Celsius is a thermogenic soft drink introduced to the market in 2005.  According to the company, it was designed as a “healthier alternative” to energy drinks, sodas, coffee drinks, etc.  The 12 oz. drinks are fortified with a range of vitamins, minerals and nutraceuticals and come in seven different flavors: Cola, Orange, Wild Berry, Ginger Ale, Lemon Lime, Raspberry Acai and Peach Mango.

Manufacturer’s Description: “Celsius is powered by MetaPlus™, a proprietary, scientifically validated combination of quality ingredients that work together to burn calories by revving up your metabolism and providing a sustained energy boost.

It’s the right ingredients in the right combination!  Celsius combines the health benefits of green tea, vitamins and more to boost your metabolism over a three a 3-hour period so that you burn fat calories as fuel.”

Serving Size 12 fl. oz. Calories 10 Total Carbohydrates 1g Sugar 0g Vitamin C 60mg 100% Riboflavin 1.7mg 100% Niacin 20mg 100%	Vitamin B6 2mg 100% Vitamin B12 6mcg 100% Biotin 300mcg 100% Pantothenic Acid 10mg 100% Calcium 50mg 5% Chromium (chelate) 50mcg 41% Sodium 6mg <1%
MetaPlus™ 1,810mg Taurine, Guarana extract (seed), Green Tea leaf extract standardized to 10% EGCG, Caffeine, Glucuronolactone, Ginger ExtractOther Ingredients: Filtered Water, Natural Colors, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Sucralose Contains 200mg total caffeine per serving

Comments: Although Celsius has been around for a while, I wasn’t aware of it until last month, when it first appeared on the shelves of my local Fred Meyer store.  It looked like an interesting product, so I decided to pick up a couple of 4 packs to try. At $5.99 each, they weren’t exactly cheap, although – in fairness – they cost a lot less than most popular energy drinks (a 4 pack of 12 oz. Red Bull, for example, was $9.99).

I was pretty pleased with the purchase.  Both the Cola and Raspberry Acai flavors were light and pretty refreshing.  Ginger is one of the main ingredients in Celsius, and the flavor was fairly pronounced… it blended in well with the Cola, but tended to dominate the Raspberry Acai. This was ok, though, because I happen to like ginger. Used before a workout, Celsius provided a decent lift, as a good jolt of caffeine should.

While I liked the drinks, I liked the marketing even more.  Unlike many “diet” products and supplements, Celsius makes ZERO claims for weight loss.  Rather, the label and web site state that consuming Celsius:

BURNS UP TO 100 CALORIES or more per can*

Raises metabolism over a three hour period*

Sustains energy*

And – surprise, surprise – these claims are supported by research… NOT on the individual ingredients, but on the product itself.  Four studies have been conducted on Celsius, and all were performed by reputable researchers working in established institutions (The Ohio Research Group and the University of Oklahoma).

So color me impressed: the company deserves a lot of credit for its transparency and commitment to quality.  It’s a rare thing to see in this industry.

So as far as I’m concerned, Celsius gets two thumbs up.  It contains the same ingredients (and jolt) provided by popular energy drinks; yet it tastes better, is less expensive and is produced by a company willing to go the extra mile to establish the credibility of its product… what is there not to like?

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 4.0/5.0

Overall: 4.5/5.0

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Lean Body Double-Dipped Hi-Protein Energy 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 larger “Lean Body” line of meal replacements and functional food products aimed at the fitness market.  They come in four flavors: Chocolate Rocky Road Crunch, Peanut Butter Chocolate Crunch, Triple Chocolate Peanut Crunch and White Chocolate Crunch.

Manufacturer’s Description: This Lean Body® Hi-Protein Energy bar provides protein and essential fats to support lean muscle tissue and fuel your body! These great tasting bars are double dipped and sinfully delicious! Each bar has a soft nougat protein center, then dipped in a creamy coating, layered in peanuts, and then smothered in rich, chocolatey goodness!

• Double Dipped Coating!
• 21g Protein!
• Loaded with Peanuts!
• Incredible Taste!

Serving Size 1 Bar (70g) Amount Per Serving Calories 330 Calories From Fat 140 Total Fat 16g Saturated Fat 8g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 240mg	Potassium 200mg Total Carbohydrate 26mg Dietary Fiber 3g Sugar 16g Protein 21g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 8% Iron 6%
Ingredients: Lean Pro® Protein Blend (Peanuts, Soy Nuts, Soy Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Milk Protein Isolate, Nonfat Dry Milk, Whey), Sucrose, Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Gelatin, Glycerine, Evaporated Cane Juice, Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Soy Lecithin, Salt, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Palm Oil, Sucralose

Comments: I bought the Chocolate Rocky Road and White Chocolate Crunch bars at my local Walgreens for $2.99 each. That’s a pretty hefty price (even though they’re hefty-sized bars). Fortunately, the online price is more than a dollar less per bar ($22.99 for a box of 12 at bodybuilding.com, which works out to $1.92 each).

