Getting your protein fix: Taste test winners - Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Navy Times

Getting your protein fix: Taste test winners

Best chocolate shake

CytoSport Muscle Milk Nutritional Shake, Chocolate

The fat content is primarily unsaturated and health-protective, and cocoa may offer additional health benefits. The blend of artificial sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame potassium is reputed to give a more sugarlike taste with minimal aftertaste, and the reviewers seem to agree. But fewer than 25 percent of the calories in Muscle Milk come from carbohydrates, so for recovery, eat a banana or a whole-grain bagel alongside. Tip: Muscle Milk competitor reGen’s chocolate shake sold in four-packs emphasizes the beneficial properties of its specially processed cocoa.

Best chocolate bar

Supreme Protein Carb Conscious Peanut Butter Pretzel Twist

The 6 grams of saturated fat — 30 percent of the recommended daily value — can help explain why this bar tastes so good.

The primary sweetener, maltitol, is a sugar alcohol and may cause gas and bloating for some people. Sugar alcohols are a sugar alternative that create less of a “sugar spike” than regular sugar. This bar’s big brother, the 3.38-ounce bar with 30 grams of protein — 60 percent of the daily value — should be considered a meal replacement.

Best vanilla bar

Clif Builder’s Vanilla Almond

Clif is dedicated to using organic ingredients that have not been genetically modified, and its bars don’t contain trans fats, hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup, although Clif does use palm kernel oil, an unhealthy saturated fat that likely gives the bar its pleasing texture.

Best overall taste

Supreme Protein Carb Conscious Caramel Nut Chocolate

The “crunch” that reviewers enjoyed likely comes from the saturated fat content. Athletes need carbs, so choosing a “carb-conscious” bar could miss the mark if you’re looking to refuel for more exercise.