The LUNA line is the creation of Clif Bar & Company, a well-known manufacturer of organic, whole grain energy bars.  LUNA products (LUNA Bar, LUNA Sunrise, LUNA Sport and LUNA Cookie) target the women’s nutrition market, and are fortified with nutrients such as folic acid, calcium and vitamin D. 

LUNA Cookies are designed to be chewy, like a soft-baked cookie, rather than crisp, like the better-known LUNA Bars.  They come in three flavors: Peanut Butter Chocolate, Berry Pomegranate and Chocolate Mint.

Manufacturer’s Description: We adore cookies, so we decided to make some that are good for us. LUNA Cookie is a chewy, whole grain baked snack you can actually feel good about eating — because we don’t think you should have to choose between something that’s good and good for you.

Calories 140 Calories from Fat 20 Total Fat 2.5g Saturated Fat 0g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg Sodium 100mg Potassium 105mg Total Carb 27g Dietary Fiber 4g Sugars 11g Protein 3g

Vitamin A 15% Vitamin C 50% Calcium 25% Iron 4% Vitamin E 30% Thiamin (B1) 25% Riboflavin (B2) 15% Niacin (B3) 10% Vitamin B6 20% Folate 50% Vitamin B12 20% Pantothenic Acid 20%

Ingredients: Organic Rolled Oats, Organic Oat Flour, Organic Brown Rice Syrup, Organic Tapioca Syrup, Organic Dried Blueberries (Organic Blueberries, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice Syrup, Organic Sunflower Oil), Organic Fig Paste, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice Syrup, Organic Pomegranate Juice Concentrate, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Organic White Coating (Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Rice Extract, Organic Vanilla Extract), Organic Goji Berries, Organic Oat Fiber, Organic Sunflower Oil, Natural Flavors, Baking Soda, Citric Acid, Sea Salt.Vitamins & Minerals: Calcium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid (Vit. C), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vit. E), Calcium Pantothenate, Beta Carotene (Vit. A), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Pyridoxine (Vit. B6), Thiamin (Vit. B1), Riboflavin (Vit. B2), Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin (Vit. B12).

Comments: The LUNA Cookies were 3 for $4.00 at my local Fred Meyer, so I picked up one of each flavor.  

Unwrapped, the cookies were suitably grainy and wholesome-looking… while not large, each 40g (1.41 oz.) square was fairly dense and thick. 

Although I’m not a big cookie fan, I rather liked them… they were chewy and sweet – but not excessively so.  The Peanut Butter Chocolate was pretty shy on the “chocolate” part, but had a good, peanutty flavor; the Berry Pomegranate was mildly fruity (not unlike a “Fruit Newton”) and the Chocolate Mint tasted like a whole grain York Peppermint Patty. 

There are some pluses to the LUNA Cookie: each one supplies a decent amount of fiber (3g – 4g), is relatively low in calories (for a cookie) and is fortified with some useful nutrients.  I could think of worse things to snack on, if a “sweet fix” is needed.  They certainly seemed to be more filling and satisfying than many other popular, commercial low calorie bars and snacks (i.e., Curves, Slim Fast, Special K, etc.).

Overall the LUNA Cookie appears to be a well-made product, and would probably make a good lunch box addition or companion to a cup of freshly brewed coffee, although – like any other cookie or sweetened treat – it’s best used as an occasional munchie, rather than a dietary staple.

Taste: 4.0/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

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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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Cytosport’s Muscle Milk is one of the all-time classic bodybuilding protein/mass-building supplements. Not only is it designed to facilitate lean gains, but it also comes in a mouth-watering assortment of different flavors. Not surprisingly, its popularity has spawned a range of related products, notably Muscle Milk Light, EvoPro, Muscle Milk Bars and Muscle Milk n’ Oats.

Evidently Cytosport isn’t through exploring the possibilities, however, as it recently introduced a new, “Monster” line of supps, with products that overlap the Muscle Milk brand. Thus, in addition to Muscle Milk, the company now offers “Monster Milk”, which has already cracked the top 50 products over at Bodybuilding.com (as of this writing it’s #42). Monster Milk doesn’t come in quite as many flavors as its predecessor, but it’s still a tempting array: Banana Creme, Brownie Batter, Cake Batter, Chocolate, Cookies ‘N Creme, Mocha Latte, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Strawberries ‘N Creme and Vanilla Creme.