Good thing too…these bars are delish! They’re easily as good, if not better, than a real candy bar. Each coated bar has a layer of whole roasted peanuts, surrounding a gooey, sweet nougat. Overall, they’re crunchy (thanks to the peanuts) AND chewy; chocolately and sweet without being cloying.

Mmmmmm…

Admittedly, these are NOT exactly diet food, but they do provide a solid amount of protein from a good-quality blend, while supplying only half the sugar and fat of an equal-sized Snickers Bar. As such, they’re a much better deal if you’re dying for a sweet snack or chocolate fix.

Taste: 5.0/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

Lean Body Double-Dipped Hi-Protein Energy Bars are available at bodybuilding.com!

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So who hasn’t heard of Red Bull?  From the time it was first rolled out in 1987, it’s spawned a legion of imitators, detractors and devotees.  The company is still going strong with only three basic products: Red Bull Cola, Red Bull Energy Shot and Red Bull Energy Drink.  The latter comes in regular and sugar-free versions.

Manufacturer’s Description: Red Bull® Energy Drink is a functional beverage with a special formulation and combination of ingredients. It has been specially developed for times of increased mental and physical exertion. In addition, Red Bull vitalizes the body and mind.

Red Bull’s effects are appreciated throughout the world by top athletes, busy professionals, active students and drivers on long journeys.

Serving Size: 1 Can (12 fl oz/355 ml) Calories 15 Total Fat 0g Sodium 290mg Total Carb 4g Sugars: 0g	Protein less than 1g Niacin 140% Vitamin B6 360% Vitamin B12 120% Pantothenic Acid 70%
Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Sodium Citrate, Taurine, Glucuronolactone, Caffeine, Acesulfame K, Aspartame, Inositol, Xanthan Gum, Niacinamide, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine HCl, Vitamin B12, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Colors.

Comments: I’ve never been one for energy drinks per se, as I prefer coffee/tea, and make use of various pre-workout boosters. And – since I’m not a member of the target demographic – I never really sensed I was missing out on anything.  Nonetheless, Red Bull is an icon, so I figured I should take a crack at it.

Now that I have, I still don’ t think I’ve missed out on anything…

Sugar free Red Bull is rather tart…and the tartness is emphasized by the carbonation.  It has a vaguely citrus-y taste, that’s not bad, but not particularly memorable, either…it’s not the sort of beverage that would appeal to someone with a sweet tooth. It also has a slight (but persistent) “chemical” aftertaste.

It did provide a lift, though, which was noticeable within just a few minutes of drinking. I felt alert, without feeling particularly wired.  Thus, the claim that it can increase concentration and reaction speed seem justified – especially when there’s also some supporting research. 

I can’t say the effect is substantively different or better than other supps and stimulant ingredient combos I’ve tried, however, so I doubt I’ll be a regular consumer.  Nonetheless, Sugar Free Red Bull is certainly an option for a low calorie pick-me-up, especially if you’re away from home and need a little something to keep you going.  If nothing else, it’s considerably more refreshing than an energy shot or capsule/tablet.

Taste: 3.0/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.5/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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Cranergy Energy Juice Drink is made by Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. – a familar name to most.  Ocean Spray is a grower’s cooperative, similar to Sunkist and Blue Diamond, created to market their own processed products.  Sales of Ocean Spray’s products have been buoyed by recent research demonstrating a variety of health benefits associated with cranberry consumption, so it’s probably natural to see the company venture farther into the functional food arena.

Cranergy is the result: it’s a reduced calorie, cranberry drink fortified with green tea extract and B-vitamins.  Cranergy comes in three flavors: Raspberry Cranberry, Pomegranate Cranberry and Cranberry.

Manufacturer’s Description: Made with real fruit juice and sweetened with Splenda Brand Sweetener, Cranergy has just 35 calories per 8 ounce serving.  In other words, it’s a lift with 50% less calories than other leading energy drinks and traditional sodas.  Plus, it’s available in three flavors – Cranberry Lift, Raspberry Cranberry Lift and Pomegranate Cranberry Lift – all come in a refrigerator-friendly 46 ounce bottle and a convenient 12 ounce 4-pack.  Isn’t that handy?

