SAN is a well-known sports nutrition company with a wide product range.  SAN supplements we’ve reviewed elsewhere on UltimateFatBurner.com include Tight (fat loss), Estrodex (estrogen control) and MyoTEST (testosterone booster). The product line also includes a number of nutritional products, such as Infusion – which is described as a “nutrient complex.”  According to the company, Infusion  “… effectively stimulates growth, increases metabolism, promotes fat loss and hormonal equilibrium.”  It comes in four flavors: Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Oatmeal, Wildberry Yogurt and Vanilla Caramel.

Manufacturer’s Description: ”The introduction of Infusion starts a whole new era in “anabolic” nutrition. Formulated with an unsurpassed anabolic nutrient matrix, Infusion effectively stimulates growth, increases metabolism, promotes fat loss and hormonal equilibrium.

Unlike any nutrient complex ever formulated, Infusion’s anabolic potentiating and fat incinerating properties are a result of the biggest and latest technological breakthroughs in Performance nutrition to date! Infused with an unparalleled protein matrix, growth factors and hormonal modulating essential fatty acids (EFA’s), Infusion sets a whole new criteria to which all nutrient formulas will be judged.”

Calories 310 Calories From Fat 90 Total Fat 10g Saturated Fat 3.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 25mg Sodium 115mg Potassium 750mg Total Carbohydrate 14g Dietary Fiber 7g

Soluble Fiber 1g Insoluble Fiber 6g Sugars 2g Protein 47g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 90% Iron 10% Phosphorus 50% Magnesium 15%

Ingredients: Micellar Casein, Whey Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Sunflower Creamer (High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Mono And Di-Glycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin), Oat Fiber (Avena Sativa) (Seed), Flaxseed (Linumusitatissimum), Sunflower Oil (Helianthus Annuus) (Seed), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Conjugated Linoleic Acid Calcium Salt, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Modified Food Starch, Stabilized Rice Bran (Oryza Sativa) (Seed), Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten- Glutamine Peptide(Triticum Aestivum) (Seed), Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Xanthan Gum, Di-Potassium Phosphate, Acesulfame Potassium, Colostrum Powder, Lactalbumin, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Sucralose.

Comments: Infusion is a straightforward supplement with some quality ingredients (such as micellar casein). One serving delivers a solid amount of protein (47g), fiber (7g) and calories (310). It’s virtually a meal replacement, and could probably be used as one during a cutting phase. It’s also an great source of calcium and potassium—minerals that most people don’t consume enough of. In addition, it’s low in sodium (a mineral that most people consume TOO much of), and even provides some gut-healthy, probiotic cultures.  The fat content is moderate as well, and comes from some fairly healthy sources.

Infusion doesn’t quite cut it in the TASTE department, however. I ordered a container of the Vanilla Caramel, as the last few protein powders I trialed were chocolate, and I wanted something different. This may have been a mistake, however, as the Vanilla Caramel was disappointingly flat.

Now, I don’t expect anything vanilla-flavored to knock my socks off, but there are plenty of vanilla protein powders out there that are pretty good, if not outstanding (”Cake Batter” Monster Milk comes to mind). But my container of Infusion was was dull and lifeless even by “plain vanilla” standards… edible (ok, drinkable), but well below the standard set by Cytosport, Optimum, etc.

Nonetheless, Infusion stilll appears to be a well-made product from a nutritional perspective, and of the four different flavors, maybe I just chose the clunker… the Cinnamon Oatmeal, Wildberry Yogurt and/or the Chocolate Peanut Butter have good reviews and might have worked better.

At the end of the day, Infusion is still chock-full of high-quality protein and fiber; and looks like a solid choice for anyone looking for a “value-added” protein supp.

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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The Protein Cookie is the original creation of The Protein Bakery – a New Zealand company specializing in high fiber/low carb, wheat/gluten-free cookies.  Now available in the US through Fit Foods LLC, The Protein Cookie is targeted towards the sports nutrition market.  They come in four flavors: Chocolate Chip, Ginger ‘n Spice, Mochaccino and Chocolate Fudge.

Manufacturer’s Description: After 1 ½ years in development we have launched a new product called “The Protein Cookie”. A moreish, yummy, soft baked, healthy snack serving as a great alternative to all the health/protein bars & shakes. Perfect for “people sick & tired of the bar scene!” Also a great indulgent snack, minus the guilt!

