturally regulate digestive health.  And with creamy, delicious flavors…it has the great taste you expect from Yoplait…Just one cup of Yo-Plus every day will help your body keep its digestive balance.

Serving Size: 1 container (113g) Calories 110 Calories from Fat 10 Total Fat 1.5g Saturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 10mg Sodium 70mg Potassium 190mg	Total Carbohydrate 21g Dietary Fiber 3g Sugars 16g Protein 4g Vitamin A 10% Vitamin D 10% Calcium 15% Phosphorus 10%
Ingredients: Cultured Pasteurized Grade A Reduced Fat Milk, Sugar, Chicory Root Extract (Inulin), Modified Corn Starch, Blackberries, Nonfat Milk, Whey Protein Concentrate, Pomegranate Juice Concentrate, Kosher Gelatin, Natural Flavor, Colored with Beet Juice and Grape Juice Concentrates, Tricalcium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Pectin, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3

Comments: I picked up a 4-pack of the Blackberry-Pomegranate YoPlus+ at my local Fred Meyer for $2.47…approx. $0.62 per serving.  Each cup holds 4 oz (1/2 cup)…less than regular Yoplait (6 oz), which – at the time I purchased it – was selling for $0.50 each.  Thus, YoPlus+ is more expensive than the “standard issue” stuff.

What’s the difference between the two?  According to the “Fact Sheet for Health Professionals” available from the product web site, one serving of YoPlus+…

“…provides at least one billion (10⁹) live and stable Bb-12 through the end of shelf life. Yo-Plus also provides the same amount of S. thermophilus and L.bulgaricus as one cup of Yoplait yogurt.”

One serving of YoPlus+ also provides 3g of inulin, a prebiotic fiber that supports the growth of the probiotic bacteria in the digestive tract.  Thus, YoPlus+ is a sort of “enhanced” version of Yoplait.  It’s interesting to note, however, that the product recommendations are based on studies of the Bb-12 culture – NOT on YoPlus+ itself…unlike Danone (Dannon) – the manufacturers of Activia – General Mills does not report any product clinical studies.  This may be significant, as the number of cfus (colony-forming units) provided by YoPlus+ may be different from Activia.

For what it’s worth, if I were purchasing a product for health reasons, I’d prefer one with direct, primary research underlying its claims.

Nonetheless, I thought YoPlus+ was quite tasty: fruity, creamy and smooth.  It’s not quite diet-fare, however, as it contains added sugars (beyond the naturally-occurring lactose in milk) which provide unnecessary calories. It’s unfortunate that – unlike Activia (again!) – YoPlus+ doesn’t come in either “light,” “plain,” or multi-serving containers…which would make it more healthful  AND economical (on a per serving basis).

Taste: 5.0/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.0/5.0

Value: 2.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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Worldwide Sports Nutrition produces a number of ready-to-drink supplements, including “Pure Protein” shakes, “Sonic” Tea, and various pre-/post-workout formulas.  The Pure Protein bars come in two sizes (50g and 78g) and seven flavors: Blueberry Crumb Cake, Chewy Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Deluxe, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Peanut Marshmallow Eclipse, S’mores and Strawberry Shortcake.

Manufacturer’s Description:  New Pure Protein® Chocolate Peanut Butter high protein bars are loaded with 20 grams of high quality protein and have 0 grams trans fat. A pure paradise for peanut butter lovers and anyone who wants to eat good on the go. Keep one close at hand because you never know where temptation is lurking. Pure Protein Bars… High Protein never tasted so heavenly.

