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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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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“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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As the name implies, Supreme Protein, Inc. markets protein products.  In addition to their line of protein bars, there’s Vectron, an “Extreme Physique Enhancing Agent.”  Vectron is based on Prolibra® – a proprietary whey protein isolate made by Glanbia, that’s designed to enhance fat loss.  Vectron comes in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla.

Manufacturer’s Description: Vectron is a truly innovative, first-of-its-kind supplemental protein designed to promote simultaneous fat loss and muscle preservation.  Vectron is powered an elite new fractionated protein complex called Prolibra.  This breakthrough technology features a potent bioactive peptide matrix along with a special whey mineral complex designed to target key mechanisms of body transformation.

Serving size: 1 Scoop (17 g) Amount Per Serving: Calories 60 Calories from Fat 9 Total fat 1 g Trans Fat 0 Saturated Fat 0 g Cholesterol 0 mg

Total Carbohydrates 1.5 g Dietary Fiber 0 g Sugars 0 g Protein 10 g Sodium 140 mg Potassium 50 mg Calcium 350 mg Phosphorous 130 mg

Ingredients: Prolibra 12.2TM Prolibra® 290 (partially hydrolyzed whey protein isolate, whey mineral complex, lecithin), Sunflower Oil Blend (sunflower oil, corn syrup solids, sodium caseinate (a milk derivative), Mon- and Diglycerides, Dipotassium Phosphate. Contains less than 2% or less of Tricalcium Phosphate, Soy Lecithin, Tocopherols added to help protect flavor), Cellulose Gum, Xantham Gum, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Sucralose.

Comments: I’ve commented on Prolibra before, as I feel that the study validating the effectiveness of the product did not resolve the question of whether any whey isolate would do the job just as well.  At the time, Prolibra was quite expensive, although – as of this writing - the bulk reseller price has come down considerably, so this isn’t as critical as it once was.  Supreme Protein’s version is still pricey for a whey protein isolate, but not out of line with other, smaller (< 2 lb) units sold in health food stores and other non-sports-oriented retail outlets…the price from ProSource (Supreme Protein’s parent company) was $26.95 for 714 grams (1.57 pounds).

I ordered the vanilla flavor – my usual, when it comes to whey products (it goes with everything).  I have to admit, Vectron was unarguably the best-tasting whey protein powder I’ve ever tried.   In addition, it was mildly satisfying.  I used it according to instructions (1 scoop 20 minutes before breakfast and the same before dinner), and it seemed to take the edge off my appetite.  I didn’t lose any weight or fat (wasn’t trying to), and it didn’t really affect how much I ate…but it did seem to hold me a little longer – not bad for only 10 g of protein.

There are some negatives: a) as noted, it isn’t cheap; and b) it falls somewhat short of my standards for a protein powder: it’s a notch under 60% protein (I prefer to see 75%-90%).  It isn’t a miracle powder: the subjects in Glanbia’s study were on a fat loss program, in addition to taking Prolibra, and the results were not overwhelming.  I can see, however, some use for a product like this on a fat loss diet, as it adds some high quality, supplemental protein (which can help preserve lean body mass on a diet), and provides modest assistance with appetite control.

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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Snapple beverages are a familiar sight on the supermarket shelves. Founded in 1972, Snapple is now part of the Dr. Pepper-Snapple Group, which formed following the breakup of Cadbury-Schweppes. Although there are 65 beverages in the line, the “Metabolism” juice drinks are two of the (comparatively few) low calorie offerings. There are two flavors in the line: Kiwi Pear and Noni Berry.

Manufacturer’s Description: Help give your attitude and metabolism a boost at the same time! Did you know that early Polynesians made frequent canoe voyages of thousands of miles just to transport this unique fruit? But this was no ordinary fruit. The Noni is said to improve energy to promote a happier, more positive outlook. Besides – the fact that you don’t have to travel thousands of miles by canoe to experience this fruit should make you feel better already.

Snapple… made from the best stuff on Earth.

Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml) Servings per Container: About 2 Calories: 10 Total Fat: 0g	Sodium: 35mg Total Carb: 1g Sugars: 1g Protein: 0g
Ingredients: Filtered water, pear juice concentrate, natural flavor, noni juice, citric acid, potassium citrate, aspartame, fruit and vegetable juices (for color) green tea extract (including EGCG [epigallocatechin gallate]), caffeine, acacia gum, sucralose.