These cookies are great for energy, strength, speed, endurance, body building, recovery, dieting, Celiac, general health, injury and achieving the best quality of life.

Serving Size: 1 Cookie (64g) Calories 290 Calories From Fat 120 Total Fat 13g Saturated Fat 4.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 20mg Sodium 200mg Potassium 290mg Total Carbohydrate 29g

Fiber 15g Sugars 0.5g Sugar Alcohols 11g Protein 15g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 25% Magnesium 15% Iron 15%

Ingredients: Milk Protein, Almonds, Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips (Chocolate Liquor, Polydextrose, Inulin, Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Powder, Sodium Bicarbonate, Soy Lecithin, Sucralone, Vanilla, Acesulfame Potassium), Margarine (Palm Oil, Water, Salt, Whey, Vegetable Monoglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Natural Butter Flavor, Citric Acid (acidulant), Beta Carotene (color), Vitamin A Palmitate), Erythritol, Eggs, Polydextrose, Vegetable Glycerine, Oligofructose, Cocoa, Natural Flavors, Soy Lecithin, Rice Flour, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar, Salt, Sorbitol, Sucralose.

Comments: I bought a box of 12 Chocolate Fudge Protein Cookies (shown above) for $19.99. Each cookie is individually wrapped and large enough to sink your teeth into (2.26 oz). The cookies themselves were sweet and chocolately, with a firm, dense, cakey texture. They were also rather dry…although this was less noticeable when accompanied by (my usual) large cup of tea.

Of course, consuming these with tea or some other liquid is probably a good idea, beyond compensating for the dryness, as each cookie also contains an impressive amount of dietary fiber: 15g. Fortunately, the bulk of the remaining carbs are provided by erythritol…a sugar alcohol which does not have laxative effects in moderate amounts – otherwise this would be a rather “explosive” combination.

While no one would mistake these for “Mrs. Field’s” cookies, I thought The Protein Cookie was a nice product. The cookies are a good source of fiber and provide an adequate amount of good quality protein. One made for a pretty substantial mid-morning snack: the protein and fiber + fluid (from the tea) was pretty satiating. While not really a weight loss food (the fat content is a bit high for that), I could think of worse ways to satisfy a craving for something sweet, without falling completely off your diet.

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 3.5/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

The Protein Cookie is available at Bodybuilding.com!

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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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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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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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EAS is the nutrition/sports supplement company associated with Muscle Media 2000 publisher/Body For Life author Bill Phillips, although the company is now a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories.  The change in ownership helped EAS expand beyond the sports nutrition market, and onto the shelves of grocery and discount department stores.  The AdvantEDGE product line consists of ready-to-drink shakes and bars…the bars come in 6 different flavors: Chocolate Cream Pie, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Chip Brownie, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolate Peanut Butter Crisp and Double Chocolate Chip.

Manufacturer’s Description: If you are serious about health, training and diet, chances are pretty good that you have no problems finding enough carbohydrates to meet your daily requirements. What may be an issue is getting in enough high quality protein to get your muscles the nutrients they need to repair themselves and grow larger. AdvantEdge Carb Control Nutrition Bars deliver a high quality, diversified 26 grams of protein to help you meet your daily intake goals, with only 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving. Each bar also contains 26 essential vitamins and minerals to aid you in meeting your daily requirements and avoid any potential nutritional deficiencies.

AdvantEdge Carb Control Nutrition Bars were designed specifically to offer a minimal carbohydrate meal supplement for those who wish to avoid taking in excess carbohydrates

Serving Size 1 Bar (60 g) Calories 230 Calories from Fat 70 Total Fat 8g Saturated Fat 6g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol <5mg Sodium 170mg Potassium 210mg Total Carbohydrate 27g Dietary Fiber 5g Sugars 2g Sugar Alcohol 19g	Protein 17g Vitamin A 30% Vitamin C 30% Calcium 30% Iron 35% Vitamin E 30% Vitamin K 30% Thiamin 30% Riboflavin 30% Niacin 30% Vitamin B6 30% Folate 20% Vitamin B12 30%	Biotin 30% Pantothenic Acid 30% Phosphorus 15% Iodine 30% Magnesium 10% Zinc 30% Selenium 30% Copper 30 % Manganese30% Chromium 30% Molybdenum 30%
Ingredients: Protein Blend (Whey Protein Isolate, Soy Protein Isolate, Casein, Hydrolyzed Whey Protein), Maltitol Syrup, Glycerine, Maltitol, Fractionated Palm And Palm Kernel Oil, Fructooligosaccharides, Milk Protein Concentrate, Water, Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Cocoa, Unsweetened Chocolate. Contains Less Than 2 Percent Of The Following: Corn Maltodextrin, Nonfat Milk, Natural Flavor, Canola Oil, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel Color, Soy Oil, Vitamin And Mineral Blend (Calcium Phosphate, Ferric Orthophosphate, Sodium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Oxide, dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A Palmitate, Folic Acid, Chromium Chloride, Biotin, Potassium Iodide, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Phytonadione, Cyanocobalamin), Mono- And Diglycerides, Soy Lecithin, Cocoa Extract, Cocoa Butter, Heavy Cream, Butter (Cream, Salt), Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Tocopherols, Carrageenan And Sucralose.