Serving Size 1 Bar (50g) Amount Per Serving Calories 190 Calories from Fat 60 Total Fat 6g Saturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 10mg Sodium 210mg Potassium 120mg Total Carbohydrate 17g	Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 2g Sugar Alcohol 6g Protein 20g Vitamin A 25% Vitamin C 20% Calcium 25% Iron 10% Vitamin E 25% Thiamin 25% Riboflavin 25%	Niacin 30% Vitamin B-6 25% Folic Acid 25% Vitamin B-12 25% Biotin 25% Pantothenic Acid 25% Phosphorus 10% Iodine 20% Magnesium 8% Zinc 25% Copper 30%
Ingredients: Chocolate Coating (Maltitol, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Whey Protein Concentrate, Cocoa (processed with alkali), Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor, Soy Lecithin, Sucralose), Hydrolyzed Collagen, Peanut Flour, Protein Blend (Whey Protein Hydrolysate, Whey Protein Isolate), Glycerin, Maltitol Syrup, Soy Crisps (Soy Protein Isolate, Tapioca Starch, Salt), Water, Peanuts, Peanut Oil, Sucrose, Salt, Natural Flavor, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin and Mineral Blend (Ascorbic Acid, Tricalcium Phosphate, d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Copper Gluconate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Cyanocobalamin), Sucralose, Soy Lecithin, Milk Protein Isolate, Wheat Germ, Almond Meal.

Comments: The 50g bars were on sale at my local Fred Meyer for $1.00 (US) each – a pretty good bargain. I picked up the Blueberry Crumb Cake, Strawberry Shortcake and Chocolate Peanut Butter (shown above) flavors.

The Chocolate Peanut Butter bar had a chocolate coating around a peanut butter-flavored nougat center, which was chewy – with a grainy/slightly crunchy texture. It was sweet without being overpowering – I thought it was pretty good.

The two fruit bars (Blueberry Crumb Cake and Strawberry Short Cake) were fruity and somewhat tangy. Each bar had a white (vanilla?) coating, surrounding two layers: a fruit and semi-cookie like base. The fruit flavors were a little more acidic than I would have preferred – overall, I thought they were decent, but weren’t my faves.

Each bar supplies a solid amount of protein (18g – 20g) – mostly from whey protein, although hydrolyzed collagen is also in the list…it’s a cheap and incomplete protein source that’s doesn’t rank real high on my list of top-quality ingredients.

On the other hand, though, the fruit bars are made with genuine fruit, and the nutrient fortification is pretty comprehensive.

The bars are also low in sugar (good) but also relatively low in fiber (not so good).

Overall, I thought they were ok: economical and reasonably tasty. Not the best bars I’ve had, but certainly not the worst, either.

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.5/5.0

Value: 4.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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iSatori Technologies is a company that’s fairly well-known in the bodybuilding/fitness world.  The name may already be familar, as iSatori supplements (such as Curvelle, Lean System 7 and Morph) are reviewed elsewhere on the site.  Eat Smart is a meal replacement powder (MRP), that complements iSatori’s fat loss and muscle-building product lines.  It comes in four flavors: Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup, Double Vanilla Ice Cream and Strawberry Cheesecake.

Manufacturer’s Description: Eat-Smart contains only the highest quality proteins, whole-food/low-glycemic carbohydrates, “good” fats, and added fiber. There’s absolutely no fructose, aspartame, corn syrups, hydrogenated oils, or unhealthy fats…Eat-Smart makes a perfect meal anytime, and supplies your body with the nutrients it needs to recover from physical exercise, sustain your energy levels, and build a healthy, new you.

Calories 140 Calories From Fat 25 Total Fat 3g Saturated Fat 0.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 20mg Sodium 250mg Potassium 250mg Total Carbohydrate 9g Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 1g Protein 19g	Vitamin A 10% Vitamin C 10% Calcium 15% Iron 10% Vitamin D 10% Vitamin E 10% Vitamin K 10% Thiamin 10% Riboflavin 10% Niacin 10% Vitamin B6 10% Folate 10%	Vitamin B12 10% Biotin 10% Pantothenic Acid 10% Phosphorus 13% Iodine 10% Magnesium 11% Zinc 10% Selenium 10% Copper 10% Manganese 10% Chromium 10% Molybdenum 10%
Ingredients: Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Fibersol® (Fiber), Nutrim™ (Oat Bran), High Oleic-Sunflower Oil, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process), Buttermilk, Silicon Dioxide, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Chloride, Lecithin, Fructooligosaccharides, L-Glutamine, Carrageenan, Potassium Chloride, Sucralose, Disodium Phosphate, Vitamin/mineral Blend (Ascorbic Acid, DL-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Ferrous Phosphate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Copper Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Chromium Polynicotinate, Phytonadione, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Cholecalciferol, Cyanocobalamin), Dipotassium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Flaxseed Powder, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Bifidobacterium Bifidum

