Special K Protein Meal Bars (Chocolate Peanut Butter)

A friend of mine is a big fan of these bars, so I picked up a box during a recent trip to the U.S. to give them a try.

To cut to the chase, they're fairly average in my opinion. The taste isn’t bad, and it does have a nice peanut butter flavor. However, I personally don’t like soy isolate bars because they tend to be grainy and have an odd, “particulate” texture that isn’t as smooth as whey protein bars. They also tend to leave bits and pieces in my mouth afterward.

My biggest issue, though, is with the macros. Now, depending on your goals, this is where things might matter. If your goal is muscle building, the 12P/19C/9F macro ratio for a 190-calorie protein bar is pretty poor. There are countless options that offer much more protein and better macro ratios, not to mention better taste. Examples: Quest Bars, Pure Protein Bars).

Even if your job-to-be-done (here’s a crash course on JTBD theory) is weight loss, 19C and 9F are hard to swallow (pun intended).

HOWEVER, if you’re like my friend and your main priority is satiation — something to tide you over after a run or between meals, with the added benefit of some protein — then these are fine. Even then, I still think there are better options out there.

EBGB Rating: 4/10