Comments: I picked up the Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Chip Brownie bars (shown above) from my local Fred Meyer for $1.59 (US) each: a fairly decent price for a protein bar. Each bar was chewy – as most low carb/high sugar alcohol bars are – but not excessively so. The Chocolate Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Brownie bars had a chocolate coating; while the Cookies and Cream bar had a white (vanilla?) coating topped with cookie pieces. All three bars had a flavored nougat center and were sweet, without being too cloying.

Overall, they were pretty tasty – not the greatest I’ve had, but above average. The bars are quite low in sugar, provide a solid amount of prebiotic fiber and contain only 2 – 3 grams net carbs. The protein blend also looks pretty decent. At 60g, the bars aren’t huge (approx. the size of a standard candy bar), but one made a reasonably filling snack.

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 3.5/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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The mix1 line of nutraceutical beverages was created by company founders Greg Stroh and Dr. James Rouse.  The original mix1 drinks were designed for people on the go, with a 2:1 carbohydrate-protein ratio, plus antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The newer antioxidant-fiber drinks, on the other hand, provide less carbs and protein, but more fiber and phytonutrients…the label claims an ORAC value of 4500 per serving.  The fiber drinks come in two flavors: dark-berry and orange-carrot.

Manufacturer’s Description: 

What: 9 servings of fruits and veggies deliciously blended from a broad, quality spectrum of antioxidants & fiber + protein.

Why: so you can actually do the right thing for your body everyday.  It’s never been so easy.

When: enjoy mix1 daily with a meal or as a light snack.

Serving Size 11 fl ox (325 ml) Servings Per Container 1 Calories 115 Calories from Fat 13 Total Fat 1.5g Saturated Fat 0g Trans Fat 0g Sodium 40mg Potassium 95mg Total Carbohydrate 17g Dietary Fiber 8g

Sugars 9g Protein 9g mix1 Proprietary Antioxidant Blend 555mg Green Tea Polyphenols EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) Vitamin C 100% Vitamin E 100% Lutein Esters Lycopene Zeaxanthin Crytpoxanthin

Ingredients: Purified Water, Whey Protein Isolate, Organic Cane Sugar, Juice Concentrate (Apple, Acai and Pomegranate), Extra Light Olive Oil, Pectin, Grape Juice Concentrate (color), Black Carrot Juice Concentrate (color), Natural Acai Flavor, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Luo Han Guo (Momordica grasvenori) Extract.Vitamins & Minerals: Green Tea Extract (90% polyphenols), Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopheryl acetate)

Comments: I first encountered the mix1 drinks at the Natural Products Expo in Boston last Fall…I hung out at the company booth for a good 20 minutes, talking fitness/lifting with the company principals (including Greg Stroh) – they were an engaging and enthusiastic group of people, with high hopes for their product.

As blog readers know, I take ORAC claims with a grain of salt, and am not necessarily impressed by big numbers.  I do, however, think highly of green tea extract – so ORAC numbers aside, this alone would make mix1 a reasonably healthful beverage.  Beyond that, it certainly doesn’t hurt to also have a shot of high quality protein, a healthy amount of soluble fiber and an overall low calorie content.

Taste-wise, the drinks reminded me of thin yogurt smoothies.  They’re more tangy than sweet, although this is a plus with me (as I don’t like sweet drinks…someone with a pronounced sweet tooth might feel differently), with natural-tasting fruit flavors.  In my opinion, the drinks were a little weak to be a taste sensation, but they were quite drinkable…of the two, the orange-carrot was my preference.

