Protein bars have been a staple in the fitness industry for many years. Around the 1950’s the first “candy bar” with protein was created and called “Hi-Protein Fudge” according to The Barbell. Over the years protein bars have evolved with more companies creating and competing to make the best tasting bar with the best macronutrients. I decided to try a new protein bar, and review it for overall taste, texture, flavors, macros, and if they stay true to their statement.
The bar I decided to try was the Met-RX protein bar. I tried 3 different flavors that they offered at the store, Super Cookie Crunch, Crunchy Apple Pie, and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. Met-RX claims that their goal is to provide athletes with “training fuel” to keep them energized throughout their workout. Their bars are filled with “amino acids to fuel your muscles” (metrx.com).
First, I tried Super Cookie Crunch and was surprised at the taste because typically protein bars have a stale and interesting taste. I was expecting this bar to be extremely tough and hard to chew but the opposite was true, this protein bar had a good texture and a good flavor which was unexpected. Compared to the other bars, for some reason this bar kept me the most filled and satisfied throughout my workout. Out of all the bars, this one was my favorite.
Then, I tried Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, both flavor and texture were exactly what I was expecting. The texture was tough and chewy unlike the other flavors. When trying it I could taste the cookie dough flavor but it mainly tasted like a vanilla protein powder with an occasional chocolate chip. When I had this bar it kept me pretty full, but I did not feel satisfied because I felt like I just ate a piece of cardboard. This bar was not my favorite, and I would probably not get it again.
Lastly, I tried the Crunchy Apple Pie. In regards to taste, I liked it the least. The protein bar tastes exactly like an apple pie which is good for anyone who enjoys that flavor, for me I did not enjoy the flavor only because I don’t really like apple pie. However, I think this was one of the most accurate and best protein bars I have had, simply because of the accuracy of the flavoring. This was the most flavorful bar I had, compared to other brands aswell. It had good flavoring even though I do not like fruity or apple pie flavored things. I wouldn’t get this bar again but that is just based on personal preference.
The Super Cookie Crunch was 410 calories with 32 grams of protein, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough was 410 as well with 30 grams of protein, and the Crunchy Apple Pie was 390 calories for 31 grams of protein. I aimed for these bars because after school I go to the gym and always need a snack to keep me energized and full, and these bars provided just that. The flavors of the bars were nice, and out of the selection of protein bars at the store they offered the most grams of protein which is what I needed since I don’t have much time to prepare a lunch before the gym. As far as following their message to provide athletes with training fuel, I believe they lived up to their motto and were successful in providing me with a good snack before a workout.
On a scale of 1-10, one being “I would never get this again”, and a ten being “this is the best protein bar ever”, I would rate the Cookie Crunch protein bar an 8/10, the Cookie Dough a 5/10, and the Apple Pie a 7/10. Out of most protein bars I have tried, I really enjoyed these ones since they didn’t have the stale protein taste that most bars tend to have.
Overall, all the bars provided a good snack with a good taste and I would recommend them and get them again.