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.
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.
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.
