Think Protein Bars Review – What They Are, How They Taste, and How They Compare
Protein bars are a convenient and popular snack option for many people who lead a busy lifestyle. They can provide a quick boost of energy, satisfy hunger, and support muscle growth and recovery.
However, not all protein bars are created equal. Some are loaded with sugar, artificial ingredients, and low-quality protein sources.
That’s why it’s important to choose a protein bar that meets your nutritional needs and preferences.
In this blog post, I will review Think Protein Bars, a brand of protein bars that claim to be “a multipurpose nutritional bar that can go from an energy-boosting snack to a meal replacement when paired with a piece of fruit”. I will cover the following aspects of Think Protein Bars:
- Product Overview
- Taste and Texture
- Nutritional Analysis
- Price and Value
- Comparison
- Personal Experience
- Conclusion
By the end of this review, you will have a better idea of whether ‘Think Protein Bars’ are worth trying or not.
Product Overview
‘Think Protein Bars’ are made by Think Products, a company that specializes in “protein-packed, crave-worthy foods that provide the energy and nutrition your body needs to stay positive and productive”.
They offer a range of products, including vegan and keto bars, but I will focus on their regular high-protein bars for this review.
‘Think Protein Bars’ are low-sugar bars that contain 20g of protein from soy and milk protein. They are gluten-free and have a low glycemic index, which means they won’t spike your blood sugar levels.
They come in a variety of flavors, such as:
- Creamy Peanut Butter
- Brownie Crunch
- Chunky Peanut Butter
- Lemon Delight
- Chocolate Fudge
- White Chocolate
- Caramel Fudge
- Cookies and Creme
- Maple Almond
- Chocolate Mint
According to their website, ‘Think Protein Bars’ are “packed with protein and come in a variety of decadent flavors”. They also claim that their bars are “free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives”.
Their unique selling points are that they are “delicious, nutritious, and convenient”.
Taste and Texture
One of the most important factors when choosing a protein bar is the taste and texture. After all, you want to enjoy what you eat, not force it down.
I tried four flavors of ‘Think Protein Bars’: Creamy Peanut Butter, Brownie Crunch, Lemon Delight, and Chocolate Mint.
Here are my impressions of each flavor:
- Creamy Peanut Butter: This flavor was my favorite. It had a smooth and creamy texture, with a rich and nutty taste. It reminded me of a peanut butter cup but without the guilt.
It was not too sweet and had a nice balance of saltiness and bitterness. It was very satisfying and filling. - Brownie Crunch: This flavor was my second favorite. It had a chewy and crunchy texture, with a chocolatey and fudgy taste. It had bits of nuts and chocolate chips, which added some crunch and sweetness.
It was like eating a brownie but with more protein and less sugar. It was also very satisfying and filling. - Lemon Delight: This flavor was my least favorite. It had a soft and crumbly texture, with a tangy and artificial taste. It had a strong lemon flavor, which was too sour and overpowering for my liking.
It also had a weird aftertaste, which I did not enjoy. It was not very satisfying or filling. - Chocolate Mint: This flavor was okay. It had a smooth and dense texture, with a minty and chocolatey taste. It had a refreshing and cool sensation, which was nice.
However, it was also very sweet, which made it a bit cloying. It was moderately satisfying and filling.
Overall, I found that the taste and texture of ‘Think Protein Bars’ varied depending on the flavor. Some were more enjoyable than others, and some were more suitable for different occasions.
Nutritional Analysis
Another important factor when choosing a protein bar is the nutritional content. You want to make sure that the protein bar provides enough protein, fiber, and other nutrients, while keeping the calories, sugar, and fat in check.
Here is a nutritional comparison of the four flavors of ‘Think Protein Bars’ that I tried:
| Flavor | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Sugar Alcohol |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creamy Peanut Butter | 230 | 20g | 9g | 22g | 1g | 0g | 11g |
| Brownie Crunch | 230 | 20g | 8g | 23g | 1g | 0g | 12g |
| Lemon Delight | 230 | 20g | 8g | 23g | 1g | 0g | 11g |
| Chocolate Mint | 230 | 20g | 8g | 23g | 1g | 0g | 12g |
Protein and Calorie Content
As you can see, all four flavors have the same amount of calories (230) and protein (20g) per bar. This is a good amount of protein for a snack or a meal replacement, as it can help you feel full and support your muscles.
However, the protein sources are not the best, as they are mainly from soy and milk protein, which are not as high-quality or as digestible as whey or casein protein.
Also, some people may have allergies or sensitivities to soy or milk, which can cause digestive issues or inflammation.
Fat Content
The fat content of the bars ranges from 8g to 9g per bar, which is not too high, but not too low either. The fat sources are mainly from palm kernel oil, peanut butter, and cocoa butter, which are not the healthiest or the most sustainable.
Palm kernel oil is high in saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease. Peanut butter and cocoa butter are better sources of fat, as they contain some monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can lower your cholesterol levels and improve your heart health.
However, they are also high in calories, so you should consume them in moderation.
Carb Content
The carb content of the bars ranges from 22g to 23g per bar, which is not too high, but not too low either.
The carb sources are mainly from maltitol, glycerin, and tapioca starch, which are not the best or the most natural. Maltitol and glycerin are sugar alcohols, which are low-calorie sweeteners that can cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea in some people. Tapioca starch is a refined starch, which can spike your blood sugar levels and increase your appetite.
The bars also contain some oats, rice, and corn, which are better sources of carbs, as they provide some fiber and vitamins.