Overall, I thought the drinks were likable enough, and just the right size for a lunch box or bag…so they’d be decent, portable, low cal snacks or beverages to consume with a light meal.

Taste: 3.0/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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“Right Size Hunger Smashing Smoothies” are the creations of the Right Size Health and Nutrition Corporation.  They market meal replacements (similar to Slim Fast, in principle), as well as a multivitamin and “AppAssure” – a “metabolism manager” (i.e., weight loss supplement).  The meal replacements come in both powder and ready-to-drink form, in “Chocolate Mousse Reduce” and “SkinniVanilli” flavors.

Manufacturer’s Description: Chocolate Mousse Reduce provides a delicious, rich chocolate flavor. Each bottle contains 2 ready to drink liquid servings. Like all RightSize flavors, Chocolate Mousse Reduce contains Appemine™ a new, cutting edge all-natural appetite manager. Appemine™ is derived from green tea, cinnamon twig, and galangal. Appemine™ is clinically proven to powerfully control appetite and CONTAINS NO EPHEDRINE! Each smoothie also contains 50% of over 20 essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins B6 and B12 which are known to be important in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Unlike diet shakes that taste bad and leave you hungry, RightSize tastes great, knocks-out hunger cravings, helps metabolize calories and fat and has exceptional nutritional value.

Directions: Drink 1 – 2 servings of a RightSize Smoothie in place of a meal to reduce calorie intake, fight hunger and lose weight.

Serving Size 8 fl oz (240ml) Servings Per Container: About 2 Calories 150 Calories from Fat 25 Total Fat 3g Saturated Fat 1.5g Trans Fat 0g Polyunsaturated Fat 0g Monounsaturated Fat 1g Cholesterol 25mg Sodium 380mg Potassium 500mg Total Carbohydrate 21g	Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 16g Protein 8g Vitamin A 50% Vitamin C 50% Calcium 30% Iron 4% Vitamin D 50% Vitamin E 50% Thiamine 50% Riboflavin 50% Niacin 50% Vitamin B6 50%	Folate 50% Vitamin B12 50% Biotin 50% Pantothenic Acid 50% Phosphorus 30% Iodine 50% Magnesium 50% Zinc 50% Selenium 50% Copper 50% Manganese 50% Chromium 100% Molybdenum 50%
Ingredients: Low Fat Milk, Fructose, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Gellan Gum, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Citrate, Sodium Phosphate, Carrageenan, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Sucralose (Nonnutritive Sweetener), Salt, Acesulfame K (Nonnutritive Sweetener) Mineral Blend: (Magnesium Phosphate, Zinc Citrate, Sodium Molybdate, Chromium Dinicotinate Glycinate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Citrate, Sodium Selenate and Potassium Iodide) Appemine™: (Providing 50mg of Caffeine) (Soluble Fiber Glucose Polymer Complex, Guarana Seed Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Cinnamon Twig Extract, Galangal Rhizone Extract, Cayenne Pepper Fruit and White Willow Bark Extract) Vitamin Blend: (Sodium Ascorbate, DL-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate, Biotin, Niacinamide, Retinyl Palmitate, Calcium Pantothenate, Folic Acid, Cholecalciferol, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin and Cyanocobalamin) Glycemic Support Blend: [Vanadyl Sulfate (Supplying 200mcg of Vanadium) and Chromium Polynicotinate]

Comments: I’ve already discussed Right Size on the blog – these products are NOT cheap, and on the face of it, not special enough to warrant the cost.

BUT…to be fair, I ordered a 4 pack of “Chocolate Mousse Reduce” ready-to-drink smoothies to check out…at $12.80, they were the least expensive items available for purchase. I waited until I was hungry, then downed an entire 14 oz smoothie (1.75 servings) + a glass of water (a recommended step), to see how effective it would really be at curbing my hunger.

The answer: not very. It tasted good, but went down quickly…too quickly to register that I’d consumed a meal. I started to feel a bit peckish after only about an hour. So, to take my mind off it, I decided to get up from the keyboard and go do some grocery shopping…big mistake. The minute I walked past the deli display the hunger pangs kicked in. The “Powerful Weight Loss Tool” I’d consumed held me less than two hours.

This came as no surprise, however, as there’s really very little to one of these smoothies. You could dupe one simply by adding Sugar-Free Nesquik and a spoonful of FiberSure to a glass of low fat milk, and chasing it with a Centrum or One-A-Day.  And you’d do better with some Curvelle or Lean System 7, or an even more inexpensive supp like Green Tea Hydroxycut - vs. a non-specific blend like Appemine.