Comments: I have to admit…it was the “Noni Berry” that caught my eye as I was walking past the beverage display at the store. Both Paul and I have written extensively about the superfruit craze over on the blog, so I had to take it for a test drive.  It was pretty reasonable: $1.00 for a 17.5 oz. bottle.

The drink itself is light, sweet and fruity, albeit in a sort of generic, berry sense…overall, it was pretty refreshing.  I got a bit of a chuckle out of the label, however.  Despite the paragraphs extolling the virtues of noni, the drink itself is only 5% juice; and of that 5%, the primary ingredient is pear juice.  If I had to guess, I’d say the noni is nothing more than “label decoration” – although this is probably a good thing, since noni juice doesn’t taste very good. 

As you might have guessed, the “metabolism” benefits (such as they are) don’t have anything to do with noni…rather, they’re from green tea extract and caffeine.  As the small print on the label states: “Studies show that consumption of 300mg of EGCG per day (along with caffeine) effectively boosts metabolism.” Even that’s a bit of a fooler, though, as there are only 55mg of EGCG and 30 mg of caffeine in each bottle: far too low for there to be any thermogenic effects. 

Well, whatever.  It still tastes reasonably good for a diet drink, even if the branding is a tad deceptive.

‘Nuff said.  It’s a good drink if you’re just looking for a low cal, decent-tasting, portable drink – just don’t get fooled into thinking it will do anything more for your metabolism than the equivalent amount of water.

Taste: 4.5/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 2.0/5.0

Value: 4.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taste: 2.5/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taste: 4.0/5.0

Quality: 3.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 2.5/5.0

Efficacy: 2.5/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 3.0/5.0

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FucoProtein Bars are produced by Garden Of Life, as a part of CEO Jordan Rubin’s “Perfect Weight America” program.  Other weight management products included in the program are FucoTHIN (a weight loss supplement) and ”Perfect Meal” meal replacement powders. The bars come in two varieties: Chocolate Macadamia Nut Crunch and Peanut Butter Crunch.

Manufacturer’s Description: Perfect Weight AMERICA™ fücoPROTEIN™ Bars are deliciously nutritious and high in protein and fiber. These dietary supplement bars contain fucoxanthin, which has been shown in human clinical testing to naturally boost metabolism, burn fat and assist in weight management.

The only dietary supplement bars in the market made with concentrated fucoxanthin from brown seaweed, a non-stimulant thermogenic that supports fat burning.

• 14g of protein from organic whey, native whey and brown rice
• 5g of fiber from organic acacia, organic chia seed and organic chia meal
• Made with 70% organic ingredients and certified organic by QAI
• All natural, No isolates, Non-GMO
• Gluten Free

Serving Size 1 bar (55g) Amount Per Serving Calories 210 Fat Calories 50 Total Fat 6g Saturated Fat 1.5g Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 20 mg

Sodium 180mg Total Carbohydrate 29g Fiber 5g Sugars 17g Protein 14g Calcium 8% Iron 6% fucoxanthin 7.5 mg

Ingredients: Ingredients: Organic pure wildflower honey, PWA Protein Blend (organic whey protein, native whey protein, organic rice protein), vegetable glycerin, Garden of Life Rainforest Cacao (cacao, macadamia nuts), organic dark chocolate chunks (organic cane sugar, organic cocoa, organic cocoa butter, soy lecithin, organic vanilla), Organic PWA Fiber Blend (organic acacia, organic chia seed, organic chia meal), organic cocoa, natural cocoa extract, organic cashew butter, organic vanilla, sea salt, brown seaweed concentrate (fucoxanthin), Garden of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

Comments: I tried both the Chocolate Macadamia Nut Crunch (shown above) and Peanut Butter Crunch flavors. These bars are typically sold in boxes of 12, but I was able to purchase single units from Christine’s Cleanse Corner (www.beyondprobiotics.net) for $2.99 US each.

Both plain, uncoated bars were quite firm, somewhat dry and extremely chewy. The Peanut Butter flavor wasn’t particularly peanutty. Rather, it was mildly sweet and grainy, with a vague, almost fruit-like aftertaste. The same subtle “fruity” flavor came through in the Chocolate Macadamia bar as well, although it harmonized with the cocoa reasonably well. The “Crunch” in each title was a misnomer: there was no discernable crunch to either bar.