Manufacturer’s Description: MONSTER MILK™ is the most powerful, easily digestible, sustained-release protein formula. Rapid-releasing anabolic whey, glutamine peptides and free form BCAA’s are complemented by slower, anti-catabolic caseins and other complete protein isolates. This powerful combination of fast and slow proteins create an “anabolic window” that lasts for hours. Although it tastes like an ultra-rich milkshake, MONSTER MILK’s advanced protein system makes it the ultimate nutritional tool for building monster-size muscle.

Calories 350 Calories From Fat 80 Total Fat 9g Saturated Fat 3g Cholesterol 30mg Total Carbohydrate 18g Dietary Fiber 5g Soluble Fiber 4g Insoluble Fiber 1g Sugars 4g

Protein 50g Thiamin (As Thiamin Mononitrate) 2mg 100% Riboflavin 2mg 100% Vitamin B6 (As Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 4mg 200% Folate (As Folic Acid) 400mcg 100% Vitamin B12 (As Cyanocobalamin) 30mcg 500% Calcium 250mg 25% Chromium (As Chromium Nicotinate) 120mcg 100% Sodium 370mg 16% Potassium 810mg 23%

Monster Amino Acid Matrix™ 5g L-Glutamine, Glutamine Peptides (Hydrolyzed Wheat Gluten), L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-IsoleucineMonster Creatine Matrix™ 1g Kre-Alkalyn (Buffered Creatine, Patent #6,399,661), Creatine GCC (Betaine Anydrous, Glycocyamine). Other Ingredients: Proprietary Protein Blend (Milk Protein Isolate, Whey Protein Isolate, Calcium Sodium Caseinate, L-Glutamine, Glutamine Peptides, Lactoferrin, L-Valine, L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine), LeanLipids™ Plus (Sunflower And/Or Safflower Oil, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Canola Oil, Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Cocoa Powder, Maltodextrin, Digestive Resistant Maltodextrin (Soluble Dietary Fiber), Fructose, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Monster Creatine Matrix (Kre-Alkalyn (Buffered Creatine, Patent #6,399,661), Betaine Anhydrous, Glycocyamine), Fructo-Oligosaccharide, Gum Blend (Xanthan, Cellulose, Carrageenan), Aminogen® (Patented Bioactive Polypeptide Enzyme System), Acesulfame Potassium, Sucralose.

Comments: In spite of the similiarities, there are a few differences between Monster Milk and Muscle Milk. The former has a little less fat, considerably more protein (50g vs. 32g) and higher doses of certain B-vitamins, plus added amino acids and creatine. Nonetheless, it’s hard to draw a bright line between the two, as they both provide an equivalent number of calories; are fairly low in sugar/carbs, and (mostly) utilize the same protein and fat sources.

Monster Milk contains various additions: B-vitamins, creatine, l-glutamine, BCAAs and Aminogen, but – with the exception of the vites – these look pretty underwhelming.  Every little bit helps, I suppose, but these are supplied in amounts well below typical supplemental levels… thus, it’s tough to say what they really add (if anything) to the formula.

Nonetheless, Monster Milk outshines Muscle Milk in the protein and B-vitamin department, which can’t be bad. It also supplies a decent amount of dietary fiber and calories.  There really isn’t much more that I expect from a supplement of this kind. 

Oh yeah… except maybe taste. Needless to state, Monster Milk also tastes great! I sampled three different flavors: Chocolate, Brownie Batter and Peanut Butter Chocolate. Although the Brownie Batter was my personal favorite, all three were delish… rich-tasting and filling. My kids—who usually wrinkle their noses at the stuff I test—also gave them two thumbs up.

So all things considered, I liked Monster Milk. It may be a little light on the additions, but it’s heavy on the protein, taste and satisfaction—which is where it ultimately counts.

Taste: 5.0/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 3.5/5.0

Value: 2.5/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

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Myo Lean Evolution is a meal replacement product (MRP) made by Myogenix, a manufacturer of bodybuilding/sports supplements. It’s an even lower carb/sugar alternative to Myo Lean, the company’s low-glycemic index MRP.  Myo Lean Evolution comes in five flavors: Chocolate Chunk, Vanilla Cream, Banana Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Strawberry.