Serving Size 12 fl oz (354 ml) Calories 50 Calories from Fat 0 Total Fat 0g Sodium 75mg Total Carbohydrate 13g Sugars 13g	Protein 0g Vitamin C 100% Niacin 70% Vitamin B12 70% Vitamin B2 70% Vitamin B6 70% Pantothenic Acid 70%
Ingredients: Filtered Water, Grape Juice from Concentrate, Cranberry Juice from Concentrate, Raspberry Juice from Concentrate, Malic Acid, Green Tea Extract, Natural Flavors, Sodium Citrate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Pectin, Sucralose (Splenda Brand), Maltodextrin, Red 40 (color), Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B12

Comments: I picked up a 4 pack of the Raspberry Cranberry at the store the other day. The label advertises that it has “50% fewer calories and less sugar” than the regular Ocean Spray juice, which left me wondering precisely where the “energy” was supposed to come from. The juice is fortified with vitamin C, several B vitamins and an unspecified amount of green tea extract, but these have never really energized me, even in large doses. But a trip to the product web site at http://cranergy.com/ satisfied my curiosity.

Cranergy contains 55mg caffeine per 8 oz serving – or 82.5mg per 12 bottle…about the same amount in a can of Red Bull, to be honest. This isn’t a hyoooge amount, but still significant.  People trying to control their caffeine intake should be aware of this, as it’s not printed on the label.

The juice itself is tasty enough – much like Ocean Spray’s other lite/low cal juice products. Cranberry isn’t really one of my favorites, but I thought it was light, tangy and refreshing. Can’t say I really felt all that energized by it, although my son seemed to enjoy it: he put away 3 of the 4 bottles in the pack I bought.

It’s a nice enough product, although I’m hard pressed to see how it merits a higher price, relative to Ocean Spray’s regular juice drinks. I doubt there’s enough green tea extract in it to really punch up the antioxidant power, so beyond being a refreshing, low calorie source of a few odd vitamins, there’s just not a lot of substance to it.

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 3.5/5.0

Efficacy: 3.0/5.0

Value: 2.0/5.0

Overall: 3.0/5.0

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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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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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LÄRABAR is the creation of Colorado-based Humm Foods, Inc.*, a company dedicated to “…creating and marketing innovative natural food products that nourish, energize and enliven the body, mind and soul.”  The bars are made exclusively from unsweetened dried fruits, nuts and spices.  As company president Lara Merriken puts it: “Besides the incredible flavors, I believe consumers will appreciate that we don’t use sweeteners, fillers, chemicals or supplements. LaraBar is unprocessed, uncooked, non-gmo, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, vegan and kosher. It’s the simplest, purest food you can find in a nutrition bar.”

Manufacturer’s Description: LÄRABAR is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices – energy in its purest form. Made from 100% whole food, each flavor contains no more than six ingredients. Pure and simple, just as nature intended.

…For LÄRABAR, we source the best possible ingredients. Every time. Every bar. Enjoy.

Serving Size 1 bar (51g) Calories 220 Fat Calories 120 Total Fat 13g Saturated Fat 2.5g Trans Fat 0g Monounsaturated Fat 5g Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 0mg	Potassium 350mg Total Carbohydrate 25g Fiber 5g Sugars 18g Protein 5g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 6% Iron 8% Vitamin E 10%	Thiamin 4% Riboflavin 8% Niacin 4% Folate 4% Vitamin B6 6% Phosphorus 15% Magnesium 20% Zinc 6% Copper 20%
Ingredients: Ingredients: Dates, Almonds, Walnuts, Unsweetened Coconut, Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

Comments: I picked up a one of the Chocolate Coconut (shown above) and the Cashew Cookie bars at my local Fred Meyer store for $1.99 (US) each. They’re also sold online for $20.00 – $27.00 per box of 16.

The bars are slightly smaller than a standard candy bar, and are as simple as the ingredients suggest: uncoated, and composed of entirely of ground dates and nuts. Both bars were moist and fruity-tasting, with a bit of texture provided by more coarsely chopped (vs. ground) nuts. I wasn’t completely smitten by the Chocolate Coconut bar – it was ok, but the cocoa didn’t quite “go” with the dates. The Cashew Cookie bar, however, was excellent.

The bars are high in fiber and minerals (especially potassium), so are certainly superior to candy bars or other processed snack foods. I think the company goes a little too far, however, in suggesting that the bars are “loaded with nature’s own vitamins and minerals,” as the vitamin content is actually quite modest. Likewise, statements like “The essential enzymes, which are necessary for the digestion and utilization of nutrients, remain completely intact in their most natural, powerful state” are lyrical, perhaps, but inaccurate. If there was extensive digestive enzyme activity in the bars, they would almost certainly have a very limited shelf life.

Nonetheless LÄRABARs are wholesome enough, and if you’re interested in energy bars that are based on whole foods and are free from additives/preservatives, then they’d be a great choice.

Taste: 4.0/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

* Now owned by General Mills, Inc.

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