Comments: Eat Smart uses a standard, but reliable whey-casein blend, along with some good sources of dietary fiber and a small amount of fat from sunflower oil high in oleic acid (similar to olive oil). The probiotics are also a nice touch…although iSatori doesn’t supply any information on the number or viability of the cultures used. Thus, while the Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria add value, I’m not convinced Eat Smart is a replacement for a good probiotic supplement or equivalent functional food product (such as kefir or yogurt made w/live cultures).

It’s a minor point, though—it certainly didn’t keep me from ordering a package of the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup to check out. I’m glad I did…I thought it was quite decent in water (preferably chilled, or blended w/ice) and amazing in milk—very yummy. It was also easy to blend into liquid—there was virtually no clumping, even when using a spoon or shaker bottle.

I also liked the fact that Eat Smart is sold in bulk, rather than individual serving packets. This allowed me to customize the portion to my appetite, vs. consuming a pre-measured amount. One scoop made a good snack…two was a pretty filling meal.

My one complaint is that Eat Smart is a little weak on the vitamin and mineral side of things. It’s not unusual for an MRP to supply 25%–50% of the RDA for most vites and minerals per serving. Eat Smart, on the other hand, supplies only about 10% per scoop. I don’t see this as a deal breaker, however, as I (and most of the people I know) already take a multivitamin. Nonetheless, it’s something to consider for those who don’t.

Nonetheless, the bottom line is that Eat Smart is a well-made, satisfying and tasty MRP that’s low in calories and carbs. I liked it a lot…and I think you will too. It’s available directly from Isatori here!

Taste: 5.0/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.5/5.0

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Given the enormous popularity of protein/energy/nutrition bars, it was just a matter of time before more conventional candy makers got into the act.  Thus, the Mars Corporation has extended its “Snickers” line of candy bars to include Marathon bars.  There are four basic types: Energy, Nutrition, Low Carb and Protein.  The Protein bars come in two flavors: Chocolate Nut Burst and Caramel Nut Rush.

Manufacturer’s Description: When you’re looking for a quality protein bar, SNICKERS MARATHON® Protein Bar delivers! And because it is from SNICKERS MARATHON® it tastes great!

…Made with our unique Protein Blend (soy, peanut, casein and whey), your body is supplied with crucial amino acids needed to build and repair muscle. Protein when consumed with carbohydrates (the primary fuel for endurance activity) helps you get the most from your workouts or gives an added boost of energy for that busy day!

And as low Glycemic Index foods, Protein Performance Bars help keep your blood sugar levels stable and provide your brain and working muscles the long lasting energy you require.

Serving Size 1 Bar (80g) Calories 290 Calories from Fat 90 Total Fat 9g Saturated Fat 5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 200mg Potassium 250mg Total Carbohydrates 40g	Dietary Fiber 11g Sugars 20g Protein 21g Vitamin A 35% Vitamin C 100% Calcium 50% Iron 45% Vitamin D 0% Vitamin E 100% Thiamine 100%	Riboflavin 100% Niacin 100% Vitamin B6 100% Folic Acid 100% Vitamin B12 100% Biotin 100% Pantothenic Acid 100% Phosphorus 30% Magnesium 35% Zinc 35%
Ingredients: Quadratein (Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Peanut Flour, Calcium Caseinate), Milk Chocolate (Sugar, Chocolate, Cocoa Butter, Skim Milk, Lactose, Milkfat, Soy Lecithin), Caramel (Corn Syrup, Polydextrose, Palm Kernel Oil, Sugar, Skim Milk, Glycerin, Salt, Whey Protein Isolate, Natural Flavors), Polydextrose, Glycerin, Corn Syrup, Soy Nuts, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Peanuts, Tapioca Starch, Salt, Sucralose, Natural Flavor, Almonds. Vitamins And Minerals: Tricalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Ascorbate, Niacinamide, Vitamin E Acetate, Biotin, Ferrous Fumarate, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine HCl, Vitamin A Palmitate, Zinc Oxide, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Cyanocobalamin, Folic Acid