Manufacturer’s Description: “Myo Lean Evolution has set the new standard for meal supplements by providing the most technically advanced blend of whey isolates and slow releasing proteins, and combining them with the highest quality “healthy” fats, all in a low carb, low glycemic formula. We intended on making a”perfect meal” for the elite athlete. We ended up with a product so loaded with high quality raw materials, so nutrient dense, it would benefit not only elite athletes looking to add powerful lean muscle, but anyone looking to improve their health and physique through nutrition. Plus, in the tradition of all Myogenix products, it tastes great!”

Calories 280 Total Fat 8g Saturated Fat 0.5g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 240mg Potassium 1040mg Total Carbohydrate 13g Dietary Fiber 6g Sugars 1g Protein 42g Vitamin A 5000IU 100%	Vitamin B1 1.5mg 100% Vitamin B2 1.7mg 100% Vitamin B6 2mg 100% Vitamin B12 6mcg 100% Vitamin C 60mg 100% Vitamin D 400IU 100% Vitamin E 30IU 100% Vitamin K 80mcg 100% Biotin 300mcg 100% Calcium 340mg 34% Chromium 120mcg 100%	Copper 2mg 100% Folate 400mcg 100% Iodine 300mcg 100% Manganese 800mcg 100% Molybdenum 75mcg 100% Niacin 20mg 100% Phosphorus 269mg 27% Pantothenic Acid 20mg 100% Selenium 70mcg 100% Zinc 15mg 100%
Ingredients: Pentaprotein 50/50™ An Exclusive Blend Of Proteins Chosen For Their Anabolic And Anti-Catabolic Properties (Cross Flow, Micro Filtered Whey Protein Isolates, Egg Albumin, Micellar Alpha And Beta Caseinates, 90% Isolated Milk Proteins, Whole Egg Protein), BeneFat™ A Unique Combination Of Healthy Fats Chosen To Promote Thermogenesis And Support Vital Metabolic Functions (CLA, Borage Oil, Sunflower Oil, Lecithin, MCT’s, Organic Cold Pressed Flaxseed, Tocopherols), Cocoa Powder, Natural Fiber And Carb Complex Selected To Control Blood Sugar And Support Daily Regularity (Rice Bran, Chicory Extract, Oat Bran, Nutritive Saccharides Obtained From Starch, Crystalline Fructose, Cellulose, Bamboo Fiber), Essential Nutrient Complex (Peptide Bonded Glutamine, Leucine, Isoleucine, Valine, Tyrosine, Taurine, Protease, Bifidobacterium Bifidum, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Aminogen), Vitamin And Mineral Blend, Citric Acid, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Sucralose.

Comments: I picked up a container of “Chocolate Chunk” Myo Lean Evolution from Bodybuilding.com for $30.95 (approx $2.00 per serving). It turned out to be pretty tasty. It also blended fairly well, and was quite filling—especially when mixed with milk instead of water. I thought it was great as a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack—especially since I’m (usually) working at those times and don’t like to stop and eat more complicated meals.

It also appears to be a pretty well-made product: it’s low in sugar, provides the RDAs for most of the major vites and minerals, contains a decent amount of fiber, and supplies a generous amount of protein. In addition, there are some “extras”, such as CLA, added amino acids and probiotics.  I suspect the latter may be underdosed, as nutrients like amino acids need to be taken in multi-gram doses to be effective.  Nonetheless, I think this is a minor issue – they may not add much, but certainly don’t detract from the product either.

All in all, I liked Myo Lean Evolution and would buy it again… Good stuff!

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

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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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The Greens+ product line is the creation of Sam Graci, the head of Orange Peel Enterprises.  Graci created the original Greens+ superfood drink in 1990 – inspired by the desire to help his disabled sister-in-law live a healthier life.  Since that time, the line has expanded to include other drinks, protein powders, supplements and bars.  The protein bars come in 4 basic flavors: Natural Peanut Butter, Chocolate-Coated Peanut Butter, Wild Berry Burst and Whey Protein Krisp.

Manufacturer’s Description: We’ve combined organically grown superfoods, whey protein, high energy herbal extracts and a little agave nectar to produce the only cold-processed, alkaline-forming, protein-rich green food bar. The GREENS+® Protein Bar contains no processed sugar, salt, corn syrup, hydrogenated oil, synthetic sweeteners, preservatives, or genetically-modified foods of any kind.