However, they are also processed and may contain gluten, which can cause digestive issues or inflammation in some people.
Fiber Content
The fiber content of the bars is very low, only 1g per bar. This is not enough to meet your daily fiber needs, which are 25g for women and 38g for men.
Fiber is essential for your digestive health, as it can help you feel full, prevent constipation, and lower your cholesterol levels. Fiber can also help you control your blood sugar levels, as it can slow down the absorption of carbs and prevent spikes and crashes.
The bars should contain more fiber from natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Sugar Content
The sugar content of the bars is very low, zero per bar. This is a good thing, as sugar can cause weight gain, tooth decay, and diabetes.
However, the bars are not sugar-free, as they contain sugar alcohols, which are technically a type of sugar.
Sugar alcohols can have the same effects as sugar, such as raising your blood sugar levels and increasing your appetite. They can also have negative effects on your gut health, such as causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
The bars should contain less sugar alcohols and more natural sweeteners, such as stevia, monk fruit, or honey.
Sugar Alcohol Content
The sugar alcohol content of the bars is very high, ranging from 11g to 12g per bar. This is a bad thing, as sugar alcohols can cause digestive issues, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
They can also affect your blood sugar levels and your appetite, as they are partially absorbed and metabolized by your body. The bars should contain less sugar alcohols and more natural sweeteners, such as stevia, monk fruit, or honey.
Overall, I found that the nutritional content of ‘Think Protein Bars’ was not very impressive or healthy. They had a good amount of protein, but from low-quality sources.
Price and Value
Another important factor when choosing a protein bar is the price and value. You want to make sure that the protein bar is affordable and worth your money.
Here is a price comparison of the four flavors of ‘Think Protein Bars’ that I tried:
| Flavor | Price per bar | Price per box (10 bars) |
|---|---|---|
| Creamy Peanut Butter | $1.99 | $19.90 |
| Brownie Crunch | $1.99 | $19.90 |
| Lemon Delight | $1.99 | $19.90 |
| Chocolate Mint | $1.99 | $19.90 |
As you can see, all four flavors have the same price per bar ($1.99) and per box ($19.90). This is a reasonable price for a protein bar, as it is comparable to other brands on the market.
However, the value of the bars may vary depending on the quality and quantity of the ingredients, the taste and texture, and the nutritional content.
Comparison
Another important factor when choosing a protein bar is the comparison with other similar products on the market.
Here is a comparison of ‘Think Protein Bars’ with two other popular brands of protein bars: Quest Bars and RXBARs.
| Brand | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Sugar Alcohol | Ingredients | Flavors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Think | 20g | 8-9g | 22-23g | 1g | 0g | 11-12g | Soy protein isolate, maltitol, glycerin, palm kernel oil, peanut butter, cocoa butter, tapioca starch, natural flavors, etc. | Creamy Peanut Butter, Brownie Crunch, Lemon Delight, Chocolate Mint, etc. |
| Quest | 21g | 6-9g | 21-24g | 14-16g | 1-2g | 4-10g | Milk protein isolate, whey protein isolate, soluble corn fiber, erythritol, almonds, natural flavors, etc. | Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Cookies and Cream, Birthday Cake, Blueberry Muffin, etc. |
| RXBAR | 12g | 7-9g | 22-24g | 4-6g | 13-15g | 0g | Dates, egg whites, almonds, cashews, natural flavors, etc. | Chocolate Sea Salt, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Coconut Chocolate, Mixed Berry, etc. |
As you can see, ‘Think Protein Bars’ have a similar amount of protein, fat, and carbs as Quest Bars and RXBARs, but a lower amount of fiber and a higher amount of sugar alcohols. They also have more artificial and processed ingredients than Quest Bars and RXBARs, which have more natural and simple ingredients.
In terms of taste and texture, ‘Think Protein Bars’ have a smooth and creamy texture, but some flavors have a sour and artificial taste. Quest Bars have a chewy and dense texture, but some flavors have a sweet and natural taste. RXBARs have a sticky and chewy texture, but some flavors have a fruity and nutty taste.
In terms of price and value, ‘Think Protein Bars’ cost $1.99 per bar and $19.90 per box, which is the same as Quest Bars and RXBARs.
Therefore, I think that ‘Think Protein Bars’ are not the best choice for a protein bar, as they do not offer anything unique or superior. You can find better alternatives on the market that offer more protein, fiber, and natural ingredients, and less fat, carbs, and sugar alcohols.
Personal Experience
My personal experience with ‘Think Protein Bars’ was mixed. I liked two flavors, disliked one flavor, and felt neutral about one flavor. I found them to be convenient and low-sugar, but not very healthy or natural.
I did not notice any significant changes in my weight, muscle, or energy levels. I did not experience any adverse effects, such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, but I also did not feel any benefits, such as improved digestion, mood, or performance.
Therefore, I think that ‘Think Protein Bars’ are not the best choice for me, as they do not suit my lifestyle, goals, and preferences. I prefer protein bars that are more natural, healthy, and delicious, and that can help me achieve my fitness and wellness objectives.
I will not buy them again, and I will not recommend them to others.
The Bottom Line
I conclude that ‘Think Protein Bars’ are not worth trying or suggesting, as they do not offer anything special or superior.
You can find better options on the market that offer more protein, fiber, and natural ingredients, and less fat, carbs, and sugar alcohols.
We hope you found this blog post informative and helpful and helped you to learn more about Think Protein Bars.
If you have any experience trying Think Protein Bars or have any comments or questions, please share them below.
We would love to hear from you.
Thank you for reading! 😊
