Morning one and all.
A couple of weeks ago, I went into my local GNC to pick up a couple of Bounce bars after one of the best and sweatiest workouts of my life (new favourite move: deadlifts. I'm only up to 20kg but my aim after 18% body fat is to be able to deadlift 50kg).
While browsing the vegan aisle, I came across Pulsin' bars. I picked up: Energy Bomb! Raw Choc, Maple and Peanut Protein, Protein Sport Maple Peanut Crisp and Raw Choc Brownie. I also picked up some Pulsin' protein: Hemp powder and Pea powder.
Here are my thoughts:
Energy Bomb! Raw Choc - Vegan
Super, super yum. Tasted similar to a Cocoa Nakd bar. I won't repeat the product description, because you can find that online (I'll upload the link at the end of this post), but the important details are:
188 calories, 3.2 grams of protein, 28.2 grams of carbs, 7.4 grams of fat and 2 grams of fibre.
I would, and have, bought this again, because even if you aren't exercising that day it's a healthier option for a cheeky chocolatey snack. It's delicious, and whether you're hitting the library for a hardcore dissertation session or hitting the gym, it's a really good snack for before and/or after. So if you break a mental or physical sweat, this is a good source of energy to have with you!
Maple and Peanut Protein - Vegan
I wasn't thrilled with this bar. It had a strange, powdery taste, which was disappointing as I'm sure you agree maple and peanut sounds like a winning combination. The details are:
226 calores, 12.1 grams of protein, 16.8 grams of carbs, 11.9 grams of fat and 4.5 grams of fibre.
This bar is probably better for a gym workout because of the higher protein content, and it is recommended as a recovery bar, however I haven't bought this again because it tasted quite bland.
Protein Sport Maple Peanut Crisp - Vegetarian
This bar was slightly less bland-tasting than Maple Peanut Protein, and had yummy crispy bits in which made a nice texture change from the other bar.
210 calories, 15.1 grams of protein, 18.6 grams of carbs, 7.6 grams of fat. There are no fibre details online, and as I threw the wrapper away, I can't inform you.
I wouldn't go out of my way to buy this again, mostly because I prefer the two chocolately flavours, but I wouldn't be sad if it was the only healthy snack option available post-workout. The high protein content makes it extremely viable for a workout snack, so if you're deciding between this bar and Maple and Peanut Protein, I'd pick this one.
Raw Choc Brownie - Vegan
The shop assistant raved about these to me when I was browsing, and I have to say he was so right - this is the single most delicious healthy snack I've ever eaten. Yum yum and thrice yum. I have already bought more of these, and they are another reason to look forward to Gym Mondays.
200 calories, 4.3 grams of protein, 27 grams of carbs, 8.8 grams of fat, 2.2 grams of fibre.
Everyone and their nan should try one of these. They are super delicious, and I love that there are whole almonds in this. A pleasant surprise when taking a bite is getting a whole almond with it, in my view. Unless you're allergic to nuts, in which case, not so good.
Hemp Protein Powder
I wanted to try a different form of protein; however, I will not be using anymore of this. I also intend to take the Pea protein back. It is pretty gross, and when I added some to my porridge, it looked like something Shrek sneezed out.
Annoyingly, when I went back to GNC, the shop assistant told me that the Hemp is mostly carbs anyway – the complete opposite to what I want.
Overall, I’m happy with my purchases, and would recommend Pulsin’ bars. I need to find my receipt to tell you how much I paid for everything, so I’ll come back later and append the prices J
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