The GREENS+® Protein Bar delivers low-glycemic carbohydrates, essential fatty acids and biologically-complete protein to help build lean muscle and balance the body’s blood sugar. Perfect for athletes seeking an edge, students, travelers, children of all ages, and anyone in need of optimum energy, superior well being, and peak performance.

Serving Size 1 bar (59g) Calories 240 Calories from Fat 100 Total Fat 11g Monosaturated Fat 4g Saturated Fat 2.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 45mg Total Carbohydrates 20g

Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 17g Protein 20g Vitamin A 3200iu 70% Vitamin B6 .10mg 5% Vitamin B12 12mcg 216% Vitamin C 18mg 30% Vitamin E 40iu 133% Calcium 60mg 6% Iron 2mg 13%

Ingredients: Organic peanut butter, whey protein isolate, organic agave nectar, organic quinoa sprout powder, original GREENS+® (GMO-free soy lecithin, organic Hawaiian spirulina, organic apple fiber, barley grass powder, wheat grass powder, Japanese chlorella, hydroponic soy sprouts, organic brown rice bran, sprouted barley malt, alfalfa grass powder, dairy-free probiotics, royal jelly, Montana bee pollen, acerola berry juice, natural vitamin E, licorice root powder, milk thistle extract, echinacea root extract, Siberian eleuthero root extract, astragalus root extract, licorice root extract, organic red beet juice, dunaliella salina algae, organic Nova Scotia Dulse, organic ginkgo biloba leaf extract, organic Japanese green tea extract, grape seed and skin extract, organic Swedish bilberry extract), organic brown rice crisps, Omega 3 Chia seed oil, mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin E).

Comments: I picked up a box of a dozen Natural Peanut Butter bars from www.iherb.com for $24.40 (US). This is considerably less than the price I would have paid buying direct from the company ($35.88).

The bars look quite simple: they’re basically firm, smooth, brownish-greenish slabs of nougat – no layers or coating. They have a smooth, homogenous texture and are quite chewy, although not excessively so. Despite the color, they don’t taste “grassy” or “herby” – just mildly sweet with a pleasant – but not powerful – peanut butter flavor.

So, not great… but definitely ok.

The bars provide a decent amount of high quality protein (from whey), as well as some green “superfood” nutrition from Greens+ powder. There’s even some chia seed oil to provide some omega-3 fats. The bars are filling without being particularly high in calories, so they’d make a decent snack for someone on a reduced calorie diet.

One of the things I liked about the Greens+ bars is that – unlike many other protein bars – they’re made from actual food ingredients, vs. additives. Thus, they don’t taste much like traditional candy bars, but are also more “real”. Personally, I think they’d make good snacks for traveling, as they’re nutritious, can slip easily into a purse or pocket, and are firm enough to resist being mangled.

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.0/5.0

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Biotest is a brand name that’s pretty well-known in bodybuilding circles.  It’s owned/operated by T-Muscle (formerly known as “T-Nation”), an online resource devoted to bodybuilding training and nutrition.  “Superfood” is one of the newer supps in the Biotest line, and is composed of a spectrum of standardized, vegetable/fruit extracts.

Manufacturer’s Description: “What we’ve done is taken 18 incredibly potent, freeze-dried super extracts of WHOLE fruits and vegetables and combined them in what we believe is the perfect superfood. We chose each for their almost drug-like properties, and put them together in one incredibly potent, incredibly concentrated, incredibly easy-to-use powdered supplement.

No fillers, no extra flavoring agents, no sweeteners, nothing extra — just pure superfood.”

Serving Size: 5 g (2 scoops)Freeze-Dried Super-Concentrated Extracts 5,000 mgBERRIES: wild blueberry (1.5% anthocyanin), orange (40% vitamin C), raspberry (20% allagic acid, 0.7% anthocyanins), strawberry, acai berry (1.5% total phenolic acids, 1% anthocyanins), coffee berry (50% total phenolic acids), goji berry, pomegranate (40% ellagic acid)VEGETABLES: broccoli sprout (5000 ppm sulforophane), kale, spinach (700 ppm lutein), wasabi (20% glucosinolates), wild yam (20% diosgenin), green tea (95% total polyphenols, 65% total catechins, 40% EGCG)OTHER FRUITS: apple, mango, passion fruit, watermelon (1000 ppm lycopene)