These bars may be “good for you,” but they weren’t particularly good: in this case, sincerity won out over palatability. They’re made from whole food ingredients and natural sweeteners, and are reasonably filling, but they were a real chore to chew through – like eating organic, whole grain taffy.

Each bar contains 7.5 mg of fucoxanthin. This is likely well below the amount in a capsule of FucoTHIN – which contains 200 mg combined seaweed extract and pomegranate seed oil. Ultimately, the value of the bar is as a filling meal replacement or snack: each one provides 14g of protein and 5g of dietary fiber.

Taste: 2.0/5.0

Quality: 5.0/5.0

Efficacy: 3.5/5.0

Value: 3.5/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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JavaFit Diet Plus is one of the fortified coffees created by the Javalution Coffee Company, which was founded in 2002. The company specializes in fresh, “enhanced gourmet coffees” that are marketed to consumers as well as to commercial distributors/vendors. In addition to the “Diet Plus” product, Javalution’s consumer line also includes “Energy Extreme,” “Focus Plus Multivitamin,” and “Immune Plus Multivitamin” brewed coffees. A line of fortified, ready-to-drink lattes is pending.

Manufacturer’s Description: JavaFit® Diet Plus is a high-energy, fat-burning gourmet coffee that helps you stay fit. There is nothing “diet” about the taste of this full bodied gourmet coffee. Brew it like any other gourmet coffee and enjoy its robust aromas, body and flavor. With JavaFit Diet Plus, you can increase metabolic rate, burn more fat, suppress your appetite and exercise longer. Each JavaFit product is formulated using Latin American gourmet beans, creating a delicious full-bodied flavor.

Serving Size 1 tbsp Amount Per Serving Coffee Arabica Beans (Ground) 4.5g Proprietary Blend 670mg	Garcinia Cambogia (50% HCA) Citrus Aurantium Extract (10%) Caffeine USP Chromium Polynicotinate 75mcg
Other Ingredients: Coffee Arabica Beans, Proprietary Blend (Garcinia Cambogia, Citrus Aurantium Extract, Caffeine USP, Chromium Polynicotinate).

Comments: I picked up a 12 oz package of Diet Plus ground coffee from bodybuilding.com for $14.99. The recommendation “for best results” is to drink it 30 – 60 minutes before exercising, so that’s exactly what I did. I always drink my coffee first thing in the morning, so after knocking back a cup, the hubby and I headed to the gym to do some fasted cardio.

I thought the coffee had a pretty good flavor and aroma for a ground coffee. In addition, it provided the “jolt” I normally expect from my morning “cuppa joe” and provided good energy over the 40 min. I spent on the elliptical. I can’t say that I felt any particular “burn” or extra thermogenic effects (such as extra sweating), but – on the other hand – I didn’t feel hungry or hypoglycemic, either. This is a plus, as fasted cardio is something that I normally don’t care to do for precisely those reasons.

Paul has reviews on the nutraceuticals added to JavaFit: chromium polynicotinate, Garcinia cambogia extract and Citrus aurantium extract. Overall, none of the three really provides impressive results. At best, this combination of ingredients (in conjunction with the caffeine) can provide a modest metabolic boost and some appetite suppression. Fortunately, Javalution does not make any extravagant fat loss claims for their product, and present it only as “…a great tasting gourmet coffee that helps us along the path of achieving our fitness goals.” ‘Nuff said.

While JavaFit seems to “work” well enough within the limits noted above, I have mixed feelings about it. It’s a nice idea and a decent product, but it doesn’t quite fit in with the way I drink coffee! I typically drink coffee only once a day…but it’s quite a brew. I like it a) ground fresh from whole beans; b) strong; and c) served in my favorite, 14 oz mug – black and filled to the brim. Like I said, JavaFit is good “…for a ground coffee” – but it’s not quite as good as what I’m used to. In addition, the added nutraceuticals forced me to choose between drinking less coffee, or consuming a larger amount of the ingredients (which include ADDED caffeine) than recommended. So if your coffee drinking habits are anything like mine, this is something to take into consideration before trying a product like this.

Taste: 3.5/5.0

Quality: 4.0/5.0

Efficacy: 4.0/5.0

Value: 3.0/5.0

Overall: 3.5/5.0

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