Meal replacements can be both cost and time effective methods in which to obtain a readily available source of whey protein in one’s diet. In this review I am going to discuss a whey protein bar made by BSN and the benefits of integrating it into your diet. Firstly the macronutrient breakdown each bar contains 350 calories, 44 grams of carbohydrate, 9 grams of fat, and 30 grams of protein. This follows a 40:25:35 split respectively for percentage of calories derived. Thus a bar like this is good for a pre or post workout meal and should have enough fuel to supply the average person for a good 60 minute workout.
The bar comes in 3 flavors: chocolate caramel pretzel, cookies and cream, and peanut butter chocolate. I have to say that the pretzel is probably my favorite followed by the peanut butter. Both closely resemble what the label says they should taste like. After trying numerous protein bars one will notice that trying to find a good tasting bar with over 25 grams of whey protein per serving is nearly impossible. Most taste like some variation
on a stick of chalk while the rest, after consuming, feels like you dropped an anchor in your stomach. Case in point ABB steel bar (worst I have ever tried), Muscle Milk bar (also
terrible). This is why I try to avoid these types of bars, not because I don’t need the protein, but I would rather source it from a good tasting whey protein shake like optimum gold standard. As for the flavoring and texture, both are pretty good considering a good chunk of the carbohydrates are derived from a non-impact sugar alcohol (these count as 2 calories instead of 4 when counting per gram of carbohydrate consumed). BSN does a good job of cutting back on the insulin spiking carbs while not leaving the bar too sucralose tasting.
The price per bar is reasonable if you buy it in a box of 12 and is marginally more expensive than a few scoops a whey protein, with the added bonus of not needing a mixer or water to lug around. Your best bet is to checkout our store, and to buy a few boxes at a time to keep them on hand as the expiry dates are usually 18 months from the date of purchase. If you can only have one of these a day I would suggest leaving it for a post work out meal, as this is the most critical time (30 minute window) to support protein and carbohydrate re-uptake by muscles, as your body does this most efficiently in this state. As well supporting muscle growth and repair post workout is best done by a whey protein source, as it is rapidly digested and absorbed.
For a review of an excellent protein powder to pair with this bar, please check out our Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey review.
Head back to the home page to read more about whey protein benefits here.
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These bars are tasty if you ask me. I have had a lot of different protein bars in my days and these are at the top of the list for me.