Comments: Biotest Superfood is one of many such high-ORAC food-based concentrates currently on the market, which are promoted as surrogates for vegetable/fruit intake.  Biotest goes one step further than most, however. In addition to claiming their supplement is “…equivalent to eating between 10 and 12 average servings of fruits and vegetables”, the company also insists it makes vitamin and mineral supplementation “obsolete.”  This claim is pretty ironic, as there is NO vitamin or mineral information listed on the container or web site to back this up.  Needless to state, plant antioxidants are supremely healthful – but they aren’t replacements for essential vitamins and minerals.  Thus, this line of reasoning:

As such we’ve always preferred to get our vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and various phytochemicals from fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, you know as well as we do that it’s hard to ingest anywhere near the proper amounts of fruits and vegetables every day. Who’s got time to eat 4 servings of fruits and 4 servings of vegetables every single day?

…Enter Biotest’s Superfood.

…We discarded the notion of coming out with a vitamin pill composed of conventional, lab manufactured vitamins and minerals. Instead, we’ve chosen the whole-food route.

…is illogical.  It’s great to get your vites and minerals from fruits and vegetables vs. pills - but to imply that an apparently vitamin-/mineral-less antioxidant supplement can replace the vites and minerals supplied by whole fruits and veggies is ridiculous…it’s comparing apples to oranges (no pun intended).  Extracts contain only those elements soluble in the extraction solvent.  Saying they’re nutritionally equivalent to whole foods is like saying cornstarch is nutritionally equivalent to an ear of corn.

NOT.

Beyond the exaggerated claims, however, the product itself appears to be pretty well-made.  It’s one of the few I’ve seen that uses (some) standardized extracts, and the ORAC value is fairly impressive: 5,315 per serving.  It also handles quite well: it dissolves thoroughly in water and isn’t the least bit gritty.  Quality-wise, it appears to be good stuff.

Unlike some competing products, however, Biotest Superfood is NOT sweetened or flavored in any way.  On the one hand, this is a good thing, as users don’t have to pay for superfluous additives, but the downside is that it really doesn’t taste very good.  It’s not horrible, either, mind you…the flavor, such as it is, is actually rather faint: it tastes like slightly tart, broccoli/berry tea-flavored water (if you can imagine such a thing).  So it’s drinkable as is, although I thought it was best added to other things.  For example, during my taste-tests, I typically dissolved it in a glass of water, then added a scoop of chocolate protein powder, which covered the taste and color up completely.

Overall, I liked Superfood – for what it is, rather than what Biotest pretends it is.  It seems like a great way to add some additional antioxidant phytonutrients to your diet (and certainly better than using Mona Vie or other MLM “superfruit” products)…although it’s still not a replacement for the fiber, minerals (especially potassium) vites and complete spectrum of phytonutrients found in whole veg/fruits.  It’s a good product, but it’s best used as an addition to – not a replacement for – what Mother Nature provides.

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.5/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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Muscle Milk Light is Cytosport’s answer to those who like the taste of Muscle Milk, but don’t want the extra calories.  Like the original formula, Muscle Milk Light is based on EvoPro, Cytosport’s proprietary casein-whey protein blend.  While Muscle Milk Light doesn’t come in quite as many flavors as regular Muscle Milk, it’s still a pretty impressive array: Banana Creme, Chocolate Caramel Swirl, Chocolate Milk, Chocolate Mint, Cookies N Creme, Creme Brulee, Dark Chocolate, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Strawberry Banana, Strawberry Milkshake and Vanilla Creme.

Manufacturer’s Description: “A great way to get all the great taste and performance of Muscle Milk® with half the fat and significantly less calories! Muscle Milk Light delivers the same nutrition-rich, flavor-packed indulgence of Muscle Milk, but with 50% less fat and 35% fewer calories.* So why make a light version? Because there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all body. The athlete training for football season needs more sustained energy than the athlete training for beach season.”

*comparison based on per serving of original Muscle Milk powder to Muscle Milk Light powder.

