Premier Protein Shake/Bar Review and Giveaway

I like to eat “real” food. When I say that I mean that I don’t like a lot of preservatives in my foods and I don’t like a lot of ingredients I cannot pronounce.  However, when you are training, it’s my opinion that there is a time and a place for “easy” foods when you need quick protein, carbs and/or calories. While I mostly stick to products that have simple and basic ingredients (there are fortunately many of these available these days), I have been known to leave a pre-packaged protein shake in my car for after a long run. I also have used protein bars as meal replacements or quick snacks. I know some of you are food purists and would never touch such things, but to each his own, right?

So, why is protein even important? Without getting overly scientific because I am just not that smart, let’s just say that it can help build and repair muscles. It can also help you to feel full longer. Some say it gives you more energy. Premier Protein prides itself on providing complete proteins in its products (complete proteins are also found in eggs, dairy, meat and soy) by the way of 18 essential amino acids. Read more HERE.

Now I bring to you a review of Premier Protein bars and shakes.

The Premier Protein High Protein Shake - I was sent choclate and vanilla flavors to try.





Taste: Very similar to most pre-bottled protein shakes in that it was (to me) overly sweet and artificial tasting. The consistency was pleasing, however, and I found it creamy and smooth. This shake is not something I would drink for the taste, but more to just get the quick and easy 30 grams of protein after a long run or workout. I left one of these in my car and drank it immediately after my 20 mile run the other day. It went down smoothly, even when warm. The drink is light enough that it didn’t make me feel too bloated or full.

Pros:

• Quick protein post workout
• Low calories and fat content if that’s what you are looking for
• Convenient. Doesn’t need to be refrigerated
• Cost is decent if you buy in bulk and especially if it is meant as a meal replacement (about $1.50 per container on the website)
• Great meal replacement product.

Cons:

• Ingredient list – long and full of things I can’t pronounce. I prefer more simple and natural ingredients
• Can be pricey if bought in 4 packs or as singles
• Most athletes would look at this product as a recovery product, not meal replacement. That being the case, it does not boast the recommend 3:1 ratio of carb to protein for recovery. This product is more like 1:6.

The Premier Protein Crisp Crunch Protein Bar (I received the flavors peanut butter/caramel, chocolate mint and honey caramel)



Taste: I am not a huge fan of the crunch bars (I like the nougaty ones better), but these were really good. The chocolate mint seriously tasted like a Thin Mint cookie.The bar is light, not filling and not overly sweet. The texture is very crunchy and kind of hard, especially when cold.

Pros:

• Quick protein post workout
• Low calories and not overly filling, but satisfying.
• Good taste
• Decent, although not optimal, carb to protein ratio for recovery (27 carbs, 15 g protein – almost a 2:1 ratio)
• Great snack option item.

Cons:

• Ingredient list – long and full of things I can’t pronounce (again)
• Kind of expensive coming in at about $1.50 per bar before shipping (in a pack of 18). I think this is pricey for a “snack” type bar, as I can usually find others I like for about a $1.00.

Premier Protein Energy Bar (I received double chocolate crunch, yogurt peanut crunch and chocolate peanut butter).




Taste: This is a hefty and heavy bar. Taste is decent and provides a dense, flavorful bar with a meaty and solid texture. Satisfying taste overall.

Pros:

• Quick protein post workout
• Good, satisfying taste.
• Cost is decent if you buy in bulk (about $1.60 per bar on the website).
• Good meal replacement option. Satisfying and filling.

Cons:

• Ingredient list – long and full of things I can’t pronounce (again).
• Not an optimal recovery ratio. It has 26 grams carbs, 30 grams protein (almost 1:1 ratio).
• Seems to have a lot of sodium if you are using as meal replacement and not as a recovery of electrolytes

GIVEAWAY

Want to try a LARGE sample pack of these products? I have FIVE packs to give away. Each will include:

• 4 Premier Protein shakes: 2 shakes in each flavor (chocolate and vanilla)
• 3 Premier Protein meal replacement bars: 1 bar in each flavor (Chocolate Peanut Butter, Double Chocolate Crunch and Yogurt Peanut Butter Crunch)
• 3 Premier Protein Crisp bars: 1 bar in each flavor (Chocolate Mint, Honey Caramel and Peanut Butter Caramel)
• Premier Protein nylon bag

This giveaway is open only to U.S. residents. Enter below (chance to submit 3 entries). Giveaway runs through April 30:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!

SUAR

Fine Print: The sample pack provided to me as well as the 5 giveaway packs were provided free of charge from Premier Protein. I was sent my sample pack in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.