Realistically, a “Right Size” smoothie could serve as a between meal snack or “fix” for a chocolate craving…but – in my opinion – it’s ineffective as a meal replacement and appetite suppressant.

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 2.0/5.0

Value: 2.0/5.0

Overall: 2.5/5.0

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Mega-food manufacturer Kraft is behind the “LiveActive” brand of functional foods, which are designed to promote “digestive health.”  The products in the line are fortified with probiotic, “good” bacteria and/or prebiotic fiber.  The Chewy Granola Bars are unusual, in that the probiotic culture they’re fortified with does not require refrigeration.  The bars come in three flavors: Chocolate Raspberry, Peanut Butter, and Blueberry Almond.

Manufacturer’s Description: LiveActive Chewy Granola Bars are moist, rich, and delicious but they’re more than a great-tasting treat. They help naturally promote digestive health in two ways. First, they’re a good source of fiber*. Second, like many familiar foods – including some breakfast cereals and yogurt – LiveActive Bars contain a beneficial probiotic culture. What’s more, they require no refrigeration, so you can enjoy them anywhere, anytime. Get delicious digestive health on-the-go with LiveActive Bars.

Serving Size 1 Bar (35g) Servings Per Container 5 Calories 140 Total Fat 4.5g Saturated Fat 2g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 125mg

Total Carbohydrate 25g Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 7g Protein 3g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 2%

Ingredients: Granola [Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Crisped Rice (Rice, Rice Flour, Sugar, Malt Extract, Rice Bran, Salt, Barley Malt, Corn Syrup), Multigrain Crisp (Whole Grain Wheat Flour, Degermed Yellow Corn Meal, Whole Grain Oat Flour, Salt), Wheat Flakes (Whole Grain Wheat, Sugar, Salt, Barley Malt)], Corn Syrup, Sugar, Glycerin, Inulin (for Fiber), Peanut Butter (Roasted Ground Peanuts), Fractionated Palm Kernel Oil, Partially Defatted Peanut Flour, Contains less than 2% of Sodium Caseinate, Soy Lecithin, Nonfat Milk, Salt, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Butter (Cream, Salt), Whey, Peanut Oil, Sesame Oil, Palm Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Mono- and Diglycerides, L. plantarum

Comments: I picked up a box of 5 Peanut Butter LiveActive bars at my local Fred Meyer for $3.00.  The bars are individually wrapped, and on the small size, so are easy to slip into a pocket, purse or lunch box for on-the-go snacking.  They looked like typical granola bars, with a peanut-butter-y base layer.  They were both chewy and crunchy, with an appropriately sweet, peanutty taste.  If you like commercial granola bars, then you’ll like these.

One thing I noticed, however, is that the boxes on display in the store were already past the “best when used by” date (04JAN09, in my case).  This is one downside, I think, of selling an unrefrigerated probiotic – the shelf life of the culture is going to be much shorter than that of a normal granola bar – something store personnel are less likely to take into account when ordering and stocking the shelves.  This is something a potential purchaser needs to watch out for…assuming the probiotic culture used in the product has any value in the first place.

Does it?  It’s an interesting – and open – question.  While Kraft has supporting literature for the LiveActive cheese, the company is completely silent on the question of the activity, potency, and effects of the “Probi AB” culture added to the bars.  How many live organisms are in each bar?  How many bars/day are needed for optimal results?  There is no information on either the box or the web site.

So, are there really significant “digestive health” benefits to be had from the LiveActive bars?  They are a good (although not great) source of prebiotic (and total) fiber, but otherwise, it’s a tough call.  And – needless to state – the bars don’t offer much w/respect to other nutrients: protein, vitamins and/or minerals. 

My “gut” feeling (no pun intended), is that the probiotic content of the LiveActive bars is overrated…if the bars actually contained a significant dose of active, probiotic bacteria, I don’t see why Kraft wouldn’t tell us all about it…but in this case, the silence is deafening.  Thus, I’d say these bars are probably better for you than a candy bar (thanks to the lower sugar/fat and higher fiber), but are NOT a substitute for a good probiotic supplement or more nutritious food products containing live cultures (such as kefir or yogurt).

Taste: 4.0/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 2.5/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.0/5.0

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