Serving Size 2 Scoops (50g) Calories 195 Calories From Fat 50 Total Fat 6g Saturated Fat 2.5g Cholesterol 5mg Sodium 115mg Potassium 620mg Total Carbohydrate 11g Dietary Fiber 1g Sugars 2g Protein 25g Vitamin A 1750IU 35% Vitamin C 21mg 35% Vitamin D 140IU 35% Vitamin E 11IU 35%

Thiamine 0.5mg 35% Riboflavin 0.6mg 35% Niacin 7mg 35% Vitamin B6 0.7mg 35% Folate 140mcg 35% Vitamin B12 2.1mcg 35% Biotin 105mcg 35% Pantothenic Acid 4mg 35% Calcium 600mg 60% Iron 6mg 35% Phosphorus 350mg 35% Iodine 53mcg 35% Magnesium 140mg 35% Zinc 5mg 35% Copper 0.7mg 35% Chromium 108mcg 90%

Ingredients: EvoPro™(Micellar Alpha And Beta Caseins And Caseinates, Whey Concentrates Rich In Alpha-Lactalbumin, Whey Isolates, Whey Peptides, L-Glutamine, Taurine, Lactoferrin), Maltodextrin, Lean Lipids™(Trans Fat Free Lipid Complex Consisting Of Sunflower And/Or Safflower Oil, MCT’s, Canola Oil, L-Carnitine), Cocoa Powder, CytoVite I™ (Vitamin And Mineral Premix Consisting Of Vitamin A Acetate, Cholecalciferol, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Folate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Niacinamide, Pyridoxine HCL, Cyanocobalamin, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Di-Calcium Phosphate, Potassium Iodide, Potassium Chloride, Ferrous Fumarate, Magnesium Oxide, Copper Gluconate, Zinc Oxide, Chromium Nicotinate), Fructose, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Acesulfame Potassium, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carrageenan, Sucralose, Soy Lecithin.

Comments: I purchased two 1.65 lb. containers of Muscle Milk Light powder from  Bodybuilding.com: Chocolate Peanut Butter (above) and Cookies N Creme.  Each container cost $24.89, which works out to $1.67 per serving… a relatively decent price for a meal replacement-type product.  Bodybuilding.com has a running “buy 2 get one free” offer, which would have made it even cheaper… however, according to the customer service rep I spoke to, all three have to be the same flavor.  So I ended up with only two, since I wanted to sample a couple different ones (bummer!).

 (It’s a shame Cytosport doesn’t take a page out of Optimum Nutrition’s book, and make a variety pack featuring all the different flavors of Muscle Milk/Muscle Milk Light.  They’d really be doing their customers a favor.)

At any rate, I can’t say I was unhappy with the choices I made: the Chocolate Peanut Butter was more dark than milk chocolatey (which I liked); and the Cookies N Creme was appropriately Oreo-like.  I enjoyed both, although taste-wise, I think Muscle Milk Light ranks a bit below regular Muscle Milk.  The difference is that it contains more gums/thickeners to replace the mouthfeel of the missing fat.  Mixed in water, this gives it a somewhat thicker texture than the original, although this was less pronounced in milk, or blended with ice cubes to make a faux “milkshake”.

Judged on its own merits, however, Muscle Milk Light is pretty tasty as well as nutritious: it contains a solid amount (25g) of high quality protein per serving, as well as decent amounts of the standard vitamins and minerals.  The high potassium content (420 – 620mg) was a pleasant surprise: Americans don’t consume enough of this important mineral.  I would have preferred a higher fiber content, though: original Muscle Milk contains 5g/serving, while the Light version contains only 1g.

This isn’t a fatal flaw, however. Overall, Muscle Milk Light is a solid product that works well as either a general purpose protein supplement or a reduced calorie meal replacement.  It’s tasty, filling and comes in a tempting range of flavors, so it’s worth checking out:  it shouldn’t be hard to find one (or more) you’ll love.

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 4.5/5.0

Efficacy: 5.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 4.5/5.0

Muscle Milk Light is available from Bodybuilding.com!

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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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CNP Professional was formerly known as “Dorian Yates Approved” – after legendary bodybuilder Dorian Yates (the company was renamed following his departure). CNP’s product line is focused almost exclusively on protein powders and meal replacements.  The “Pro-MS” line is in keeping with this: it’s a high protein, meal replacement powder designed for women.  Pro-MS comes in three flavors: Swiss Chocolate, Wild Berries and Cream and Vanilla Caramel.

Manufacturer’s Description: “Pro Ms is the first and only low calorie, high quality meal replacement product on the market to provide optimal nutrition for the female form!

A comprehensive nutritional strategy that will benefit anyone, from the female Olympian to the highly stressed executive or the housewife just wanting some help getting back in shape after having a baby!