Comments: The two Marathon bars (one of each flavor) cost $1.99 (each) at my local grocery store…a pretty standard price. The Caramel Nut Rush bar (shown above) was reminiscent of a real Snickers bar, with a chocolate coating and caramel/nougat center – the major difference was that the nuts were coarsely ground vs. intact. It was chewy and sweet without being overwhelming – nice.

The Chocolate Nut Burst bar was a little different, however. This was uncoated, and featured a nut/nougat layer sandwiched between two chocolate ones. The bar was a bit sticky, as well as chewier and less sweet than the Caramel Nut Rush.

I expected both bars to be decent-tasting (they’re made by a candy company, after all), and they were. The big surprise to me was the fact that both contain over 10g of dietary fiber – which is a pretty healthy amount. Likewise, the bars have a low glycemic index – the site doesn’t say HOW low, but I expect it fits the “textbook” definition…I didn’t experience any “sugar crash” after consuming one on a relatively empty stomach.

The bars have a decent protein blend and are fortified with an array of vitamins and minerals so – despite their origin – they have as much right to be viewed as a meal replacement bar as the ones made by various sports nutrition companies…on the basis of their labels, they’re hard to tell apart from the Protein Plus Power Bars, for example. This doesn’t make them health foods, of course, but they could certainly “work” as an occasional on-the-go snack.

Taste: 4.0/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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California-based Premier Nutrition specializes in protein bars, powders and “shot” type supplements.  According to the company web site, Premier is “…dedicated to researching and developing a variety of products with advanced formulas, outstanding taste, and exceptional nutritional values that are unsurpassed by any other products on the market.”  The Twisted^® bars are one of four different protein/energy bar lines, and come in three flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla and Peanut Butter.

Manufacturer’s Description: There’s a whole lot to love about Premier Nutrition’s Twisted Bars. In addition to combining four delicious ingredients that include pretzel, caramel, peanuts, and nougat, covered in a creamy chocolate vanilla or peanut butter coating; the Twisted Bar is packed with 15 grams of protein!

All the flavor of a salty sweet snack plus the protein you need to keep you going throughout the day! It doesn’t get much better than that!

Serving Size: 1 Bar (46g) Calories 190 Fat Cal. 60 Total Fat 6g Sat. Fat 4g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 190mg Potassium 80mg

Total Carbohydrate 20g Dietary Fiber <1g Sugars 13g Protein 15g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 6% Iron 8% Phosphorus 8%

Ingredients: Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein, Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate), Hydrolyzed Fish Gelatin (From Cod), Sugar, Vegetable Glycerine, Milk, Corn Syrup, Wheat Flour, Water, Palm Kernel Oil, Peanuts, Peanut Oil, Peanut Flour, Invert Sugar, Coconut Oil, Salt, Malt, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Yeast, Sodium Bicarbonate, Lecithin (An Emulsifier), Vanilla, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid.

Comments: I bought the Chocolate and Peanut Butter flavors from my local Fred Meyer…they were $1.49 each. The bars were on the smallish size (1.62 oz) – a little less than a standard candy bar.

Each bar is coated according to the labelled flavor, and has several layers: pretzel, nougat and caramel. They were quite sweet, almost too sweet (for my taste, at any rate). The flavors and textures were good, though: the bars were soft/chewy AND crunchy (thanks to the pretzels added to the top of the bar)…overall, I thought they were pretty tasty.

