As a fitness enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for delicious and nutritious snacks that can fuel my workouts and help me meet my protein goals. Protein bars have been a popular choice for many, but personally, I find them unappealing. Luckily, the market has seen the rise of protein chips and snacks as an alternative for those who share my sentiment. In this taste test, I will sample and rate five different protein snacks, providing an honest review of each based on taste, cost, and nutritional value. Let’s find out which snack reigns supreme!
Contestants
For this taste test, I have selected five ready-to-eat snacks that require no preparation or additional utensils. I have excluded natural form snacks like peanuts or trail mixes to focus solely on the protein snacks. Here are the contestants:
- Quest, Tortilla Style Protein Chips
- Legendary, Popped Protein Chips
- Legendary, Protein Pastry
- Twin Peaks, Protein Puffs
- Lenny & Larry’s, The Complete Cookie®
Criteria
To evaluate each snack, I have established three criteria: cost, taste/eating experience, and nutritional value. Each criterion will contribute to a maximum of five points, resulting in a total score out of fifteen. Let’s dive into the evaluation process!
Cost (1 Point)
When it comes to protein snacks, cost is an important factor to consider. I will assess whether the price per serving is reasonable compared to other high-protein meat sources and similar brands on the market. Additionally, I will evaluate whether the potential upcharge is justified by the convenience of these ready-to-eat snacks.
Taste / Eating Experience (2 Points)
The taste and overall eating experience play a significant role in determining the success of a protein snack. I will evaluate the flavor variety offered by each brand and assess whether the snacks can match the taste and texture of their non-protein counterparts. A desirable texture and whole eating experience are essential to make these snacks truly enjoyable.
Nutritional Value (3 Points)
The primary reason for consuming protein snacks is to meet our daily protein requirements. I will assess the nutritional value of each snack by considering the protein content per serving, fat content, added sugar, and overall nutritional statement. A higher protein content and lower fat and sugar content will be favored in this evaluation.
Now that we have established the criteria, let’s jump into the taste test and see which protein snack comes out on top!
Key Points
- In this taste test, five protein snacks were sampled and rated based on criteria such as cost, taste/eating experience, and nutritional value.
- The contestants included Quest Tortilla Style Protein Chips, Legendary Popped Protein Chips, Legendary Protein Pastry, Twin Peaks Protein Puffs, and Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookie®.
- Each snack was evaluated and compared based on their cost, flavor variety, texture, protein content, fat content, added sugars, and overall nutritional value.
- Quest Tortilla Style Protein Chips emerged as the ultimate winner, offering a wide range of flavors, a satisfying crispy texture, high protein content, low fat content, no added sugars, and reasonable cost.
- Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookies were crowned the best pastry option due to their enjoyable taste and lower cost compared to other snacks.
- Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookies also won in the best price category due to their affordability.
- Individual preferences may vary, and it’s important to find a snack that aligns with personal taste preferences, nutritional needs, and fitness goals.
Quest, Tortilla Style Protein Chips
Cost: Quest Tortilla Style Protein Chips are available in various flavors at an average cost of $2.87 per bag. While the price is higher than traditional potato chips, the protein content may justify the cost for fitness enthusiasts.
Taste / Eating Experience: Quest Protein Chips offer a wide range of flavors, including Nacho Cheese, Ranch, and Barbecue. The chips have a crispy texture and a savory taste that closely resembles traditional tortilla chips. Their ability to mimic the flavor and texture of regular chips makes them a satisfying snack option.
Nutritional Value: Each serving of Quest Tortilla Style Protein Chips provides 18-19 grams of protein, 5-6 grams of fat, and only 5 grams of net carbs. These chips are also gluten-free and contain no added sugars. The high protein content and low carb count make them an excellent choice for those following a high-protein, low-carb diet.
Legendary, Popped Protein Chips
Cost: Legendary Popped Protein Chips have a price of around $3.28 per bag, which is $0.41 higher than the Quest brand. While the price difference may appear small per bag, if you are considering regular consumption, Quest would be the more cost-effective choice.
Taste / Eating Experience: The Legendary Popped Protein Chips offer a delightful range of flavors, including Barbecue, Nacho Cheese, and Ranch. With a texture reminiscent of rice cakes, these chips provide a light and airy crunch that is truly satisfying. The flavor profiles are perfectly balanced, making them a wonderful alternative to regular potato chips. In fact, these chips are so delicious that I would happily purchase them even if they didn’t offer any nutritional value.
Nutritional Value: With 20 grams of protein, 6 grams of fat, and only 4 grams of net carbs per serving, Legendary Popped Protein Chips offer a good protein-to-carb ratio. These chips are also gluten-free, soy-free, and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. They provide a guilt-free snacking option that won’t compromise your nutritional goals.
