Review of Meijer Protein Chewy Bars – Dark Chocolate with Peanut Butter

 

Early morning commutes to work sometimes will require grab and go convenience foods. The trick is trying to find something that will not be overwhelming in calories or fat to start the day. I usually opt for fruit, bagel, or the occasional protein bar. Of the numerous protein bars available, I typically purchase the Nature’s Valley chewy protein bars. Typically, I get the chocolate peanut or chocolate almond varieties that are sold five in small box or ten to a box. In a recent trip to Meijer, I noticed the store carried its own line of protein bars known as Meijer Protein Chewy Bars Dark Chocolate with Peanut Butter. I found these in the snack bar aisle at Meijer next to all the other mainstream energy bars such as Kind, Nature Valley, etc. and decided to give them a try as they appeared to be much cheaper than the brand label from Nature’s Valley.

Packaging

The protein bars are sold in different size box options of five or ten bars. The small box is orange with large font of PROTEIN written on the front. Inside the box are five packaged protein bars measuring in at 1.4 ounces. The individual bar packages are a deep green with PROTEIN label and in white font. The labeling is very 1980s generic or resembles the font used on MRE labels. There are also pictures of peanuts and chocolate on the package. Slightly comical label.

Price

The cost of the box of five bars is $3.19 (as of February 2024). The neighboring Nature’s Valley option is $4.54 for 5 bars.

 Convenience

It doesn’t get much simpler than this. You open the box, grab a packaged bar, and throw it in your backpack or gym bag for later snack or breakfast. I sampled mine on my morning commute to work. I put one in my son’s backpack for after practice snacking. They are small, so they fit in just about any size compartment.

 Taste/Texture

The bar contains chopped peanuts throughout with partial submersion in a dark chocolate. I enjoyed the flavor as the combination of peanuts and chocolate do not seem too heavy on either end or at just the right amount. There is not enough chocolate to consider this a dessert treat and just enough to make this a passable breakfast or protein break after a run or workout. The peanuts are ground small enough to give this bar sort of a rice candy or whatchamacallit candy bar experience.

Overall Result 

The protein bar proved a worthy snack or breakfast item. My son did not think so and rated it bland, though he does not appear eager to eat the Nature Valley options either when I get them. Does this protein bar measure up to a breakfast sandwich or oatmeal out of thermos? Of course not, but I did like saving a dollar over the Nature Valley brand. Calorie totals were very low as they top off at 190 per bar to keep it honest. While I like the taste of the Nature Valley brand a tad better, I would rate this a decent purchase and buy them again.