…Pro-Ms is a cutting edge weight management formula originally designed for professional athletes. Easily stirred into a glass of water, it comes in 3 delicious flavours. Each serving provides 25 g of protein, but only 11 g of carbs (2 g sugar), for a total of 160 calories. Only good fats are included; CLA and flax seed oil, -fats that burn fat. It contains natural ingredients that dramatically curbs appetite and stimulate the fat burning process.”

Serving Size 1 Packet (47g) Calories 160 Calories From Fat 20 Fat 2g Saturated Fat 0.5g + Trans Fat 0.5g Cholest. 20mg Sodium 300mg Potassium 400mg Carbohydrates 11g Dietary Fiber 2g Sugars 2g Protein 25g	Vitamin A 1500IU 30% Vitamin D 240IU 60% Niacin 20mg 100% Biotin 180mcg 60% Vitamin C 60mcg 100% Vitamin E 30IU 100% Vitamin B6 61.2mg 60% Pantothenic Acid 6mg 40% Zinc 15mg 100% Calcium 1000mg 100% Magnesium Stearate 300mg 30% Thiamin 0.9mg 60%	Folic Acid 200mcg 50% Phosphorus 900mg 90% Copper 0.8mg 40% Iron 8mg 50% Riboflavin 1mg 60% Vitamin B12 3mcg 50% Iodine 60mcg 40% Chromium 50mcg 40% Manganese 1mg 50% Selenium 30mcg 42% Choline 80mg Molybdenum 60mcg 80%
Ingredients: Pro Ms Proprietary Structured Protein Blend (Whey Protein From High Fraction Concentrate, Milk Protein Cultured With Bifidus, Acidophilus, And Yogurt Organisms, Soy Protein Concentrate, Peptide Bonded Glutamine), Whole Grain Carbohydrate Mix (Fructooligosaccharide, Organic Flax Seed Meal, Rice Meal, Oat Meal), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Vitamins And Minerals (Di-Calcium Phosphate, Di-Potassium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Magnesium Oxide, Choline Bitartrate, Ascorbic Acid, D-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate, Ferrous Fumarate, Niacinamide, Beta Carotene, Zinc Oxide, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Vitamin D3, Copper Sulfate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Thiamin Hydrochloride, Chromium Chloride, Cobalamin Concentrate (Vitamin B12), Folic Acid, Biotin, Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodate), Proprietary Feminine Metabolic Fat Blend (Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Lecithin, Flax Seed Oil), Proprietary Antioxident/fat Burning Blend (Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), Raspberry Essence, Green Tea Extract, Jojoba Extract, White Kidney Bean Extract, Maitake Mushroom Meal, Omega-3 Fatty Acids), Cellulose Gum, Sucralose.

Comments: I purchased a box of the Vanilla Caramel Pro-MS from bodybuilding.com. A box of 15 packets cost $29.98 US – basically $2.00/serving, which is a fairly standard price for single-serving meal replacement packs.

CNP refers to the shake as “rich” in their write up…actually, when mixed in water according to the directions, I found it to be rather thin. The flavor was good, and the powder dispersed well, but there’s an ingredient in there that simply wouldn’t dissolve properly. I used a spoon, a wire wisk and – finally – a blender (for a full minute, no less)…didn’t matter. Every time I mixed one up, there was a fine, crystalline grit left at the bottom of my glass. It wasn’t unpleasant, I suppose, but noticeable.

Beyond that, Pro-MS has a decent amount of protein, and was reasonably satisfying for only 160 calories. From a basic, macronutrient standpoint, it seems like a good product. I’m a little unsure about the added nutraceuticals, however. It’s an intriguing list, to be sure: CLA, raspberry “essence” (ketones???), green tea extract, and so on. What’s missing, however, is any information about the DOSES of these compounds. This silence makes me suspect they’re largely “label decoration”. For example, the product write up boasts of an “Health promoting, anabolic mix of Canola Oil, Sunflower Oil, Flax Seed Oil, CLA, and Omega-3-Fatty Acid”…ok, but there are only 2 grams of total fat per serving. When you consider the residual fat from the protein sources, this doesn’t leave a whole lot…not nearly enough for any major “health promoting” effects.

So, I’m somewhat “iffy” on this product…it’s tasty enough, but not quite as good as it could be. For what it’s worth, however, if it was a choice between this, and some other mass-market product like Slim Fast, I’d take this one in a heartbeat. It may not be all it’s cracked up to be, but it’s still waaay better than that.

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.0/5.0

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