Legendary, Protein Pastry
Cost: The Legendary Protein Pastries are available at a price of around $3.25 per pastry. This aligns with the brand’s pricing strategy, which is comparable to their chips. Although they might be slightly pricier than regular pastries, the added benefit of a higher protein content could rationalize the cost for individuals looking for a protein-rich indulgence.
Taste / Eating Experience: Legendary Protein Pastries are available in a range of delicious flavors, including Brown Sugar Cinnamon, Strawberry, Blueberry, and Chocolate Cake. When I tried the Strawberry flavor, I found that the pastry looked just like the picture on the packaging. The filling was tasty, but overall, it felt similar to eating a typical gummy protein bar. Drawing from my experience as a food scientist who has worked with protein powders, I suggest that the protein content per pastry be reduced by half, and instead, include two pastries in each package. This adjustment would make it easier to mask the protein flavor and improve the texture for a more enjoyable eating experience.
Nutritional Value: Each Legendary Protein Pastry delivers 20 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, and 22 grams of net carbs. The fat and carb content is higher than the other protein snacks. However, given that these are pastries, higher carb and fat is expected. They’re definitely a healthier alternative to traditional pastries.
Twin Peaks, Protein Puffs
Cost: Twin Peaks Protein Puffs are priced at approximately $2.71 per bag. While they may be more expensive than regular cheese puffs, the higher protein content justifies the cost for those looking for a protein-rich snack.
Taste / Eating Experience: The Twin Peaks Protein Puffs come in a range of flavors, including Barbecue, Nacho Cheese, and Jalapeno Cheddar. However, similar to Legendary’s Protein Pastry, the emphasis of these protein puffs seems to be on the protein content rather than the taste. Although the flavor itself is not unpleasant, the texture is a significant drawback. A single serving is only half the bag, and it is easy for the average consumer to consume the entire bag. Despite the higher protein content (42 grams) of doing so, I would personally prefer protein puffs that are both delicious and provide 21 grams of protein in just one bag, rather than risking potential dental damage.
Nutritional Value: Each serving of Twin Peaks Protein Puffs provides 21 grams of protein, 2 grams of fat, and only 2 grams of net carbs. These puffs are also gluten-free, soy-free, and contain no artificial flavors or preservatives. With a high protein content and low carb count, they are an excellent option for those looking to increase their protein intake.
Lenny & Larry’s, The Complete Cookie®
Cost: Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookies are priced at approximately $1.89 per cookie, making them the cheapest option on the list.
Taste / Eating Experience: The Complete Cookie® offered by Lenny & Larry’s is available in several delightful flavors, such as Chocolate Chip, Salted Caramel, Snickerdoodle, and more. These cookies are known for their enjoyable taste. However, similar to many protein bars, they do have the typical gummy texture. In comparison to Legendary protein pastries, it might be challenging to reduce the protein content without significantly impacting the brand. Lenny & Larry’s has a devoted and loyal fanbase, and even a simple modification like dividing one large cookie into two smaller ones could potentially jeopardize their brand loyalty.
Nutritional Value: Each Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookie® provides 16 grams of protein, 7 grams of fat, and 54 grams of net carbs. While the carb content may be higher than other protein snacks, these cookies are still a good option for those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth while getting a protein boost. They are also vegan, kosher, and contain no artificial sweeteners.
Conclusion
After sampling and evaluating each protein snack, it’s time to crown the ultimate snack for fitness enthusiasts. Based on the taste test and considering the criteria of cost, taste/eating experience, and nutritional value, the winner is…
Quest, Tortilla Style Protein Chips!
Quest Tortilla Style Protein Chips have emerged as the ultimate winner among the five evaluated protein snacks. As a fitness enthusiast, I place great importance on finding a snack that combines great taste, nutritional value, and reasonable cost. Quest chips excel in all these aspects. Not only do they offer a wide range of delicious flavors that closely resemble traditional tortilla chips, but their crispy texture and savory taste make them a satisfying snack option. Each serving packs an impressive 18-19 grams of protein, low fat content, and absolutely no added sugars. Quest chips strike the perfect balance between flavor and nutritional value, making them an ideal fuel for workouts and a snack that fitness enthusiasts can rely on. Although I did enjoy eating Legendary Popped Protein Chips, the $0.41 price difference wasn’t justified enough to outweigh the overall value of Quest chips.
Here is the complete list of winners by category, with Quest taking the top spot:
- Best Overall – Quest, Tortilla Style Protein Chips
- Best Pastry – Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookies
- Best Price – Lenny & Larry’s Complete Cookies
However, it’s important to note that individual preferences may vary, and the other snacks in this taste test also offer unique qualities and flavors worth exploring. So, feel free to try them all and discover your personal favorite. Remember, finding a snack that aligns with your taste preferences, nutritional needs, and fitness goals is key to maintaining a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle.
Happy snacking, and may your protein journey be both delicious and nutritious!
*Note: Taste test tales has no affiliation with any of the brands mentioned. I do not get compensated in anyway that influences my rating of any brand or product mentioned.
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