How many protein bars are out there? So many. We've sampled at least 100 over the years and scored them based upon all sorts of categories. The same with protein cookies. There are less of those. People always ask us TWO things:
1. What is the best protein bar?
2. How do I choose a protein bar or cookie?
We try to show discipline. We even avoid going too often. But alas, we can't resist what others often don't have.
Whole Foods Market is smart. Its 365 Brand's reasonable pricing lures cost conscious shoppers into the store. And once they are "in", they buy MORE, whole-paycheck style. We do. It's how our small basket adds up to 3 figures in a shopping nano second. BUT if one sticks to sales, Whole Foods can be VERY reasonable!
So what are some products that we love to buy there especially when on sale?
** Editors Note: This post was updated January, 2023
America is a snacking nation. Read any article and you'll read stats about how people look to snacks as a main source of nourishment for the day. No more breakfast, lunch then dinner. Nope. Instead it's more snack, snack and snack. And there are a bevy of snack options out there...the selection puts the cereal aisle to shame.
We like plant-based milks. We also like chocolate. However, what we don't like are the choices available for chocolate plant-based milks! The calorie counts are super high, and/or or the sweetness is just too much. Additionally, in nearly all cases, any sweetness comes from added sugar. We seek to limit added sugars and strategically employ sugar substitutes such as stevia, monkfruit and even sucralose (Splenda).
It was the documentary Forks Over Knives (2011) along with my compassion for all animals that inspired my vegan journey. I was already a practicing pescatarian, so the transition to becoming vegan was smooth. And, with so many appetizing vegan food options, I never feel I sacrifice nutrition nor taste. Below you will find a handful of my favorite savory vegan eats and a bonus recipe! Try them...vegan or omnivore...
You don't like vegetables you say? We dare you to NOT like these...assuming no disdain or allergy to tomatoes or flavor!
Let's get cooking!
This recipe can't be messed up. Really. Truly. Use more or less of the ingredients. Just ensure that you have a caramelized, or near caramelized, effect at the end of the cooking time.
We are obsessed with bars. We maintain a spreadsheet that tracks nutrition data, ingredients, and factors like texture and flavor for over 50 bars! What we know for sure is that bars are like jeans. You have to try on MANY pairs to find right one(s) -- yes plural. We have bars for different occasions...tastes...goals.
The key to finding YOUR bar is a willingness to taste. And taste them twice. But before you buy, you can do a little homework to maximize your investment in time and money:
Why do we call them "breakfast" muffins? Because these muffins will help you start the day in a healthful way. The taste is mild and the nutrition profile strong.
Just when we think we have the energy/protein bar question answered, we learn that one of the most common energy bar protein sources, soy protein isolate (SPI), is inferior to casein, whey & rice. If you have followed our data driven analyses, you know that we select our athletic-minded favorites based on taste, nutrition, ingredients AND the DATA!! See our last article here.
Nothing is more satisfying after a hard workout, especially in the hotter summer months, than grabbing an ice cold drink. Most often our team reaches for water, but sometimes we crave more.