Despite the protein content, however, these are not really meal replacement bars…they’re more like value-added candy. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you’re interested in a sweet/chocolate fix. Gram-for-gram, the Twisted bars are slightly lower in fat and calories, and contain only about half the sugar of – say – a Milky Way bar. So they’re definitely an improvement over conventional candy bars, but aren’t precisely “health food” or low in calories, either.

In my opinion, Twisted bars would make a good backpacking snack or lunchbox treat for an active teen; but if you’re watching your weight, there are probably better choices.

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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Gnu Foods describes itself as “…a small company that makes all natural, great tasting foods that help address specific nutritional needs and health conditions.”  Founded in 2004, its “Gnu Bars” are its first (and so far, only) product.  Each bar contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber that – according to the company web site – is equivalent to 4 8 oz glasses of Metamucil.  The bars come in 5 flavors: Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Raisin, Chocolate Brownie, Orange Cranberry and Banana Walnut.

Manufacturer’s Description: …Gnu Bars make getting your fiber so easy. Our individually wrapped bars can go with you anywhere. Throw one in a gym bag or a desk drawer for a quick “pick me up.” You can have healthy, delicious fiber anytime; no mixing, measuring, or stirring required. Our baked, chewy and delicious Gnu Bars can be enjoyed on their own, anytime, anywhere.

Serving Size: 1 bar (45g) Amount Per Serving Calories 140 Calories From Fat 45 Total Fat 5g Saturated Fat 1g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 95mg Total Carbohydrate 30g	Dietary Fiber 12g Soluble Fiber 8g Insoluble Fiber 4g Sugars 7g Other Carbohydrate 11g Protein 4g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 6% Iron 15%
Other Ingredients: Gnu High Fiber Blend™ (whole rolled oats, organic whole wheat flour, wheat bran, organic kamut, psyllium, flax, millet), chicory root inulin, fruit juices, rice dextrins, rice, canola oil, peanuts, apples, plums, natural flavors, wheat protein isolate, salt, baking powder.

Comments: When I visited the Gnu Foods website, I was favorably impressed by the fact that they have an inexpensive “sampler pack” with one of each bar flavor for $9.95 – including shipping. There’s a wide variety of purchasing options, in fact: single bars, 5-bar packs and 16-bar packs, as well as a monthly “Joy of Fiber” autoship program consisting of 15 or 30 bar units, with a savings of 35% off the regular price. Unlike the supplement company rip-off tactic Paul discusses in his video and ”Dirty Rotten Tricks” e-book, however, the Joy of Fiber program is a separate option – so people interested in trying out the products aren’t at risk of being automatically enrolled.

So…nice job, Gnu Foods!  I like trying out new bars, but many in the sports nutrition market are sold online in units of 10 – 12 (or more), which makes sampling a pricey proposition.

The bars are pretty tasty, too: moist and fruity, with a grainy texture and bit of a crunch.  Although they’re uncoated, they weren’t the least bit sticky, which was a plus.  The fruit flavor really came through with the Orange-Cranberry, which was my favorite of the five…it had a distinctive citrus flavor that tasted fresh and natural.  By contrast, the Chocolate Brownie bar was the one I liked the least: it was ok, but I thought it was a little flat and dry-tasting.

One drawback to the bars vs. an over-the-counter fiber supplement such as Metamucil, is that the latter is typically dissolved in water…and water/fluid intake is important with any fiber supplement (or food equivalent).  The Gnu Foods site does point this out: “As you increase your fiber intake, remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water“, but it’s not highlighted, and could be missed if the information on the site isn’t read carefully.

Overall, Gnu Bars are a pleasant and convenient (if somewhat more expensive) way to consume extra fiber.  In my opinion, people should be getting their fiber from fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, etc., vs. snack bars or supplements, but Gnu Bars can certainly make a contribution, particularly since they’re made with whole grains, seeds and fruit.  One bonus: they’re also low in calories and can help take the edge off an appetite, so could be a good addition to a reduced calorie diet.

Taste: 4.0/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.5/5.0

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